Royal Star Long Range trip starting 1-8

[Fishing Report]

01/08/11

Posted: 13:35:00
We're back on track rolling south with another fantastic, eager group of veteran anglers ready to get in the game. As of now we are pleased with the arrangement carrying a perfect load of bait for the cause content to settle in and travel for the next couple of days. Based on this season's conditions there are few alternatives. Cold and colder is how it is shaping up with all indications pointing towards more of the same for at least the next few months. In the big picture the cold water is fine by us as it bodes well for a more "normal" summer fishing season to come. That is getting way too far ahead in terms of this voyage. First things first.

On the news front I do have a few items to report concerning the Royal Star 2011 and 2012 schedule. First is the fact that there are openings available for the summer/fall 2011 season on voyages from three to ten days. While availability is limited, there are a few prime time voyages with space to accommodate individuals and small groups. Now is definitely the time to call Tracy, or the temporarily "winged" Capt. Brian Sims recovering from shoulder repair, in the office and make reservations for the upcoming summer and/or fall. If you are planning to make a Royal Star voyage this season don't wait to call!

The second piece of significant news is that 2011 will be the final year of the Revillagigedo tagging project. The incredible success of this project, and the wealth of significant data resulting from the release of thousands of yellowfin tuna in the Revillagigedo reserve since February 2006, has satisfied the director of the IATTC. The scientists at the IATTC and Mexico's INP will be pursuing other studies and projects after 2011. Due to 2011 now being the final opportunity to tag yellowfin tuna and wahoo in the Revilla's the May 16 day will operate as a tagging excursion departing Cabo San Lucas May 4th, retiring May 16th. Also, there are two or three spots presently available on the February 2011 voyage for any anglers interested in joining one of these final, historic scientific expeditions. Give Tracy or Brian a shout in the office for more details.

Otherwise we are steaming south with little excitement to report. The daily narrative will continue as we get warmed up to the adventure.

Tim Ekstrom

01/09/11

Posted: 17:51:00
A lively group of anglers thus far enjoying the opportunity to relax, unwind, and spend the majority of their travel time sharing tales and spirits in the spirit of things good to come. Nothing pleases me more than seeing twenty or more individuals meld into a cohesive group ready to charge together and make it happen. Such bonding is another huge key to the success of any given voyage.

I have made plenty of past references to the crew dynamic, and how crucial their contributions are to the overall atmosphere on board. While the crews' actions and ability affect the tone, equally important are the anglers themselves. When everyone pitches in, embraces the obvious idea that we are all in the same boat, and recognizes the results of a voyage as a team effort, everyone on board is best served. The fondest voyages in my memory are the ones when anglers are encouraging one another and sharing in each other's accomplishments almost as if they were their own during the day's of fishing. Those occasions represent the whole of long range fishing better than any. Individual accomplishment is certainly what anglers sign up for; but such accomplishment, shared with like minded friends old and new, is that much more rewarding.

So we continue south with fair wind and seas combining to make a pleasant ride. No jarring, rocking, or rolling to speak of - nice and smooth with a gentle heel or two just to remind us of our surroundings; another day in paradise.

Tim Ekstrom

01/10/11

Posted: 15:34:00
A festive atmosphere throughout the day as anglers occupied the time preparing equipment in high anticipation of fulfilling their fishing goals for this voyage. It's a good time. Zero stress, and nothing to do other than focus on rigging gear and whatever form of relaxation one chooses. Light winds and one to three foot following seas are making a perfect ride of it while we continue our trek to the promised land - we hope.

Time will tell, and so will we - the day after tomorrow. One more day of this brand of fun will be plenty for now. As always we are beyond ready to begin fishing.

01/11/11

Posted: 10:22:00
This final day of travel always seems freighted with a certain sense of anxiety as the reality of the fishing soon to come weighs on final preparations. Again drags are checked, again splices are evaluated, again anglers and crewmen alike go over the check off list doing their best to eliminate the possibility of an unpleasant surprise when the action begins. In essence, the third day is when it all comes together. The old man comes down and lays out the game plan as he sees it, and then, the final wait begins.

