Posted: 13:24:00
Boy there is plenty happening shore side and on board as we begin this new voyage, the annual Braid sponsored 15 day, in high spirits, ready to claim our share of the action below. And, though it is far from new information, the
action below can only be described as exceptional, for real, with bona fide huge catches unloaded yesterday and today validating last week's reports from Hurricane Bank. As has been demonstrated in so many past seasons January is
amazingly consistent in that region.
With that in mind, and what feels like a luxury of time on this run of fifteen days, we almost certainly favor "The Bank" at some point in our voyage. Plenty of assistance in the form of information streaming in from our colleagues ahead
will undoubtedly play into our decision as we head south over the next three days.
Naturally I will keep all readers abreast of the action on board, and perhaps entertained, as I warm up to the daily narrative I have missed now for some time. A little down time, a short hiatus if you will, has done wonders producing
a wealth of introspective opportunities. In what form they manifest remains to be seen but all Royal Star anglers bear witness to the idea factory put into action on our vessel. Remaining on the cutting edge is a compulsion around here
- the future beckons.
For now the short term narrows our focus to the task at hand. Preparation and rigging is at the top of the order as we cruise the vast expanse presently punctuated by bountiful frothing growlers thankfully astern. It would not be
nice heading in the opposite direction. Thankfully we are not, and don't plan to be for the next three days.
Enjoy the weekend and look for reports to continue.
Tim Ekstrom
Royal Star Sportfishing
2838 Garrison Street
San Diego, Ca. 92106
(619) 224-4764
(619) 224-4423 Fax
Posted: 05:04:00
Between the two football games and a serious poker tourney a few nickels and dimes changed hands this easy going Sunday. Still the seas are frothing by, still the ride is smooth and fine, and still we well utilize the passage of
time.
Three or four morning hours of steadfast attention to rigging and prep yielded to an afternoon of above described leisure. It was fine, and well earned. Perhaps the big scenic highlight of the day was a close pass of the famed Alijos
Rocks that in the present sea condition in no way beckoned with charm. Intrigue certainly, the history of catching around these Paleolithic outcropings can not help but pique the curiosity of any true fisherman, but given the season, and uninviting canvas, such instinctual callings were held in check.
The finishing touches will be applied tomorrow as we round out the first travel leg of this voyage with particular attention to details. For when it comes to giant yellowfin tuna, the little things in rigging and preparation do count. In
this arena one may be fishing for only one or two chances at a bona fide giant during the course of their adventure. Sure there will be many opportunities at "mid-graders" on successful outings, but, as for the big deuces, most voyages on
average offer at best a handful of shots a day. Perfect preparation is key, is necessary, to make good when your turn comes.
Posted: 04:32:00
A far more serious tone today as our arrival in the grand arena now feels real. From the first morning step beyond the galley an unmistakable, thoroughly convincing atmospheric change greets anglers to the subtropics with gentle
warmth, soft and inviting. It is a far cry from the hard edge of the prior three days when the breeze was sharp and the crisp temperatures were quick to bite through our layers; not today.
Today as anglers emerged a sense of purpose was instinctual as final preparations were attended to in many forms. Drags were set, harnesses adjusted, terminal tackle was finally attached - all the finishing touches were applied in
the face of the now obvious inevitable. We have arrived - almost.
And during this final day of travel progress appears exponential as we push deeper into the mesmerizing indigo waters and the sun takes on an imposing character. Within a day a few minutes of bliss soaking in the warm sunshine
transforms into within a few minutes of dwelling in direct sunlight it feels as though one is on the top rack of a broiler oven. The signature tropical sun greets with an admonition to cover up, and temper it's allure with wisdom.
One last night in pursuit of the beckoning Southern Cross before our early a.m. arrival thrusts us into the heart of the game. No warm up, no soft start; this is the show from minute one to the closing bell. We are ready, in every way,
shape, and form. And of course, we pray they are as ready and eager as we are to begin this show on a high note. Tomorrow will tell.
Posted: 15:40:00
We can't exactly claim a rip roaring start, quite the opposite truth be told, but we finally managed to get in the game by mid-afternoon scratching away at mid-graders with a few hefties mixed in. Not a lot of action here today overall,
but the sign is definitely still around.
As such we are in for the penny and pound sticking to the game plan here for at least a few days. This place definitely has the feel of something good waiting in the wings.
Photos of the day feature long time Royal Star favorite Jan Abbot once again demonstrating her skill at the rail landing the first deuce of this voyage, a fat, 213. Photo number two features Jan in the action along side featured Oregon
Albacoreman Todd Girtz making his second winter long trip to the show in pursuit of the mystical Thunnus Albacares.
