Excel returned August 28 to Fisherman's Landing after a five-day Haj Shimada Open. The boat's 30 anglers fished Benitos Island and offshore.

"It's the same old story," skipper Justin Fleck said. "Good yellowtail fishing and the weather was awesome. The water's warm right now, with a lot of dorado."

Lyle Foster of Lake Isabella was first place for a 24.6-pound yellowtail. Lyle fly-lined a sardine on a 2/0 Owner Gorilla hook, 40-pound Izorline, a 4/0 Penn reel and a Calstar rod. "It was a good trip," said Lyle. "There were a lot of new guys on the trip, that's probably why I won!"

Keith Elmer of Newhall was second for a 23.2-pound yellowtail and Gerald Fukui was third for a 21.4-pound yellowtail.