Royal Star Long Range fishing report 11-3

[Fishing Report]

11/03/10

Posted: 10:34:00
After a much appreciated respite I am recharged and reminded that the best part of this career choice is the fishing. Especially on sheet glass days like this that can't help but glorify the idea and obscure the sometimes harsh reality. Focusing on the present grandeur is a talent that serves best as we depart on a vessel overflowing with optimism and opportunity as good times beckon from the southern reaches.

A perfect balance of talent, raw and refined, is the foundation for success as anglers new to this fishery settle in to the routine assisted and encouraged by the highly skilled Royal Star crewmembers and veteran fishermen alike. In every respect successful long range fishing voyages are a team effort. In recognition of this idea today was spent making new acquaintances and catching up with genuine friends preparing a little gear and "talking shop" as the spectacular afternoon passed into an unforgettable twilight blend of fire, sea, and sky.

We head south with plenty of prospects gathering details from our vast network of resources presently stretched from the lower zone to right on our bow. This fantastic group of anglers led by long time Royal Star charter master Larry Fancher is ready to make a good time of the adventure as we put our best foot forward over the next ten days.

I suspect that I will get warmed up to the narrative as the voyage unfolds so look for reports to consistently continue through the 13th. Everything that could be aligned in our favor graces the effort. Now we hope to give the opportunity its proper's.

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]

11/08/10

Posted: 06:41:00
Wow. What a day. Steady scratching throughout on straight trophy yellowfin tuna. The tally at day's end was 28 fish with a whopping dozen well over the 200 mark!. Other than three "dinks" in the 130 - 140 pound class everything else was 155 to 196. This was the day we were hoping for. One of those that launches a voyage into the legend category for a group of anglers completely unexpecting of this caliber of giant yellowfin tuna fishing.

Believe it or not I really don't have much else to add. We hit it right. We were well prepared for the possibility of success. We implemented a strategy based on what we saw yesterday that probably made a difference. But there is no saying for certain. It could just have easily gone the other direction. I can say that this group of anglers, the majority of whom are new to giant yellowfin tuna fishing, have adapted with incredible ease thanks to phenomenal instruction and coaching by the crew. After a very short time these anglers are right at home pulling hard against highly spirited cows. I'd say the results more than anything speak to this fact.

As we are settled in and still loaded for bear, we plan to give it at least one more day in the trophy zone before heading up to seek a small amount of variety to fill in the spaces between big ones in the RSW tanks. Suffice to say our anglers are looking forward to their return with a wealth of premium, "sashimi" grade yellowfin tuna to enjoy and share with family and friends. At twenty to twenty five dollars a pound in local fish markets, if one can even find comparable quality, it is no wonder that anglers, and friends who share in the bounty, recognize the Royal Star product as huge bonus of their vacation.

Photo today features long time Royal Star and long range veteran Joe Daruty with his personal best at 265 coming over the rail. As an example of the sheer proportions of these giant yellowfin, this image does a pretty fair job. The girth can really be appreciated from this angle. I was particularly pleased for Joe with whom I have fished for over 22 years; first in my younger days as chief engineer and second Captain on Royal Polaris, then since 1992 on Royal Star. Many a good time, and much good fishing has been shared between us. In today's case Joe did a phenomenal job taking his time and ultimately boating his biggest ever after a hour long battle. Congratulations Joe. I hope for many more days on the ocean to come.

Tim Ekstrom

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11/07/10

Posted: 07:35:00
The big fish tested our morning patience with fickle behavior and lackluster results motivating a change of approach. Shifting gears we headed outside where we enjoyed three hours of stop and go action on 18 - 40# yellowfin tuna that added up to a worthy total in short order. It was exactly what the doctor called for to improve spirits. While we all love the pursuit of trophy yellowfin, the pace can sometimes challenge even the staunchest angler to keep their head in the game. As such, the morning bailout was therapeutic in the highest degree. Those whose number had yet to come up in the lottery were rewarded with plenty of bites and fish on the deck as the frantic school tuna were in no mood mince words. It was straight catching on several stops - exactly what we were looking for.

