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DECEMBER, 2000
When last we spoke we indicated that the Fat Lady was only tuning up for, on November 1st, the "Key To The Sea" had caught and released a Marlin outside of Mission Bay. This was followed two days later (Nov. 3) by a good show of feeders, jumpers, lots of jig bites and two fish caught by MC boats: RICH JOHNSON on "Marie B" brought in a 147 pounder and SHERA GRANT, fishing with TROY on the "50-50", released one in the same general area between Mission Bay and La Jolla. This brought a good-sized fleet out the next day, but the fish had already moved on with several batches of feeders noted out towards "The Ridge" between the 181 and 182 spots. (Is that the famed 181½ spot?) Several boats worked the area, but no biters. As it turned out – the background music heard that day was the accompaniment to the Fat Lady’s final tune. Nothing further was heard from out on the high seas, the really stormy weather moved in, water temps plummeted and it was time to save fuel – a lot of fuel – and a lot of $aving$.
SEASON IN REVIEW:
Spring brought some so-so Halibut and White Seabass fishing – enough to keep our
interest. But up around the Channel Islands and Catalina the presence of squid made for
some excellent Seabass and, later, Yellowtail fishing. The ‘tails even put on a nice
showing locally.
The Albacore came in early and in good numbers so that there was plenty for the dinner table and a good start towards filling the freezers. And then – the Yellowfin Tunas followed by good numbers of Dorados made for some excellent fishing – so much so that the YFTs soon become a nuisance. In fact, they stayed with us much longer than anyone expected.
The BigEye Tuna moved in to the 425 and 302 spots and a good number in the "Gorilla" class kept many of us in the chase. Several members participated in the Kona Kai Anglers’ "Tuna Challenge 2000." Top team in the Big Boat division was BOB WOODARD’s "Christina Lynn" with MC members BOB BOSSLER and DAVE VERDUGO members of the team – scoring 118.7 lbs of Albacore.
And this was just one of those years that the Marlin opted not to come in from down below. The big migration came by way of San Clemente’s Northwest Harbor, they stayed there, moved up to Catalina, stayed there for a while, moved over to the Laguna Quadrangle, and then disappeared as the season came to an end. A remaining fraction of the "herd" moved past La Jolla/Mission Bay for the few days as noted above and then were gone. At least they hadn’t set up housekeeping off Catalina’s West End or further up the line at Santa Cruz/Anacapa.
A few fish passed our way with scattered catches in the 425, 302, North Island, La Jolla and 9 Mile Bank areas. Members picked fish off here and there and the Club finished the year weighing in only 31 fish for the year. Adding to this were 34 releases credited to the members and a few fish weighed at Avalon by members. 65 fish recorded at the Club? This, then, was the third worst year on record with 59 fish in 1962 the low point and 64 in 1992.
With the majority of the fishing activities taking place "up north" or out West at Clemente outstanding numbers were put up by several MC members fishing out of Dana Harbor. GARY and LYNN JASPER’s "Wait-N-Sea" reported 18 fish – 13 released. STEVE BLEDSOE’s "No Excuses" brought in a Swordfish (caught by STEVE) and also registered 12 releases for the summer. And special note is made of ALAN SHERIDAN’s "Comanche" with 6 releases – 4 being solo efforts by ALAN. And how good was the fishing off of Northwest Harbor? Special mention should be made of a non Marlin Club effort: another Dana Anglers’ crew, Team Kingsmill (Bill, Jim, Dave Herrera, et al) on "Wild Bill" caught and released 14 Marlin in one epic day. And you thought that the "Mil-So-Mar"s 10 fish day three years ago down on the Banda Bank was an unbeatable score. By the way, "Wild Bill" finished with 22 releases for the year. I don’t know about you, but we didn’t even see 14 fish for the year. (Did someone say: "binoculars?" And I thought that gyros were some kind of Greek sandwich.)
Down here the best numbers we could put up were 4 fish on both CHUCK SMITH’s "Sea Trek IV" and the duo` of SKETE SIMMONS and RICHARD KEESEE’s "Key To The Sea" (3 released). Close behind were 3 fish on "Christina Lynn" and "Mil-So-Mar" (each with 2 releases).
The first catch of the Year was recorded by GARY JASPER ("Wait-N-Sea") on July 25 and the first brought to the Club was boated by SANDY GRUWELL ("Mil-So-Mar") on August 3 and weighed on August 4. The first release of the year was by ALAN SHERIDAN ("Comanche") on August 11. The last fish (plural) came on November 3 – SHERA GRANT’s release on "50-50" and RICH JOHNSON’s 147 pder ("Marie B").
The I.L.T.T. was won by TRENT HULS’ "Marlin Man" and 1st Place in the new Offshore Invitational went to the "Mil-So-Mar." CHUCK and TODD SMITH on "Sea Trek IV" took the Labor Day competition and the Marlin were the big winners for the Couples’ Tournament.
