Joe Crisci docked Qualifier 105 at Pt. Loma Sportfishing June 4 after an eight-day Big Hammer skiff trip to the Benitos-Cedros area. Wind and weather made fishing difficult, but big bass were plentiful, as were a few big yellowtail.

There was no jackpot on the bass trip, but the big fish appeared to be a 40-pound yellowtail caught by Rob Creek of San Juan Capistrano from a skiff.

"It took about 25 minutes," said Rob. "He went from the kelp into deep water, and my boatman kept a good position on the fish, but we didn't chase him. He made five or six runs! This is my fight year on this trip. It's a unique experience."

Creek's yellowtail took a live mackerel on a mackerel-pattern Big Hammer swim bait. He said he used 50-pound Izorline and 80-pound spectra on a Daiwa Luna 253 reel and a Seeker CSW 698 rod.

The seven-day Cowboy's Trip aboard Qualifier 105 still has a few openings, said owner John Klein. The trip runs from June 25 to July 2. Call the Qualifier for more details.