Royal Star Bart Ryder/Accurate voyage 12-7

[Fishing Report]

12/07/11

Posted: 09:32:00
Out of the gates again and pushing south we seek to continue the trend of late that has seen significant successes in both the catching of fish and satisfaction of our anglers. If there has ever been a better example of our distinct brand I can't remember it. Throughout the past few months the benefits of experience and dedication to our fishery have been to the extreme obvious advantage of Royal Star anglers. Of course this has been our trademark since beginning in 1996, but of late it has been one of those unique, easily identifiable junctures when we are really firing on all cylinders.

And it is the whole package I reference. Between our veteran Captain's and crewmen producing fishing opportunities from sound strategies and application of experience, the quality of our angler's end product that is the result of incredible dedication and effort, and our unyielding attention to progress and detail in customer service we deliver on merit - no smoke and mirrors, no charlatans, no illusory machinations. We are real, and glad of it; actually more grateful than glad - dedication and effort does pay; far, far more than treasures gold.

So, with our incredible good fortune illuminated again by recent circumstance we forge ahead on our annual Bart Ryder/Accurate voyage sadly deficit the man himself Bart Ryder. But Mr. Ryder will certainly accompany us in spirit as we ply the southern banks in search of new found glory. With the real fish killer Captain Toussaint and I joining forces we are well heeled for any and everything to come. Time will tell of course, but between this seriously talented group of veteran anglers, and our crew itching to resume the real working portion of their job description, nothing other than an ocean void of fish will thwart our effort. Daily reports and photos will follow.

Tim Ekstrom



12/08/11

Posted: 10:24:00
Night one was greeted with serious revelry that morning one atoned for. It was slow going for a few, but with nothing but time on hand, calm seas, and reasons aplenty to cut the attachments and release the weight of the world, tasks that were ventured, or not, were supported in equal measure. There is a time and place for everything. And presently on board Royal Star time has released these anglers from it's iron grip. It does not matter.

But it will, come another two days, and rest assured we will be rigged and ready to maximize every second of opportunity manifest. The serious action will begin then. Serious reflection is the theme now - on my watch. There is an air of tranquility; a sublime cushioning calm buttressed by atmospheric, broadstroke pastels that can not be described. It is endless in depth; like one of those mind bending Escher lithographs that burrow into infinity. At the very least it provides a moment of pause; a temporary escape from the tangible expectation of superior performance that drives us to push our limits, every time.

We live for it of course, and set the standard as such. And, we wouldn't want it any other way. Otherwise the division between mediocre and product exceptional would be obscured. Rest assured it is not. There are some fine operations out here doing a fantastic job that clearly demonstrate the professional level of dedication and expertise.necessary to succeed, necessary to earn the "highliner" distinction. It definitely shows - this is an environment resolute in determination to expose a house of cards. It is not one to trifle with. Choose wisely fellow anglers - all operations are not created equal. Experience and leadership mean everything out here.

So passes another day in fragile paradise. Still heading south, still ready for action, and still itching to prove our worth, we plod along dreaming of our perfect world. It is getting closer - a reckoning calls.

Tim Ekstrom


Royal Star Sportfishing
2838 Garrison Street
San Diego, Ca. 92106
(619) 224-4764
(619) 224-4423 Fax
rs@royalstarsportfishing.com
http://www.royalstarsportfishing.com

[Fishing Report]

12/09/11

Posted: 17:18:00
The final beacon calls; decision made, ready for action, we eagerly await the chance to assert our worth. For we are unceasingly compelled to produce; compelled to establish that beloved cadence of fish coming on, and going down. I have to admit, not that it would be difficult to tell from my recent installments, that I am beyond ready to catch some fish. I am itching to get into the thick of the action and savor exhaustion; to indulge in managing the brink - for me it has been awhile since applying my full abilities pell mell.

All will be told tomorrow and beyond as we settle into opportunity found and get down to business. It will be fish tales for the upcoming week - unless of course Neptune has other designs. We shall see if the dream is lived again. It is enchanting out here, for the enchanted; it does not get old.

Tim Ekstrom


12/10/11

Posted: 17:18:00
While traversing the well worn southerly road in such overt tranquility one can not help but pass the time recognizing detail, hungrily consuming the gift, knowing full well that this amazing peace will be paid for in equal measure. Such positive interludes tend to evince bright reflections as a myriad of continual surprises, tiny and large, reveal such grandeur, such overwhelming example of the breadth of nature: it gives reason enough to pause, appreciate, and grasp the world revolving.

