4/26/12

How about this for a dilemma: following another fine morning hit that included
four more giants, we were completely shut down from our tuna fishing by
relentless, ravenous wahoo. Chunks, any form of live bait, and any type kite
presentation resulted in the almost immediate loss of one's hook followed by
what became quite the variety of unflattering insults and hand gestures. What a
pain in the neck, and wallet, as the stripped marauders accounted for an
impressive tally of equipment by day's end.

I suppose this scenario may raise the question of why we weren't fishing with
wire? That approach would certainly have been more productive. The short answer
is we have enough, and we are still guarding remaining space in the final RSW
tank with optimism - the final morning just may produce another hit on jumbos,
and we will be ready to maximize the opportunity.

So from mid morning through late afternoon we took a break of sorts releasing
wahoo and the occasional 50 - 120# tuna that beat the slippery thieves to the
punch. More eclectic gear choices were embraced and the light line rigs were
broken out as we engaged in variety fishing for the pure fun of it. What a
concept.

Now the time has arrived - the last hurrah; the final morning with new goal; a
new gold ring within reach, urging us on. Just one more, then another, then a
few more; the perpetual drive makes for fleeting satisfaction, but this one may
last a little longer.

Two photos today the first of which features long time Royal Star supporter Bob
"Turbo" Ryan and his 251 coming over the rail. Bob suffered a terrible injury to
his winding hand only four months ago but rehabilitated himself through sheer
determination and uncontainable will. His dedication paid big dividends as he
made this incredible voyage, and has thus far landed three over the deuce, over
extremely challenging odds.

Photo number two features blast from the past Blaine "Maximus" DeBrower who
hasn't had the chance to fish with us since the Clipperton voyage in 2004. We
used to chide Blaine relentlessly about the disproportionate number of 185 -
198# yellowfin he landed never quite achieving the 200 pound goal. All in good
fun of course but the story continued this voyage as Blaine again landed 180's -
190's for the first five days while plenty over the mark came over the rail to
his left and his right. After missing on one good opportunity a few days back
Blaine finally had his vengeance - in this life. Here he is rightfully exulting
in his triumph; this one was well earned.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...