6/23/13

A seamless transition from one voyage to the next as Captain Brian Sims passed the baton following a highly
successful outing. The catch of premium offshore bluefin was unloaded in signature Royal Star condition displaying
the just caught coloration and firm integrity that identifies the extra effort the boys put forth every voyage to
produce something special.

When it comes to these bluefin tuna "special" is indeed the correct description. Because of their character alone -
wily, unpredictable, fleeting - the times when they get with the program and bite are to be coveted. But their
inherent qualities as table fare are a bonus recognized world wide and available in our realm only two or three
months, if we are on the good side of fortune, of the year. As such it is unspeakably gratifying to see boomer
catches of the historic tricksters making their way to the processors to be rendered into meals that will both
satisfy and remind anglers of their conquests for many months to come.

All that is wistful thinking in the case of this voyage however. Coming off the moon with a little sloppy weather
in the forecast I have to say that my optimistic foundation in being put to the test. But the latest information
indicates that there is still a body of fish down below, and we head south with a couple of colleagues I
confidently suggest are among the best fisherman out here. We are positioned for success - now we'll see if the
fish go along with this theory.

Tim Ekstrom