Excel docked August 28 after a five-day trip with skipper Justin Fleck. There were 32 anglers aboard, and Fleck tied up at Fisherman's Landing before weighing the best of the catch.

"We started our trip out west on the albacore grounds," wrote Justin August 25, "with great weather. The longfin didn't show until about 0830, but it was a steady pick after that. There were no real big hits, just a handful here and there. Our best stop of the day was a long plunker for 47 fish."

Chartermaster Brad Merritt of Woodland Hills, UT said it was his 11th annual trip, and that the boat moved inshore after albacore fishing to catch some mackerel for bait, and to try the rockfishing.

Wayne Wilcox of Downey won first place for a 40.8-pound albie. He said it took a sardine on a 2/0 ringed Mustad Ultra Point hook, tied to 40-pound Izorline. He fished with am Avet JX 6-3 reel and a Calstar 6465 rod, and brought the fish to gaff in 20 minutes.

Phillip Hidey of Arcadia tied Wilcox with another 40.8-pounder. He used a ringed Super Mutu hook, 20-pound Izorline, an Avet SX reel and an eight-foot Loomis rod.

Bob Marrocco of Detroit was third, for a 39.4-pound albacore.