Skipper Justin Fleck docked Excel after a five-day Tuna Wars trip. He docked the big rig at Fisherman's Landing August 18.

"It's been 16 years for us on the Excel," said angler Kim De Long, of Whidbey Island, Washington, who was aboard with his son Shawn De Long of Fishers, Indiana. "It's been basically the same group of guys every year, and we don't care about the weather; that doesn't change a thing."

Skipper Fleck pointed out, "The weather is finally getting better. It was real rough for a week there."

Matt Hillbrink, of Woodland, landed a 49.4-pound yellowtail; good for first place. Matt fly lined a ???dine on an Owner hook, 30-pound Big Game line, a Shimano Torium 20 reel and a Calstar "Grafighter" 700XL rod.

"I don't know what size the hook was," said Hillbrink, "so I'm going to say it was the perfect size. What a great trip; the Excel comes through again!"

Kevin Nakasawa of Yuma, AZ was second for a 35.2-pound yellowtail.

"It was a great trip," said Nakasawa, "Captain Fleck got us on the fish. I plan on doing this every year."

Art Bowman of Modesto rounded out the jackpot with a 29.2-pound yellowtail.

"We had great yellowtail fishing," said Bowman.