Shimano and Let’s Talk Hookup sponsored an on the water seminar aboard the Searcher with skipper Aaron Remy that returned August 11.

“We could sure use some more kelp paddies,” said Remy. “But the ones we found were holding pretty good.”

The three-day trip had two chartermasters: Shimano’s Patrick Gee and Barry Brightenburg of Fish Trap. There were many loaner outfits on the boat.

Such a rig was used to good advantage by Chris Luciani of Greenville, PA, who won first place on the adventure for a 30.2-pound yellowtail. He said it bit a sardine on a 3/0 Gorilla hook on 30-pound Big Game line with a Shimano rod and reel.

Martin Ferriera of Jamul was second for a 20.8-pound yellowtail. Ron Young of Athens, OH got a dorado that tied his nephew’s (Rob Young of Poway) yellowtail for third place. Both fish weighed 19.6 pounds.