We eased into the day with far greater intervals between bites setting a reasonable pace from the get go that ultimately lasted through the late afternoon. From a production standpoint the numbers ended up about the same with four again over the 200 mark, numerous others from 70 - 130, and a few handfuls of 150 - 180's in the mix.

For the amount of fishing time and capacity remaining we opted yesterday afternoon to begin releasing any tuna shy of the 100# mark. Anglers readily adapted today adding the "smaller" 70 - 100 pound tuna to the release column as
there were plenty more enticing trophies coming aboard. And in the end production spread fairly among all those investing time and effort at the rail.

A new component today was a significant quantity of wahoo that appear to have moved into the shallows. The were both cause for frustration, as they flashed through slicing and dicing baits, as well as good sport for the occasional chosen one fortunate enough to land one of the toothy speedsters on the straight monofilament rigged tuna tackle. And of course some justice was administered to the thieving hook steelers by jig tossing anglers throughout the day.

All in all an incredibly satisfying day of fishing that offered anglers the opportunity to set whatever pace they preferred with the chance to hook a trophy yellowfin prominent throughout. That chance, combined with all the other action
taking place, made for about as idyllic a day in this fishery as one could ask for. Along with beautiful weather, it would be difficult to find a flaw.

Photos today feature a couple of standout moments. First, another Northern Albacoreman, Mark Youngblood, scored on his second chance at a big one tidily dispatching this 238 like a seasoned veteran. Photo number two features uber
veteran long ranger Larry Ward and his 285 taken on the mid day chunk rig. As is so often the case on the chunk the one that does come through is real tusker. Larry rigged for it, fished for it, and got it; an exemplary achievment that
resonated among the entire group. Needless to say there were a few more dedicated "chunkers" after this beauty hit the deck.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...

Quite the contrast from yesterday to this morning that was a bona fide ripper on big fish beginning in the early darkness and lasting through daylight. As so often happens on such occasions the action comes on like a freight train with a
rail full of anglers that were casually fishing almost instantly becoming a mass of desperation as spirited giant yellowfin barge in to prove they are game while towing anglers so previously confidant behind.

No doubt this is when the boys earn their keep maintaining order in a situation that is on the precipice of chaos on the best of occasions. One slip, one misstep, and the whole thing unravels leading to opportunities we traveled a
thousand miles for lost to the avoidable. Not this time though. The boys were on their game and these anglers took the cue throwing their full weight into the fracas coming out on top in the majority of the contests; a job well done by
all.

When the smoke cleared the first wave produced four over the 200 mark and another dozen in the mid to high ones. Immediately following the initial hit the mid graders filled in adding to what can only be described as wide open action.
Between the jumbos still hooked and their aspiring brethren I have to assign credit for a good run. They almost had us for a few minutes, inside the perimeter we are fond of saying, but cool heads prevailed and added up for a hearty morning. It could not have gone down better.

Then we had the rest of the day to look forward to. And it did not disappoint. Although the rip roaring pace of the pre-dawn was not to be repeated we managed to scratch at quality throughout the day. It was a welcome reprieve as the
easier pace set anglers to enjoy the experience and surroundings, and even snap a few pictures.

Speaking of which I had zero time to capture any images during the big hit that found me up to my elbows in the mix doing my best to add to our success. Not in the form of taking photos at that juncture however that admittedly challenged every skill and task management capacity I could muster. Later however I grabbed an image of another Oregon Albacoreman Jeff Norwood who was hot from the moment he awoke this morning. In today's shot Jeff is employing the trusty "rail method" to authoritatively dispatch one of his several good ones landed after
the big dawn.

Without question this location is worthy of another day and more as we are in ideal position to continue the trend established today. With a little agreement from the tuna we'll be happy to maintain the status quo.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

We can't exactly claim a rip roaring start, quite the opposite truth be told, but we finally managed to get in the game by mid-afternoon scratching away at mid-graders with a few hefties mixed in. Not a lot of action here today overall,
but the sign is definitely still around.

As such we are in for the penny and pound sticking to the game plan here for at least a few days. This place definitely has the feel of something good waiting in the wings.

Photos of the day feature long time Royal Star favorite Jan Abbot once again demonstrating her skill at the rail landing the first deuce of this voyage, a fat, 213. Photo number two features Jan in the action along side featured Oregon
Albacoreman Todd Girtz making his second winter long trip to the show in pursuit of the mystical Thunnus Albacares.

I can not sufficiently express my satisfaction to see some of the hardcore summer albacore chasers from up north making a winter long range voyage. With the relatively new found love for tuna fishing up north, I can only hope Todd
and his friend's pilgrimage will spark more interest among like minded sportsmen in the northern climes. For all you northern anglers following Todd, Jeff, Mark, and Wayne's progress they went four for five today with Mark unfortunately
missing on his first chance at a big one. Todd's first battle of the voyage ended in triumph producing a mid-grade, 120 pounder. Before the trip ends I'll get all the guys in at least a photo or two. That is, if we catch them. Tomorrow
is a new day.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...

A far more serious tone today as our arrival in the grand arena now feels real. From the first morning step beyond the galley an unmistakable, thoroughly convincing atmospheric change greets anglers to the subtropics with gentle
warmth, soft and inviting. It is a far cry from the hard edge of the prior three days when the breeze was sharp and the crisp temperatures were quick to bite through our layers; not today.

