Fish Report for 12-5-2012
Royal Star Fish Report
12-5-2012
Royal Star
12/12/12
A computer glich upon departure, quickly remedied by the purchase of a brand new unit in the eleventh hour, was all for not. The newly purchased, all bells and whistles included, laptop was faulty out of the box. Hours of tinkering, then a plea for any and all eggheads to step forward and demonstrate our ineptitude, produced the same result - nothing, zero.
So the trip commenced on an odd note mysteriously condemned to proceed without the benefit of information sharing. Being the enthusiastic narrator I am such was a major disappointment. But I understand that my distress only stood among the many family and friends awaiting a colorful description of our voyage exploits.
My/our apologies as such. The reality of distance and complete separation from land is demonstrated on occasion in the offshore fishing realm. Suffice to say that after we realized that our proverbial goose was cooked on sending daily updates we quickly assigned the severity of the problem as low relative to other, voyage altering possibilities. The show did go on. And what a show it was.
The twelve day time frame of this annual Let's Talk Hookup run suited our fishing agenda to perfection. Not in a strict "cows or bust" mode we sought to present our group with a taste of both worlds - big yellowfin and some ridge and beach variety. Opting for the big tuna portion of the equation first, we made a long haul run and connected with three full days of what can only be described as a dream come true - epic, steady action on 90 - 150 pound yellowfin with a few cows up to 328 in the mix as well as a few 60 - 80 pounder's. It worked out, big time.
One spot, without a move, provided three days of at the rail action resulting in what easily could have been a full boat; the classic example of "one stop shop" that only happens once in a great while. After such amazing action one would expect that our 22 anglers, who put their full heart and backs into pure production, were feeling a little piqued at hour 72.
Taking the hint we opted to save a little bit of hold space for phase two up above where we would target dorado, wahoo, and additional ridge and beach variety. By doing so, much to the delight of everyone on board, we squeezed three additional days of fishing into the ride north breaking up the drudgery with much preferred time at the rail and a little more variety production.
It wasn't any big bonanza, and stood in stark contrast to the first few days of fishing, but there is something to be said for time at the rail with a full load of beautiful big yellowfin already in the RSW tanks. Less any significant stress, and any compelling reason to produce, anglers simply enjoyed the time fishing, caught a few, and passed the time liberated from the weight of the world. Of course we all took in the sights too, as we spent the final fishing day on a scenic tour capturing a few kelp bass for Chef Drew Rivera's last day tradition and throwing a few handfuls of big yellowtail in the hatch for the cherry on top.
In reflection I can't recall a more satisfying run that proceeded by the numbers from beginning to end. Another phenomenal group of anglers joined "Rock Cod" Rick Maxa from Let's Talk Hookup" on this adventure adding to the long history of success enjoyed during this season. This being the second year of extending what was originally a ten day into a twelve day run, needless to say we have plans to continue this voyage format into the foreseeable future. We could not be more pleased with the results, or with our strong affiliation with Pete Gray and Rock Cod Rick from Let's Talk Hookup. These guys are the best of the best, and prove it every time we have the pleasure of sharing their company on Royal Star.
Our most sincere gratitude is offered to one and all as we prepare for the next voyage departing on Thursday. One final suggestion regarding the Let's Talk Hookup twelve day in 2013 is to call Tracy to reserve your spot sooner than later if you are interested. This is a very popular voyage for good reason. The record of success at this time of year is unsurpassed and one would be hard pressed to fish with a more amenable group of individuals.
As for voyage photos a few highlights are Ron Dargo with the monster, 328 of the voyage, Rock Cod Rick Maxa with his sardine enticed 204 taken mid day, John Booth with his new personal best at 244, and Fred Mason with a classic "double" featuring a 220 and a 2# bottom grabber landed on the kite gear. I guess the big boy swam a little too close to the bottom in his efforts to escape dragging a irresistible squid head past the opportunistic bottom grabber. Classic.
