7/19/14

We had an inquiry in the office a few days prior, thankfully the only one of its kind so far, that asked the question:
"How is the Mexican ban on catching bluefin tuna going to affect our upcoming voyage?". My answer: "It's not". We make
due, we make the most of whatever opportunities are available, and we have never had the success of any voyage
predicated upon catching something specific before we leave the dock. This is fishing. It is the great unknown. And
unexpected changes and events, man made and natural, are part of the incessant challenges that make this profession
simultaneously fantastic and maddening.

Today was an ideal example of this reality. Departing on the annual Michael Doi seven day, that is deficit Michael due
to family obligations to all our sincerest regret, we took a tour out west seeking to begin this voyage with a little
U.S. waters bluefin action before pushing south. A short steam out front, a mere three hours, and the search began.
Working west toward the beautiful San Clemente island our fortune took a turn for the better - a dandy area of bluefin
was spotted, tracked, run down, and enticed with epic sardines courtesy of Everingham Brothers.

The result was sixty four bluefin and eight yellowfin for the late afternoon on the day of departure. Who would have
guessed? In fishing anything is plausible. Everyone one of us should keep this in mind. A lot of these bluefin are
already north of the U.S./Mexico border this year: a welcome gift from "El Nino" in the light of the impromptu closure
of bluefin fishing by Mexico. Foremost is our desire for a reasonable resolution to the present closure in Mexico -
there are still many bluefin to the south ready and willing to be caught - but there are viable alternatives; no reason
to be canceling any trips just yet, or falling on our swords.

Apart from just over a handful of fifteen to eighteen pounders the size average of today's bluefin was 30 - 39 pounds.
The yellowfin were 12 - 20. The weather is exactly how everyone wants to see it - flat calm - and forecast to remain
such for the next couple of days. Sounds like good conditions for offshore blue finnin', and that is exactly our plan.
The waters of the United States of America will host Royal Star again tomorrow. With our California fishing licenses
current both Captain Randy Toussaint and I are optimistic about the conditions and potential in this zone. In addition
to these school fish the big boys are also around. Tomorrow is a new day.

Photos feature a familiar father and son on the deck of Royal Star. Steve Masuda and his son Erik masterfully exploited
these thirty five pound class bluefin today enjoying the steady pace of the three hour, late afternoon "plunker".

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...