The Gaff August

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The Marlin Club

The Gaff Line

Since 1931

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Light up a pipe, prop up your feet and pour a cold one. THIS is what’s going on!!!!!

FISHING REPORTS: If you have been out during the month of July then you are aware of the up and down Albacore fishing with BlueFin popping up here and there. Slowly, scattered reports of Dorado are coming in. Taking over 1^st Place in the Albacore listing of the "Largest Fish of the Year" competition was GAIL ROSS with a 32 ½ pd. Longfin. But, if you have been out there then you are aware of the – how shall I say it? – crappy (not allowed to use the "s" word) weather that prevailed for most of the month. It reminds one of those famous words of a famous poet: "Of all sad words of tongue or pen – the saddest are these: ‘Small Craft Warnings!’"

The first report of a bona fide Marlin catch came from one of the Sport boats ( the "Sunrise") fishing for Yellowtail at the Islands on the 20^th. The catch was reported to have been on a sardine and "a couple of miles NW of N Island." That left only 11 days before going to print and I suspected that one of our members would be "doing it" by then.

The week-end of the 22^nd-23^rd saw the weather laying down and the fleet getting down to work. Marlin began popping up all over with several seen on the "9" as well as at the 302, 371, 289, 181, off Oceanside,etc. The best report was that on the 23^rd STEVE BLEDSOE, one of our Dana-connection members, boated a Swordfish (228.5) at the 289. All that work on the "No Excuses" finally paid off. Congratulations, STEVE. That same day a boat out of the Balboa Angling Club also boated a Swordie at the 289 (302 pds). And a third was boated before the week was out. Several more two-finners have been seen and baited along with non-biting tailers.

But that’s not all. On Sunday July 24, the Dana Angling boat "Wild Bill" with Jimmy Kingsmill on the rod found a hungry tailer 13 miles out of Dana Point and released the fish on 30 pd. Tackle after 10 minutes.

And then – on Monday, the 25^th, GARY JASPER on his "Wait-N-Sea" coerced one of many feeders seen off the slide at Catalina’s East End and scored the 1^st Marlin catch of the year by a MC member, a 186 pd. Striper. But not the 1^st Fish Flag since it wasn’t weighed in the Club. GARY has an enviable habit of recording the 1^st of the Year banners. And now for the wait for the 1^st Fish of the Year to be weighed in at the Club. Locally, there are almost daily sightings of those long tail fins up and down the "9," 302, 289, and especially off the La Jolla weather buoy (what are those numbers?) with an occasional "feeder" and short biter thrown in to keep us interested.

On Monday, July 31, KEVIN KINSELLA on the "Lucky K" reported a Marlin Release at 45 miles/215. The fish was taken on a sardine while fishing a kelp patty.

A recap of the PPPP (Past Presidents’ Prediction Poll) shows that the "early birds" (DON BLACKMAN on 6-27, RICH JOHNSON on 7-6, STEVE WILLIAMS on 7-14, SKETE SIMMONS on 7-22, TROY GRANT on 7-28, SHIRLEY BLACKMAN on 7-31, and now, ED WALDMAN on 8-3) have missed the date with only MARK HENWOOD (8-7) still in the running for accurately predicting the date of the 1^st Marlin weigh-in at the Club. (The first page of the September Gaffline will carry a retraction, apology, correction, etc regarding the Past Presidents Prediction Poll. The recent August Gaffline, because of a printing urgency, overlapped with the fact that former MC President "Sunshine Also" ED WALDMAN correctly picked August 3 as the day of the catching of the MC's 1st fish to be weighed in (caught on 8-3, but actually weighed in on August 4). His reward? I think this was it! There, I have paid my debit. (Or was it a credit?) MLM)

Yes, the race is in the home stretch. The "race?" Yes, the race between the 1^st Fish weigh-in vs. the publication of the 2000 Year Book. With the Book currently at the printers it is too close to call. Keep those presses rolling, DAVE!

The bad news? Seiners have been busy off LaJolla and as close as 2 miles from Point Loma. The result: bait is once again hard to come by. That run to Ensenada or Oceanside harbors is going to be a little tiring (and expensive) in order to load up. A hot tip from TROY GRANT: put locks on your receivers!!!

FROM THE CLUB-HOUSE: If you haven’t seen the Club’s internet Web site (www.themarlinclub.com) you’re missing lots of good information about, not only the Club, but all kinds of fishing information in general. It is so informative that it’s almost worth going out and buying a computer. (I said "almost") And check out the new section regarding the "Largest Fish of the Year." This is being upgraded as necessary. But we do depend on you sending us those weight slips – if you think you can top the current listings. And pictures! Send pictures! I’d hate to go through an entire season looking at only pictures of DENNIS ALBERT (or STEVE BLEDSOE). DENNIS is doing a great job with this project, but I’d rather be looking at pictures of SHIRLEY, LAN, SHERA, etc, etc, etc and – even you! And maybe even a Marlin or two.

