Another dubious beginning as we awoke to find brilliant, glassy seas, perfect, almost identical conditions to the previous day that produced steady fishing, and what seemed to be excellent fishing prospects - until we began fishing. At one hour after daylight without a fish landed in the area we were a little concerned; but they didn't wake up early yesterday either. At two hours after daylight without a fish landed between us it was becoming painfully obvious that something more dire had occurred. The fish that were so prolific yesterday had moved. We were in big trouble. Typical albacore fishing.

Nothing like coming into the final day, with the success of your trip hanging in the balance, and having the whole thing shut down. Being all too familiar with this scenario however, we recognized that the only solution was to hit the road and get to looking. It took until about 1400 to get things located. And it just so happened that the fish showed up almost exactly where we were headed - a lucky strike.

We finished off the trip with a fine afternoon of steady fishing on 28 - 35# albacore and a good mix of bluefin including a pair that weighed in at 56 and 57 pounds. Sixty and twenty one were the numbers that did a stellar job of elevating spirits and ending the voyage on a high note. It was just what we needed after what was an uphill battle for the first half of the trip. All's well that ends well. With a fine load of albacore, bluefin, and yellowtail resting in the RSW tanks in premium, Royal Star condition, we head up the line satisfied and grateful that the voyage ended well. Now it is on to the next Phillips Steel/Wood Group five day charter departing tomorrow. Yours truly will continue the narrative as I have the pleasure of taking the helm.

Photos today feature two very familiar Royal Star veterans who are superb fishermen and even better friends. Warren Sakamoto is all cheer pictured with Capt. Brian Sims and his fifty seven pound bluefin landed in the bottom of the ninth to upset the jackpot. Len Cunningham, pictured with Capt. Gregg Tanji and a fat albacore, also landed one of the two bigger bluefin alongside Warren. Len's came in at 56 pounds to capture second place. Look for reports to continue and have a fine day!

Tim

Photo Here...
Photo Here...