The Southern California Tuna Club trip with 33 anglers aboard the Excel with skipper Justin Fleck returned August 15 after a four-day trip.

"Wee had fantastic yellowtail fishing on the beach," said Justin. Some big calico bass were also caught.

Devin Dierenfield of Santa Barbara won first place for a 25.4-pound yellowtail. "He got in the kelp," said Devin, "and I fed him some line, and then I pulled him out."

Devin said he fished a sardine on a 4/0 Mustad hook and 50-pound Big Game line. He used a Penn 4/0 reel and a six-foot Daiwa rod, struggling with the fish for 15 minutes.

Curtis Herber of Newport Beach was second for a 24.6-pounder, and Ken Huss of Huntington Beach won third place for a 24. 2-pound yellowtail.