I can say from vast experience that this final day is always the longest. Even the most stoic anglers at this point are wound like coil springs barely able to contain a youthful anticipation akin to that a child harbors the night before arriving at Disneyland. This is the culmination of weeks, months, perhaps even years of yearning, anticipation, and preparation. The moment is on the verge. I can only hope that everyone one of you reading this are as passionate about something as these anglers are about fishing. Actually, I wish everyone was as passionate about fishing; even better as passionate about fishing on Royal Star.

And so approaches the best portion of the voyage tomorrow and beyond as we get down to the business we came for. Everything we can ask for is presently aligned. It is now up to the fish, and our wits, to make it happen.

Tim Ekstrom

01/12/11

Posted: 10:23:00

We're off to a damn fine start with a full day of scratch action, and a few decent flurries, adding up to a very respectable score at day's end. Yellowfin in the 90 - 140# class dominated the action with a few standout 170's and 180's, and one at 207. It was a good day of fishing that found veteran and novice anglers in high spirits alike eager to continue the trend.

Though not flat calm the weather was plenty civil with little need for shorts or sunscreen for a sky obscured by clouds. Consistent with just about every other attribute this cold water season has exhibited, the air temperature is almost too cool with steady trades moderating this subtropical latitude into a more temperate arena. I can say however that I recall much colder conditions more than once here in the past. What we see now though is ideal for anglers putting in a full day at the rail reefing on big tuna. Water conditions for what we are targeting are primo. We are feeling good about the potential around.

And that sums it up as we are in full production mode content to settle in if the fishing allows it. Photo today features angler Mark Lennon who sweated out a long dry spell early to ultimately recover in fine style with a pair of dandies in the late afternoon/evening. Mark is doing some business here applying full pressure on the big gear.

One final aside is that we are pleased to be testing a prototype Shimano Talica 50 class reel that so far is consistent with every other Shimano reel that I have raved about. Between the incredibly light weight of the unit itself, and a design that is very comfortable in hand while fishing, I have high expectations that this reel will be a new must when the R and D phase is complete. I am not entirely certain if yesterday's 130 pound class yellowfin landed using the newest of the Talica line is the first, but I am certain it won't be the last. Naturally the reel, even in it's most rudimentary form, performed flawlessly. We have explicit instructions to use this new beauty hard and see how it holds up so I'll reserve final judgment until we complete our fishing time. One fish does not a reel make; though so far so good.

Tim Ekstrom




01/13/11

Posted: 10:24:00
We just about kept pace with yesterday's score despite suffering an extended mid afternoon lull that had us fretting for awhile how things were going to turn out in the end. As it was the best of the catching was done by mid day clearing the way for a languid afternoon punctuated by an occasional fish or two to keep angler's attention attuned. This is the classic example of time at the rail translating into results in the hatch. It is a pretty straightforward equation. Although we have at least a couple of anglers suffering from the dreaded "snakebite" who might not presently agree.

All the time I spend out here observing the cycle of individual success, and lack thereof, lends me to relate a piece of wisdom valuable to any fisherman pursuing their sport. Just like everything peaks and valleys are inherent. It is how the valley's are negotiated that define character and ability. Recognizing the fact that an occasional salty period, when despite one's best effort the bite's simply don't come, and not getting rattled by it, is one of those defining composure tests that separate the hearty from the less than. When your time in the barrel arrives, and it most certainly will, the only way to forge through is with a determined smile. The effort, redoubled by an angler's refusal to be bogged down by the affront to their ability and/or ego, will be rewarded - eventually.

As one can imagine we have seen countless examples of angler's enduring the pain of a snakebite over the years. What fascinates me about the phenomena is how consistent it is. If not every voyage, certainly almost every voyage someone is afflicted with the malady. It even rolls through the ranks at times like some insidious virus that incapacitates anglers one after another with complete indifference. Even the best of the best share equally in the suffering. There is no distinction when the cruel stroke of snakebite delivers it's punishment. Fortunately it is curable with the right prescription. Grace under fire, strength in the face of adversity, however one presents the cure, it is the only solution. Fear not when the inevitable occurs. Remember this passage and wrench out a smile through the pain. The duration of the condition definitely appears to shorten when an angler does not succumb to self loathing or pity. The fish gods mete out their injustice equally. Recognizing this, and maintaining a sense of humor, will guide one through the dark hours, or, god forbid, day's when your number comes up.

