Tommy Rothery docked his Polaris Supreme at Fisherman's Landing August 22 after the season's best tuna trip to Guadalupe Island. There were 24 anglers aboard the first Dan Heil Memorial trip.

"I felt like he was there with us," said son and chartermaster Ron Heil. "He would have really enjoyed this trip."

Tuna fishing was excellent for the group, so much so that Rothery was able to give the spot up to Art Taylor and the Searcher.

"We had plenty of tuna," said Tom, "all we needed. The sharks got some of them."

Steve Patterson of Grants Pass won first place for a 103-pound yellowfin.

"My best tuna ever," he said.

Patterson used a sardine on a 4/0 ringed Gorilla hook tied to 40-pound P-Line and 65-pound Izorline Spectra backing, on an Avet LX reel and a Rogue Rod of seven feet.

"He slaughtered me," added Patterson. "I couldn't get my new rod off the rail. He tore up the cork and the diamond wrap."

Don Pieper of Arroyo Grande was second for a 72.6-pounder, and Buddy Bales of Spokane, WA won third place, for a 72.2-pound yellowfin tuna.

The season's 12th wahoo from Guadalupe was included in the catch.