Royal Star Sportfishing

09/25/2018

Sea of Fish

9-24-2018
Tim Ekstrom

A sea of fish greeted us when we arrived on scene mid-morning. Then miles of fertile ground were plowed as we sifted through the skip jack in pursuit of wahoo and yellowfin tuna. Plenty of effort and patience ultimately produced the results we were looking for. What speaks loudest here is certainly the quality of the yellowfin tuna. 28 - 35 pounds was the average with many standouts in the 38 - 48 pound range. A few smaller and the previously mentioned horde of skipjack kept every angler at the rail busy from the time we kicked the anchor over the side mid day through the evening shutdown.

A solid beginning to the fishing portion of this run we’re now looking to build upon today’s good fortune with more of this beautiful yellowfin tuna before considering other options. In good enough weather we are ideally positioned to make it happen.

Photo today features master angler and long time Royal Star friend Tim Marshall who put on a tuna catching clinic racking up an impressive tally on these beautiful grade yellowfin tuna.

09/18/2018

9-17-2018
Brian Sims

Great angling on the ridge in balmy flat calm weather to get the trip off to a fine start. Steady action all day on 20 to 40 lb yellowfin with a couple shots at the wahoo that produced 15 of the speedsters. Spending the night hoping for a repeat tomorrow. Paul Johnson is in today’s shot with a 40lb class skin.

09/18/2018

06/13/2018

Happy Fathers Day!!

6-13-2018
Brian Sims
Father son picture from the last 3 day trip.

06/12/2018

6-10-2018
Brian Sims
Today we started out with some 18-25 # yellowtail. They came up chasing boats around the boat and were caught in both bait and jigs. It looked very good for a little bit, then shut off completely. We worked up the beach finding just a little bit of rockfish for the frying pan until dark. We will be in at 07:00 tomorrow.

06/04/2018

6-2-2018
Brian Sims
We Departed Friday night with a great load of bait and a fantastic group of excited anglers. We fished a full day on Saturday , with something to see or stop on all day. We saw breezers , shiners, chippers and boilers, and only managed to hook a handful of fish. Our Weather was spectacular, making for a fun trip aboard Royal Star.

Pictured today is jackpot winner Richard Yoon, his son Marcus and their 88 # Bluefin.

05/31/2018

5-31-2018
Tim Ekstrom
Fresh from the bridge of our colleague working up the line this morning. “Five going” at 6:06 am. Today’s photo of his Fathometer with a booming school of 25 pound class bluefin clearly up shallow in a biting posture is yet another indicator that things are on the upswing offshore. Give Tracy, Brian, or I a call about this upcoming 1 1/2 day departing Friday if you can make it; or book online. Beautiful weather is in the forecast and we are all ready to take full advantage!

05/28/2018

5-27-2018

Brian Sims
We had a day today where it felt like we were in the right place all day. We had a kelp for 18 yellowtail to get the day started. We then followed it up with a 45 minute action filled stop on school size Bluefin. Our weather improved today. We will be at the dock at 07:00 tomorrow.

Our photo is of Norm Evans with his 33 pound bluefin.

05/27/2018

5-26-2018
Brian Sims
We started the day looking for better grade yellowtail. We found good conditions , but very little fish to work with. We did manage to open the hatch and add a couple to the RSW tank. We headed outside for the afternoon following a warm water edge that was holding promising life signs. We saw one good dab of Bluefin in the late afternoon, but they were reluctant to play. We will be working hard to find some biters tomorrow.

05/27/2018

5-25-2018
Brian Sims
We headed out for three days on the Las Rocas charter today. We have a great load of bait and weather that is a bit breezy. We got into an area with some life in the late afternoon, and put a few yellowtail onboard. So far the bluefin have been elusive. Tomorrow’s weather is not quite ideal, so we will work where we will minimize the effects.

05/27/2018

We headed out for three days on the Las Rocas charter today. We have a great load of bait and weather that is a bit breezy. We got into an area with some life in the late afternoon, and put a few yellowtail onboard. So far the bluefin have been elusive. Tomorrow’s weather is not quite ideal, so we will work where we will minimize the effects.

-Girby

05/27/2018

Fish report!

We headed out for three days on the Las Rocas charter today. We have a great load of bait and weather that is a bit breezy. We got into an area with some life in the late afternoon, and put a few yellowtail onboard. So far the bluefin have been elusive. Tomorrow’s weather is not quite ideal, so we will work where we will minimize the effects.

-Girby

05/22/2018

As of today we have accumulated almost twenty hours at heavy loads on the newly rebuilt engine. Before sailing we prefer to set the piston rings and test internal components for at least twenty four hours to ensure the engine is broken in proper and prevent foreseeable surprises. The refurbished engine looks like new with a fine paint job. But more importantly it performs like new assuring anglers of safe, reliable operation for years to come. Photos today are of the rebuilt engine fully assembled and running.

