8/9/14

A quick offload and resupply heading back west before we knew it on the annual Izorline sponsored seven day run. In recognition of Izorline I can not fail to mention the tremendous amount of gifts, raffle items, and swag giveaways representatives Tom and Dale Kurata assembled for this fortunate group. Though certainly not the sole reason anglers choose this voyage year after year it is an added bonus that the guys up at Izorline enthusiastically support. It makes a difference, and well represents Izorline as the class operation that they are.

Following our standard orientation and summarized tackle seminar the recent pattern of squeezing in a little fishing on the afternoon of departure was the call. Plenty of time and perfect offshore conditions - flat calm - made it an easy call. A flurry of rigging and preparation then a few hours of travel and we were in the game offshore fishing.

What became after that is borderline surreal. Thanks in every way to our close network of resources we rolled to exactly where they were and got down to business long range style; real deal action, as good as I have seen in my career, was the result. Full moon, flat calm offshore - need I say more? The results were a surprise, but in light of conditions not surprising, a combination of perfect timing and divine beneficence. Our part was making good on the opportunity; and we most certainly did.

Photos today feature veteran Royal Star Izor man Dale Kurata with one of his prized trophies and long time Royal Star favorite Bob Hiyane with exactly what he was hoping for. What a way to begin this voyage: a ripper bite on 70 - 120# American Bluefin with their 15 - 25# yellowfin buddies joining the action. The potential for good on this ocean is unlimited. Of course the opposite is true also. Now to keep the momentum heading in the right direction.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...