APRIL 2009


Bill in the middle and his catch of a LIFETIME
337 LBS

(Bill said all fish were tagged and released
this fish was ALIVE when photo was taken...then released and Swam Off)
April Trip 2009...........Cabo San Lucas Mexico

TWO OF THE MANY WRITE UPS BY CAPTAIN TIM ECKSTROM OF THE ROYAL STAR 04/23/09 With yesterdays sentimental report of the voyage out of the way, today the main focus returns to pure fishing. Really about the only element that could have made this fishing better was a higher percentage of big fish as this group of anglers has attained hero status for the amount of pulling they have done on fifty to ninety pound class yellowfin tuna. In fact, with yesterday's total, we are well over six hundred yellowfin tagged so far, incredible. Anyway though these guys are pulling machines and seem to be pleased as long as there is a bend in their rod while waiting for their shot at a big one, we all have definitely been hoping that a bigger size average would move in so we could focus our efforts on a few more trophies and more fish over one hundred pounds. Today it happened. Just like that, almost everything that came over the rail was in the one hundred to one hundred fifty pound class with a couple of handfuls of standout 160 - 190's and a few opportunities at big cows. Once again the fish gods have smiled bright and we enjoyed a very good day as a result. Flat calm conditions with just enough breeze to keep things cool put the finishing touch on a great day. That said, naturally we have no plans to go anywhere satisfied to finish our fishing time here at Clarion. A couple of anglers today made us very pleased that the process of lifting these fish on board with the big scoops or brailers has evolved. I haven't mentioned it yet but when I send in the photos following this voyage you will not see straining faces, bulging muscles, and ungainly lifting angles as on previous tagging voyages. I have to admit that in modifying our scooping technique to include the boom and winch I simultaneously feel like the smartest and dumbest person around; the smartest for finally figuring it out, and the dumbest for not thinking of it in the first place. Regardless we are now in the twenty first, mechanized century using the boom and winch to easily handle whatever big fish, and at times even multiple smaller fish, that come our way. Not only is this method a vast improvement for our general condition, it is vastly better for the fish as the process is quick, smooth, and gentle. Back to the most important part however. I am ecstatic to report that long time Royal Star anglers ~~Bill Grimsley~~ and ~~Tom Cahillane~~ both capitalized on opportunities today that they have earned by fishing hard for and putting in their time at the rail for many years. The early afternoon super giants came through at almost exact the same time with one slurping down a fly lined mackerel and the other hammering a couple of mackerel fished below the kite. Both were epic battles that ended with shouts and cheers as these incredible catches and huge beasts were admired before being sent back to continue their doings. ~~Bill Grimsley - 337 or 77.5" x 59".~~ ~~Tom Cahillane - 321 or 76.5" x 58".~~ No "tape stretching" and no exaggeration necessary, when you see the photos, you will see what I mean. Both fish were extraordinary and huge in proportions. Both men did a fantastic, exemplary job during the extended battles. At seventy six years young I have to assign special credit to Mr. Cahillane who in addition to being a dedicated angler is one of the finest gentlemen any of us have had the pleasure to share the rail with. Bill's battle was not without its share of drama culminating in the canny beast switch backing into the propellers requiring some quick action by the crew and me going over the side to free the line and save the battle from ending in certain disaster. Huge congratulations to both men as these incredible catches certainly qualify as fish of a lifetime. We all had a great day. Sixty three was the total number of yellowfin tuna tagged with the majority of those over one hundred pounds. Although we cannot ask for anything more, with our final day upon us we would treasure the opportunity to end this voyage on a high note. Regardless of the outcome however, this is already another one for the books. We are immensely grateful. Tim 05/01/09 Today's sequence features my good friend and long time Royal Star angler Bill Grimsley who achieved his goal of landing a yellowfin tuna over three hundred pounds after fifteen years of consistent long range excursions. In addition to being a superb big fish angler, Bill has also played a pivotal role in the success of Royal Star Sport Fishing and long range fishing in general by creating and hosting the first vessel website and posting daily reports and photos. Before Randy and I purchased Royal Star in 1996, Bill and I had numerous conversations on the bridge brainstorming and developing ideas that would create a unique identity for our fledgling operation. Being in the computer business, Bill immediately suggested building a website and the wheels were put in motion. The idea quickly evolved into daily reports and photos that were unique to Royal Star for a couple of years before our colleagues followed our example. Since day one Bill's company, Corporate Network Professionals (CNP) has developed, improved, and hosted the Royal Star website and provided and maintained all of our computer requirements in the Royal Star office and on board Royal Star. Nowadays such endeavors are a cinch but back in 1996, developing and executing the process of sending in reports from the vessel at sea was a significant accomplishment. As such, we are indebted to Bill and his guys for their part in developing our reputation as innovators in the world of sport fishing. More importantly to me, Bill has become a valued friend and adviser over the past sixteen years. I cannot express how happy I was, and still am, for my good friend who earned this phenomenal catch through perseverance, and sticking to his big fish principles when choosing and maintaining his equipment. If you examine the images, the massive girth of this monster indicates that the formula of length x girth squared divided by 800 is probably below the actual weight because of how much girth the fish is sporting behind it's mid section. At 337 though, no one is looking for a recount. This magnificent specimen in perfect form was back in the water within 90 seconds. With a few head shakes and flexing of it's fins (really) the behemoth cruised away to resume it's alpha male activities at Clarion island. Suffice to say that in the warmer sea temps presently around the island, this guy is busy every night. Again congratulations to Bill for this career accomplishment. Shimano, Blackwater, and Izorline were the winning combination that landed this beauty. The best do not disappoint. Look for photos to continue on Monday, May 3rd. Tim Ekstrom C LICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE TRIP

The Royal Star Sportfishing Website




HOME

BILL'S COMPANY
CORPORATE NETWORK PROFESSIONALS INC