MAY, 2001

CUSTOMS WOES (HARASSMENT?): If you have not been stopped yet by the customs officials as you enter the harbor - or - if have not been keeping up with what our government is up to - you are referred to the San Diego Log articles in their March 23 - April 5 edition, pp. 1 & 20. In their efforts to prevent illicit drug and contraband smuggling into San Diego Harbor the U.S.Customs Office has decreed that "every pleasure and recreational boat that enters Mexican waters, regardless of length of stay, must report to Customs upon their return to San Diego." Many of you may have already been stopped upon your re-entry to the Harbor. Apparently, they began this process last Fall.
    This means that if you fish off the Bull Ring, at the Coronados, the Rock Pile, the Upper Finger, the lower end of the "9," and even the 302 area you are obliged to "report in" as you enter the Harbor. I am told that you are to call the Harbor Police on Channel 16, they will assign you a spot on either the front dock or in the transient slips. You must then go up to the "Mooring Office" and request to see Customs. They will call the Customs people (who hang out at the airport). Ater hours, the mooring office is closed, but there is a phone on the wall with an extension number to call. It's hard to believe that they are going to be able to enforce this, but - that's the law. (And it was still the law when I called on May 2).
    And to compound the problem the main police dock is going to be removed and rebuilt in the near future.
    At any rate, it behooves one to be familiar with the actual border line. Roughly, it starts just above the Bull Ring, runs west across the lower third of the "9," and at a point about 8 miles southwest of the 182 (approx. 31 37/117 50) makes a sharp left turn and runs on about a 185 degree heading to the east of the Butterfly and the "60." And even if you only fish the "60" you will still be passing through Mexican waters on your return (unless, of course, you return by way of San Clemente).
    Another bit of advice: if you are buzzed by a Coast Guard helicopter turn your radio to Channel 16. They are usually trying to get the name of your boat and if the transom is obscured by fish bags, they will call you and ask for your identity, possibly your Document or Calif. Registration numbers. You may even be stopped by a Coast Guard boat whose crew will ask for your port of origin, destination and your purpose out there. If any of these events take place absolutely report in when you re-enter the Harbor for they have your name on the list.
    Failure to report is worth a $5,000 fine for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation. Whether you cooperate or not is up to you.

DF&G HARASSMENT?: The following was to lead-off next month, but since it follows the above information I bring it to you now. Because of California limits and size restrictions many anglers are "harvesting" their catch south of the border where, certainly, size limits do not prevail. In order to document these catches the F&G Dept has come up with a form (a "Declaration" listing your catch) that must be filled out and made available to any F&G officers who might "greet" you upon your return. Several Club members have already been ticketed for showing up with "shorts" and not possessing the proper documentation. It is a 4-part NCR form that can be obtained from:
    California Department of Fish and Game
    4949 View Ridge Ave.
    Kearney Mesa
    (858) 467-4201
The form can be photo-copied and are available, in limited quantity, at the Marlin Club.

AND - on that happy note - do not overlook your Mexican Licenses. Like everything else, their rates have gone up as follows (as of 4-27-01, that is):
    Boat Permit Prices: Under 23 feet - $31.30
            23'- 29' 11" - $62.60
            30' or over - $93.80                
    Individual Licenses: Weekly - $22.05
                Monthly - $31.60
                Annual - $41.15
The individual licenses can usually be had at the Sportfishing Landings or tackle shops, but the boat permits must be obtained at the Mexico Department of Fisheries
                    (Oficina de Pesca en San Diego, CA)
                2550 5th Ave., Suite 101
                San Diego, CA 92103
                (619) 233-6956 fax(619)233-0344
These licenses can be obtained by mail or in person. Applications can be obtained by calling or by fax. BUT - remember that payment is by cashier's check or money order ONLY and made out to "Oficina de Pesca." A copy of current registration or Certificate of Documentation must also be included. (AND -if you have a visible inflatable or other type of dinghy - you must also register that - at the "less than 23 foot" fee of $31.30.
Hmmm - for a boat over 30' with an inflatable on the bow and licenses for both Momma and Poppa that comes to exactly $207.40. If you apply by mail send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. And, of course, they take no responsibility for mail lost by the U.S. Postal Services. They recommend use of Certified Mail tags for both request and return envelopes. (Want advise? Go in person!) You say you don't want to pay? Vessel Assist is one kind of insurance - this is something else, but don't leave home without it - if you are heading south. Talk to anyone who has been stopped and listen to their stories of woe.
    The limits are basically unchanged, but there is one Regulation of interest:
"It is prohibited to use artificial lighting to attract large quantities of fish." Makes one think twice before trying to "make bait" in the dark down there while anchored up at the Coronados or Punta Banda. Next they'll tell us we can't chum with cat food unless it is purchased south of the border.

And now - on with the news of the day:

ANNUAL MEETING: was held on Tuesday, April 3rd at the Southwestern Yacht Club.
Almost 70 individuals were present. President DAVE VERDUGO handled the meeting and presented the current officers and newly elected members of the Board of Directors to those in attendance. The minutes of the previous year's meeting were presented and approved. A current P & L report was presented as well. One of the business items on the agenda were By-Laws changes that would permit election of Board members in December, prior to the January Board meeting, permitting election of officers prior to the February Awards Dinner. With a quorum on hand the measure passed. A brief discussion about the future of the I.L.T.T. was held with no final decision, except that the majority present felt that we should definitely continue with the tournament. It was also suggested that the tournament be held on a Saturday-Sunday as opposed to the traditional Friday-Saturday. If you have any thoughts on the matter please feel free to pass your ideas on to DAVE, LIL or any other member of the Board of Directors. A couple dozen Marlin at the right time in the right place wouldn't hurt any.

