Ambition unleashed by beach catches of trophy yellowfin tuna, the driving force behind long range fishing since the beginning, simultaneously complicates and simplifies every departing voyage plan. Without question every Captain out here shares the similar instinct drawn to giant yellowfin tuna as iron to a magnet. We can not resist the attraction. Tempered though it must be as we have plenty of potentially productive miles to cover before arriving on the lower end; and arrive we will - ultimately.

We depart in fine conditions with a bar set high by both the previous voyage and the previous year's results - this was a voyage of legend in 2010. Needless to say the driving forces have the potential to set an individual a little on edge - no room for error here; not one second of complacency. This is the exact position anglers hope to find the Captain of their voyage in - nothing like the pressure of a ten thousand ton press to manifest the best in one's ability. As I mentioned such occasions may not manifest the best in one's personality, but ability is another story, if one is a competitor.

And in this respect I have to relate that we could not be recipients of better fortune in the form of numerous colleagues in this fleet that fit the call to perfection. Superb fishermen, hungry for achievement, working collectively to locate the fish and maximize the opportunity - that is a combination for success we embrace with good reason. The sheer quantity of magnificent catches of giant yellowfin in this fleet over the past twenty five years attests to it. But every season, as every voyage, as every day is new. The goal is clear. We are in the business of making it happen.

To this effect we could not be better positioned with a group of anglers well familiar with the stakes, and effort, necessary to accomplish our goal. And in the end, regardless of the outcome, a good time will be had by all. This fine assembly of seasoned anglers recognizes and appreciates all aspects of their annual long range adventures. Whether we are clobbering ridge variety, or are getting clobbered by giant yellowfin tuna, these anglers will make a fine time of it.

In closing I want to mention a few admin notes via Tracy in the office. First is the arrival of our new 2012 - 2013 brochure featuring the printed schedule and literature describing our upcoming voyages. Second, I made reference a couple of months prior to our ultimate goal to "go green" by shifting to an electronic brochure in the future. To initiate the transition we are offering the option of receiving the new brochure via e-mail as opposed to regular mail. Many of you have already requested this option or responded to my earlier advisement forwarding your e-mail address to Tracy at rs@royalstarsportfishing.com. If you have not, and prefer to receive your 2012 - 2013 Royal Star brochure electronically, please send Tracy your e-mail and we will send the brochure in PDF format via e-mail during the next week. I should add that your e-mail address will not be shared with any entity for any purpose. It will remain a part the Royal Star data base for annual brochure transmission and sharing Royal Star fishing and schedule information only.

Finally I again want to mention availability on the upcoming "Let's Talk Hookup" twelve day departing Friday, November 27th following Thanksgiving, returning Wednesday, December 7th. For an ideal time to target giant yellowfin tuna, either down the beach or on the outside around the Revillas, one can not choose a better time of the year. With indications presently favoring a classic beach set up, the voyage presently features "ultra limited load" status and a solid giant tuna opportunity. With plenty of good fortune in the upcoming week we hope to provide even stronger incentive to jump off the fence and give Tracy a call. Look for reports from this voyage to continue as we forge south in search of the coveted prize. Here we go.

Tim Ekstrom