12/08/14

Chugging up in calm seas festivities took precedence among a full afternoon, out of doors assembly of anglers and crew trading laughter amidst an incessant stream of rich anecdotes. Nothing stands as prettier music to my ears. Satisfied in the knowledge that we did everything possible in the time and zone we had to work with still no Captain's perspective of success, or otherwise, usurps prevailing opinion. To hear such sincere revelry, to palpably receive such expressions of satisfaction, justifies all the angst, all the anxiety, all the sleeplessness and stress inherent in the Captain's role.

The mind twisting calculations and strategic planning, the attempts to account for a fluid, near infinite array of possibilities, the exhaustive vigilance of conditions, weather, and mechanics - all those requirements of consistent offshore fishing success, and so many others, meld into a domain of achievement only capable of being validated by exactly what anglers exhibited today. Of course there are other forms of celebration, it doesn't have to been an all out fiesta, but anglers themselves are the only ones that can do it.

That said the fishing on this run is not over. We still have a few stops to make looking to expand on both the variety and quantity categories. Judging by the weather forecast I'd venture that we are going to have to earn them; but there's nothing new in such prospects on this run. It makes the achievement aforementioned all the much better.

Speaking of achievement Royal Star veteran Ed Abate scored this nice, 110# class yellowfin on our final day below after a challenging series of fits and starts. Maintaining his always positive disposition the fish gods finally relented and made the whole thing worthwhile.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...