Shawn Steward docked Excel at Fisherman's Landing July 5 following a Braid eight-day charter that visited Alijos Rocks and Cedros Island, with 29 anglers. They scored very well on the larger tuna at Alijos Rocks, and also on the mixed tuna just over 100 miles from port.

"Today was a wonderful day of fishing here at Alijos Rocks," wrote Shawn June 29. "The yellowfin were pretty cooperative and there was some yellowtail in the mix as well. Most of the yellowfin were 50 to 60 pounders but the overall weights were 40 to 120 pounds. We caught fish on the kites, flylined baits and sinker rigs. We are going to try for yellows tonight so we will check in again tomorrow."

On July 1, he wrote, "Today we had another beautiful day on quality yellowfin and yellowtail here at the rocks. Our weather could not be much better and with good fishing, scenery and camaraderie among the people we could not ask for much more. We ended the day with 17 yellowtail from 18 to 40 pounds and 55 yellowfin from 40 to 90 pounds.

"Tomorrow we are going to try looking offshore for some yellowfin, dorado and yellowtail. We will check in tomorrow. Shawn and the crew The picture we are sending is of Captain Justin Fleck with a nice yellowfin for 90-year old Gene Tolson who has out fished almost all the passengers this trip. He is a great inspiration for us all."

Frank McGuire won first place for a 111.5-pound tuna that bit on a sardine and a 4/0 Super Mutu ringed hook. He used 40-pound Big game line , a Trinidad 40 reel and a Calstar 760 rod.

"I got him on a long soak," said Frank, "and a slow wind. He jumped right on and fought to the bitter end."

Jason Marquette of San Diego was second, for a 90.7-pounder, and Andy Lam was third, for a 83.8-pound yellowfin tuna.

Chartermistress Jan Howard wasn't in the jackpot, but she had a 106-pound tuna, so she stood in with the winners for a lineup shot.

William Hale and Gordon Bailey got honorable mention for their tuna of 108 and 103 pounds. Mark Conway of Long Beach was the release king on the trip. He let go a dozen fish of mixed species.