With spirits rejuvenated and confidence restored we returned to the big fish zone for the late afternoon and hit it perfect. The fish came up almost simultaneous with our arrival and we had good go around that added up to ten trophies. Two breached the 200 pound barrier, a handful were 180 - 190's and the remainder were in the 150 - 170 pound class. The boys had a fantastic opportunity to shine when the majority of what we landed all climbed on the hooks within about twenty minutes of each other. For about an hour it was real deal fishing on jumbos.

I was proud beyond word to watch my guys leap into action. Their coordinated skills are so honed that the transition to biting trophy yellowfin is perfectly seamless. Everyone knows exactly what to do, exactly how to maximize the opportunity, and exactly how to maintain professional order in the most challenging situations. The results of years on deck working with one another, and their insatiable drive to elevate the standard is especially apparent in these situations.

One example today was a situation that Capt. Gregg Tanji and crewman Blake Wasano handled with such practiced ability and ease that I couldn't help but smile in admiration from my perch on the tank at the time. About a 160 pound yellowfin tuna was ready for gaff. Both Gregg and Blake were standing by. As the fish darted out from under the chine both crewmen in unison drilled the beast right in the skull. The fishes' reaction was as if it had been struck by twin high voltage cattle prods. The bruiser lunged forward and catapulted it's entire body out of the water while simultaneously rotating like an alligator or crocodile. The boys were instantly stretched out their gaffs twisted around one another like braided rubber bands. In a split second Gregg and Blake released their gaffs handing them over and under one another while maintaining a firm grip between each lightning quick exchange. With the twists resolved the fish was lifted over the rail by both men, laid out on deck, and spiked by Gregg all in one fluid motion. It never had time to flap or kick once.

This whole insanely dramatic episode was over and done in maybe three or four seconds. It happened so fast, and was resolved with such composed fluidity, that it didn't even register as extraordinary to those close enough to observe. The potential for a dog and pony show featuring splintered lost gaffs, bloody knuckles, pinched fingers, someone coming unglued, and a mortally wounded fish busted off headed to the bottom as sea lice fodder, was a high as I have ever seen. Neither Gregg nor Blake spoke a word or reacted to the challenge as anything other than what they have trained to do. After so much time out here working together it is second nature to them. In all honesty though, I think more than anything the guys are energized by these sporty events. They live for it; nothing like a 160 pound tuna going berserk on the end of your gaff to get the adrenaline flowing.

I made the reference yesterday to luck and timing relative to indiscriminate catching results in this fishery. While this is true I offer with equal certainty that consistent results on trophy yellowfin are not by accident or due to the better half of luck. When fishing for giant yellowfin tuna good luck always runs out. It accounts for a few, but never a lot. Tackle preparation, crew performance, and experience behind the helm combine to make these catches happen with regularity. These bruisers expose any deficiency with remarkable ability. I have fallen victim to insufficient preparation or lack of modern equipment too many times in the distant past to understand and appreciate the lessons earned.

With the fantastic day of well rounded fishing settling in anglers below are on cloud nine. They have definitely earned the satisfaction pulling on fish like mad men (and women) all day. To top off an already perfect day the weather is flat calm; spectacular, and promises to maintain the trend at least through tomorrow. Taking all this into account we are staying put seeking to continue this trend tomorrow. We are presently all smiles and gratitude for a great day of fishing among many good friends. All of us are living right. We aim to keep it that way.

Our photo today features angler Jason Foster who had two personal bests this afternoon with a 160 and 204 he is pictured with here. Jason found a direct line to my heart when he asked me to snap and send a photo for his little girls Mckinely and Sierra to see their dad while he is out here. So girls I can tell you that your dad loves you more than anything, can't wait to see you, and is having a fun time catching big tuna. Here he is with his 204 pound giant yellowfin tuna he caught this afternoon.

Tim




11/06/10

Posted: 09:34:00
It was a worthy excursion to the southeast supplemented by various kelps holding scattered wahoo and dorado. Attraction to our final destination was near magnetic however as reports of big fish sign and cows coming over the rail turned minutes into hours on the bridge. That draw of giant yellowfin tuna is impossible to trade for anything else. It is almost an obsession; as so many anglers can attest to. Once most fishermen get a taste, once they see a big cow come over the rail, their fishing days are never quite the same. The sheer proportions and magnificence of these bruisers can not be grasped until seen. They are awe inspiring in every respect.