I can not sufficiently express my satisfaction to see some of the hardcore summer albacore chasers from up north making a winter long range voyage. With the relatively new found love for tuna fishing up north, I can only hope Todd
and his friend's pilgrimage will spark more interest among like minded sportsmen in the northern climes. For all you northern anglers following Todd, Jeff, Mark, and Wayne's progress they went four for five today with Mark unfortunately
missing on his first chance at a big one. Todd's first battle of the voyage ended in triumph producing a mid-grade, 120 pounder. Before the trip ends I'll get all the guys in at least a photo or two. That is, if we catch them. Tomorrow
is a new day.
Tim Ekstrom
01/25/12
Posted: 15:43:00
Quite the contrast from yesterday to this morning that was a bona fide ripper on big fish beginning in the early darkness and lasting through daylight. As so often happens on such occasions the action comes on like a freight train with a
rail full of anglers that were casually fishing almost instantly becoming a mass of desperation as spirited giant yellowfin barge in to prove they are game while towing anglers so previously confidant behind.
No doubt this is when the boys earn their keep maintaining order in a situation that is on the precipice of chaos on the best of occasions. One slip, one misstep, and the whole thing unravels leading to opportunities we traveled a
thousand miles for lost to the avoidable. Not this time though. The boys were on their game and these anglers took the cue throwing their full weight into the fracas coming out on top in the majority of the contests; a job well done by
all.
When the smoke cleared the first wave produced four over the 200 mark and another dozen in the mid to high ones. Immediately following the initial hit the mid graders filled in adding to what can only be described as wide open action.
Between the jumbos still hooked and their aspiring brethren I have to assign credit for a good run. They almost had us for a few minutes, inside the perimeter we are fond of saying, but cool heads prevailed and added up for a hearty morning. It could not have gone down better.
Then we had the rest of the day to look forward to. And it did not disappoint. Although the rip roaring pace of the pre-dawn was not to be repeated we managed to scratch at quality throughout the day. It was a welcome reprieve as the
easier pace set anglers to enjoy the experience and surroundings, and even snap a few pictures.
Speaking of which I had zero time to capture any images during the big hit that found me up to my elbows in the mix doing my best to add to our success. Not in the form of taking photos at that juncture however that admittedly challenged every skill and task management capacity I could muster. Later however I grabbed an image of another Oregon Albacoreman Jeff Norwood who was hot from the moment he awoke this morning. In today's shot Jeff is employing the trusty "rail method" to authoritatively dispatch one of his several good ones landed after
the big dawn.
Without question this location is worthy of another day and more as we are in ideal position to continue the trend established today. With a little agreement from the tuna we'll be happy to maintain the status quo.
Tim Ekstrom
01/26/12
Posted: 15:48:00
We eased into the day with far greater intervals between bites setting a reasonable pace from the get go that ultimately lasted through the late afternoon. From a production standpoint the numbers ended up about the same with four again over the 200 mark, numerous others from 70 - 130, and a few handfuls of 150 - 180's in the mix.
For the amount of fishing time and capacity remaining we opted yesterday afternoon to begin releasing any tuna shy of the 100# mark. Anglers readily adapted today adding the "smaller" 70 - 100 pound tuna to the release column as
there were plenty more enticing trophies coming aboard. And in the end production spread fairly among all those investing time and effort at the rail.
A new component today was a significant quantity of wahoo that appear to have moved into the shallows. The were both cause for frustration, as they flashed through slicing and dicing baits, as well as good sport for the occasional chosen one fortunate enough to land one of the toothy speedsters on the straight monofilament rigged tuna tackle. And of course some justice was administered to the thieving hook steelers by jig tossing anglers throughout the day.
All in all an incredibly satisfying day of fishing that offered anglers the opportunity to set whatever pace they preferred with the chance to hook a trophy yellowfin prominent throughout. That chance, combined with all the other action
taking place, made for about as idyllic a day in this fishery as one could ask for. Along with beautiful weather, it would be difficult to find a flaw.
Photos today feature a couple of standout moments. First, another Northern Albacoreman, Mark Youngblood, scored on his second chance at a big one tidily dispatching this 238 like a seasoned veteran. Photo number two features uber
veteran long ranger Larry Ward and his 285 taken on the mid day chunk rig. As is so often the case on the chunk the one that does come through is real tusker. Larry rigged for it, fished for it, and got it; an exemplary achievment that
resonated among the entire group. Needless to say there were a few more dedicated "chunkers" after this beauty hit the deck.