Photo of the day features accomplished veteran angler Jay Love who I have witnessed enduring the above mentioned on a couple of past memorable occasions. I have many, many more memories of the exact opposite however as he is about as skilled an angler as one can be. The proof is in the pudding so to speak. Regardless of the voyage Jay always seems to come out in the top ten percentile; not by accident, and not by luck. Using perfect equipment, perfectly rigged and maintained, Jay applies his knowledge and leaves the rest to Providence that seems to reward those who are prepared and practiced with consistent results. Jay's result yesterday was this 218 that definitely did not come easy. Quite the fighter he was that just about escaped after lighting up and tearing off the gaff after the first attempt. He tangled with the wrong guy however as the gorilla Wasano held fast, and with a sigh of relief, made good on the second round.

Tim Ekstrom


01/14/11

Posted: 20:27:00
Rather than a fall from grace I would classify our results today as a correction for the fact that were we enjoying one of those mysterious honey hole's for the prior two day's. For whatever reason - a slight blip in the ridge, an underwater eddy, or even plain luck, one spot or another will often out produce when fishing amidst plenty of company with no real explanation as to why. And then today the classic element of fishing that forever maintains my fascination and interest occurred.

Naturally confidence was high as the prior two days identified our zone of choice as highly productive. Fully prepared to keep the roll established we prepped for another good day, rolled out early, and then watched the show as one of our colleagues enjoyed the lion's share of the action. Classic fishing, just when one thinks they have it dialed in the rug is pulled from beneath them; nothing changed visibly, but something obviously did. I won't go as far as saying it's a total mystery though. The bottom has plenty to do with results in this zone. A little local knowledge goes a long way. A lot of local knowledge goes even further.

Not that we didn't make a day of it or fall completely short in the catching department. We had a decent albeit scratchy day of putting fish onboard one at a time but for the occasional short flurry for two or three. As usual they seem to accumulate just the same. We finished the day pleased but not ecstatic. The gold ring evaded our best effort while we did good on the brass. But, with a fisherman's idea of the what and why we'll see if we can't outfox the fox tomorrow. We are in great position regardless with a couple of days to go, plenty of resources, and the resolve to wallop a lot more of these tuna.

Photo today features Royal Star angler Mike Carlson who is a story in himself for the past three days. I have to admit that even I am now amazed after being merely impressed in the beginning. You see Mike has surpassed every idea of reasonable in the category of hooking fish. I honestly can not answer the question of whether he is lucky or good. He is definitely some, or a lot, of one, both, or the other. The first day he was good hooking his share and then some with an obvious skilled hand in live bait fishing. The second day he was better hooking more than his share, a lot more, with an obvious heightened knowledge of the micro aspects of this style fishing. Today he was just plain damn lucky. No one can be that good. Can they? One after another, bait after bait he is on. Right in the middle of everyone, using identical equipment, on the port side, starboard side, in the middle of the stern, under the boat, up the side, on the kite - it doesn't matter - he is on. Following yesterday's performance I began observing closely hoping to glean the secret from such mystifying mastery. I haven't seen it yet. I will keep watching however, and report accordingly.

Here is the undisputed hero along with a call out to his friends who Mike assured me are watching the voyage results closely. I can say with gratitude that the current results in the hatch are much better with Mike a part of this adventure. What a fisherman.

Tim Ekstrom






01/15/11

Posted: 09:09:00
To begin with there wasn't any outfoxing to take credit for today. In fact, I would venture that we were outfoxed as conditions were completely different, and mere scraps of the abundance we were taking advantage of were to be seen. The sun came up, the weather was beautiful, the stage was set for another fine day of action, and we waited for the show to begin. And we waited, and we waited, and we waited.

