By Bill Roecker

Tommy Rothery docked his Polaris Supreme at Fisherman’s Landing July 31 after an open-party trip of five days with 23 anglers. Rothery was enthusiastic about both the quality and the quantity of fish he encountered at the islands and on kelps.

Several youngsters were aboard, and they enjoyed catching and releasing yellowtail and dorado, while keeping a few of the larger models to take home. Some of them posed with their catch at the scales.

“We released an awful lot of fish,” said Tommy.

Matt Herrington of Huntington Beach won the jackpot for a 36.6-pound yellowtail that fell for his sardine on a Mustad 91450 hook in the 2/0 size. He said he fished with 40-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, 40-pound P-Line, a Trinidad 40 reel and a Calstar six and a half-foot rod.

Scott Oberg of El Centro won second place for a 32-pound yellowtail. Steve Algrim of Long Beach took third place for a 26.2-pound yellowtail, and the trip posed at the head of the dock.

Big Fish Picture

“Bill,
I know it is too little too late, but I wanted to send you a picture of the yellowtail that I caught while on the Royal Star. I talked too you on the morning of 7/28/08 when the Royal Star returned to the docks.

"Unfortunately I just received the picture of my fish today, but I at least wanted to share the picture with you. I also wanted to thank you for the calendar and the great work you do on your website.”

Dan McClure (by email July 30, 2008)