Fish Report for 8-3-2011

Royal Star Fish Report

8-3-2011
Royal Star

They came hard earned today. Bona fide crap weather - twenty five to thirty knots of breeze and the expected accompanying sea state made for poor looking conditions, to say the least, and understandingly sapped enthusiasm to stretch the fishing effort into the eleventh hour. It wasn't hideous, and we have made hay in plenty worse, but it wasn't even close to what we were hoping for; one of those classic examples of local weather conditions disagreeing with regional forecasts; thank goodness we weren't going long range in a skiff.

One thing certain is that anglers again were treated to the example of Royal Star's offshore capabilities as we drift remarkably well in such conditions taking full advantage of whatever is available in relative comfort. Mind you relative is the key word as there is plenty of rocking and rolling, but nowhere near what one would expect looking out the window. Regardless, no matter how I attempt to spin it, the old adage about putting lipstick on a pig still applies. Cruddy weather, no matter what boat one is on, is the least of desired conditions.

Despite Mother Nature's fits we managed to dredge up fifteen nice yellowtail from a couple of offshore kelps before throwing in the towel and heading for refuge. The farther north we pushed the better the weather became until an almost unbelievable windless ocean graced the final dinner service at 6:30 p.m. Aside from a few residual rolls to remind us she was still in charge, the ocean relented and we enjoyed the final leg into Ensenada relaxing and enjoying the time. The rejuvenating effect of even a few hours of flat calm is always well received.

Photo's today feature second place jackpot winner Dave Duncan in a fairly adept demo of what not to use when targeting potential 90# yellowfin tuna at Guadalupe. This 30# gear proved a little too light, although I have to admit that he almost landed this one, and probably would have were it not for a pulled hook. After the agony of defeat suffered in this battle however Dave switched over to heavier gear and got more than even. The second photo features long time Royal Star veteran Bob Furman with crewman Gregg Tanji and a fine Guadalupe specimen. Another day, another Guadalupe tuna - long range fishing defined.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...