01/27/12
Posted: 20:30:00
An early wake up call today as the wee hours of the morning produced the lion's share of the day's excitement. I won't classify the action as hot and heavy, things were far more reasonable than a few days prior, but the pace was worthy
and the tuna were game.
As well the mixed bag size average continues with one bait producing a 75 pound yellowfin, the next perhaps a 120 - 150, and the next a 200 - 250. Other than fishing a big bait in the early dawn, or perhaps sticking to the chunks, there
is no explanation other than odds; those odds favoring one who is in the water, fishing with the big gear, the vast majority of the time.
Other than a few tuna here and there, in addition to more sporadic excitement provided by the ever present striped, speedy hooligans, the day passed in abundant leisure with anglers worn down by the early start and baking sun
grabbing liberal siestas and enjoying the calm. It was a fine day in every respect. Another four over the 200 mark in the hatch, and plentiful action in between.
Photos today first feature the northern contingent again with a quick correction from day one. Washingtonian Albacoreman Todd Girtz, I originally incorrectly identified as Oregon Albacoreman, landed his first deuce this morning coming in just over the mark at 205. Photo number two features an incredibly stoked Royal Star veteran David Sumethasorn with a porky 219 that was so big around when landed it appeared as though it would explode. After the official weigh in, we flushed about five pounds of chunks and various "giblets" from prior dressings from it's belly. It was living high on the hog for awhile, and at least went down fighting with a full belly! This one, fresh from the RSW upon return, will undoubtedly be a delicacy.
Tim Ekstrom
01/28/12
Posted: 04:51:00
Another fine day that for us again peaked early with the morning hit yielding four more solid deuces and a couple of handfuls of 130 - 192's. Then there were the mid-graders that inserted themselves into the fray from the beginning and
unlike their larger brethren, that to our disappointments did not stay, remained with us the entire day.
Following our big morning the action tapered into plentiful catching on 70 - 110# yellowfin with only the occasional fish over 150. However, with the strongest emphasis possible, we are in no state to complain. And, wouldn't even
think of doing so on such a prosperous occasion.
In conversation today the subject of how this voyage relates to others on the scale of success came up. I considered the question from a variety of perspectives and commented that I would never depart on a voyage with expectations of anything better. Of course there could be a higher percentage of two hundred pounders, or three hundred pounders for that matter, but such high grading is pointless. Hoping for magic is exactly that. Hoping for what we have now is real.
We head into day six energized, enthusiastic, and well prepared to continue the established roll. Beyond the fishing we could not be out here among a better group of anglers who have melded into a production machine all while maintaining
a light atmosphere rife with camaraderie, a few hijinks, and all around good fun.
Photos today feature master anglers Kohei Kikuchi with his 255, and Bruce Kelton with his chunk enticed 245 coming through the gate.
Posted: 01:57:00
We didn't operate with quite the efficiency as previous mornings dumping at least a couple of three jumbos while landing only two - such are the up's and down's of giant yellowfin tuna fishing. Plenty was made of the day otherwise;
and opportunity is what it is all about. What anglers, Captain, and crewmen make of the opportunity is the defining theme of a day, certain voyage, entire season, and perhaps even an operation in totality.
This is our perspective anyway, and, at the very least, provides an explanation for the intensity we exhibit in pursuit of these incredible beasts. These big fish are in effect the essence of our professional existence. And, as difficult
perhaps to the layman as this statement is to identify with, it can at least provide some insight into our psyche on the water.
As for the anglers I suspect that the big fish passion may not be expressed in quite the degree of seriousness, but I assure all that after twenty five years of targeting giant yellowfin with diehard "tuna junkies" the fire exists in equal proportion. How else could one explain the desire to venture into the distant expanse of the ocean, for weeks at a time, in the sole pursuit of such quarry?
To be certain the present voyage is a perfect example of this notion. And no better example can be cited than the angler featured in our two photos today. Now Royal Star veteran Marius Coetzee is making his third annual Braid, January 15 day voyage traveling all the way from South Africa to pursue this region's famed giant yellowfin tuna. No small jaunt to get here, after the first year experiencing this incredible fishery Marius was hooked on both the fishing and
the friendships cultivated among this exemplary group of individuals.
This is my first opportunity to fish with Marius, whose affable reputation rightfully precedes him, and I am pleased for the opportunity. An excellent, knowledgeable, and highly accomplished angler, Marius has taken to this style of angling like a fish to water making short work of this 209 just after sunrise this morning. The first shot I snapped of Marius in action at the rail, the second, twenty minutes later, with this voyage's prize - so far. Two mornings to go mean only one thing: more opportunity. Anything can, and most certainly will, happen.