NEW MEMBERS: Let’s welcome aboard WILLIAM KARSTENS ("Fishtrk"), PAT HOLMES ("Hawk"), JOHN HOLMES ("Hawk"), BILL & SANDY GRUWELL ("Mil-So-Mar"), RONALD MILLER ("New DeLight") and MARTIN SCHORR ("My Susy"). And also joining is PETE GRAY ("Let’s Talk Hookup"), co-host of the "Let’s Talk Fishing/Hook-Up" radio show. (But where’s Marty?)

FROM THE HELM: President DAVE VERDUGO wants all members to be aware of the fact that one of the benefits of membership is to be able to park your trailers in the Club lot. However, several events are scheduled for the month of September and a large tent is to be erected over most of the lot for almost the entire month (i.e. September). Any trailers that are left in the back of the lot may become inaccessible once the tent has gone up. Therefore, be advised and forewarned. Use the lot, but remove the trailers once the trip is over and when we get into September don’t get "tented" in. Thanks for your help.

"I’d like to personally welcome all the new members to the Club. Not only are we a public weighing facility we are a FISHING Club. On the 18^th we have a Potluck "Sundowner." This would be a great time for the new members to mix it up with some of the other members. Speaking of membership, I’d like to welcome back PHIL HOFFMAN to the Club.

With the water (and the fishing) heating up, so is our tournament schedule (see below). Please take note of upcoming events and participate if possible. These events are our money generators for the remainder of the year. With our expenditures for the new computer system, painting of the Club, and soon to be installed new carpet, your participation is vital for a strong and solvent Marlin Club.

How about the Web Site? What a great job DENNIS ALBERT is doing. Thank you, DENNIS, for all your effort. Also, thank you to TROY and SHERA GRANT for the new faucet in the "head."

We also need a Monday-Tuesday person soon for the office. Please contact LIL or myself if you know of anyone who might be interested. And what about "Dock" persons? Any ideas? Anyone???? " Regards, R. DAVID VERDUGO, President

RECENT EVENTS: July 16 was an attempt to bring more members "on site." That is, trying to bring more members to the Club for another social event. This time it was a very informal "cook-out" featuring the "catch of the day" – Albacore – direct from ocean to grill. Thus, not a BBQ, but a good old fashioned AlbieQ. For a time it looked like the Longfins were going to put on a "no show," but during the preceding week a new batch of fish moved in and there was plenty for the BBQ. With plenty of Baked Beans a good time and a hearty meal was had by all in attendance.

The alarm clocks went off early in the morning of July 23 and President DAVE, RICH HAMILTON, and DOUG KERN (of Fisherman’s Landing Tackle Shop) guested on the Hook-Up 690 talk show with PETE GRAY and Marty Milner. RICH gave an excellent report of the recent Highly Migratory Species meeting in La Jolla where the commercial interests introduced their proposal for the introduction of a Longline fishery into our off shore waters. (See below) Here we go again. Or should I say there they (our fish) go?

CURRENT EVENTS: As the fishing picks up momentum so goes the competition schedule. But first of all will be the Club’s 2^nd (and last) Sundowner of the year on Friday, August 18. Here’s another chance to just sit around, relax and hear some current fishing exploits – true or not. Bring your favorite salad, entrée, or dessert, have a cold one, and just relax. (Unless the attendance picks up these social soirees may become a thing of the past. They are already an endangered species.) See enclosed notice!!!!!!

The next day, August 19^th is the Jack Bohannon Junior’s Fishing Tournament. Entry is FREE and any Junior born on or after January 1, 1984 is eligible to fish. Any Junior (direct Marlin Club relationship or otherwise) will be eligible to fish as long as they fish on a Marlin Club member’s boat. There will be great prizes for the winning fisher-men/women along with a free raffle for those attending the post-fishing cookout. The grand raffle will be a rod and reel combination whether he or she catches a fish or not. For further details call KEN MORRIS at (619) 281-7113. An application is attached or pick up one at the Club.

The following week, August 26^th, the President’s Couples Only Marlin Tournament (see enclosed) chaired by TROY and SHERA GRANT will get the "big kids" involved. There is no entry fee – simply sign up with the Club secretary (LIL) at least 24 hours before the tournament. Kicking off the event will be a Potluck dinner on Friday, the 25^th, at 6:30 PM. Rules are simple:

And the end of the month leads into the first week-end of September, the Labor Day week-end when everyone gets a chance to compete – i.e. the Club’s Annual Labor Day Tournament (Chairman: BOB WOODARD, JR.) climaxed by that Mother-of-all-BBQs, the SAM MINERVINI Invitational.

COMING EVENTS: Following the relatively "benign" (i.e. friendly) Labor Day Week-End Tournament come the "hard core" events – one right after another. No rest for the committed (or soon to be).

