The good weather and bluefin fishing held up for Sam Patella and his open party group of 27 anglers on an American Angler five-day trip that returned to Pt. Loma Sportfishing August 15. They found a good mixed catch of yellowtail and tuna.

Lynn Cunningham of Winnemucca, NV won first place for his 47.6-pound bluefin, the best of about two dozen larger models. "He fought hard for about 30 minutes," said Cunningham, "after he bit way, way out there."

Lynn said he fished a sardine on a 2/0 Mustad 91450 hook tied to 30-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon and 40-pound Izorline on a TLD 30 reel and a seven-foot Ugly Stick.

Brian Geyer of San Antonio, TX won second place for a 41.8-pounder, and Paul Kim of Laguna Niguel took third for a 41.6-pound bluefin tuna.