Excel docked at Fisherman's Landing July 9 with skipper Shawn Steward at the helm, after a four-day Seeker Rods sponsored trip with Brian Porter of Downey as chartermaster.

"We had a lot of rookies aboard for this one," said Brian, "but they hung in there and fished hard."

Nick Ohanesian of Clovis won first place for the season's best albacore so far, a 41.4-pounder.

"He was a real strong fish," said Nick. "It took about 15 minutes to get him in."

Nick used a sardine on a 4/0 Mustad circle hook, with 30-pound P-Line, an Avet LJ6 reel and a custom Calstar 700 M rod by Yo's.

Warren Bergman of Mira Loma won second place for a 33.8-pound bluefin. Phil Ruemmler of Pasco, WA was third, for a 33.7-pound bluefin tuna. Jeff Brunner of Lakewood stood in with the winners for his honorable mention 57.9-pound bluefin, caught on the kite.