10/14/12

Justice was done; not too much, though the threshold was nearly unlimited, but enough to
restore a sense of triumph to the previously mentioned fruitless hunt. From a fishing
perspective it was well earned - they weren't exactly jumping in the boat at dawn still
intent on making us work for our living. It was fishing as we know it; it took some looking
and intuition to locate the main vein, but it was no occasion to admire ourselves, or
herald a miracle exploit. It was a job well done; as was expected.

A transformational moment was achieved however. This day liberated the tenor of success. It
was poignant and real, and really needed. We are all better for it in mind, body, and soul.
And though such characterizations may seem a bit dramatic to those following along
unfamiliar with the malady of fishing, I can only assert that they are not. To us these
results, good and bad, take on the tone, the seriousness, the pain, the joy, of life
itself. Because that is exactly what we are doing out here, exactly why these anglers
venture forth on distant voyages to sea - to live; real and pure.

But with today's triumph, speaking of living real and pure, comes a reality check inherent
to fishing in these zones at this time of the season. Once in awhile we are faced with a
tropical cyclone, a.k.a. hurricane, that runs us out of our preferred fishing grounds in
favor of safe havens far above. In fact this is exactly why we limit our voyages to ten
days and less during this portion of the fall season - to maintain access to safe haven at
all times in the event one of those tempests rears it's ugly head and decides to come our
way. It doesn't happen too often in these higher latitudes, perhaps once every couple of
years - especially during El Nino events, but when it does we are well prepared with the
experience and knowledge to yield to the wrath of God; we give such storms wide berth.

And though we are risk takers by nature, gamblers if you will perpetually living the
consequences of high stakes fishing maneuvers, we take no chances with Mother Nature.
Incredibly reliable forecasting enables us to plan our moves accordingly. As such we will
be making way to the north far sooner than we would prefer. But we will be comfortable,
safe, and fishing; with any luck catching as well. Wives, girl friends, children, families,
and significant others take solace in our long history as exemplary offshore mariners, your
seafarers are safe in our charge.

Photos today feature a blast from the past for all of us in the form of many years distant
Royal Star veteran Bob Deibel. Bob joined us back in the early and mid nineties on a couple
of our fly fishing adventures, including an insane voyage to Clipperton Isle. Today, after
the big smoke had cleared, Bob stepped to the plate with his gear of choice and had a grand
time. Photo number two features first time Royal Star angler Martin Colling with Drew and
an average size "Ballslapper" landed amidst the blissful tumult today.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...


Photo Here...