The guys will be arriving in San Diego this evening after a run up the hill featuring both the best and worst side of what the temptress has to offer. Today's arrival will be followed by a final week at the dock where preparations will be made for the upcoming season that begins on Friday, May 27th. Meanwhile a few positive items to emphasize include falling fuel costs and details finalizing our access to Guadalupe this season coming together. The falling fuel costs translate into a smaller impact on our angler's resources while the Guadalupe access provides opportunity at the magical outside island for the larger class yellowfin tuna less extended travel times necessary to reach Alijos rocks and beyond.

In reference to Guadalupe it does appear that anglers must carry U.S. Passports (or a Passport from your country of citizenship) and we will be required to travel through Ensenada and U.S. customs upon return. All voyages will originate and return to San Diego with anglers remaining on board Royal Star the entire time. No disembarkation is required or necessary. There are still some final details being worked out but the main news is that Guadalupe will be among our list of options during our summer and fall voyages. We will keep everyone posted as additional details become available. The main component is that anglers on voyages that may access Guadalupe, more specifically voyages from the middle of July through October in the four to seven day range, should carry a U.S. Passport. Depending on fishing circumstances it is not certain that any given voyage will travel to Guadalupe, but a voyage carrying anglers without passports will not be permitted access. If you do not have a Passport we strongly encourage you to submit an application now so you will have the option of fishing at Guadalupe Island.

In the meantime reports and photos will continue during the upcoming week as the boat arrives with a new stock of full resolution shots today. Also Capt. Sims will be back at the video side posting a few new clips from the last two tagging voyages on the Royal Star Facebook page. Don Franks gets top billing today as this full resolution shot, with a magnificent Cape Pearce providing the back drop is well worth a repeat. In contrast to the smaller rigs I heralded yesterday, Don's use of the big, 80 class reels produces awesome results. The cranking power, the giant drag surface, the torque, the pure dominance of such equipment once a fish is hooked is unmistakable. Fishing with a sardine for an extended period of time toting one of these beasts around is definitely less than attractive however. It is that classic trade off that boils down to personal preference; to how one best likes to do their thing. There are many ways to get the job done.

Finally, I suspect that the information regarding Guadalupe will generate a host of questions that we are glad to answer. Tracy, Randy, Brian, and I will be available tomorrow and throughout next week to do just that. It is a perfect opportunity for one and all to get the information direct from the source; and I encourage everyone to do so rather than depend on the trusty rumor mill that predictably leads the majority of individuals seeking valid information astray.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...