Today as anglers emerged a sense of purpose was instinctual as final preparations were attended to in many forms. Drags were set, harnesses adjusted, terminal tackle was finally attached - all the finishing touches were applied in
the face of the now obvious inevitable. We have arrived - almost.

And during this final day of travel progress appears exponential as we push deeper into the mesmerizing indigo waters and the sun takes on an imposing character. Within a day a few minutes of bliss soaking in the warm sunshine
transforms into within a few minutes of dwelling in direct sunlight it feels as though one is on the top rack of a broiler oven. The signature tropical sun greets with an admonition to cover up, and temper it's allure with wisdom.

One last night in pursuit of the beckoning Southern Cross before our early a.m. arrival thrusts us into the heart of the game. No warm up, no soft start; this is the show from minute one to the closing bell. We are ready, in every way,
shape, and form. And of course, we pray they are as ready and eager as we are to begin this show on a high note. Tomorrow will tell.

Tim Ekstrom

Between the two football games and a serious poker tourney a few nickels and dimes changed hands this easy going Sunday. Still the seas are frothing by, still the ride is smooth and fine, and still we well utilize the passage of
time.

Three or four morning hours of steadfast attention to rigging and prep yielded to an afternoon of above described leisure. It was fine, and well earned. Perhaps the big scenic highlight of the day was a close pass of the famed Alijos
Rocks that in the present sea condition in no way beckoned with charm. Intrigue certainly, the history of catching around these Paleolithic outcropings can not help but pique the curiosity of any true fisherman, but given the season, and uninviting canvas, such instinctual callings were held in check.

The finishing touches will be applied tomorrow as we round out the first travel leg of this voyage with particular attention to details. For when it comes to giant yellowfin tuna, the little things in rigging and preparation do count. In
this arena one may be fishing for only one or two chances at a bona fide giant during the course of their adventure. Sure there will be many opportunities at "mid-graders" on successful outings, but, as for the big deuces, most voyages on
average offer at best a handful of shots a day. Perfect preparation is key, is necessary, to make good when your turn comes.

Tim Ekstrom

Preparation, rigging, and relaxation were accomplished in equal measure as the first leg of southerly passage was completed sans surprise. Steadily gaining on our destination this group of seasoned anglers settled into the travel routine
with ease recognizing that any sense of urgency in this environment serves no end.

In fact the travel time is ideal for the vast majority of us as the opportunity to unplug and unwind in this degree is a rare delight. Understood as such it is actually a cathartic period anglers embrace immersing themselves in the pure
pursuit of their fishing passion. A few days of travel cleanses the mind and appropriately narrows the focus to the task at hand. The inevitability of it compels one to slow down, relinquish the reins to us, and enjoy the passage of
time liberated from the daily grind.

And such focused relaxation and preparation will continue as we enjoy a brisk tail wind and unimposing following seas. It is always our pleasure to observe such a sea state with grateful indifference. On this heading it doesn't matter.
We slide down with an occasional comfortable slow roll or yaw painlessly accomplishing whatever task we set to. Knowing full well the opposite would be true traveling in the opposite direction, one can not help but revel in the fact
that right now we are not.

Tim Ekstrom

Boy there is plenty happening shore side and on board as we begin this new voyage, the annual Braid sponsored 15 day, in high spirits, ready to claim our share of the action below. And, though it is far from new information, the
action below can only be described as exceptional, for real, with bona fide huge catches unloaded yesterday and today validating last week's reports from Hurricane Bank. As has been demonstrated in so many past seasons January is
amazingly consistent in that region.

With that in mind, and what feels like a luxury of time on this run of fifteen days, we almost certainly favor "The Bank" at some point in our voyage. Plenty of assistance in the form of information streaming in from our colleagues ahead
will undoubtedly play into our decision as we head south over the next three days.

Naturally I will keep all readers abreast of the action on board, and perhaps entertained, as I warm up to the daily narrative I have missed now for some time. A little down time, a short hiatus if you will, has done wonders producing
a wealth of introspective opportunities. In what form they manifest remains to be seen but all Royal Star anglers bear witness to the idea factory put into action on our vessel. Remaining on the cutting edge is a compulsion around here
- the future beckons.

For now the short term narrows our focus to the task at hand. Preparation and rigging is at the top of the order as we cruise the vast expanse presently punctuated by bountiful frothing growlers thankfully astern. It would not be
nice heading in the opposite direction. Thankfully we are not, and don't plan to be for the next three days.

Enjoy the weekend and look for reports to continue.

Tim Ekstrom

Checking in after a beautiful ride up the line looking at a 0600 arrival tomorrow. After a few intense days of yft fishing it was nice to relax and leisurely break down the gear in flat calm weather. Our next trip is our annual Braid 15-day leaving on the 20th with Tim at the helm, look for his reports to follow.

A great day of angling to finish up the trip with another 80 yft going in the hatch from 50-175lbs. Similar to yesterday with a slow pick for most of the day followed by a ripper at sundown. We are heading up the line in beautiful weather that looks to be holding for the next few days. Mitch Otera is in today's shot with his first yft over 200.

Photo Here...

A great day of angling to finish up the trip with another 80 yft going in the hatch from 50-175lbs. Similar to yesterday with a slow pick for most of the day followed by a ripper at sundown. We are heading up the line in beautiful weather that looks to be holding for the next few days. Mitch Otera is in today's shot with his first yft over 200.

Photo Here...