But, for me it stops there. Beyond the natural I am marginalized as only one of the mass, as we all are, limited to terrestrial toil. I am occasionally dumb enough to peruse the virtual world and find bountiful negative opinion of my bloated sense of self worth. The ironic reality is that the truth is quite opposite. I am well aware of my significance beyond my inner circle. But, I am also aware of my position within this realm earned in hard currency - a life dedicated to pleasing anglers, advancing a fishery, and consistently delivering on baited expectations. For this I take full credit. This is not easy, contrary to the belief of a recent few.

The evening hour this day was of another majestic proportion indescribable. The western sky in brilliant bronze was punctuated with advancing, layered black cloud formations broken apart, stretched like a screen of expanded metal, and arranged such that the jagged pieces aligned momentarily before trailing off in long, melting wisps hinting of ghouls and ghosts in haunting, Halloween like mares tails. It was one of those sunsets that invoked quietude; a sense that any disruptive action could spoil the profundity, or attract unwanted attention; one of those reminding primal moments, a time warp if you will, that calls from our origin.

Keeping all options open we continue forth deciding on our final course of action today. At the very least we are finally/thankfully thrust by necessity into full rigging mode getting our game face on in preparation for good things to come. Tomorrow I again become a simple fisherman; no more waxing romantic - just another yahoo out here, one of many, trying to catch a few fish and return home to family. That, if nothing else, should put things in proper proportion. Enjoy your day!

Tim Ekstrom

12/11/11

Posted: 07:31:00
Ah finally, and it didn't take long. We got in the game following a quick adjustment for conditions leading off with two mid deuces and almost twenty mid rangers from 110 - 160, in addition to a number of "nuisance" 30 - 60 pounders. This was from our first drift! Afterward the action slowed and aside from one fairly good afternoon hit we scratched our way along adding slowly to the morning tally. Adding is the key however: ever forward in pursuit of what feels like a moving goal - at least at the beginning of a voyage. Once we manage to accumulate a few in the hatch, or hatches, then we see there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

For now we are mighty content with a good start, and a set up that appears to offer plenty in the way of quality and quantity. But, this definitely does not feel like a lock, stock, and barrel guarantee. We are going to have to work for them. Fortunately this is our specialty. As good of a sea state as one could ask for compliments the effort and will continue a few more days. We are presently gathering steam for continuing success we hope to produce. In light of the fact that the Master Toussaint will be taking the helm tomorrow I'm feeling pretty confidant of our odds. I was the opener, going easy on the boys to warm them up; now it is straight business. Everyone who has fished with Randy knows exactly what I mean. And, I mean it in a good way; the man has my utmost respect - what a fisherman.

Photos today feature two near legends themselves southland anglers Todd Phillips and Mike Neal: Todd, as one of the finest, most capable anglers among us, and Mike as an exceptional angler in his own right whose action silhouette graces the cover of Bill Roecker's "At the Rail" guide to long range fishing. Both these fantastic anglers started off on the right foot to say the least landing their first fish of the voyage at 242 and 241.6 pounds respectively. What a beginning!. And, what a fine job both men did of handling their gear and making the opportunity count! That is what the fishery for giant yellowfin tuna is all about - capitalizing on the opportunities when they arise through practice and meticulous attention to rigging and equipment. A job well done by both anglers; we hope the first of many this voyage and beyond.

Tim Ekstrom



12/12/11

Posted: 15:07:00
No fodder for chest pounding today; no extraordinary effort or action, but an extraordinary day in it's own right if nothing else due to the weather. In particular during the late afternoon when the crystal clear atmosphere revealed such intense contrast - every cloud, every color, every ridge on the island, every perimeter was razor sharp. Long time veteran angler Andy Smith described it perfectly in a conversation we were having while he was pulling on a fish in the bow. "It's in high definition" was his comment about the stunning overall vista. There were more than a few times during the day I was taken aback both by the surrounding images, and group of anglers on board, some of whom I have cherished memories of fishing with going back almost twenty five years.

Our morning began on the right note immediately setting us on the trajectory we were seeking but for the one or two deuces to compliment the spoils. Unshaken however we were ready to continue with our fishing strategy until it quickly became obvious that this was going to be a different day. It was more of a sense than anything, of which I have shared plenty in past narratives, but both Randy and I knew in very short order that things today were different - and not for the better. Actually I mentioned something in yesterday's edition about success here being a little less than certain. There you go.

