Okay, it's a small world on a six-day trip, but Justin Fleck treated his 28 Excel anglers to about all that was within reach before returning to Fisherman's Landing September 3. First, the group fished albacore with good success. The Fleck spent some time at Guadalupe Island, where adventures were numerous and fishing on yellowfin of a better grade produced the jackpot winners. Fleck also fished at Cedros Island for quality yellowtail and then gave his fishermen a shot of excellent rockfishing.

The trip was the 5th Patrick Gallagher Open. Gallagher lives in Ventura and was chartermaster.

"We fished offshore in choppy weather for albacore," wrote Justin August 29, "and saw many wonderful large schools. It was an amazing experience. We ended up with about 60 albacore for the day and did get to see an awesome show put on by a few whales that were feeding right in the middle of the fish. We are headed to Guadalupe now that we have all our permits and will be trying for some trophy yellowfin and some quality yellows."

On the 31st, he wrote, "We fished a half a day at the island and were able to boat 14 tuna and 25 good grade yellows. Once again we were taxed heavily. We took off just after lunch and are now headed toward Cedros. The weather is very nice."

September 1 prompted this report: "Today was just what we needed; great fishing on big yellows at a beautiful island. We arrived early and were greeted by aggressive yellows. They were crashing around the boat and eating the surface iron like crazy. What a fun day. Tomorrow we will finish up our trip on the beach."

Back at the docks, Greg Sharpe of Newbury Park won first place for a 53-pound yellowfin. He said it came on a sardine and a 4/0 ringed Super Mutu hook, tied to 40-pound Izorline on a Torium 30 reel and a 765 L Calstar rod.

Ed Tschernoscha of San Pedro won second place for a 51-pound tuna, and Bernie Milligan of Ventura was third for a 48-pound Guadalupe Island yellowfin.