7/19/13

A day of easy, smooth traveling working up the becalmed inside avoiding the nearby grumpy sea conditions just west
of our track line. A morning of entertaining variety fishing capped off the rail time with action of the zero
stress kind. And that is enough with the rhyme's.

While we would rather be fishing for bluefin the rugged sea conditions limited our effectiveness and ability to
cover distance working north west offshore. As such, rather than prove our sea worthiness for the simple sake of
doing so, the more popular option of a near coastal route was chosen. There is a time and a place, and Mother
Nature always holds the cards.

This voyage ends in the category of success, barely by Royal Star production standards, but large overall. Suffice
to say we wrenched a fair variety catch from a rather reluctant ocean that flexed her muscles and dictated a
limited set of options to work with. But making lemonade from lemons, as I mentioned before, is one of those
challenges inherent in fishing. Reading the playing field and adjusting to the conditions, and making a good time
of it regardless is the foundation of a successful fisherman.

As long as the tough stretches don't come anywhere close to outnumbering the periods of "wood", and they most
definitely don't on Royal Star, the equation is balanced to our satisfaction. Limited production is not something
we can become accustomed to; it is not in our nature.

That said we return from the final annual Phillip's Steel/Wood Group charter smiling large with a good time had by
all. We turn the boat tomorrow departing on the annual Michael Doi seven day run with Captain Toussaint at the helm
and yours truly assuming the duties of Chief Engineer.

The waxing moon is full on Monday and flat calm conditions are forecast offshore for the next several days. Anyone
want to guess what is going to happen? The bluefin are going to float and a return to "Wood" will occur. The only
way it doesn't is if we don't find them. After being down for the last four days needless to say we have our work
cut out for us. But we have a few tricks up our sleeves, plenty of good fishermen working in concert, and plenty of
experience on this ocean. Perhaps I'm feeling a bit too confidant but I don't think so. We will soon see.

Final photo for the voyage features first time Royal Star and long range angler Rob Haman with a bonus trophy
"mossback" landed during one of our crazy late afternoon drifts among the yellowtail, bird, barracuda, Calico bass,
and sea lion melee.

Tim Ekstrom




Photo Here...