Regardless of our laments the obvious motivated a categorical search that ultimately lead us back to almost exactly where we began both days. It took a few fishless hours of driving and looking before we settled down and resolved to make the most of what we had, but in the end we were rewarded for prudence. There are times when the big hit just isn't in the cards. Scratching on such occasions is better than nothing. In fact, scratching something is always better than nothing - unless one is sacrificing the big hit out of timid favor.

Such was not the case today, and we were happy for it. Plugging away at a fine catch adding twenty three more good ones to the tally served our cause well. As such we are all in believing that we will not only continue scratching, but that we will see another big day or two by the time we must leave. That is pure optimism speaking this time, at present I have little sense of what is to come. The one thing certain is a sufficient amount of bigger fish around to get the job done. They are definitely here - we saw far more indications than what we caught while touring around. Perhaps a couple more days off this moon will do the trick. If so we certainly won't be caught by surprise.

Photo today features a Royal Star icon in every respect. Warren Sakamoto has shared so many past voyages, and so much good fishing with us, I can't begin to recall even a fair portion of it all. What I do recall on every occasion is Warren's incredible fishing ability that is always evident when fishing for tuna. Yellowfin, Bluefin, Albacore, Bigeye - it doesn't matter, Warren's passion for catching tuna is unquenchable. Today's photo was taken up the side while Warren subdued one of several good one's he hooked today. Take note of the weather in the background while you're at it. To cite the old cliche - "it doesn't get any better than this"; enough said.

Tim Ekstrom


12/13/11

Posted: 08:34:00
A study in conditions early as current completely opposite than the prior two days threatened to upend our successful program. It was a dubious beginning note that produced zero in the way of bigger fish until, after an hour of thorough scouring, a fair drift got us in the game. A slight shift put us in the thick of them although they showed very little interest in what we had to offer. As the morning progressed that all changed.

Ultimately the current straightened back out, we settled in, and spent the remainder of the day scratching steady at larger grade tuna. Of the 28 recorded in the hatch by day's end a couple were just under 100#, half were around 110 - 140, and the rest were a robust 160 - 185 with two well over the deuce. There were a number of other "underlings" that were liberated until next year or simply did not make the grade. Being as this is big fish country down here the larger models are the only ones that count - to us anyway. All are counted, but only the good ones matter; and are reported as such.

A quick story to end the day's narrative on a high note. Royal Star angler Mike Neal, who opened this voyage with a stretched 241 and had his photo posted accordingly, is absolutely on fire this voyage. He is on one of those magical rolls that occur once in a great while. Although it isn't, it seems as though Mike gets bit every bait he puts in the water. His timing has been uncanny; nothing short of incredible. We have some of the finest live bait fishermen on board ever to grace the deck of a long range sport fisher this voyage. None of them are even close to maintaining the blistering pace set by Mike. When your hot your hot.

So with Mike's incredible run it comes as no surprise that he hooked another bruiser mid afternoon that was determined to make him earn it the hard way. Right up to the end the denizen was pulling like a thing possessed pushing Mike and his equipment to the absolute limit. The last two minutes were consumed by the erratic tuna furiously swimming tight circles under the stern corner wrenching Mike and his rod to the brink. Then, when the moment of truth arrived, when that critical last lift is executed with every ounce of reserve strength invested, the brink was surpassed - Pow! Just as I reached down with a gaff to dig for the fish on an instinct that it was now or never, the rod snapped with the report of a rifle shot. Unbeknownst to me simultaneously the line also gave way.

The gaff made contact almost at the exact same moment the rod and line let go. The fish must have sensed it was his final chance because he gave it all he was worth darting away against my best effort to hang on. At this point I have to give a call out to Royal Star angler Ken Baima who brought along a pair of pliable, grip traction gloves for us to try last trip. Ken, I can honestly say that if it hadn't been for those gloves that fish would still be swimming right now. With my "Sunami Grip" gloves donned, fresh from dressing out a big fish, that gaff slipped about two inches before I got a purchase with those gloves I would have gone over the side with rather than let go.

Fortunately the big fella gave it up after an exhilarating three or four seconds for me that came to an end when my savior Chief Sean Bickel reached in with a third hand to shut down the rodeo. Actually I had it, or so I'll keep telling myself anyway. Regardless the most important result was another huge victory for Mike with a 218# cow that made it into the hatch by the narrowest of margins. Congratulations to Mike; another photo of the triumphant master is in order. Also, thanks are in order for Ken Baima for thinking of us and bringing those gloves; it is the little things that count. In this case, the successful outcome is not so little.

