Andy Cates docked Red Rooster III at H&M Landing January 18 following a 15-day trip with 21 anglers on the annual Loftus-Martin charter. The group had nine tuna over 200 pounds.

Earl Sandefur of Ojai had the big one, a 286-pounder yellowfin that fought for a half-hour after taking a salami mackerel under the kite. His bait was pinned on a 9/0 Mustad 7691 hook. He said he used the boat's rig, with 130-pound Izorline spectra on an Accurate 80 reel and a Calstar 6460 XXH rod, and that his best fish before was a 260. "Thanks to Travis," he said, "and to Andy and the crew. They're the best."

Glenn Fromang of Santee won second place for a 239-pounder. He also had one at 221 pounds. The big one ate a Salas PL-68 jig in glow paint, on six feet of Blackwater fluorocarbon and 130-pound Line One spectra on a Cal Sheets-treated Penn 30 reel and a Calstar 770 XH rod. He remarked that the fish came aboard in only ten minutes.

Jack Thrush of Milbrae spent 45 minutes making trouble for a 220-pounder. It won third place, and he also got one at 219 pounds. The bigger tuna took a double trouble sardine rig under the kite. He said the hooks were 8/0 Mustad Demons, on 130-pound Maxima fluorocarbon and 130-pound Izorline spectra on a Sheets-treated Penn 80 reel and a Calstar 770 XH rod by Hi's.

Dallas Smith got a 219-pounder.

Co-Chartermaster Larry Martin of Dayton, NV bagged a 213-pound tuna with a sardine on a 6/0 ringed Mustad Demon hook and 130-pound Maxima fluorocarbon tied to 130-pound Line One spectra on an Accurate 50 W reel and a Super Seeker 2 X 4 rod.

Fred Durham of Spring Valley got a 202-pounder with a double sardine under the kite with the same boat rig used by Earl Sandefur.

Robert Maines of North Las Vegas found a 201-pound yellowfin tuna with a sardine on a ringed 6/0 Mustad Demon hook and 130-pound Hi Sea fluorocarbon tied to 130-pound Line One spectra. He used a Makira 50 reel and a Calstar 770 XXH rod.