Kevin Ward brought Searcher home to Fisherman's landing August 9 after a three-day trip.

"We had a great first day," said Gene Estabrook, of San Diego, "I think about a hundred fish. Our second day wasn't the same, it was real slow."

Janean Priest, of Reno, took first place with her first tuna; a 34-pound albacore. Janean used a Trinidad 20 reel on a Tallus Shimano 7ft rod. 30# line Berkeley, 3/0 Mustad 9174. Let's Talk Hookup/Shimano chartermaster Patrick Gee gave Janean a Loomis Backpack for her jackpot win.

"We do about ten of these a year," said Gee, a Shimano rep. "We do ???On the Water' Seminars, which are real effective for first-timers."

"I cannot believe I won!" said Janean. "The seminar absolutely helped."

Rob Bellrose, of Lompoc, was second with a 29.9-pound tuna and Richard Priest, of Reno, placed third with a 29-pound albie.

"The trip was great," said Bellrose. "The first day was beautiful, second day was a little choppy. The crew was very professional."