Tim Ekstrom


12/14/11

Posted: 07:54:00
A healthy dose of optimism, and perhaps a fair amount of intuition, got a leg up on events that unfolded this day. What a success!. It wasn't historic by any measure, but, it was a fantastic day of fishing that produced 44 good ones in the hatch, six of which surpassed the coveted two hundred pound threshold. In addition to the "deuces" at least a couple of handfuls of the remaining bigger tuna were 160 - 185 with the rest from 100 - 150#. It was good fishing; especially in light of the fact that only thirteen anglers produced such numbers!

At one point in the mid afternoon production actually dwindled due to pure lack of horsepower as anglers spent from a strong mid day rally on jumbos rested tired muscles and re-stocked reserves with a late lunch that was sacrificed earlier in favor of catching trophy yellowfin. Priorities around here, with Chef's Drew Rivera and Jeffery Grant's strong support, place fishing above all else - as it should be. In fact, as many Royal Star anglers can attest to, Drew is the first to set down the skillet and pick up a rod or gaff himself; he's quite handy in every respect.

There was a point following lunch when although the fish were still biting we were down to only one or two anglers at the rail. Sufficient time to digest, rest, and recover was definitely in order but I have to admit I was getting a little antsy knowing they were there for the taking and we weren't taking full advantage. Suffice to say that in the pure numbers game we could have done better. But, it didn't, and doesn't, matter in the slightest. We have a great catch, as much as anyone could want, already stashed in perfect condition in the RSW tanks. With a full day of fishing remaining, and potential for another good shot very high, any more fish landed would have simply been that - more fish. In the end I commend these anglers for self regulating. This is how it should be.

So tomorrow the real focus will be on trophy yellowfin. Not that we aren't up for a few more mid-ranger's in the tanks, we still have plenty of room to accommodate them, but our measure of success is definitely cows from here forward. Needless to say we are well prepared in both mind and matter. Though our beautiful weather has gone by the wayside we look forward to the last hurrah.

Photo for the day features first time Royal Star angler, but no stranger to long range, Gary Cotter with the big fish of the day, and his personal best, that came in at 272. With a little more "junk in the trunk" this long, skinny bruiser would have breached the three hundred pound mark. At seventy six inches it was simply a case of more groceries needed; luck of the draw. We'll gladly take it, without complaint.

Tim Ekstrom


Royal Star Sportfishing
2838 Garrison Street
San Diego, Ca. 92106
(619) 224-4764
(619) 224-4423 Fax
rs@royalstarsportfishing.com
http://www.royalstarsportfishing.com

[Fishing Report]

12/15/11

Posted: 08:38:00
And so swings the perpetual pendulum inevitably balancing the equation of big fish success. No matter how proficient we become, no matter how advanced our rigging and tactics, some of them will always escape to fight another day. Until this morning we had been defying the natural order making good on every single opportunity at known jumbos we tied into; today not so much. And it wasn't that we, crew and anglers alike, were doing anything wrong. It was simply the inevitable catching up to our extraordinary run of favorable outcomes in showdowns with giants.

Do not gather that I am assigning the entire success ratio in giant yellowfin tuna fishing to pure luck though - far from it. In fact expert rigging and preparation, and savvy application of techniques will tilt the odds far in favor of anglers. But, even the best of the best, that we most certainly have on board Royal Star during this annual voyage, must endure the 20 percent luck factor that in part determines the outcome of big fish battles for or against. Although it's not a science I'd say that is about correct - 80 percent good 20 percent not so good, or the dreaded 20 percent good 80 percent pure bad; the disastrous latter is a day wrecker for any dedicated long range skipper.

Regardless of the exact ratio suffice to say that when the dark cloud descends and the time to pay penance arrives it must be understood as such, and rationally overcome. While I am sure we all (Captains) do our share of pissing and moaning when misfortune strikes (Randy and I most certainly have our moments) at the very least the ire must be correctly focused on the proper source - the fish gods, the heavens, the ocean, the sun, the sky, the stars, the moon, etc. The trademark of inexperience is the blame game. Valueless tirades and finger pointing serve to engender hurt feelings and ill will and almost always advances the downhill slide - as the quote "The beatings will continue until morale improves" ironically suggests.

