Justin Fleck docked Excel at Fisherman's Landing August 23 after the five-day Merritt charter with 21 anglers.

"We fished at Benitos, offshore and Sacrament Reef," said Justin. "And we did well up toward San Martin, too." There's lots of exotics headed up this way."

Wayne Wilcox of Downey won first place for a 35.4-pound albacore, but was tied for the spot by Rod Kiewiet of Altadena with an identical fish. Jim Kastorff of San Diego (He ties the "acid-wrap" rods) was third for a 27-pound yellowtail.