The week-end of Sept. 8-9 brings the First Annual (?) Marlin Club Invitational Off-Shore Tournament. Invitations-Applications are available by contacting the Club (222-8677) or RICH HAMILTON (225-0932). Here is the current update:

The Marlin Club’s new tournament is coming along great. The RFA has agreed to purchase an additional satellite pop-up tag (to the tune of $2800) to augment the one NMFS is providing. These tags are the state of the art and will provide very valuable information to help learn more about the habits of Marlin. This will be the first time these tags are used on the West Coast! Media attention has been amazing and Rick Gaffney, well known writer from Kona, Hawaii, will be here to do an article about the Tournament and the Club for "Bluewater and Boats Magazine," Australia’s version of Marlin Magazine! Representatives from the RFA, Billfish Foundation and the IGFA will be here to check out this new tournament and lend their support. The Sportfishing Industry has been overwhelmingly generous, making the raffle and team bags worth the entry alone! This is a great chance to get together for some serious billfish research, help out a great charity, and have fun (not to mention a shot at BIG prize$!) And, yes, giving your support to the Marlin Club. Over 45 requests for invitations have been received and with the season shaping up nicely, more will soon follow. Have YOU asked for YOUR invite yet?

If you can’t fish in the tournament, but still want to be a part of the action, members are needed to help out with all kinds of things "shoreside" and volunteers are welcome. You’ll even get a T-shirt and a dinner ticker to the awards dinner for your troubles! This will surely be the biggest event for the Marlin Club in a long time, so let’s get together and show the world how it’s done "San Diego style." To help out or get more information about the tournament, contact RICH HAMILTON: 225-0932 day or 276-5050 home.

That same week-end the Balboa Angling Club will be holding their Annual Master Anglers’ Billfish Tournament. Applications are available at the Club. We are advised that they no longer permit the taking of fish as an option. (An all-release tournament? Sounds familiar! ) They will be limiting participation to the first 200 anglers.

Next up will be the Marlin Club’s Small Boat Tournament on the 16^th and 17^th. Co-Chairmen are MICHAEL BERRY (aka "MICHAEL B") and HAROLD WEIMER.

Finishing off the month (and your pocket-book) will be the Club’s GENE GRIMES MEMORIAL INVITATIONAL LIGHT TACKLE TOURNAMENT on the 22^nd and 23^rd. Chairman for this event will be our very own President, DAVE VERDUGO. He promises that rules follow that age-old principle of K.I.S.S.!!!! The Awards dinner will be on the 24^th. You will find a copy of the Tournament Entry Form and a set of Rules on the MC Web Site, but will also be made available to one and all in the very near future. And DAVE has provided this ILTT update:

The 41^st Annual Gene Grimes Memorial ILTT Captains’ Meeting will be held at Southwestern Yacht Club, Thursday, Sept. 21^st with the Awards Dinner "under the canopy" at the Marlin Club on Sunday, the 24^th. Here are the rules changes:

But wait!!! Don’t put your tackle away just yet. Sept. 30-Oct. 1 is the very popular Kona Kai Anglers’ "Make-A-Wish" Tuna Challenge. Proceeds go to the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation. Don’t miss this one! There’s a reely big BigEye as well as reports of 100+ pd. Bluefin working their way up the line looking for your Rapala. Sept. 30 just might be your lucky day.

And if you have it in your heart (and any left-over resources) to contribute to another very worthy cause consider the Mission Bay Marlin Club "Heart Tournament" the very next week (Oct. 7-8).

Then, and only then, can you start thinking about Cabo San Lucas, Mag Bay, or that annual visit to the boat yard. Unless, of course, the season is still going strong. What could a season of fishing be like without a visit to Smugglers’ Cove or Santa Barbara Island? We’ll just have to wait and see (along with the GARY and LYNN JASPER) how things go.

POLITICAL REPORT: If you haven’t been paying attention then you are probably unaware of the recent meeting of the Pacific Coast Management Council meeting in LaJolla on June 17-21. This meeting, attended by a small handful of the faithful, including RICH HAMILTON, representatives of United Anglers, Recreational Fishing Alliance, Bill Beebe, etc, etc featured a presentation to the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Management Team of a proposal by the commercials to permit Longline fishing in our Extended Economic Zone (EEZ – i.e. 200 mile limit). This is NOT to replace the Gillnets, but is intended to be in addition to. They wiped out the East Coast, have been kicked out of Hawaii, and now they are trying to pry open the door to our waters. Next up on the schedule is the report from the HMS Advisory Panel as to the feasibility of the proposal. Thus far, one can only be pessimistic as to the future. It would appear that in this instance that those who remember the past are determined to repeat it (referring, of course, to the current sad state of both sport and commercial fishing on the East Coast due, presumably, to the poor management of the longline industry).

At the last meetings held in La Jolla July 17-21 commercial fishermen made a formal, written proposal to introduce longlining within the 200 mile limit of the West Coast. They proposed a "closed area" inside the Channel Islands to China Point to the Mexican Border (this closed area is intended to help us Marlin folks out.) Needless to say, sportfishermen were noe too happy and voiced their concerns rather directly. A written proposal was presented the next day by Rich Hamilton to keep them outside the 200 miles. The commercial fishermen were equally displeased. Anyone know where to find a good bodyguard? Things are heating up and it’s getting time for you to take note. Organizations like United Anglers and the Recreational Fishing Alliance (as well as YOUR Marlin Club) are leading the way to help keep our fisheries healthy. If you are asked to donate to one of these organizations or asked to write a letter, DO IT! It will make a difference. Don’t let the same mistakes made on the East Coast occur here!