So we ground out the miles arriving on the grounds by late afternoon. Almost immediately we swung into action with a long stop that began the Royal Star big fish fall season with a resounding thud. The thud being a 270, 230, 209, and 160 hitting the deck. For our first stop in this zone needless to say we started with the correct foot forward. Now the true test will be how we hold up tomorrow and beyond.

On a different note I have to mention that when it comes to fishing down here I am going to forward what I consider an obvious notion that is regularly glossed over in what I consider over reaching promotional zeal - not that I haven't been guilty of similar offense in the past. Perhaps in my advancing years I am finally catching up. Everyone operating these long range vessels are very good, experienced, professional fishermen. If there are fish around to be caught, they will find and catch them. The first, the biggest, the last, and sometimes even the most, are functions of timing, scheduling, and then experience, ability, and luck; the last three being interchangeable according to fate. As I mentioned all of us driving these rigs possess these attributes.

What I consider the paramount identifying criteria of excellence is consistent professionalism. This is demonstrated best in the performance of a vessel's crew. From how the vessel is rigged and maintained, to exceptional customer service in the form of knowledgeable, attentive dedication to the success of every individual angler's voyage, how a crew performs together is a vessel's trademark. This is what drives consistent success in the form of fishing results, and exceeding customer's expectations. When every aspect of a voyage is attended to by a professional crew working in harmony the balance, and results, are unmistakable. That is why angler's return to their vessels of choice, or continue seeking that exceptional experience they expect and deserve for their investment. Consistent results are not by chance, sometimes fish stories are.

I would ask every prospective long range angler to take the time to research their vessel of choice through professional tackle venues such as Baja Fish Gear, Fisherman's Landing Tackle, Eric's Tackle in Ventura, and many others in the southland to numerous to list here. The guys that talk the talk, and walk the walk are your best resources. And, even better is to invest the time to engage in conversation in person. One can glean a wealth of information and gauge sincerity much better when looking someone in the eye. Also you never know, you may just find a perfect opportunity to purchase equipment for the voyage you are planning.

Back to fishing we are staying put enjoying more of the glorious, flat calm weather that is paramount to success in this zone. We will see if the case is such tomorrow. The stage is set and the boys are ready. Here we go.

Photo today features Royal Star veteran Sammy Pazzula who claimed big fish honors today with his fat 270. Capt. Brian Sims lends a steadying hand as Sammy revels in the moment. As of now, three hours later, he is still reveling. His bragging rights were earned the hard way. Congratulations!


11/05/10

Posted: 08:59:00
Big happenings today. Not for us, but extremely significant nevertheless. We made a short day of it on our end as a result of information coming over the wire that the cows showed up in force down below. Needless to say receipt of that news, combined with far less than desired results in our chosen location, made the decision to head for the inside an easy one. I suspect that will be the only "easy" part of the equation. Regardless we are charging east hoping that what occurred today is the real opening of a productive November - January on the big fish grounds.

As for our day we scratched up a few wahoo and a few handfuls of school size yellowfin tuna with a round of standout 50 - 70# fish. We viewed plenty of sign and enjoyed spectacular conditions but recognized the all too familiar pattern advertising limited potential. Whether we had received the news of incredible fishing for cows on the inside or not our decision to depart would have been the same. Weather and water conditions are exceptional offering epic offshore potential for wahoo, dorado, and tuna between here and there. We are fired up feeling optimistic about the general picture.

Photo today features long time Royal Star veteran Don Van Dyke with the first Alijos "Skin" on the trip. With some yankin' and crankin' now under our belts we are well prepared to graduate to bigger and better things to come.

Tim



11/04/10

Posted: 08:58:00
A lot of happy folks here; making no distinction between anglers and crew. The grease calm sea state is nigh surreal but recognized as an occasion to celebrate in whatever form suits the individual or group mind. In this case spirits were elevated and flowing contributing to a lively happy hour and post dinner gathering on deck. Shorts and light shirts were the attire as the atmosphere thickened into the coveted tropical blend and tales of prior adventure expanded into legends dragon slayers would shrink at. Sport fishing at it's finest; I can only hope this level of enthusiasm will follow us throughout the voyage as the theme and closing note of a epic trip.