Understanding the source, addressing any gear deficiencies, and restoring a positive footing is the only hope when that black cloud descends. This was our exact strategy today employed after enduring a couple of real heartbreakers right out of the gates. I have to admit though that after losing the first two bona fide giants to a hook pull and getting smoked while deploying the backup Randy and I both knew we were in for a "correction". And sure enough, despite our best efforts to remain positive, then went another, then another, then another. Oh what pain and suffering. The exact ones we were targeting kept drawing the winning cards and handing us our lunch. Mysterious line breaks, leaders failing, hooks pulling, spectra digging in the spool and snapping - you name it; the heavens opened up and rained down a proverbial "shit storm". For awhile even the mid rangers had our number. It was ugly; made worse by the high stakes competition with our colleagues close by. It was their day, simple as that.

Mind you it is always worse for the guy on the bridge by a long shot. We make a big to do about it while everyone on deck is still having a great time. A Captain that isn't wrought up when things are going in the wrong direction is the one to worry about. In the end we restored our favorable groove putting twenty five good ones aboard before our eastward departure. We had a good, successful day of fishing and catching. No giants though; they won today; by the ones we really desired we got our asses handed to us. As such we (Randy and I) departed with our rear end smarting. It happens.

But (no pun intended), with ten over 200 pounds in the hatch, and a literal boat load of 100 - 180# beauties all in perfect condition, spiked, bled, dressed, and held at 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the RSW tanks we depart as winners on the whole incredibly stoked with our overall results. There was no melancholy or moping down below. In fact, quite the opposite. Festivities were in order as our departure coincided perfectly with the awaited break in the weather that transformed the tempestuous ocean of late into another state of flat calm. Ahhh. Following our departure spirits and "nectar of the gods" were flowing as anglers settled back, unwound, and relaxed in the comfort of tranquility and reverie of success.

Photo of the day features another long range veteran Andy Smith who is incredibly well practiced in his low key approach. Always in the game, Andy put this beautiful two seventeen on board, in addition to numerous other dandies, a couple of days prior. Now we shift back into travel mode heading toward our drop off point in Cabo San Lucas on Saturday morning. Reports, and perhaps a bit more philosophical waxing, will continue as we head up the line. Read and absorb, or ignore, as you see fit. Have a fine day!

Tim Ekstrom


12/16/11

Posted: 08:39:00
Slipping through this stretch unscathed is not a gift to take lightly. Although at this time of year in particular it's not unheard of there is still always an element of surprise when the weather three hundred miles offshore is like a mill pond. And an element of joy of course as such conditions make for good living all around. From work to pleasure everything is easy to perform and accomplish. We're living right here, no doubt about it; and rightly so.

This exceptionally talented, exclusive group of anglers, who have made this voyage annually now going on seven or eight years, has earned every distinction, and every favor through a tremendous history of making long range voyages dating back to the mid 1980's. Several names in this group register as icons in the arena of giant yellowfin tuna fishing as they, along with us as Captains and crewmembers, pioneered many of the techniques and gear adaptations that have lead to the tremendous success ratios anglers realize today.

And this exclusive status is not projected pretentiously, far from it in fact. This voyage is far more about old friends and respected, like minded anglers creating their version of giant yellowfin tuna fishing utopia. They are free to unwind after a full year of grinding it out in their professions and apply their passion for catching big tuna in the ideal setting. I am incredibly pleased to be part of it. This voyage is the culmination of almost twenty six years of working at the highest levels, of raising the bar to create the standards all anglers enjoy today. There is a reason this group of anglers has chosen our team and Royal Star for their annual dream voyage - we understand their expectation because we built it, with many of them at the rail, from the ground up.

It is my sincerest hope that at least a portion of anglers who follow this narrative will read today's edition and take note. When the best of the best chooses Royal Star for their voyage seven years running it is not by chance or luck. These anglers are too wise and experienced to favor anything below the standard they expect. From my perspective this voyage, the fact that this exclusive group of highly advanced anglers selects Royal Star year after year, is the finest, most convincing testimonial about the quality of our operation one can find.

I can write and talk about our success and advantages all day long because I know it is true, believe in our unique approach, and have a long history of results to support my perspective - but I'm not buying a ticket. I am well aware that everything I say or write is just that - what I say or write. The real testament to our operation is the perspective of our clientele. To this end I again urge discerning long range fishermen to take note of these angler's decision to fish Royal Star as a reason to make a voyage with us yourselves. You will recognize our customer focused standards as distinct and extremely professional consistently delivering beyond your expectations. Our fishing productivity speaks for itself.

