11/08/12

We took a stab at something different today preferring to cut our own path in the pursuit
of bigger and better. Instead we found small and smaller. Plenty of miniature yellowtail
and variety junk did little to inspire as we worked steadily north checking off potential
destinations along the way. Of course the scenery was fantastic; the morning sun reliably
exposed Southern Baja's distinct brand of natural beauty in brilliant hue's of light and
color. And we drank in the splendor with satisfaction appreciating the serenity of stress
free fishing.

A little catching would have made the morning better, but a tragedy it was not; sufficient
quantity resides in the RSW tanks to satisfy even the most demanding appetite for product.
Speaking of appetite a by-product of the day's effort will satisfy ours. The traditional
final day fresh bass lunch was landed and prepped according to Chef Drew Rivera's highest
standards readied for any number of his imaginative creations.

As the relaxing morning pushed into afternoon, the tranquility of a ten day period of near
flat calm was finally disrupted. A little bump and jump was introduced as anglers hunkered
down for the first time this voyage accepting our fate with an air of indifference. It
comes with the territory, as everyone knows, and the good weather fortune experienced thus
far completely negated any inclination to complain; not that any would or was.

Perhaps the best part of the program was the rapid evening decrease in wind and sea that to
our delight became calm again as quickly as it came on; such gifts are received with untold
joy.

The final voyage photo features long time Royal Star veteran, and no stranger to local
banks giant yellowfin tuna fishing, Les Merrill. Always one to seize the levity in any
occasion Les joked and yarned his way through this 203 pound, bitch of a hard pulling son
of a so and so that convinced all of us during the battle that it was much, much bigger.
When it came over the rail Les stared for a moment in utter disbelief; then followed with
some fitting quip related to size and effect that I'll let you all figure. The man is a
classic; another component of long range fishing that always enriches the whole adventure.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...