There is plenty of calculating to do and effort to apply on our end if it is to happen. As most readers following the Royal Star narrative know I am no believer in luck producing consistent results - at least not when I run the boat. Dogged determination and attention to detail have been more reliable in my case. If good luck comes along with the effort we'll take it, and give thanks accordingly.

At least half, if not more, of good luck on the high seas is pleasant working weather however. As such we are paying proper respect on this ride south. While we will take it anytime, anyhow, and anywhere I have to admit that this condition while traveling in the opposite direction would be even better received. We'll worry about that when the time comes though. For now it is time to begin our fishing. Believe me when I say we are all ready. There is nothing better than rolling up our sleeves and launching into action. After a couple of weeks on the beach I am particularly ready to get up in it. In fact my poor crew is probably ready to throw me over the side and let me swim behind the boat for a few miles to burn off some excess energy. Come on fish gods. Don't let us down.

Tim Ekstrom

[Fishing Report]

11/10/10

Posted: 12:30:00
Well we bagged a couple more deuces according to plan, and also missed on a couple of three other chances that served to remind all of the high stakes nature of trophy tuna fishing. A few days back I said something to the effect of good luck always runs out. This morning was the shining example of that reality. And I advance this thought without losing sight of the fact that we put together a fantastic catch on cows. With twenty fish on board over 200 pounds, one at 320, and another 35 in the 140 - 196 pound class, we came out ahead in the percentage of big fish hooked to big fish landed. We are good to go, and pleased with our efforts.

In preparing anglers for their upcoming voyages I do want to emphasize the importance of rigging and recognition of the fact that fishing for these giants is far more than a lackadaisical pursuit of easy game. The stakes are monumental. The biggest yellowfin tuna of your life is swimming around beneath you sizing up your bait. My goal is not to frighten or intimidate - this is vacation sport fishing. However, fishing for these giants is comparable to the extreme version of most sports. Just like an individual wouldn't show up to heli ski in neck deep powder on a 60 percent grade at 12,000 feet in Bermuda shorts on a skateboard, an angler doesn't enter this arena with marginal equipment or cavalier notions of the attention required to achieve success.

Again, I don't seek to drive anyone to reconsider fishing for giant yellowfin on a long range vessel. The door is open to everyone. The gear advances and methods we employ today have leveled the playing field tremendously. My objective is to acquaint anglers with the stakes. It does get intense. I know there are plenty of times when anglers on Royal Star are surprised by the intensity demonstrated by the crew and I while we are engaged in battle. The emotional investment for all of us is huge. When the prospect of a crowning, apex moment of mutual achievement is hanging on the end of our angler's line it is a big deal. We are serious as any professional should be about succeeding. Our expressions are in line with the circumstances. When we win we are happy. When we don't we are not.

It is all about preparation and tilting the odds as far as possible in our favor through readiness and understanding of the game. Our success ratios today are a result of so many years of heartbreaking trial and error that I shudder in recollection. We don't want to re live the old days of hooking giants and landing one out of ten due to lack of knowledge and adequate equipment for the quarry. Even the occasional taste of it, because as I mentioned before these giants have an uncanny knack for exposing any weakness in the perimeter, is haunting and capable of producing some pretty vehement expressions. We don't take it lightly.

And, I can assure everyone that this is exactly how you want your Captain and crew to be when targeting giants. Your fish of a life time is hanging on the end of your line. You want the men standing at your side invested and cognizant of their responsibility for a successful outcome. The deck hand standing behind you in the cool shades, wearing a pair of slaps, smoking a cigarette, with his knee long shorts hanging half way down his ass will likely cost you your fish and never even realize the disaster could have been avoided. The crewman standing by your side with his attention tuned and heart invested in the sole purpose of landing that fish is your friend for life. There are an awful lot of images after the fact that attest to this. The number of times we line up a fish for photos and the jubilant angler requests the crewmen join him/her in the shot is proof positive.

