“Another great day of fishing,” reported Intrepid January 1. “Our morning started bright and early with fish being hooked right at daylight and then continuing on, a steady pick with a flurry here and there, but few dry spells during the first day of 2012. We offered up a friendly wager to get the New Year rolling. The first Cow of the New Year would be worth a $300.00 dollar credit towards a future trip.

"Several fish were hooked that seemed to push the 200-pound mark and the race was on. Jeffrey Tedmori seemed to have it in the bag, a steady tail beat showed signs of a Cow Tuna, but he was not alone. Nick Rekrut, Shauna Barton, Bob Ehret and Brady Daniels all had nice fish hanging. In the end it was Brady Daniels with a 207-pounder that would take the honors. At the end of the day we ended up with 24 tuna with 5 over 200, 2 in the 190s, 3 in the 180s, 10 between 130 and 170 and a few smaller ones went in to our RSW, just great fishing. Our top fish of the day went to Okuma rep David Choate with a 281. I think that makes 42 total cows for this well-seasoned long ranger. We still have half a day tomorrow, but what a great way to start the New Year!”



Angler Has Sweet Dreams

The American Angler office posting for January 1 said, “Report from the bridge tonight was 20 fish and nine of those were cows, from John Haskin's 273-pounder cows were caught by Chris S., Bob H., David P., Chris R., John W., Wes C., and Zeke on down to Bill Randall's 202-pounder. The guys decided to hang out until the morning because they may have the opportunity of a lifetime right where they sit, not to mention the beautiful flat, calm weather. Morale is high, everyone on the boat has a big fish and is looking forward to tomorrow morning.”



Royal Star Update

“Happy New Year!” said the posting from the boat’s office January 1. “It comes with good news from the fishing front as the boys on Royal Star are steadily scratching at quality tuna down below. It has been consistent albeit picky fishing for the bigger fish with the best of it coming their way today. Five good deuces, the best of which came in at 272, and another eighteen good ones were the sum total for the effort. Another five over the coveted mark have been part of the total score from the prior couple of days.

"Now to address the notable void of reporting over the past six days: we are upgrading our equipment on board to send data more efficiently, new software was installed to accomplish the first stage of the changeover – it didn’t work; and still doesn’t. From here forward reports will at least be updated from a home terminal as the on board information is relayed via sat phone. The guy who never rests or takes time off did exactly that over the past week. And, it was heavenly. Recharged and ready to go the daily narrative will re-commence as we begin the New Year brimming with optimism. We have much to be grateful for and more to motivate our incessant drive to advance. Meanwhile, via Captain Brian Sims the weather is primo and the big fish are biting. They have a couple more shots before heading up the line tomorrow. Happy New Year and Let’s Go Fishing!”