Slipping through this stretch unscathed is not a gift to take lightly. Although at this time of year in particular it's not unheard of there is still always an element of surprise when the weather three hundred miles offshore is like a mill pond. And an element of joy of course as such conditions make for good living all around. From work to pleasure everything is easy to perform and accomplish. We're living right here, no doubt about it; and rightly so.

This exceptionally talented, exclusive group of anglers, who have made this voyage annually now going on seven or eight years, has earned every distinction, and every favor through a tremendous history of making long range voyages dating back to the mid 1980's. Several names in this group register as icons in the arena of giant yellowfin tuna fishing as they, along with us as Captains and crewmembers, pioneered many of the techniques and gear adaptations that have lead to the tremendous success ratios anglers realize today.

And this exclusive status is not projected pretentiously, far from it in fact. This voyage is far more about old friends and respected, like minded anglers creating their version of giant yellowfin tuna fishing utopia. They are free to unwind after a full year of grinding it out in their professions and apply their passion for catching big tuna in the ideal setting. I am incredibly pleased to be part of it. This voyage is the culmination of almost twenty six years of working at the highest levels, of raising the bar to create the standards all anglers enjoy today. There is a reason this group of anglers has chosen our team and Royal Star for their annual dream voyage - we understand their expectation because we built it, with many of them at the rail, from the ground up.

It is my sincerest hope that at least a portion of anglers who follow this narrative will read today's edition and take note. When the best of the best chooses Royal Star for their voyage seven years running it is not by chance or luck. These anglers are too wise and experienced to favor anything below the standard they expect. From my perspective this voyage, the fact that this exclusive group of highly advanced anglers selects Royal Star year after year, is the finest, most convincing testimonial about the quality of our operation one can find.

I can write and talk about our success and advantages all day long because I know it is true, believe in our unique approach, and have a long history of results to support my perspective - but I'm not buying a ticket. I am well aware that everything I say or write is just that - what I say or write. The real testament to our operation is the perspective of our clientele. To this end I again urge discerning long range fishermen to take note of these angler's decision to fish Royal Star as a reason to make a voyage with us yourselves. You will recognize our customer focused standards as distinct and extremely professional consistently delivering beyond your expectations. Our fishing productivity speaks for itself.

Photo today features yet another long range master Dr. Andy Cooperman, who in addition to catching numerous big deuces over the years, including this two hundred sixty pound beauty, is the equivalent of "all the king's horses and all the king's men" putting the long range fleet's crew's and Captain's back together again. Dr. Cooperman is the North County San Diego orthopedic specialist who has earned our highest respect as a fisherman, and more importantly, performing his profession. He has set a more than a few of our ails right over the past fifteen years. We are here, strong and capable as ever, because of it. Thanks Andy - from all of us still swinging gaffs and fish over the rail from your efforts.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...