SEPTEMBER, 2000

The race is over! The winner: 1^st Marlin Weigh-In! The loser: the Marlin Club Year Book. Try as we may – the printers let us down. But, finally, the ink has dried and yes, they are finally here. In order to save postage please (!) come on by and pick yours up.

Yes, it took a while, but the 1^st Marlin Weigh-In of the Year came on August 4^th (at 7 AM). The fish was caught on the "Mil-So-Mar" on the evening of August 3 (6:45 PM) by SANDY GRUWELL. After a day of fishing they were headed into Dana Harbor at 12 knots – about 6 miles out - still pulling the jigs when a "blind" one struck – and stuck. It weighed in at 144 pounds and made it a big week for the happy angler: she joined the Marlin Club, caught her 1^st Marlin in Local Waters, brought the 1^st Fish of the Year flag to the "Mil-So-Mar," went from Associate to Active Staff membership and made it difficult for the rest of us to live with Captain RICH HAMILTON for the rest of the year. But no sour grapes here – Congratulations! - to the Angler, Skipper, MILLIE and entire crew of the "Mil-So-Mar." Too bad ED wasn’t here to see it.

The 2^nd fish came on Aug. 10^th by SARAH WACHTLER – 153 ½ - on the "Wild Thing" taken off the Can Dump at Catalina. This earned them Southwestern’s 1st Fish Flag. And next came SHIRLEY BLACKMAN on the"Retriever" with a 105 pd. Fish on Aug. 12^th. Shortly thereafter came fish boated by SHERA GRANT and KEN SCHILLING’s "significant other." Yes, the season was finally off and running. With the Couples Tournament coming up it already looked like a good month for the Ladies.

On the 11^th, ALLAN SHERIDAN, another of our Dana anglers, caught and released one - earning the MC 1st Release of the Year Flag. He was fishing "up there" off Dana Point on his "Comanche." And, on the 12^th, JOHN ASHLEY, fishing on his "Tenacious," released a Marlin just a few miles south of North Island. Also on the 12^th, KIM SAGE on "Fiji Girl" brought in a 109 pder taken 4 miles inside of the 181. Further releases were reported by KEN SCHILLING on that boat without a name, JON EPSTON on "Dos Hermanos," and SANDY GRUWELL on the "Mil-So-Mar."

And here is a formal retraction, correction, apology. Last month’s Gaffline incorrectly indicated that ED WALDMAN had come up short in the Past President’s Prediction Poll re: date of 1^st Weighed-in Marlin Catch. Even though SANDY’s fish was weighed on the 4^th ED correctly predicted that the 1^st CATCH (to be weighed-in) would come on Aug. 3. Now we have to live with ED as well as RICH. It’s going to be a very long summer.

GARY JASPER’s 1^st Catch of the Year on July 25^th was not weighed-in at the Club. Therefore, honorable mention in the PPPP must be a tie between SKETE SIMMONS (7-22) and TROY GRANT (7-28). Maybe "they" (the Board) should clarify the rules for the PPPP (i.e. Catch vs. Weigh-In). Not that anyone really cares!

FROM THE CLUB-HOUSE: The arrival of the fish seems to bring out the interest in many and NEW MEMBERS continue to come through the door. So let us now welcome JACK HAWTHORNE ("Retozo"), GARY HAWTHORNE ("Retozo"), GEORGE HOLLENDEN and STEVE CLEMENT ("Mil-So-Mar"). And welcome back into the fold a long time member and already off to a great start this year, KEN SCHILLING.

It is unfortunate that just as we say hello to new members it is all too often that we must say good-bye to a friend who has recently passed away. DUDLEY WILLIAMS was a member of this Club for over 40 years. He served as Club President in 1958-59 and was chiefly responsible for the movement of the Club into Incorporation. STEVE and the other members of the family wish to thank the Club and all others who have expressed their concern.

From time to time we have the opportunity to thank various members for their contributions of time and effort. Recently TED and LYNDA McBRAYER tied up at our docks and thanked us by cleaning up and weeding our JACK BOHANNON gardens as well as cleaning up and hosing down the docks. And then – a donation to the Club for the use of our utilities. Thank you, TED and LYNDA. It’s a pleasure to have members like yourselves.