05/22/2018

Co-Owner Captain Brian Sims put the finishing touches on the fuel return lines before we assessable the exhaust manifold. At this rate we project start up and load testing to begin tomorrow

05/16/2018

Just a quick couple of pic’s today as we plug along putting the newly rebuilt generator back together piece by piece. We should have her up and running tomorrow. If all goes well we will decide about a trip this weekend by tomorrow evening. Stay tuned…

Photos today feature Captain Paul Caramao “under the hood” tightening up the rod bearings and the top of the block with new pistons and liners installed ready for the head to be bolted down.

-Tim Ekstrom

05/10/2018

Come join us we target local Yellowtail and Bluefin Tuna on 6/1

The price is $525 which includes meals & permits.

Give us a call at 6192244764 or visit www.royalstarsportfishing.com &
www.fishermanslanding.com

02/27/2018

Capt Tim Checking in,

Not without its trials we’ve managed to establish a line to land that should transmit the fishing details, and maybe photos, but won’t support the onboard wifi in this zone. Better than nothing we’ll do our best with what we have. Day one brought good weather and fair fortune as we toured the bank. But we’ve little to show for it. Not a bust we did manage to boat enough to keep our heads in the game, and saw plenty on the outside to support an optimistic perspective. Even a slight change in conditions should do the trick if we have it figured right. An abundance of time, bait, and energy among this group of seasoned anglers is a solid platform to work from. And that is exactly the plan: set to work and make it happen. Enjoy today’s image of a fine 120 on the rail

01/18/2018

Hello everyone, we are running a 1.5 day trip targeting big Bluefin on Friday 1/26! Spots are filling up quick so if want a chance to fish with us, book now by giving Fisherman's Landing a call at 619-221-8500

01/05/2018

We hope everyone is having a fantastic start of the new year!

"We have good weather for traveling and rigging and are taking full advantage of it. We will arrive at the bank on Sunday morning and will send reports as the WiFi signal will allow. Photos may be posted following the trip as reports are of poor signal in the southern areas."
-Capt. Brian Sims

12/27/2017

A brief respite from our routine at sea provides time to reflect upon the incredible fortune that the Southern California sport fishing community has enjoyed during the 2017 offshore season. Amazingly it is still going strong. Bluefin tuna and yellowtail on the 60 mile bank, big catches of yellowtail on the Fisherman’s Landing half day boat “The Dolphin” - it is difficult to imagine how this season could be better.

Serving as a reminder that the ocean is unlimited in its ability to surprise such is the reason we are drawn to, and answer, the call. And we never lose sight of such blessings of fortune. Thank you to every Royal Star angler and supporter. Twenty one years into this grand endeavor the ownership team of yours truly, Randy, Brian, and Tracy is backed by an incredible crew of dedicated professionals who value and appreciate every bond that we create with our distinct clientele.

As we conclude this year with the final seven day voyage we are energized by the prospects of 2018 looking forward to elevating the standard and continuing to earn the loyalty of Royal Star anglers. Thank you - our most sincere gratitude to the Sport Fishing community of anglers throughout this region and beyond. It is our hope that all of you have a fulfilling holiday season among family and friends. And that peace, prosperity, happiness, and good health blesses your lives in 2018 and beyond.

12/12/2017

Thanks Fisherman's Processing

12/07/2017

A strong finish for the guys yesterday closing out the voyage with a story book ending, last hour hit, for 10 good ones before calling it trip heading for the barn. The two day jog will allow plenty of time for breaking down then reminiscing before anglers disembark in the beautiful southern paradise of Cabo San Lucas. It looks like they’re going to encounter at least a little bump and jump on the way to Cabo, courtesy of this strong Santa Ana breeze up and down the coast, but it should back off just in time for the final travel leg north from Saturday through Tuesday morning.

12/06/2017

The report from Hurricane Bank is nice steady fishing for yellowfin in the 150 - 180 pound class with at least a couple of shots, if not a few more, at fish over 200 pounds each day; very typical giant yellowfin tuna/ long range style fishing with much time spent at the rail angling for that one or two potentially trip making bites. Now on their final fishing day the guys opted to remain on the outside satisfied with the old “bird in hand” rather that seeking something better or different elsewhere. In good weather their voyage will conclude in Los Cabos Saturday morning before the three day travel leg up the coast begins. I will update with the final fishing report tomorrow.

On another note the fishing at Isla Guadalupe continues to be red hot on yellowfin tuna in the 100 - 150 pound class. I’ve said it plenty but the voyage departing December 13th still has a few spots available for any angler seeking long range, holiday season glory. Returning on December 20 why not treat family and friends to some fresh holiday tuna? I can’t think of a more perfect gift to share.

Photo today features another from the Itano/ISSF archive. This beautiful “foamer” of jumbo skipjack and school size yellowfin was destined to become “chunk light” tuna soon after the image/school was captured.

