10/10/12

I like to think that the combined seventy five years of experience that Randy, Brian, and I have earned
in this fishery yield a few important lessons we take heed of. Among those is the scheduling of regular
maintenance intervals that allow a few days to tend to the standard projects that accumulate during
extended periods of operation.

In advance of the fall/winter ten, eleven, and twelve day season we spent a couple of days shore side
preparing Royal Star for the next few months with a couple of worthy upgrades that will save us time and
potential grief. Preventive maintenance is the key to a smooth running operation. Some headaches and at
sea gremlins can not be avoided, such is the nature of big and small mechanical systems running
continuously, but many can be avoided by recognizing and addressing issues before they occur.

So we forge into the fall ten day season well prepared for success. Heading south gathering information
it is amazing how even a few days out here can produce change of significant proportion; change that of
course goes both ways. In total I would say that thus far the catching results down below perfectly
reflect what we have experienced in the majority in past warm water events - big dorado and good variety
but a lack of larger tuna early.

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that such conditions favor the later time frame of Nov - January on the
lower banks around Lusitania. Going by what we are presently seeing I stand by that idea. Not to say that
there isn't potential for, or won't be good fishing between now and then. There is plenty of time and
sign around but the historical trend greatly favors better big tuna production later in such conditions.
We'll see what happens this time.

I mention this relative to a few spots still available on the annual "Las Rocas" eleven day voyage
departing Saturday, November 10 returning Wednesday, November 21 as well as the twelve day "Let's Talk
Hookup" voyage immediately following Thanksgiving and the twelve day run after Christmas. All three of
these voyages offer ample availability as well as prime fishing opportunity. The ultimate goal of these
voyages is to target giant yellowfin and variety in the lower banks region with the area surrounding the
Revilla's slated as a bailout option. If you're riding the fence about one of the later Fall or early
Winter voyages rest assured that the idea is ripe with potential. Give Tracy a call in the office this
week if one of the voyages mentioned fits your schedule.

Otherwise consistent daily updates and photos recommence as we are out and underway from this point on.
Have a great day!

Tim Ekstrom