And if you weren’t one of the fortunate few who made it down to Mag Bay you missed one of nature’s most spectacular shows – the (almost) annual gathering of vast bait schools with the migrating Marlin schools in the waters off Santa Maria, Thetis Bank, etc before they move on towards the Cape. You might even call it - are you ready? - "The Perfect Bite." BOB WOODARD’s "Christina Lynn," JIM WACHTLER’s "Wild Thing," and even the "Mil-So-Mar" on their way to the Cape were a few to get in on the what can only be described as nothing less than spectacular fishing. Counts of 20-25 Marlin and/or Sailfish per day were frequently low average. President DAVE VERDUGO, making the trip on the "M-S-M" passed a milestone, catching his 200th billfish (and his 201st, and 202nd, and 203rd, etc, etc, – not quite ad infinitum).
FROM THE CLUB HOUSE:
In case you aren’t aware, the Club is back on winter hours meaning that we will be
open Wed, Fri and Sat, 2-6 PM. But if you have a fish to weigh in please call (619)
954-8465 or 225-0505. Well - at least try.
If you have had a chance to read through the 2000 Year Book/Roster you have probably come up with a few of the inevitable errors, deletions, etc. Much of this was related to the transfer (still ongoing) of data to the new computer system. We would appreciate it very much if you would contact us about such deletions, 858 area code changes, and other errors so that we can bring things up to date. Thank you for your cooperation. Or simply return the information with your dues. Dues? Already?
Yes, the end of the year also means that it is time to get ready for the coming year. That means that dues announcements for 2001 with ballots for the election of new members to the Board of Directors will be forthcoming. Please try to respond as promptly as possible. One thing we can promise you – NO RECOUNTS!
FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
At year end the Board would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the various Club
activities throughout the year. Of particular note we must thank LIL MILLER who has taken
over the job of Club Secretary. Much of the necessary chores have been new to her, but she
has cheerfully responded to the challenge and has brought (and continues to bring) order
out of chaos. In addition, we would be remiss if we would not make note of DENNIS
ALBERT’s immense contribution to the success of the Club by putting together and
maintaining our Web site (www.themarlinclub.com), which is being called the best on the
West Coast. And a special word of thanks to WAYNE SLAHOR who came in to man the desk and
phones on Mondays and Tuesdays. Much has already been written about RICH HAMILTON’s
efforts in putting together and directing the Club’s new Offshore Invitational
Tournament which put an exclamation mark heard, quite literally, around the world
stressing the Marlin Club’s dedication to Conservation efforts. Lastly, we are forced
to acknowledge BARRY ROCKWELL’s constant efforts in making us aware of the importance
of maintaining and accurately updating our Fishing Report line.
And only those who have served as Club President will be able to truly appreciate the amount of time and effort put in by DAVE VERDUGO these past two years. Thank you, DAVE, for a job well done. Yes, it will be very difficult to replace you.
The Board also wishes to remind you of the ongoing battle of "us" against "them" (i.e. the commercials). The longline problem in our waters has yet to be resolved and United Anglers is combining with the Billfish Foundation in continuing the battle. Tom Raftican and UA are leading the battle and we all should do our best to help by becoming members of United Anglers. If you are not already a member - an application is enclosed.
And, if you get a chance, drop CHUCK GILLAM a get well card. We understand he is recovering from acute saltwater withdrawal symptoms and would love to hear from his many friends down at the waterfront.
XMAS HINT:
For those of you in a quandary about what to get for the Fisherman who has everything (and
the pricey reels don’t exactly turn you on) – how about an Art book about
fishing? I have recently received a copy of "Saltwater Gamefishes of the World"
by Bob Dunn and Peter Goadby. There aren’t any "hot tips" re: current
techniques, but it is a beautiful reference book for those interested in the history of
Sportfishing. It is published in Australia and Murray Brothers has it listed at $89.95.
However, Barnes & Noble has it on their web site at $71.96. You won’t be
disappointed.
BIGGEST FISH OF THE YEAR:
Since this is the last Gaffline of the year this is your last chance to get into the
"Biggest Fish of the Year" contest. If you can top the following get your weight
slip to the Club pronto. To the winners? I’m not quite sure, but what you see below
may be your only claim to fame. As for STEVE BLEDSOE’s Swordfish the quote of the
year goes to RICH HAMILTON: "There’s another dead Swordfish for the Dana Angling
Club." (STEVE or RICH will be able to explain that one.) Here is the information we
have listed:
2000 Biggest Fish of the Year – By Members
Tuna – Walter Moss 86.9 pound Bigeye
Albacore – Mike Bingham 41.1 pounds
So there it is – the end to another year. Is it the end of the fishing season – not really. In actuality it is the start of another year which involves getting out the sprays, the cleaners, the oils and all the other tools needed to get the gear ready for the coming season. A quote from the Kona Kai Anglers Club Newsletter by Mark Koehler: "God, I love the smell of WD40 in the morning."
Yes, it is time for White Seabass and Halibut. No, it is not time to start the Albacore rumors, but it is time to wish one and all the very best for the New Year with seasoned (and spiked) greetings to everyone.
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS
&
TIGHT LINES
TO ONE AND ALL
MARLIN CLUB OF SAN DIEGO
2445 SHELTER ISLAND DRIVE
SAN DIEGO, CA 92106