RECENT EVENTS: August 18^th was the 2^nd (of 2) SUNDOWNERS for the summer. After an evening of "fine" dining (thanks to "The Colonel") there was a brief presentation of the history of jig fishing here in the Southland followed by a lively discussion on the fine points of jig choice, rigging, trolling, etc. The "pearls" of wisdom came fast and furious and one couldn’t help but learn a thing or two. Thanks to all who participated with special thanks to STEVE ELKINS and SKETE SIMMONS for their input. And thanks to the over 35 people (members and guests) who turned out.

JUNIORS TOURNAMENT: August 19^th was the day and 26 young participants (21 boys and 5 girls) turned out fishing on 11 different members’ boats. Lots of Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Yellowtail and one lone Calico Bass made it a happy day for these grinning anglers. Chairman KEN MORRIS lined up a terrific array of awards so that no one attending the BBQ came away empty handed. Many thanks to those whose donations again made this a most successful event. This includes MC members FRANK GIANNOLA, DOUG KERN (Fisherman’s Landing Tackle Shop), JOHN LLOYD and BILL MIYAGAWA (Zuker Lures), and DON and SHIRLEY BLACKMAN. Other donations came from Ken Swink (Valerie St. Gaudins) and Barry Brightenberg (Fishtrap Lures). And special thanks to BILL HOLMES for his outstanding work on the grill and to HELEN and LINDA PROO who filled in for Secretary LIL. See enclosed highlights.

In the individual categories the winners were:

"KILLER Bs" (CALICO BASS) – 15 y/o Mike Schmer – 3 lb 9 oz "Grander" (Ronald Schmer)
"YELLOWTAIL" - 11 y/o Erik Folk - 12 lb 9 oz "Endeavor" (Geoff Stiles)
"TUNA" - (YELLOWFIN) - 10 y/o Chris Boucher – 16 lb 5 oz "Ken-Dan" (Ken Morris)
"DORADO" - 12 y/o Lindsey Blackman – 12 lb 4 oz "Retreiver" (Don & Shirley  Blackman)
Each winner was awarded a tackle package prize and a $50.00 U.S. Savings Bond.

The BIG FISH winners were:
Largest Fish by Female Junior:
11 y/o Samantha Magnuson - 14 lb 8 oz Yellowfin Tuna "Ken-Dan"

Largest Fish by Male Junior:
10 y/o Chris Boucher - 16 lb 5 oz Yellowfin Tuna "Ken-Dan"
Each of these winners received a trophy and a piece of Valerie Saint-Gaudens jewelry.

The raffle winner of a Seeker rod & Shimano reel combo from Fisherman ‘s Landing (courtesy of DOUG KERN) was Mitchell Reyes, a member of the "Endeavor" crew.

COUPLES TOURNAMENT

On Saturday, August 26^th , chaired by SHERA & TROY GRANT, the Annual "Family Affair" took place. After a Friday evening "Potluck" dinner at the Marlin Club, 15 boats set forth in search of the elusive spikebills. The ultimate winner: the spikebills. Several jig strikes were reported at the tip of the upper finger, outside of North Island, along the "9", etc but nothing remained long enough to get into the scoring column. It looks like everyone tied for first – or was it "last?" All returned with hopes for a more entertaining and productive Labor Day week-end.

 LABOR DAY TOURNAMENT: The final week of the month saw reports of that elusive "herd" of Marlin out west that had been wandering around the west end of Clemente finally starting to bite at the 499, Mackeral Bank, towards Pyramid, and showing signs of moving up towards Catalina. With the start of the tournament schedules fleets of boats spread out to take advantage of the building "bite."

CHUCK and TODD SMITH on "Sea Trek IV" came away as the L.D. tournament winners with two fish on Saturday, both on bait, from the lee of Clemente with fish reported from ½ mile off shore at the "Dome" area to well off the island and up and down the length thereof. The feeders started about noon and from then on it was typical gun-run-cast type of fishing. As CHUCK described it: "One hand on the gyros and one hand on the throttle." Actually, the feeders were popping everywhere and the "Wildbill" (Dana Anglers) had fourteen (yes, as in 14) releases for the day. And they followed that up with 2 more on Sunday.

