10/31/12

A Halloween departure with the best load of sardines we have seen in some time, and a fired
up group of veteran and novice anglers that gladly leave the ghosts and ghouls behind.

I have enjoyed a thorough time ashore in deep reflection about present affairs. With the
benefit of some incredibly valuable wisdom and insight shared by the silent majority I am
compelled this one time to comment on what I view as a real concern to the long range sport
fishing community. Fishermen and sportsman alike should take note as divisive rhetoric,
misinformed, malicious assertions, and negative banter in any public forum are a net
negative to all of us.

I don't care where one's loyalties lie, or how fervent the support for their chosen cause,
broadcasting negativity will not propel anyone or any enterprise to success. It is damaging
to individuals, businesses, images, and future prospects for everyone. Negativity yields
negativity - always.

As an industry that thrives on the positive attraction of triumph over challenge, a
business that compels anglers to participate through an entirely unique ability to ply
distant waters in comfort and harvest a bounty that fulfills dreams, anyone involved,
professionally or personally, must recognize the importance of positive dialogue; of
projecting the overwhelming, amazingly consistent positive features this fishery is built
on.

The present and future state of long range sport fishing is not well served by a vocal
super minority expressing conflict and seeking confrontation. Such negative promotion is
distasteful at best, harmful in every respect, and divides communities that rely on
alliance to protect what they have from real opponents with threatening agendas. In fact
such division is the exact ammunition opponents to sport fishing utilize to their
advantage.

Even when there are justifiable axes to be ground they should be honed professionally with
discretion, respect, and consideration for the big picture - for our collective futures. I
hope that this piece spawns reflection and productive thought among everyone. I know that
the vast majority of rational individuals, that are the vast majority anyway, agree.

Southerly we roll in preparation for the fishing and fun to come. We are focused on what we
do, on what we have done for so many successful, consistent, consecutive years, as we head
below ready to deliver on, and exceed, our loyal anglers expectations. Fishing prospects
are excellent with the potential to build an ideal fall 10 day catch as good as we have
seen. Quantity, quality, and variety are the goals as a well rounded adventure represents
this time of the season to our anglers highest satisfaction. Details will follow as the
voyage unfolds.

Tim Ekstrom