JULY, 2000

FISHING REPORTS: Yes, the Albacore are amongst us. Or maybe it’s the other way around. And Yellowtail here and there. And reports are that Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado are on their way. As the month started there came reports of fantastic Bluefin Tuna fishing "down below" – in the realm of the long rangers and multi-day trips. But the Albacore seemed to be moving rapidly and soon the day and a half boats were scoring well – many limiting out. Gradually, they moved into the one day range and soon they were just about everywhere. While many of these early fish were of the normal "small early bird" (10-14 pounds) variety, keepers in the high 20’s were being recorded (e.g on June 3 KEN MORRIS landed a 28 pounder).

With the full moon in mid month the Albacore bite slowed a bit , but the Bluefin began to bite – well within the one day range – generally in the 213, 60 mile and "airplane" bank areas. BOB WOODARD and crew (including HARRY OKUDA, NORM GEROME, et al) on "Christina Lynn" celebrated the end of spring with a trip out to 70 miles and "feasted" on the Bluefin topped by HARRY’s 35.65 pounder. But the end of the month has seen the BFT virtually disappear with the Albacore counts dropping.

A catch of note: on May 28 SYBIL LOVAAS, fishing with BARRY ROCKWELL, boated a 40.5 pd., so called, "moss-back," Yellowtail. BARRY says it is the largest ‘tail he was ever seen in local waters. ‘might not be a record, but certainly a darn good average!

Other catches of note (by members) include a 42.9 pd. White Sea Bass by MARK HENWOOD, a 24.4 pd. Yellowtail by JOHN ASHLEY, SHIRLEY BLACKMAN’s 29.3 Halibut and SAM MINERVINI’s 166.8 pd. Thresher Shark.

Surplus? Do you often have one of those days out on the ocean where you forget that the freezer is already filled? Or – "it was wide open and we lost count." Or – "I don’t think I care to clean one more!" Or – "there must be someone who will take some of these fish!" Well - don’t fret! Go out there and enjoy yourself – for what is costing. We have the solution to your woes. In the Club House we have a list of individuals who would be more than happy to take any and all surplus you might not need. There are several individuals who have contacted the Club and some of these represent groups of elderly, disabled, often needy, senior citizens who would be more than happy to take whatever we might be able to send in their direction. They will be grateful for any fish (Albacore, Yellowtail, Tuna, Marlin, Gefilte or whatever) and they do not require that the fish be cleaned ahead of time. These are honest, conscientious individuals who have requested our help and would be most appreciative of anything we might have for them. So if you find yourselves in a position where you would like to donate any of your excess catch call the Club and ask that these people be contacted.

Marlin? Strange you should ask.

The end of May brought several reports of fish being seen at the 181, 209, between Avalon and Newport, etc, etc, etc. The first week-end of the month reported Marlin bites on sport boats off Newport and the oil islands and at least one unsubstantiated "long release." And then fish were seen at the "43" and several jig bites reported out there by the sport boats. It is also reported that the airplanes are seeing Marlin showing up in the Albacore grounds. The end of the month brought reports of fish at the 289 and even down on the Banda Bank. So it can’t be much longer before – Numero Uno! We are saving space in next month’s Gaffline for YOUR picture. One encouraging sign is that – so far – Mackeral seem to be plentiful off the beach at the Hotel (the "Del," that is).

FROM THE CLUB HOUSE: Thanks to DENNIS ALBERT the web site is up and running. If you haven’t seen it try the internet at: www.themarlinclub.com . You will find just about everything you need or want to know – including up-to-date reports. And – in order for us to be current - we appreciate your help. If you have any information you wish to pass on call the Club, put it on the Web site (under "Reporting" in the "Office" link) or send an E-mail to DENNIS at dalbert911@aol.com. If you have a picture of interest send it to us. You’ll look great on the internet. And you may even make the "Gaffline." The Club is trying to assemble a list of Member E-mail addresses. If you wish to be included send a message to DENNIS at his address above. Please send the name of your boat if appropriate.

If you haven’t been by lately drop in and take a look at the new coat of paint on the Club House exterior.

NEW HOURS! The Club is now open Wednesday through Sunday 2-6 PM, until the First Marlin of the Year is recorded. Don’t forget to call in on Channel 78 if you have hot dope, a fish to weigh in, fish to donate, or simply need information. And - if you released a fish - you may even be requesting an official photo with our look-alike mount.

Please make note of the enclosed flyer re: Fish Fotos (or is it Phish Photos?).

