"It was nasty offshore," said Kyle "Rooster" Karcher after he docked the Independence at Pt. Loma Sportfishing September 23, but there's very good sign of good tuna at Guadalupe Island. Out best fishing was on 40 and 50-pound outfits with fluorocarbon leaders and a 2/0 hook. The kite with double trouble sardines was also good."

Karcher's group of 22 anglers included chartermaster Mike McFarlane of La Canada, and the trip lasted five days.

Jim Lobato of San Diego won first place in the jackpot for a 92-pound yellowfin that ate his sardine on a 2/0 ringed Mutu hook tied to 40-pound blue Izorline on a Saltiga 50 reel and a Seeker Black Steel 6465 H rod.

"He had me pinned to the rail up on the bow forever," said Lobato. "He wouldn't leave. It took 45 minutes."

Chartermaster McFarlane tied for second with Brandon Stevens of San Diego. Both men had 89.6-pound yellowfin. Steve Chambless of Long Beach had a non-eligible 93-pounder, and stepped into the lineup shot with the winners.