Fish Report for 3-29-2011
Royal Star Fish Report
3-29-2011
Royal Star
As we make headway with our maintenance projects on Royal Star we have a few important schedule updates to broadcast. First: with the final year of the Revillagigedo tagging project coming to a close in 2011, the flexibility in our schedule created by this unexpected change has motivated the decision to rearrange the dates of the Clipperton 2012 voyage. The new dates are as follows:
Depart San Diego - Sunday, February 19th. Return Cabo San Lucas Wednesday, March 7th. Depart Cabo San Lucas - Wednesday, February 22nd. Return San Diego Saturday, March 10th.
As to why we elected to change the dates of the Clipperton voyage there are several compelling reasons. More than anything the weather window for fishing at Clipperton during the February - March time frame is typically less active with much fewer tropical rain squalls and mini storms featuring lighting, significant deluges, thunder, and waterspouts. While none of this is foreign to fishing at Clipperton, and such weather historically has no effect on the fish, it can be an obstacle, and certainly inconvenient in the broader context. We have found that the weather pattern becomes more unstable beyond the month of April with a much greater likelihood of more extreme tropical downpours; not that anytime fishing at Clipperton is insulated from such conditions. However, referencing the law of averages, and our experience gained from over twenty years of fishing in the vicinity of Clipperton, we much prefer the February - March time frame. We believe that this time frame is better overall to maximize Clipperton's potential.
Also of significance is the moon phase during this time frame that places our bait catching for this adventure square in the darkest portion of the cycle. While this is no guarantee of success, again the law of averages dictates that we are much better off attempting to catch a load of caballito during the dark of the moon rather than the full that coincided almost exactly with the original May dates. Recognizing that there are no guarantees in fishing no matter what, we do understand that it is possible to somewhat stack the deck in our favor. This is exactly why we changed the dates of Clipperton 2012. Whether the recipe for success or not, our level of confidence is greater.
The second schedule change to announce is the addition of a new, Wednesday - Sunday four day voyage in 2011 opened up as the result of an unfortunate farewell from one of our favorite long time charter groups the "Pfishcadora's". I am sorry to report that the amazing veterans finally threw in the towel on the annual four day that has been a standard on the Royal Star schedule since 1990. These amazing anglers have earned my respect year after year mustering the will to pursue their love of fishing despite the challenges of aging. My gratitude to these anglers is immense and I will sincerely miss their company on Royal Star during this time frame. As members of the "Greatest Generation" I have to say they left nothing to doubt. I can only hope to exhibit such amazing dedication and fortitude if I am lucky enough to follow their example. So, with our most sincere, genuine farewell to the Pfishcadora's comes our open invitation to one and all to join us on the Wednesday, August 10th - Sunday, August 14th 2011 four day that is set up in prime time for success. Between the Wed - Sun time frame, and fishing during the second week of August, there is no way a better opportunity for offshore success can be offered. Tracy has already booked several anglers on this voyage that promises to fill. At present though this is a fantastic opportunity for a group of anglers to snag multiple spots, or perhaps even a small charter group to slide into a coveted opening during this time frame. Give Tracy a call for details.
I will update again this week with a few photos of our progress down on Royal Star in advance of my appearance on Let's Talk Hookup this weekend, Saturday, April 2nd. This is a great opportunity to reach out and support Royal Star and Pete's show. As I have freely offered in the past Pete Gray and Rick Maxa are without rival in the business. They are the best supporting our fishery and encouraging anglers to get out on the water and follow their passion. Look for photos later in the week.
Tim Ekstrom
Depart San Diego - Sunday, February 19th. Return Cabo San Lucas Wednesday, March 7th. Depart Cabo San Lucas - Wednesday, February 22nd. Return San Diego Saturday, March 10th.
As to why we elected to change the dates of the Clipperton voyage there are several compelling reasons. More than anything the weather window for fishing at Clipperton during the February - March time frame is typically less active with much fewer tropical rain squalls and mini storms featuring lighting, significant deluges, thunder, and waterspouts. While none of this is foreign to fishing at Clipperton, and such weather historically has no effect on the fish, it can be an obstacle, and certainly inconvenient in the broader context. We have found that the weather pattern becomes more unstable beyond the month of April with a much greater likelihood of more extreme tropical downpours; not that anytime fishing at Clipperton is insulated from such conditions. However, referencing the law of averages, and our experience gained from over twenty years of fishing in the vicinity of Clipperton, we much prefer the February - March time frame. We believe that this time frame is better overall to maximize Clipperton's potential.
Also of significance is the moon phase during this time frame that places our bait catching for this adventure square in the darkest portion of the cycle. While this is no guarantee of success, again the law of averages dictates that we are much better off attempting to catch a load of caballito during the dark of the moon rather than the full that coincided almost exactly with the original May dates. Recognizing that there are no guarantees in fishing no matter what, we do understand that it is possible to somewhat stack the deck in our favor. This is exactly why we changed the dates of Clipperton 2012. Whether the recipe for success or not, our level of confidence is greater.
The second schedule change to announce is the addition of a new, Wednesday - Sunday four day voyage in 2011 opened up as the result of an unfortunate farewell from one of our favorite long time charter groups the "Pfishcadora's". I am sorry to report that the amazing veterans finally threw in the towel on the annual four day that has been a standard on the Royal Star schedule since 1990. These amazing anglers have earned my respect year after year mustering the will to pursue their love of fishing despite the challenges of aging. My gratitude to these anglers is immense and I will sincerely miss their company on Royal Star during this time frame. As members of the "Greatest Generation" I have to say they left nothing to doubt. I can only hope to exhibit such amazing dedication and fortitude if I am lucky enough to follow their example. So, with our most sincere, genuine farewell to the Pfishcadora's comes our open invitation to one and all to join us on the Wednesday, August 10th - Sunday, August 14th 2011 four day that is set up in prime time for success. Between the Wed - Sun time frame, and fishing during the second week of August, there is no way a better opportunity for offshore success can be offered. Tracy has already booked several anglers on this voyage that promises to fill. At present though this is a fantastic opportunity for a group of anglers to snag multiple spots, or perhaps even a small charter group to slide into a coveted opening during this time frame. Give Tracy a call for details.
I will update again this week with a few photos of our progress down on Royal Star in advance of my appearance on Let's Talk Hookup this weekend, Saturday, April 2nd. This is a great opportunity to reach out and support Royal Star and Pete's show. As I have freely offered in the past Pete Gray and Rick Maxa are without rival in the business. They are the best supporting our fishery and encouraging anglers to get out on the water and follow their passion. Look for photos later in the week.
Tim Ekstrom
