"We didn't do a regular jackpot on this trip," Independence skipper Jeff DeBuys told Bill Roecker December 16, "but we had a really great trip, with 17 cows and Kathy Needleman's 337-pounder. We're in for Christmas now, and the next trip will leave Pt. Loma Sportfishing January 11."

DeBuys posted on the Indy's website: "Many thanks to all our sponsors: Westcoast Marketing-Rick Ozaki with his vast array of give-a-ways, Avet Reels, Seaguar, Graft-Tech, Raider jigs. (Hopefully I didn't miss anyone), Let me just say thanks. Passengers were extremely happy.

Our biggest cows for this trip were: (Not necessarily in order of weight) Robert O'Neil 213, Don Klahs 201, 210, Vlad Chernoguz 206, Gary Sturney 281, Sal Proetto 208.7, Leon Bundy 250.4, Joseph Solomon, 246.8, Cathy Needleman 336 (pictured above), Dane Barriault 224.2, 233, 238, Fred Lee 228, Ken Buzzell 235.2, 210, Dale Lethcoe 228, 212, 253.4, 17 cows total.

Then we had a couple of Wahoo we'd like to give mention to for Bud Edwards, 46.8 pounds and Richard Martinez, 47.4 pounds. Many tuna rolled in over the 100-pound mark.

"Kathy's fish came on a Seeker 6463 XXXXH-6 rod, Avet Pro Ex 50-3 reel, Seaguar Spectra 200-pound and four feet of 300-pound Izorline clear mono tied to a Mustad 7691 8/0 hook with a green mackerel. The tuna fought for one hour, 30 minutes.

"Next biggest was the 281-pounder for Gary Sturney, San Diego, on the same rig, with Dale Lethcoe's (Sunland) 250-pounder following that."