Tim Ekstrom
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
A computer glich upon departure, quickly remedied by the purchase of a brand new unit in the eleventh hour, was all for not. The newly purchased, all bells and whistles included, laptop was faulty out of the box. Hours of tinkering, then a plea for any and all eggheads to step forward and demonstrate our ineptitude, produced the same result - nothing, zero.
So the trip commenced on an odd note mysteriously condemned to proceed without the benefit of information sharing. Being the enthusiastic narrator I am such was a major disappointment. But I understand that my distress only stood among the many family and friends awaiting a colorful description of our voyage exploits.
My/our apologies as such. The reality of distance and complete separation from land is demonstrated on occasion in the offshore fishing realm. Suffice to say that after we realized that our proverbial goose was cooked on sending daily updates we quickly assigned the severity of the problem as low relative to other, voyage altering possibilities. The show did go on. And what a show it was.
The twelve day time frame of this annual Let's Talk Hookup run suited our fishing agenda to perfection. Not in a strict "cows or bust" mode we sought to present our group with a taste of both worlds - big yellowfin and some ridge and beach variety. Opting for the big tuna portion of the equation first, we made a long haul run and connected with three full days of what can only be described as a dream come true - epic, steady action on 90 - 150 pound yellowfin with a few cows up to 328 in the mix as well as a few 60 - 80 pounder's. It worked out, big time.
One spot, without a move, provided three days of at the rail action resulting in what easily could have been a full boat; the classic example of "one stop shop" that only happens once in a great while. After such amazing action one would expect that our 22 anglers, who put their full heart and backs into pure production, were feeling a little piqued at hour 72.
Taking the hint we opted to save a little bit of hold space for phase two up above where we would target dorado, wahoo, and additional ridge and beach variety. By doing so, much to the delight of everyone on board, we squeezed three additional days of fishing into the ride north breaking up the drudgery with much preferred time at the rail and a little more variety production.
It wasn't any big bonanza, and stood in stark contrast to the first few days of fishing, but there is something to be said for time at the rail with a full load of beautiful big yellowfin already in the RSW tanks. Less any significant stress, and any compelling reason to produce, anglers simply enjoyed the time fishing, caught a few, and passed the time liberated from the weight of the world. Of course we all took in the sights too, as we spent the final fishing day on a scenic tour capturing a few kelp bass for Chef Drew Rivera's last day tradition and throwing a few handfuls of big yellowtail in the hatch for the cherry on top.
In reflection I can't recall a more satisfying run that proceeded by the numbers from beginning to end. Another phenomenal group of anglers joined "Rock Cod" Rick Maxa from Let's Talk Hookup" on this adventure adding to the long history of success enjoyed during this season. This being the second year of extending what was originally a ten day into a twelve day run, needless to say we have plans to continue this voyage format into the foreseeable future. We could not be more pleased with the results, or with our strong affiliation with Pete Gray and Rock Cod Rick from Let's Talk Hookup. These guys are the best of the best, and prove it every time we have the pleasure of sharing their company on Royal Star.
Our most sincere gratitude is offered to one and all as we prepare for the next voyage departing on Thursday. One final suggestion regarding the Let's Talk Hookup twelve day in 2013 is to call Tracy to reserve your spot sooner than later if you are interested. This is a very popular voyage for good reason. The record of success at this time of year is unsurpassed and one would be hard pressed to fish with a more amenable group of individuals.
As for voyage photos a few highlights are Ron Dargo with the monster, 328 of the voyage, Rock Cod Rick Maxa with his sardine enticed 204 taken mid day, John Booth with his new personal best at 244, and Fred Mason with a classic "double" featuring a 220 and a 2# bottom grabber landed on the kite gear. I guess the big boy swam a little too close to the bottom in his efforts to escape dragging a irresistible squid head past the opportunistic bottom grabber. Classic.
Tim Ekstrom
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