Then came that critical fishing decision that troubles all of us in these situations. Knowing full well that if one drives away you will be deserting known potential for the unknown, the simplicity of the obvious, or what appears obvious, is not so simple. Sit and wait them out, or go looking for the mother lode? It is torturous in these situations with minutes feeling like hours and patience being tested to the limit. In my case I admit that in the patience category I post consistently low values. I try, but I suffer against the notion of that big school, or new area out there waiting to be found. Such impatience has served me well many times past, and also served me plenty of humble pie; nothing like taking off in search of, finding very little or nothing, and then receiving reports of good fishing exactly where you departed from beginning twenty minutes after you left.

It didn't happen exactly that way today, thank goodness, but we definitely pulled the trigger a mite too soon and had a pretty fair taste of the above. Such is fishing. Though such occasions are regrettable, they are also inevitable. To find the goods one has to look. On the whole we have been better served following instinct. While we did eat a little humble pie in the morning, the afternoon was a different story.

It was action packed, and a heck of a show, but not any kind of real barn burner in the end. Lines were tight however, and the spectacle of tuna crashing everywhere, and excitement on deck served our mission well. We ended the day on a good note accumulating a worthy total for the effort. With one final day to get it done we are geared up and ready. Things underwent a big change around here today but the fish are still around in force. We'll see if they return to a biting mode tomorrow.

Photo of the day features angler Darrin Seigi who in addition to being a top notch fisherman is a stellar individual to share the rail with. An expert rigger, Darrin regularly volunteers his experience to the benefit of all anglers assisting with their equipment and rigging with pleasure. I snapped this shot of Darrin during a mid day stop while he was thoroughly enjoying the moment pulling on a good one. The expression he is wearing speaks a thousand words. This is what we come out here for. Look for the final fishing report tomorrow.

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]

01/16/11

Posted: 17:09:00
A fitting end that managed to change the overall tone completely. Prior to this morning the occasional jumbos were randomly mixed in the majority catch of 90 - 140's with no rhyme or reason as to why or when. Today was a different story. Show time. We began with a classic pre sun up hit that saw at least ten of twenty one anglers engaged in battle with big fish. As to how many were behemoth, 200 - 300 pound class tuna I would definitely venture more than half. The "small" fish adding to the excitement were stock 130 - 175's.

Needless to say the boys had their hands full maintaining order in the face of more than a few extreme challenges. Between difficult visual conditions of the pre dawn hour, fish that were exceptionally spirited, and desperate anglers in tow behind some real deal cows it was excitement of a brand completely different than previously experienced during this adventure. Welcome to the show.

It's a great opportunity to make the point of how exceptional the difference between a tuna in the 120 - 170 pound class, and a tuna in the 200 pound or larger class really is. Other than the fact that they are of the same species there really is no comparison. On so many occasions anglers with a good feel for catching mid grade tuna, and vast quantities of confidence in their knowledge and ability, are blown away by the pulling force, and incredible strain on their equipment, when they battle with their first "giant" yellowfin tuna. It is a different game when the giants arrive. There is a reason we constantly emphasize the need for the big gear - 130 pound mono and correctly matched hook sizes, when targeting giants. Eighty pound monofilament, or even one hundred pound is plenty sufficient, perhaps even overkill, when catching yellowfin tuna in the 100 - 170 pound class. It is like thread when pulling on a yellowfin tuna in the high two hundreds or three hundred pound class.

The margin for error, or better said heart breaking disaster, increases one hundredfold when huge ones are in the mix, or arrive on scene to shatter angler's novice to fishing for these beast's idea of fair play. This is exactly what occurred in the early morning today. We went from a leisurely time of easily subduing mid range class tuna on sardine tackle during the prior four days to getting ruined by tenacious monsters devoted to making a point of their superiority. And their job was well done. There are a couple of handful of anglers harboring new found respect for yellowfin tuna fishing. When all was said and done, and the victors and the vanquished were gathered around the stern deck watching their trophies get weighed or lamenting their misfortune, I was beaming a grin unique to the satisfaction of understanding that several of these anglers just lived the transformational moment in long range fishing. "Welcome to the show boys" is how I put it. "Welcome to the show".

