The Seeker Rods five-day trip aboard Excel returned to Fisherman's Landing July 14 after visiting the bluefin grounds and Cedros Island, where the 20 anglers made a good catch of yellowtail and calico bass, most of which were released.

"We released about 80 or 90 of the 100 or so bass we caught," chartermaster Denny Kaneoka told dock reporter Bill Roecker. "I got a bunch of bass on dark-colored plastics." Regular Excel angler Phil Ruemmler of Pasco, WA won first place for a 23.6-pound yellowtail. He said he got it with a sardine on a 6/0 VMC hook and 50-pound Yo-Zuri tied to 40-pound P-Line, on an Avet LX reel and a Loomis eight-foot rod.

Paul Callihan of Carlsbad won second place for a 23.4-pounder, and chartermaster Denny won third place for a 22-pound yellowtail.