The Eric's Tackle five-day trip with 32 anglers aboard the Excel returned to Fisherman's Landing September 8 with skipper Shawn Steward at the helm. Steward said he found excellent yellowtail fishing at the San Benitos Islands, so good that the anglers tried for calico bass in shallow water there. The bass were extremely willing to take bait and artificial jig and plastic swim baits, he noted.

On September 7, Shawn wrote, "Today we had a banner day of yellowtail fishing on 14 to 30-pound yellowtail. Along with the yellows we had a opportunity to do a little bass fishing, red snapper fishing and to go with those we had some lingcod and dorado to throw in the mix. There was a variety of fish and in flat, hot, glassy weather. What more could you ask for in a day of fishing? Tomorrow we are going up the beach in search of a chance at white sea bass and the possibility of some reds snapper."

Fishing for yellowfin tuna at Guadalupe Island was also good, especially the first half-day they spent there, said Steward. Tuna swept the jackpots.

Jeff Lee of Emeryville won first place for a 75.8-pounder. Steve Virtue of Ventura and Dan Disepio of Carlsbad were second and third, for a 69.8-pounder and a 63-pound tuna.