MIKE ALSIP’s "Love of Mike" got in on the action with a release by Pres. DAVE VERDUGO. On Sunday the winds apparently picked up and the fishing dropped (precipitously). JOE LOPS’ "Jigger Joe" released one and the "Legend" released two for the week-end. Late reports indicate that the WOODARD’s "Christina Lynn" and KEN SCHILLING also released fish on the week-end.

On Sunday KEN (on that boat without a name), while returning from Clemente boated a fish some 12 miles 280 from the Point. This prompted the local fleet to stay "at home" and on Labor Day Monday fish were boated by the "Radar," "Marie B," and the "Desperado." Meanwhile, back at Clemente, the bait had disappeared, the birds were grounded, fish sightings were few and far between and no (as in 0) fish were taken.

The week-end’s activities came to a close with the annual Labor Day (Swordfish) BBQ. Approximately 65 diners joined in under the parking lot tent And once again, we must thank SAM MINERVINI , the maestro of the grill works, and his masterful wielding of the spatula. Thanks to BOB WOODARD, Jr. for putting it all together. And, thanks, BOB, for getting the fish here in time. Great timing!!!

1^ST ANNUAL (?) OFF$HORE INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT: See enclosed summary of this historic event. New concepts are often hard to promote and competition from four(!!!) other tournaments cut down on the over-all participation. But congratulations to RICH HAMILTON and his co-workers for an exceptionally well organized and well run affair. Coverage of this landmark affair came from I.G.F.A., Hawaii and even Australia. Virtually all of the sponsors, supporters and contributors have expressed their willingness to again be a part of this historic event next year. And the Marlin Club wishes to thank those members who actively supported the Club’s effort in bringing the 1^st All Release Cash-Award Tournament to the West Coast.

COMING EVENTS: As we go to press the above events have concluded and we look forward to the remainder of the tournament schedule. It’s not too late to join in so contact the Club for details, entry forms, etc.

SMALL BOAT TOURNAMENT: Chaired by HAROLD WEIMER and MICHAEL BERRY the 19^th Annual SBT is set for Saturday, Sept 16^th and Sunday, the 17^th. Please refer to enclosed "flyer."

41^ST ANNUAL GENE GRIMES MEMORIAL INVITATIONAL LIGHT TACKLE TOURNAMENT (aka I.L.T.T.): Chairman for this years competition is President DAVID VERDUGO. The tournament is Friday-Saturday, September 22-23 with the Awards Dinner Sunday, the 24^th. This is a chance to support YOUR Marlin Club and fish competitively as well. Please see the enclosed.announcement.

And – while not "official" Marlin Club sponsored events - we recommend you consider participation in the following worthwhile events:

KONA KAI ANGLERS "MAKE-A-WISH" TUNA CHALLENGE: September 30-October 1, 2000. For details contact GORDON HADFIELD at 619-445-1922 (E-Mail: sealion@cts.com). A spectacular array of prizes have been lined up.

MISSION BAY MARLIN CLUB 26^th ANNUAL "HEART" TOURNAMENT: Saturday, October 7, 2000. For details contact Larry Oberti 619-276-7412 or 224-8229.

MOVIE REVIEWS: We have had many requests to have a monthly review of a movie of interest. Fortunately, this will be the last in a series of one such reviews. But we wish to bring to your attention the movie "Bring It On." We do not have Roger Ebert’s review handy, but the picture is currently one of the highest grossing films out there. It is, in addition, according to the movie critic of the San Diego State Univ. "Daily Aztec," "the worst film ever made." But the picture does have two redeeming features: first, it was shot here in San Diego and, secondly, one of the scenes was shot right here at ye olde Marlin Club – including the fiberglass Marlin mount. So if you don’t mind being surrounded by screaming teen-agers you might (I seriously doubt it) be interested in giving this one a few moments of your time – at least until the Club is in view. But why pay – come on down and see the real thing.

MARLIN CLUB OF SAN DIEGO
2445 SHELTER ISLAND DRIVE
SAN DIEGO, CA 92106