-Tim Ekstrom

12/04/2017

Capt Tim checking in!

So the guys arrived at Hurricane Bank a short while ago after making a nice, productive pit stop along the way. Alijos generated some decent wahoo action and broke up the ride with a half day of fishing between home and their first fishing destination. The unfortunate news is that satellite communications for all the boats in the far southern zones is spotty at best, non-existent most of the time; hence the lack of direct reports from Royal Star.

So I have the con for now and will dutifully pass along the information I receive. I’ll try to spice it up with some of my archived photos as well. Meanwhile the local bluefin fishing is still going off and fishing at Guadalupe for 100 - 150 pound class yellowfin has rivaled any of the best fishing the fleet has seen there this entire season. I mention this because the upcoming “Rice Bowl” seven day voyage still has a couple of spots remaining. This is an ideal opportunity for at least a couple of lucky anglers to experience “Clarion North” on a voyage requiring very little travel time. Give Tracy or I a call in the office or book on line if time allows.

Photo today features long time Royal Star angler Gary Ishi with this beautiful 162 pound bluefin tuna he picked off on the final day of our Island Tackle charter.

11/22/2017

Capt. Tim checking in with a fish report!

Worth the effort to be sure timing favored the final move simultaneously expanding the variety and quality categories. Big bluefin were on the docket today proving themselves worthy adversaries and spectacular rewards. A full day of stationary, lines over the side, anchor fishing distributed opportunity among just about every angler willing to grind it out at the rail and put in the time. Combined with excellent fishing conditions and weather we’d have a hard time mustering a complaint. And in light of the prior days rugged fishing conditions and paltry production we’d rather not. As I’ve said many times in the past - “success is always relative”. Taking that into account we are ecstatic with today’s results.

Over twenty of the bigger bluefin made it into the RSW tank and a couple of handfuls of their junior brethren. In these flat calm conditions this close to the conclusion of the voyage any connoisseur of premium fresh seafood understands the value each one of these incredible bluefin represents. One final chance is calling tomorrow. We’ll see if we can conclude this run on the correct note.

Photos today feature first time Royal Star angler Steve Kuhn and uber Royal Star veteran Les Merrill with their 150 pound class prized bluefin tuna.

11/20/2017

Here is Capt. Tim with an update on the Wahoo action!

An easy day of traveling north not easily containing enthusiasm, or angst, about the final move of this trip. One can not readily recall such an option on a November 11 day run. Incredible fishing for 100 - 200 # bluefin tuna on our local banks has taken off once again; the real deal. Not wanting to miss a historic opportunity, and leaving little to nothing behind, we took the shot at glory. Time will tell. No doubt this one is now entirely in the hands of the fish gods.

Photo today features Island Tackle Co-Owner and Charter Master Sam De La Torre with a fine wahoo nabbed at Alijos a few days back. Speaking of the real deal Sam, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in all styles of fishing, is exactly that. A trusted resource to any angler seeking advice about equipment, terminal tackle, and any kind of fishing, Sam and his team at Island Tackle are highly recommended, and strongly supported by Royal Star.

11/16/2017

Capt. Tim Ekstrom checked in with a fish report

A fun day of scratching at quality wahoo with a few nice tuna and dorado in the mix. As the weather improved so did the fishing, and the anglers. Switching gears into “scratch” mode took a little bit but once we did the wily speedsters started coming aboard. Not that we slayed them or loaded up. Through pure effort we fortunately accumulated enough to call the day a success and justify a second shot on the outside targeting exotic quality.

These are the occasions when techniques and skills really shine. Many a time I have detailed the highs and lows - the reality - of long range fishing. It’s not always wide open, or even good. It is when the pendulum swings to the low side that anglers and crewmen shine. Make a note to yourself to recall this when the fishing goes south on any given voyage because it inevitably will. Are you the angler that hangs it up and/or pouts when fishing deals you a crap sandwich? Or are you one that digs in, figures it out, then executes a plan to land one or two that will make the day when catching is slow?

11/09/2017

Paul Carramao back with your fish report!

We fished for wahoo again here today. Similar to yesterday not very many stops but the difference today was we had a couple stops that produced. We ended up with 20 wahoo and a handful of dorado for our efforts. Yellowtail will be the target species the next couple days.

11/06/2017

Here is another fish report from Paul

"The big boys decided to play for us here today. The morning started out not so red hot but by lunchtime we were keeping them on the line steady. We ended up with 37 of those trophy tuna before the days end. 80 # flyline is still the hot rig out here for those of you headed out on trips in the near future. We are going to take the money and run here and head down for some variety."

11/03/2017

Paul brings us today's fishing report!

"Today was very good to us. We began our first afternoon of fishing and what a bang! Epic sundowner bite which led to 26 70-150 # yellowfin tuna and 9 jumbo yellowtails. We're going to try our hand at this again tomorrow."