While we came out a little behind in the averages during this round, a disproportionate number of hook pulls accounted for the majority of it; nothing to do about that. Correct gear and drag settings are all one can do to position themselves for success. If the hook pulls it is pure unfavorable fortune. Regardless of the few defeats we had a heck of a morning hit yielding eleven good ones total with three over the deuce mark and one 305 for long time veteran angler Len Cunningham.

Though I have gone a little too long today already Len is a story in himself. He is another example of time at the rail, dedication to the pursuit of a real giant, and always using perfectly maintained, perfectly matched gear for the occasion, producing the fish he was looking for. When opportunity knocked, Len was ready, and the result was a beautiful 305 pound yellowfin that bested Len's fishing buddy Warren Sakamoto who graces the Royal Star brochure cover this year with his 304. Len got an extra little pang of satisfaction knowing that he eked it out by one pound. Classic. Otherwise the final testament to Len's accomplishment is that he did it at 78 years young. I hope to be like him when I grow up. What a fisherman.

After our morning hit we passed the remainder of our day successfully practicing "run and gun" type fishing on the outside for steady action on 120 - 199 pound class yellowfin. It was a great, action packed end to an already fine voyage. As we steamed north at sundown all were riding high down below supremely content to be heading home with stories to share and a wealth of premium RSW yellowfin tuna in the hatch. Reports will continue as we work our way north in forecast glorious conditions. So far so good.

Tim Ekstrom

01/17/11

Posted: 09:02:00
About as good of traveling weather as one can hope for thus far with flat calm seas, calm wind, and a gentle two to four foot northerly swell. With just a slow little rise and fall to the ride we could not be more pleased. Somewhere, sometime the bill will come due for this stretch of almost unusually calm weather. Until then however we will take all of this and then some.

Taking full advantage of the travel conditions anglers passed the day breaking down equipment and putting their terminal tackle in order for the still distant day of return. That accomplished the remainder of the day was dedicated to R and R under a warm, beckoning sun. A fine catch in the RSW tanks, and the unique sense of triumph that accompanies fishing success has a calming effect that lends to easy going and time trouble free. Though the time when anglers can let go and enjoy relaxation in pure form is short relative to our real lives, such an opportunity to stop the world, if embraced, can be amazingly cathartic. Just think of how many times you have said to yourself "if I could just have one day to let it all go and truly relax".

On a completely different note, and back to the subject of fishing, earlier in the voyage I mentioned the opportunity anglers had to test drive a prototype Shimano Talica 50 reel pulling on mid grade yellowfin tuna. My preliminary assessment of the Talica 50 in this application is that the tuna were severely outmatched. It is going to take a lot more than a 150 pound yellowfin to get the most out of this reel. On these mid grade tuna the machine barely broke a sweat. Smooth as silk, so smooth in fact that winding on a fish, or simply winding in a bait is noticeably different. There is almost no resistance. Even when a tuna is pulling on the end of the line the resistance is minimal.

The other standout feature is how light the Talica 50 is overall. I didn't place it on a scale and compare but by feel I would venture the weight is half to three quarters of reels in a similar size class; for a full day of flyline sardine fishing this is a big deal. As we have a very crude prototype the finished external features are still to come. I can offer that I like what I see so far with simplicity appearing to be the thrust of the design focus. While we did get a good idea this voyage of the basics, all of which are impressive to say the least, I still await the true test of a big two or three hundred pound yellowfin to demonstrate the Talica 50's ultimate ability. However, based on what I observed, I have zero doubt that this reel will outperform expectations. Typical Shimano.

Today's photo features long time Royal Star veteran Ted Gustin who ventured his first longer voyage in the hope of besting his personal record of a yellowfin tuna in the one hundred pound class. As it turned out, good fortune, good rigging, and good timing combined for a hearty 213 that Ted subdued like an old pro. The photo features Ted in action minutes before the battle reached it's successful conclusion.

Tim Ekstrom

...

