"I think we're going to be in good shape," said Skipper Andy Cates after docking Red Rooster III at H&M Landing November 21. "Anytime you get some big ones, you're gonna be stoked."

The boat returned with ten tuna over 200-pounds, including a whopping 331.5-pound super cow. Late-afternoon crowds gathered at H&M Landing's scales, cheering at weigh-ins and taking pictures.

Outdoor Writer Ed Zieralski of the San Diego Union Tribune was also at the weigh-in; covering the recent surge in big tuna caught. "It looks like the average size is bigger this year than two years ago."

Bob Lubach of San Diego hooked and landed the big bruiser. "I went from 60-pounds as a previous best," he said, "to 300-pounds. I was stuck up on the bow for the fight."

Bob fished a mackerel on a 7/0 Eagle Claw 2004 hook, 130-pound Izorline Top Shot with 130-pound Izorline Spectra backing, an Accurate ATD 50 W reel, and a Calstar 760 H rod. He did not enter the jackpot.