Following our three hours of targeting giants that passed in a flash, we headed up the remainder of the day seeking variety in the form of dorado and wahoo associating with flotsam. One jumbo kelp produced a lively thirty minutes of action on colorful leapers and a single fat wahoo. Otherwise we clawed for altitude throughout the afternoon enjoying a fine ride in weather that steadily improved towards dark. Tomorrow morning will feature more variety fishing along the "beach" where we will dedicate a few hours targeting yellowtail before continuing up the line. If we do find them we won't be too hard on them. Just a few to fill in the cracks and provide a break in the ride.

Photo today features Ann Van Dyke whom many will recognize as the voice on the phone in the Royal Star office when Tracy is out. Ann is always up for fishing but was a little hesitant when it came to jumbos before this voyage. As seen in the photo her worries were allayed. She jumped right in the mix and landed her first 175 pound yellowfin with the skill of a veteran. Congratulations to Ann. Suffice to say she now "walks the walk" when it comes to first hand knowledge of trophy yellowfin fishing.

Tim Ekstrom

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11/09/10

Posted: 08:14:00
While we did put together another worthy day down here in the big fish zone, including our/the "first" three hundred pounder of the season that weighed in at a solid 320, we were thoroughly humbled in the process by a hook to land ratio that bit us in the rear. It was one of those days when a disproportionate percentage of jumbos triumphed to correct what was a very good run of luck over the past couple of days. It comes with the territory. I'll never enjoy it, never willingly accept it, and always react with distaste when the inevitable occurs, all the while understanding that it is inherent to giant yellowfin tuna fishing.

With my crying done the good part of the story was a steady morning showing that produced not only the 320 for skilled angler Dave Povey, but several other opportunities at real jumbos that had everyone pumped up and hopping. After seeing one of these monsters come on board it seems to produce somewhat of a shock wave that resonates as something extra profound. Every time we land one of these 300's or better it is a shared triumph recognized as special. The sight of them alone elevates the game. They jar angler's attention. All of a sudden everyone realizes that the dream really is tangible. This is the show, and they are in it.

As such, with one final day to target a giant yellowfin, and the setting ripe with opportunity, we elected to give it one more morning shot. Weighing the fishing potential above us against the significance of the bird we have in hand, I choose the shot at trophy yellowfin every time. We spend too many days waiting, hoping, and pining for this exact scenario to leave in favor of smaller ridge variety. The fisherman in me just won't allow it.

Not that we won't be making a few stops up the line late tomorrow and the next day. We'll create a little time to extend the adventure. But for now we at least want one more shot, one more taste of the show before heading north. Today's photo rightly features Dave Povey with his spectacular 320 pound yellowfin tuna all aglow in the morning sun. On the scale of aesthetic beauty this fish scored ten out of ten. Robust and vibrant exuding health, strength, and raw vitality. Perfectly proportioned, this beast was like the Charles Atlas of tunas. Huge congratulations to Dave who earned this catch all the way. He rigged for it, fished for it, hooked it using the correct tackle, and landed it with confidence in his equipment.

About two hours before Dave hooked his trophy we were up jawing in the galley over a cup of mud thick coffee. Dave made a cryptic comment that at the time struck a chord, but after his catch expanded in poignancy. The comment was " I've been waiting my whole life to be on a trip like this". Such moments do wonders for my limitless drive to introduce anglers to this fishery. The instant I saw Dave's 320 come through the gate I flashed on his previous comment smiling to myself with that unique satisfaction one feels when a job is well done. Our congratulations again to Dave on a bona fide fish of a lifetime.

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]

11/11/10

Posted: 13:37:00
We enjoyed a fine ride north and a relaxing day of beach prospecting less the gravity and intensity of giant yellowfin tuna angling. While there is nothing like it, and we are drawn to perform at peak levels by the incredible rewards, there is an air of relief after such an extended period of elevated output. More than anything I am speaking of our anlgers. Needless to say fishing for a few "goats", a bunch of "turd rollers", and a handful of yellowtail has much lighter implications than targeting giant yellowfin tuna.
The mere prospect of setting the hook on one of those big cows has a way of creating intensity. To succeed one has to be on their best game at all times in the big arena down below; not so much on the beach.