Tim Ekstrom
01/30/12
Posted: 01:51:00
And just like that, they were gone. Virtually zero sign of jumbos today, despite continued fantastic action on 70 - 120 yellowfin, with a few standouts in the 160 - 185# class. We did have one shot at a giant early, but to our chagrin the
brief skirmish ended with a bare hook coming back trailing only a small piece of skin. At least the skulking beast now has a pierced lip to remember us by.
Focusing on the positive however, all enjoyed the final full day of fishing logging in time at the rail, enjoying primo weather, and pulling with remarkable consistency on spirited tunas. In particular, the chunk fishermen were
absolutely slaying the fish, by far the best chunk fishing I have ever seen, remaining steady on the big gear throughout the day. There were numerous times during the day when of the three or four fish that were hooked all were enticed
with the chunk. And it has been this way for the past three days. For whatever reason all sizes of the fish around here appear to be keyed into to that type of feed; we'll take it.
And speaking of the chunk it is only right that I first feature "The Commander", long time Royal Star veteran and favorite Colonel (Ret.) Geoff Houck pulling on one of his countless tuna hooked and landed on the chunk during the past three
days. Showing grit, and tireless determination that one would expect from a United States Marine, Geoff has been kicking the daylights out of the tuna this voyage with his best thus far weighing in at 192#.
Photo number two features another of the Northern Albacoreman Wayne Waldron who is captured in a classic moment of agonizing ecstasy. No doubt this is a perfect example of the slight difference in brawn between the cool water, delicate
albacore, and the warm water brawler yellowfin tuna; the extra one hundred twenty pounds the tuna on the other end of Wayne's pole was carrying over the average twenty two pound albacore didn't hurt either. Anyway it is fitting that
another Northern Albacoreman, Captain Brett Rouintree, previously of the Royal Star, is at Wayne's side in this photo making his annual one or two winter cameo's on Royal Star far from his own albacore bait boat the Anna Maria.
With the final morning looming the stakes are gargantuan for a strong finish. With plenty of energy in reserve we are ready and willing to take everything they are willing to yield, and then some.
Posted: 17:41:00
As a preface to the final fishing report I hope to encourage anyone waiting to pull the last minute trigger on a long trip this winter to act now. Speaking with Tracy in our office this morning she informed me that the upcoming 14 day voyage departing on Saturday, February 4th, returning Saturday, February 18th still has a few spaces available after a couple of
anglers sadly had to drop off. The giant yellowfin tuna fishing is presently at a peak, and promises to remain as such for the next run.
I don't stick my neck out and offer assurances about an upcoming voyage's success unless I am absolutely certain the signs are right. Right now, in several different locations, the signs are not only right, they are exceptional. All different size classes of yellowfin, Wahoo consistently in the mix, and, most important for the big fish enthusiasts, an overwhelming abundance of life. Best said this is one of those junctures when the entire zone down below is on.
It is a palpable thing. One can both see and feel that it is another season when conditions are right. The evidence is overwhelming. From the prior four voyages to the present the content of our hatches (fish holds) relates a compelling tale. If you can make it, now is the time to sign on. Tracy and/or Brian are in the office all day to answer any questions, and provide ample encouragement for any of you considering the upcoming trip. Give them a call. You will not be disappointed.
As for our final morning fishing results better magic can not be scripted. All voyage long we have been guarding space in the hatches awaiting the chance to fill capacity with big fish. Without question we could have filled the boat twice with the amount of eager 60 - 140# yellowfin around. But we didn't. We opted to wait patiently releasing the "smaller" fish beginning on day three metering a couple of handfuls of larger models into the RSW tanks every day awaiting the big hurrah if and when it were to come.
With the final morning looming, and sufficient space remaining to accommodate perhaps a handful more of 200 pound plus fish, we began our last effort at 0230 hoping that the pattern would return back to the previous several days when we were picking off two to four cows per morning. The prior morning sapped a bit of our confidence but there were far more favorable indications this morning suggesting that things were different. We passed the three a.m. mark, then three thirty, then four - nothing. Tons of bait that built up around us during the night, a veritable banquet for voracious tunas arriving from the deeps, was feasting on krill and tiny organisms around Royal Star confidant, and obviously fearless, from a lack of tuna sign.
Then, at 0430, in one snap of the fingers the bait vanished. It was a sure fire sign that elicited an announcement over the P.A. that they (the tuna) had arrived. And sure enough, within seconds of the notice, we were on! It wasn't a melee, there was no pandemonium, but there was definitely a bunch of action, the majority of which was on the grade we were looking for. "The Commander" started it off with a 215 followed by Dave Sumethasorn with a "PL 68" enticed 225. Along with another handful of 120 - 150's that went down, and plenty more released 70 - 100's, the remaining hatch space was getting eaten up in a hurry.
