“We arrived to the fishing grounds around 09:00 hours,” read the report from Royal Polaris March 19. “It didn't take long for the wahoo to start biting. Many of our anglers caught daily limits of wahoo today (five wahoo is the daily limit). This is a good start to our trip.

“Weather today was just beautiful, with overcast skies, a slight breeze, and warm.

“It didn't take long for the yellowfin to start biting. Most of the yellowfin were in the 80 to 120-pound range, with a few larger ones. We had one fish over the 200-pound mark. We also caught wahoo on the anchor. Lucky angler today was Steve Tritten. Steve is not new to long-range fishing, but this is his first long trip.

“Today was the start of Jerry Brown's special daily prizes. Steve Tritten won the daily Line One prize with a 221-pound yellowfin tuna. Jerry is giving away $100.00 a day for the largest fish over 100 pounds. Don Burnside won the daily wahoo prize (a Royal Polaris sweatshirt).”

Rooster Picks Away On Cows

“Yesterday we had more of the better grade fish from 150 to 200 pounds,” wrote Red Rooster III skipper Andy Cates March 18, “with 20 tuna for the day, and two fish over 200 pounds. Rich Galamore caught a 220 and Pete Fallini took a 217-pounder. The wind continues, but it is getting nicer.

“So far today we have caught 24 tuna from 150 to 200 pounds. We lost a couple of big ones. John Raspberry got his chance and landed a 286-pounder on the kite. We still have a few hours to fish but the afternoons have been pretty slow. Maybe we will get lucky and get a couple big ones.”

Royal Star Gets Engines, Trannies

“It was an action-packed day with all of us on our game installing the newly rebuilt Twin Disc MG518 transmissions fresh from the shop,” wrote Royal Star owner-skipper Tim Ekstrom on his site.

“I am sending along a good bunch of photos detailing the installation process today and tomorrow for all to enjoy and appreciate. The combined ability and effort of us all really comes in play in these situations.

“I want to mention our good friend and fleet mechanic Tom Dale whose expertise and skill keeps us on the right track whenever grandiose maintenance projects are at hand. In the end, all proceeded as planned with a ton of projects coming together by day's end.

"Speaking of day's end, I am including a shot of Randy and I that captures the essence of our twenty-year friendship and twelve-year partnership better than any I have seen in some time. The photo was taken just as we were finishing up and were both feeling a satisfying sense of accomplishment unique to this type of effort.

"As you can see in the photo, we still work hand in hand, just as we have since day one of our joint venture in the purchase of Royal Star.”

What’s “Fishing Boat” Mean To You?

We’re going to have to expand our definition of the meaning of the term “fishing boat,” after viewing a couple of videos posted on YouTube. As a long-time pilot of radio-controlled aircraft, Bill Roecker is a bit embarrassed he didn’t think of this idea first, although there are certain risks to the equipment with the more primitive method shown in one of the videos.

Of course it didn’t take long for an enterprising angler to figure out a quick-release method that keeps the decks dry, as you’ll see from one of the vids. Take a gander, and have a chuckle.

Living In Tough Places

“Hi Mr. Bill: I am just getting around to emailing you the photo you guys saw at the Long Beach Fred Hall show. It was taken on the Rio Negro in the Amazon Rain Forest--trophy peacock bass (23 pounds) caught on an Izorline-sponsored trip.” Howard Hada, Izorline Pro Staff

Bill’s Reply

Thanks, Howard: Are those missing parts of the fish’s dorsal fin caused by bites? If so, what kind of fish takes a bite out of something with teeth like that baby has? Piranha?
In any case, that’s a gorgeous bass, Howard. Nice going! See ya at the next Fred Hall Show, in Del Mar starting Wednesday, March 25, right after the arrival of the Red Rooster III.

Likes The Jigfishing Video

“Dear Bill:
It was so nice of you! What a pleasant surprise when I opened the package and found the Shogun trip inside that we had taken last year. Especially when I played the DVD and fond memories of that trip came back to me all over again. Your generosity is greatly appreciated." Bob Shimamoto, San Diego (by email March 20, 2009)

Bill’s Reply

Hi, Bob: Paul and I are happy you enjoyed the video we shot of you and the other anglers on the Shogun. We always give a free copy to the fishermen on our trips. I remember back in the day, when you were with us on an Excel trip to the islands, long before they went off-limits. Keep on fishin’!

Some anglers have moved since we came back, and we just got back a copy of “Jigfishing Mossbacks” intended for Joseph Whitton of Perris. Where are you, Joe? We’ve got your DVD here, waiting for a good address.