Zero to report on the fishing front today as we rocked and rolled, bumped and jumped, and clawed our way northwest against a screaming downhill current that has thus far been the signature condition of the 2010 season; that and complete unpredictability of course. In fact, I can not recall anything I have experienced being even remotely close. From what initially appeared to be a stellar alignment of fish sign and conditions, to the polar opposite in mid August is something to see. Mind you it is a tough chain of events to swallow, and even smacks of injustice, but, no surprises. Mother Nature is well known for her indifference.

I am referencing the present set up for offshore fish in the above. Island fishing, as well as fishing to the far south, has been our savior of the highest caliber. Without these options, I can easily imagine the worst; because I have been there. We are not there yet. And with any luck, won't be as options expand. But, therein lies the big question. As crazy and unpredictable as the summer of 2010 has been so far there is no telling what is to come. The typical late summer, early fall push of warm water that brings exotics to the local and distant offshore grounds is already tardy. I wouldn't hang my hat on any notion however. As I stated a few days back - we are either going to see incredible happenings come late August and September, or winter is going to arrive in lieu of Indian Summer.

While I share this rather disturbing set of observations and assessment of the offshore conditions, in no way am I attaching any long term significance to what is occurring. This is actually the point I wish to emphasize in today's passage. What we are all presently experiencing in the coastal Southern California and Northern Baja offshore waters is an anomaly yes, but nothing more than a regular part of the grand mechanism in the big picture. Such cycles are normal. Peaks and valleys so to speak. Regular small fluctuations, occasional more dramatic shifts, then the once in twenty or thirty year big wrench in the works are inherent in the cyclic rhythm of conditions and change. In no way am I attempting to minimize the effect and impact on fishermen of from all ends of the spectrum. The pain of not catching fish, as well as the catastrophic effect on businesses is nothing to be made light of. But, it is important not to succumb to "Chicken Little Syndrome" about what is presently occurring offshore. What we are dealing with is part of the natural ebb and flow. The long term implications relative to the health of this fishery are zero. There are plenty of fish out there. Conditions along the entire coast from Washington to Northern Baja are just unfavorable for them right now.

Taking all this into account, we are ecstatic to be departing on our next six day voyage tomorrow with Capt. Toussaint at the helm. The annual Mako Nakamura six day will depart with a favorable weather pattern to work with and plenty of prospects down below. Combined with a wealth of time to work at whatever they find, all signs point to a fine fishing set up.

In closing for the day, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the entire "Pfishcadora" group of anglers whom I have annually shared the Royal Star deck with for eighteen years. When I was a young man working on Royal Polaris with Frank Lo Preste I used to marvel when he would describe to me, during or in advance of a voyage, the depth of his sentiment towards a particular group because he had fished with them for fifteen or twenty years. At the time I couldn't imagine such a thing. It just wasn't in my capacity to understand in my youth. The notion that he had been making fishing voyages with the anglers on board for longer than I had been alive was beyond my comprehension. I had no gauge to measure the significance. Now I do. And, now I understand. I am endeared to these anglers simply for the fact that we have shared so many experiences, and so much fishing, good and bad, over the past eighteen seasons. The respect I have for these anglers is tremendous. They have the right approach appreciating every aspect of their annual Royal Star voyage with keen perspective. So again my thanks and good wishes until next year.

Final voyage photos feature long time anglers Frank Hirose with his son Tom and crewman Steve Gregonis doing the lifting honors. I believe Frank is the ranking veteran with close to ninety years under his belt. Talk about a warrior. Frank of course, but also Tom who brings along his dad every year. Again - what a legacy. Also for the day, Gene Osher is featured with crewman Steve Gregonis and Gene's trophy yellowtail wrestled from the kelp during an epic, twenty minute battle.
Look for Capt. Toussaint's reports to continue.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...