While I usually only write a succinct report, today was special and deserves a little bit more. There is a quote from Theodore Roosevelt posted in the wheelhouse in a conspicuous place where it is a daily reminder. "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms; the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high-achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

With very little tuna being caught so far this fall we went prospecting, looking for tuna in places that have not been scoured yet. Stretching the boundaries and pushing the envelope. Today it paid off, and all of us aboard Royal Star enjoyed " the triumph of high-achievement." We found some tuna in adverse weather conditions, and they were big ones. We ended our day with four over two hundred pounds and 11 others from 90 - 190. We had some epic battles ending in defeat mostly due to the weather, and some great victories. Either way, we are here and we are doing.

Jonny Harrington, on his first trip on Royal Star hooked the first fish soon followed by Ryan Long. Jonny's fish chewed off, Ryan landed a 152 # Yellowfin tuna. Not to be outdone, Bruce Logan hooked the next one and landed the first "cow" in the lower banks area of the fall of 2011 a 208.5# model. Jonny Harrington with his always positive attitude, hooked the next one and thirty-five minutes later there were two cows onboard. Charter master Brian Zimmerman and Justin Ofreneo were the other two anglers landing cows today.

With improving weather and the fish located, we are all lined up for another day of epic battles. We shall see if we can reap more of the fruits of our labor.

It has come to my attention that there have been a few cancellations for our fall 10 - 12 day trips. If you are one of the guys who had to cancel, I'm bummed for you because conditions down here look very very good. If you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the big fish to show before booking your Royal Star adventure, now is the time while there are still a few spots available. From being in the office last week, I know there are some spots available on the "Let's Talk Hook-Up" 12 day after Thanksgiving. Imagine all of the time down here, an extra two days, on a 12 day trip. Whether that trip fits your schedule or not, give Tracy a call in the office and check on availability because the big fish are here and they are biting.

Honors today go to Royal Star regular Bruce Logan as he poses with the first 200 pounder of the day.

Brian Sims

Photo Here...