Not very often do I get the chance to describe a ride north as pleasant; relaxing even. The same calm seas and light winds that accompanied our entire fishing stint ushered us through the potential hell stretch we passed late in the day without so much as a bump. There was one roll that tragically led to the spillage of a half glass of fine wine to the great sorrow of the consumer. Many friends were on hand however to console the unfortunate and fill the void from additional fine vintages.

As one can likely determine there is not much stressing or straining going on here. I'll pass on some more thoughts on this whole adventure while traveling north over the next three days. Suffice to say with another near dream voyage to their credit I am beginning to believe that these anglers, with positive energy pouring forth in every way imaginable, manifest this spectacular good fortune. That old saying about making your own luck seems to apply.

Luck or otherwise we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this adventure. Every ounce of arduous effort we invest in making this voyage a success is returned one hundred fold in the satisfaction these veteran fishermen express. They have a unique understanding of the entire spectrum of factors that contribute to an adventure that succeeds on this level. While luck in timing is recognized, the product, the service, the celestial cuisine prepared by Chef's Drew Rivera and Jeffery Grant, and the strategic itinerary supported by over fifty years of combined experienced between Captain Randy Toussaint and I, all create the professional atmosphere that allows these individuals to focus on their fishing vacation less any stress, consternation, or question as to what is happening and why.

This level of expectation drives our will to exceed the standard that much more. It is much more than simple competition with our colleagues out here on the water. I have said it plenty of times before: even a Chinese fire drill squad can produce a load of fish when the catching is easy and the fish are plentiful. It takes much more than that however to launch a voyage into the category of success. Poise and professionalism resulting from experience and strong leadership create an elevated standard recognized and expected by discerning individuals. Consistently delivering on this level of expectation is what we are all about. It is different on Royal Star. And we are pleased to offer our complete product to one and all.

Photo today features anglers Kevin Leong and Bart Ryder enjoying the early morning action amidst one of our several good dawn hour hits. Blissful is how I would describe it - the soft blanket of tropical morning warmth, light breeze buffeting flat calm seas, the vermillion glow of sunrise shining like a foundry against the face; all while pulling for what one is worth on trophy yellowfin tuna's emboldened by the life and death stakes of the competition. Man against beast in pure form. Primal instincts satisfied. Strip away all the modern conveniences and accoutrements and we are still the same. Fortunately, here we have the best of both worlds. Blissful. For a fisherman that is.


Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...