Photo today features yet another long range master Dr. Andy Cooperman, who in addition to catching numerous big deuces over the years, including this two hundred sixty pound beauty, is the equivalent of "all the king's horses and all the king's men" putting the long range fleet's crew's and Captain's back together again. Dr. Cooperman is the North County San Diego orthopedic specialist who has earned our highest respect as a fisherman, and more importantly, performing his profession. He has set a more than a few of our ails right over the past fifteen years. We are here, strong and capable as ever, because of it. Thanks Andy - from all of us still swinging gaffs and fish over the rail from your efforts.

Tim Ekstrom
.

[Fishing Report]

12/17/11

Posted: 19:51:00
There is always something supremely satisfying when smiling anglers disembark in favor of the express option. Knowing that they will be enjoying either the local flavor of Los Cabos for a couple of days or the delights of home by day's end is a welcome thought while out here we endure the heavy lifting. To avoid the uphill run is an advantage on certain voyages worth it's weight in gold.

So far on this run however we are not enduring anything other that the slow passage of time. And as we advance in years we come to find that this is not necessarily a bad thing. A calm run north or south provides plenty of time for thought and reflection. I have ventured plenty already on this topic, and what such junctures invoke in my more esoteric thinking.

To the more relevant point of fishing I want to mention a couple notes of interest gleaned from information coming over the wire today. First is the resurfacing of the bigger fish along the "beach" that are obviously still there in numbers, but annoyingly still reluctant to bite. It is significant however, and very well could play into any of the upcoming voyages after Christmas and well into January. What I observed coming up the line today was elevated water temperatures - still in the 74 - 77 degree range, and tons of bait and life. There is every reason to speculate that there may yet be some real deal opportunities along the lower banks during this 2011 - 2012 big fish season. I'm not ready to declare that the time has come, but it will be of no surprise when and if it does.

Secondly, I must also mention that there is tremendous opportunity down below as both quantity and quality around the islands and the bank suggest that upcoming voyages have several viable options to target the quarry of this time of year. Not only do the big fish beckon - we have space to accomodate several anglers ready to take the plunge into the unique realm of giant yellowfin tuna fishing. In particular, the February 4th - 18th fourteen day has several spots open, and on a per day basis offers one of the greatest values of the season. It is a great time to go fishing. And, that voyage already boasts and fantastic core group of individuals dedicated to catching big fish while having fun.

I'll update the beach news again tomorrow as well as rack my thoughts in search of additional topics of interest. Photo today features special angler in his own right Miguel Borromeo who made his first big fish voyage as part of this specially talented group. Fitting right in with a upbeat, interested, fully engaged desire to adapt to the big tuna program, Miguel's efforts prevailed and produced from numerous opportunities throughout the voyage. This beauty came in at about 175 landed mid day while fishing the sardine gear.

Tim Ekstrom



12/18/11

Posted: 21:27:00
Going through the various photos I took during this voyage I happened upon today's selection featuring yet another Chef Drew Rivera creation worthy of sharing. Indirectly this does have something to do with fishing as the eclectic, completely original dish does feature select yellowfin tuna straight from our RSW tank. I have regaled the talents of Chef Rivera in many past reports presenting him as the finest galley man I have ever had the pleasure of working at sea with by a titanic margin

Drew does have a big personality, and is quite an original character, but he is absolutely drama free projecting nothing but sincere passion for his work. His creativity in cooking is far beyond my ability to relate in culinary terminology more akin to something one would find in a world class restaurant rather than a fishing vessel far out to sea. And, as I have mentioned on several occasions, his passion for fishing, for helping out when and wherever a hand can be useful, and for ensuring that our entire collective effort is successful is a integral part of our operation. He is the complete package - in every respect.

The featured dish is what Drew called "Tuna Tacos" consisting of a thin sliced Jicama shell, a thin sliced layer of Tataki tuna, an ensemble of fresh fruit and pepper salsa, topped with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and a savory, perfectly spiced Serrano pepper sour cream sauce - I think. I should have asked Drew the exact ingredients after the fact as this assembly of flavors was so exceptional it deserves far better credit than I am providing.

One close look at least does the idea favor as just about anyone can imagine that anything that looks this good most likely is. Perhaps I can cajole Drew into sharing some of his recipe's on our website in the future. Otherwise one will simply have to venture a Royal Star voyage and experience the confounding reality of how exceptional Drew (and also Chef Jeffery Grant's) talents really are relative to the surroundings. One would not expect to find such culinary ability on board a fishing boat. But therein lies the catch - we are far more than a simple fishing boat. But, when it comes to catching fish, we are simply fishermen. Have a great week!

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...