01/18/11

Posted: 09:22:00
Another day of travel in beautiful conditions finds us in a mood upbeat and jovial as the time and sea passes by in synchronized passivity. The contrast between this mode of cruising, and the opposite, is so stark that we rightly savor times like the present as a gift to be cherished. So cherish we did. Little projects were tended to, and a few odds and ends tidied up, but the majority of the day was passed in good conversation sharing wisdom, opinion, and plenty of b.s. to liven up the discourse. One can imagine the trajectory of conversation when twenty some odd fishermen/outdoorsmen, with nothing but time on hand to relax, sit, and yarn, are provided the ideal opportunity to do exactly that. It is both entertaining and educational; in approximately equal amounts.

A final day of riding, in continuing calm seas, promises plenty more of the above as we grind out the miles on course for home. I would confidently venture that by now, despite the overwhelming enjoyment of the experience, that everyone is ready. There is a certain magic to that element of a long range voyage itself. Something about passing significant time at sea sweetens the homecoming like none other. Perhaps the remoteness of our distant destinations, and the complete detachment from what is familiar instills the special yearning. Certainly the complete separation from our female counterparts provides a biological explanation for some of the anticipation. But overall there is more to it than meets the eye. There is a spell binding mystique to the sea inexplicable yet compelling. It compels us to go forth, and compels us to return; again in approximately equal amounts.

I could certainly excavate the depths of this topic far beyond the majority interest so I'll leave it at that. Needless to say there is an abundance of time while traveling to ponder far more that fishing. Photos today feature another long time long range veteran Mike Nagao with his 199, yes 199 on the boat scale, sliding over the rail. While I don't consider the triumph marginalized by the 199 pound weight of this beauty, it does raise the question I'll present to all. Would it have been better if it was 200 pounds? Or 201? I caught one about twenty years ago that weighed 299.6 pounds so the question to me does freight a personal element.

The second photo features Mike's robust 199 in the critical moments before Capt. Brett Rouintree and crewman Blake Wasano drove the gaffs home. It's a beautiful photo that does far more for the moment than my paltry effort with word. Look for tomorrow's final report.

Tim Ekstrom




01/19/11

Posted: 09:24:00
We were bestowed the final gift of surprise calm conditions contrary to forecasted 15 - 20 knots of northwest breeze and 4 - 6 foot seas. Though nothing in the sea state to consider other than the loss of ease and comfort in such conditions, the unwelcome coming change was not anticipated as a positive in any form. As I mentioned earlier travel in calm seas is relaxing and enjoyable. Travel in sloppy conditions is far less thrilling. Drudgery is how I would classify it.

We missed out on all the fun however as the forecasted change was downgraded and the seas remained calm. In all my memory I can't recall a more pleasant ride north. Three days of near flat calm with only today offering the first significant motion. A mix of northwest wind and groundswell added a few easy rolls to the ride that otherwise was blissful in relative terms.

With delightful conditions to regale the entire passage north we avoided any scheduling conflict easily satisfying our ETA of 0730 on January 20th. Captain Toussaint takes the helm on the next round as the annual "Dennis Braid" fifteen day voyage departs on the 21st bound for points south and beyond. As always Dennis assembles a stellar group of individuals that will undoubtedly make the most of whatever opportunities are to come. Rest assured that with Capt. Toussaint behind the helm opportunity will be found. There is no more skilled fishermen than Randy; simple as that.

For the northern angling contingent I want to mention that on Thursday the 20th Capt. Brian "Gerbie" Sims will attend the Sacramento show followed by yours truly on the 21st and 22nd. We look forward to the opportunity to meet and speak with any and all visiting the show. At the beginning of the voyage I mentioned that we have limited availability on select summer and fall voyages; now is the perfect time to make reservations if you are planning a Royal Star adventure. Either see us at the show or give Tracy a call in the office. In the meantime look for Capt. Toussaint's occasional scant reports as the next voyage progresses. He is a man of few words, but boy does he catch fish.

Final voyage photos feature long range veteran Harry Trumbauer pulling on a good one in the corner, and Len Cunningham and I with his 305 sharing in the conquest.


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