So the final day, with a meager amount of fish landed for the effort, wasn't anti climatic in the slightest. It was embraced and thoroughly enjoyed with plenty of laughs and camaraderie. Fishing simply for the sake of fishing has a way of allowing all of us to unwind, decompress, and enjoy the entire surrounding setting. In today's case the surrounding setting was the spectacular Baja coast featuring a landscape as it was 100 years past. Between the flat calm conditions, light hearted atmosphere on deck, and confidence stemming from a huge catch of trophy yellowfin in the hatch we were all in the mood to make good of whatever came our way. It is a good position to be in. One we covet, appreciate, and understand the significance of.

The closing note was near ideal with a good albiet short lived showing on premium yellowtail in one of our favorite "secret" spots lost to most in the past fifteen years. With the rugged coast mere yards away, flat calm seas, and an ocean abounding with life in all directions, the memory was complimented by a handful of thirty pound yellowtail that engaged anglers at the rail for one final round. Perhaps a few more fish would have benefitted the effort to a greater end, but I doubt it. Wih the amount of premium quality tuna, and a sprinkling of wahoo and dorado already safe and cold in the tanks, more fish would have been just that - more fish. As such we called it on a high note beginning the final leg of the journey north in preparation for our 0645 arrival at Fisherman's Landing on Saturday the 13th.

If any of you would like to roust the kids and come down to see this load of magnificent giant yellowfin tuna you are welcome. The kids are free to poke and prod to their heart's content. And, the sight of these monsters just might encourage you to pull the trigger and jump on a trip. I hope so.

Our photo today features first time Royal Star angler Art Nolan who came all the way from Maryland by way of Alaska through a referral from Royal Star angler and friend Bruce Lozakar. This is the highest form of compliment we can ask for. Our sincere gratitude to Bruce whom we will be fishing with again come January. And also to Bruce if you are following the daily narrative, needless to say Art has had a fantastic time. For an introduction to long range this was a banner experience. He is pictured here with one of his several 175# class yellowfin landed during the course of three days and a morning of targeting giant yellowfin. I'd venture that we will be enjoying Art's lively company on future voyages as his perspective on sport fishing has certainly been altered by the spectcles he witnessed during this voyage. We look forward to it.

Look for tomorrow's final report before Capt. Toussaint returns to pilot the next run.


Tim Ekstrom


11/12/10

Posted: 08:53:00
A final day of reflection and relaxation complimented by near windless conditions and gentle rolling seas. It was an ideal day to tinker with equipment and tend to our chores while yarning among one another about fishing past and fishing to come. And therein the question lies. How will the big fish 2010 season shake out on the local banks?

Of course it is anyone's guess. But, based on conditions, and the present sign of fish, all indications point to plenty of opportunities to come. Prepare accordingly. A note to all anglers on upcoming voyages is to be ready for giants, they will be the prominent quarry if available. But also remember that these voyages will target variety, and school grade yellowfin as an alternative if and when necessary.

In closing our gratitude is extended to charter master Larry Fancher and this entire group of anglers who performed to the highest standard this voyage maintaining the positive environment from the first moment to the last. The final night gathering before dinner was vibrant with exuberance as we relived and reveled in our success. A standout moment was when Larry queried the group as to how many personal bests were achieved among them - twenty one out of twenty three. The second query was how many anglers landed their first two hundred pound tuna this voyage - sixteen out of twenty three. Not a bad statistic for a ten day that the majority of anglers were completely unexpecting of such results upon departure.

Needless to say we are pleased for the opportunity to share in the triumph. Such moments, such voyages are the apex of our fishing careers. This is what we live for. Now, to do it again. Capt. Toussaint takes command on the next eleven day adventure featuring the "Las Rocas" group that is ready and raring to go. These guys live for big fish. Let's hope the big fish are living for them as well. For certain my, and their full confidence is behind Capt. Toussaint whose credentials in the big fish arena are second to none.

Final photo's for this voyage feature the man of the hour Dave Povey again with his 261 coming over the rail. As one can determine by the photo everyone, crewman Blake Wasano, crewman Steve Gregonis, Capt. Brian Sims, and Dave were having a very good time. Victory is sweet. Also Royal Star angler John Cox does the honors in this brochure quality image with his 237 gleaming in the mid day sun. Best of luck to the boys on the next voyage. I'm out.

Tim Ekstrom

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