With the corpulent feminine soprano plainly audible the final big fish hour had arrived. We had capacity for about two more jumbos if they were to come and the clock was ticking. Then, wouldn't you know it, anglers Alfredo "Freddie" Salgado and Wayne Waldron almost simultaneously set the hook on a couple of real deal big ones. Fast forward an hour and we were done, hatched, at capacity after the boys did some rearranging in the last RSW tank to slide in the final two giants that weighed in at 278 and 279 respectively. It was as picture perfect a finish as a Captain, crew, and
group of anglers could ever hope for.
Appropriately, Freddie and Wayne nabbed the honors today with respective photo finishes that give a good name to perseverance at the rail. Both of these anglers made it happen; no luck, no gimme's; sheer determination, and
perhaps a smidge of divinity, landed these two behemoths in the eleventh and a half hour; well deserved congratulations to both men!
Tim Ekstrom
02/01/12
Posted: 19:25:00
Leisurely reverie would best describe events and activities today that included plenty of picture swapping and video viewing as we glided northwest in calm seas. Yarns from the most recent and past voyages were spun and a jovial
atmosphere prevailed as miles were logged in the direction toward home.
And most certainly all are ready to reunite with terra firma, family, and friends to share the experiences of this fantastic voyage and catch up on all that has transpired since our departure. Without question, following the final
couple of travel days, this sentiment will be magnified times ten, or greater.
On the fishing front I again want to make an urgent appeal to any big tuna anglers on behalf of the extraordinary fishing occuring down below. As I draft this report it is on, still. With signs of 70 - 300# yellowfin in the entire
lower zone consistent, reliable, and beckoning now is the time. If the 14 day departing Saturday, Feb. 4th is in the realm of possibility one could not select a time that offers better odds of success.
Photos today feature veteran long range angler, and "voice of reason" Jim Hopkins with a fine, day time 208 he has been targeting for some time. An avid angler from Northern California, Jim is meticulous in his rigging and fishing
techniques, rightfully productive at the rail, and plugged in to the community via internet fishing forums. And, I am glad to say that Jim is one of the good guys - no b.s., no cyber bullying, no hate spewing worthless drivel; a voice of
reason expressing genuine interest and intellect. My respect and appreciation for Jim as an angler and individual is obvious - he has earned it.
Photo number two features another long time veteran Martin Rudolph with his early morning 238 that gave him a full run for his money. Following the hook set Martin, who is no slouch of a man, was literally dragged across the stern as the
panicked giant took off in the opposite direction heading for deep water. Once he got settled in however the odds swung in his favor. With feet planted, strength focused, and the big gear set to work, this spirited beast had his
sails deflated in short order. In this battle of giants Martin prevailed!
Tim Ekstrom
2/03/12
Posted: 19:54:19
A final day of travel gliding across sheet glass. A tranquil calm, surreal and eerie, settled in just after dawn entrancing participants in a display of glory reserved for a fortunate few. To see the open ocean in such a state is a gift
that is earned. Just ask the core group of anglers on this voyage last year who slogged their way home in thirty to forty knots with fifteen foot combers for a couple of the three days. This is a divine treasure to not be ignored.
And we didn't. Relishing in the calm, taking in the micro details, the draw of such calm is irresistible. Outside on the back deck chairs are set up, yarning begins anew, and the day passes as a blink in time in surroundings too good to
be true. Offshore heaven I call it; celestial. And following this final leg that ends tomorrow, the real fisherman Captain
Randy Toussaint assumes command tomorrow leading the next fourteen day into the show that in my estimation is ripe for another harvest profound. The boat is warmed up and ready, the occasion is right, and the departing weather is
sublime. No way could a better set up be scripted.
As such I gladly hand over the reins joining Tracy shore side to help keep the program up and running - literally. While I am well aware of our recent difficulties in maintaining a seamless flow of reports and information from our
website, we are currently in the transition process to permanently address the issues. Suffice to say we are better at fishing than computers, but a better balance is on the near horizon.
Photos today feature a great shot borrowed from David Sumetasorn of crewmen Steve Gregonis and Brett Rouintree driving the gaff home in a two hundred seventy two pounder on the bow. Photo number two features Kohei Kikuchi and
Royal Star legend Floyd Abbott taking a knee in front of a handful of morning cows that all came on board within minutes of one another. In another minute following this shot, these fish, all dressed and ready, were resting soundly in
the 30 degree RSW. Now, they are almost home; as are we!
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