Here is some inside dope: President DAVE VERDUGO and Club Secretary LIL have been hard at work assembling the various pages and the 2000 Year Book/Roster is almost ready for the printers. Of course, "almost" is a relative term.

That big smile on LIL’s face??? The Club’s new computer is up and running. Come in and check it out. Please, no solitaire!

NEW MEMBERS: Welcome aboard to RANDY HINTON and RUDY JAQUEZ. Also, welcome back former members who have "re-upped," SETH LEYTON and BAILEY PATTENGILL. (There’s a name that conjures up a picture – of a picture).

RECENT EVENTS: The 1^st Sundowner of the year was held on July 9^th. Featured was a presentation about Bluefin Tuna fishing in Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island as well as the possibilities of similar fishing in our local waters. If large local Tunas are in the "Gorilla" classification then these huge Bluefin (current world record is a mere 1496 pds) surely must have a "Dinosaur" rating. Spectacular videos of these magnificent fish were on display.Videos regarding such fishing are on loan to the Club’s video library. Feel free to drop in during Club hours, sit for a while and watch this exciting action.

And, yes, that infamous custom trolling rod-Penn International 20 combo was finally raffled off. The winner was Coronado resident, Mr. Frank Ledder.

COMING EVENTS: Not much is scheduled for the month of July – other than a lot of time out there on the high seas (and the eagerly anticipated arrival of Numero Uno). But something new has been added: the Board of Directors has added a social event in hopes of getting more of us together to take it easy and just talk fishing. Instead of a potluck Sundowner type affair we will have an Albacore (and Bluefin) BBQ at the Club on the evening of Saturday, July 15^th at 7:00 PM. On behalf of the "guests of honor" this will be called an ALBIE-Q. Spend the day fishing, bring your catch to the Club, the coals will be hot and I am sure DAVE will be able to find a can of beans to supplement the main course. Put your feet up, unwind, have a soft drink or Beer and say hello to a lot of your friends – old and new. We may even line up a speaker – informal, of course. There will be no charge – simply B.Y.O.F. If you have any surplus please bring it along so that we can accommodate a lot of our "beached" members.

And don’t forget to tune in on RICH HAMILTON and President DAVE VERDUGO on the "Lets Talk Hook-Up" radio show with Pete Gray and Marty Milner from 6-8 AM on July 23. They will be talking about the Club’s new Invitational Off-Shore Tag & Release Tournament. (Is there any site in town where you haven’t seen one of the tournament posters?) If you are interested in participating please call the Club or RICH at 225-0932 or 276-5050. Applications have already been received from as far away as Huntington Beach. .

But lots of doings for August. The 18^th will be the second and last Sundowner of the year. We are trying to line up a speaker for the evening.

August 19 is the annual JACK BOHANNON JUNIORS TOURNAMENT. Any Junior - related to member family or not - is eligible to participate – there is no entry fee – but must be fishing on a member’s boat. Chairman KEN MORRIS has lined up some excellent awards, gifts for all participants with a rod and reel combo going to one of the lucky participants. Any questions: call KEN at 619-281-7113. Entry forms are (or will be) available at the Club.

August 26 will be the Club’s COUPLES’ TOURNAMENT (a.k.a. the TROY and SHERA GRANT "50-50" Invitational). This is a chance to take your better half out there and put her (or him) to work.

And – as a reminder for early September - don’t forget the Club’s annual LABOR DAY WEEK-END TOURNAMENT. Chairman BOB WOODARD. JR. promises (honest) that there will be lots of Marlin within a short run. Hopefully, we can then look forward to another of SAM MINERVINI’s BBQ cook-outs. "Cook it again, SAM!" (Hmm -wasn’t that a line from that famous fishing film: "Cast-a-blanket?")

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SUPPORT OUR CONTRIBUTORS!!!!!

The most important factor in the success of our various club activities (e.g. tournaments, etc) is your participation in these various affairs. But another factor contributing to the success of these events is the list of various individuals and businesses who regularly contribute their goods and services to the Club These donations go a long way in allowing us to enhance the various activities as well as providing many of the items that can be raffled off – with profits going to the Club. The following list gives you an indication of the many contributors to our recent Halibut Tournament. It should be noted that many of these same organizations and individuals have regularly made similar contributions to the Club and must be so recognized. They support us and it is only fair that we try to support them as well. Please make note of those listed and if you have the opportunity to patronize their services please do so – and let them know that we, the entire Marlin Club, are most appreciative of their contributions.

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