The guest speaker was Bill Boyce, noted underwater photographer. He gave one of his fascinating slide presentations with underwater scenes of Marlin vs. Meatballs in the waters off Mag Bay made last November during the wide open bite. He had been accompanied by noted Marine artist Guy Harvey and sculptor Kent Ullberg and their trip was guided by GARY  GRAHAM. Thus, in addition to the terrific underwater scenes they got in a little fly fishing as well.

It was also announced that the Club will soon be accepting major credit cards, a useful tool for dues, tournament expenses, personally autographed subscriptions to the Gaffline (colored pictures, of course), etc. A $50 gift certificate was raffled off and the lucky winner was Mr. "Marlin (nee Culligan) Man," TRENT HULS. He muttered something about buying a new water softener.

CLEAN-UP DAY: was Saturday, April 14th. WAYNE SLAHOR lined up a formidable list of "Honey-Do's" and a great turn-out of some 20 bodies (and one dog) pitched in to give the old Club-House a bright new look for 2001. Forgive us if we missed anyone, but noted among those present were: WAYNE & CHARLOTTE SLAHOR, DON & SHIRLEY BLACKMAN, HARRY OKUDA, MARTY& KEN MORRIS, HAROLD WEIMER, WALT GUTJAR, WALT MOSS, DAVE VERDUGO, KEITH JENKINS, DICK (& COCO) MEDVEY, RICH HAMILTON, CRIS, CHRISTINE & ANTONE LAHR, STEVE ELKINS, DENNIS ALBERT, AL KELLY & MICHAEL "B." Not to overlook a little elbow grease, soap, paint, and manual labor. Coffee, muffins, pizza and cold drinks were enjoyed by all - with a lot of satisfaction for a job well done. (As an old orthopaedist, getting out the hammer and screw drivers was like the good old days - when the tourniquet was working, of course. It even reminded me of the good old Erector set era. I know - what's an Erector set?) The Club also wishes to thank JIM PEA and ED WALDMAN for their generous contributions of paint, brushes, and concrete materials.
    The office is hard at work on this year's Year Book and is becoming aware of many wrong numbers. Please look at last year's book and let us know if there are any corrections to be made.
    WANTED! WAYNE tells us that the Club is looking for some kind, contributing member who would like to donate to the club a patio set - a small table with set of chairs to be used in the window corner of the Club House or out on the deck. If you have such a set that you would like to donate - the Club would be most appreciative.

NEW MEMBERS:
Let's welcome aboard FRED & CAROL (& DAVID) LARSON;  6504 Muirland Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037; Res:858-459-3833;bus:858-459-0691;   "Growler" (45')

SADLY, we must also report on the recent passing, after a two year illness, of MADELYN (Mrs. RICHARD) HEAD of the "Salty Sarge" team.

On the medical front Dr. JORDY WEITZMAN ("Haven"), one of our Marina Del Rey regulars, is currently recovering from extensive back surgery. We all wish him well and send our hopes for a speedy recovery - and return to the fishing wars.

BOAT OF THE MONTH
"DESPERADO"

This custom built 32' Cruizon was built by Larry Younglove in Surfside, CA for AL WHITE (deceased) a former Marlin Club member. Launched in 1965 under the original name of "Sir Rogue" the boat was purchased and renamed "Eileen F" by another Marlin Club member, DON KRUSEN (also deceased), in 1972. The boat was purchased by current owners, ED and LOU RAY CHECKERT in 1975, refitted in 1999 and now diesel powered with a 400+ mile range and a 22 kt.cruising speed. Retired from the County District Attorney's office ED has been a member of the Marlin Club since 1969. Club records credit ED with 14 line-class button awards. LOU RAY, retired from teaching in 2000, has been a MC member since 1990. They are members of the Southwestern Yacht Club.
   
NEW BOAT: Long time MC member ED WALDMAN has advised us that before we had a chance to highlight his "Sunshine Too," after 25 years on the local scene, the sun no longer shines, the boat sold, and his new 29' Blackman ("Moonshine Too") was launched on March 29th. Congratulations to ED, the family, and, of course, "JIM" KONZAL, ED's First Mate and fishing buddy. The vessel is currently participating in the La Casa Coral 90 day "Welcome to California" process.

COMING EVENTS: May 19 is HALIBUT TOURNAMENT time.  $1,000/$500/$250/$150 (for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Place) Co-Chairmen CRIS LAHR & DAVE VERDUGO have been busy making the proper arrangements. $50 per angler/$5 per guest at Awards/BBQ. See enclosed flyer/application.

SEASON KICK-OFF POTLUCK DINNER: Friday, June 15 - we are lining up speakers and demonstration of Kayak fishing, equipment, techniques, etc. This should prove to most interesting (and instructive for more and more people are becoming interested and involved). We are having only two such Friday dinners (+ one Saturday AL-B-Q - as in Albie-Q) so come on out and be social - as well as good listeners. If you are interested in reading more about Kayaking try:  http://www.kayakfishing.com and www.kayakfishing.com.

M. C. OFFSHORE INVITATIONAL TAG & RELEASE TOURNAMENT:
    Chairman RICH HAMILTON has all in order with another outstanding array of sponsors (including most of last year's) lined up. The tournament will be held the week-end following Labor Day on Sept. 7 & 8. Information, rules, entry forms, etc can be found on the MC web site.
    As winners of last year's tournament RICH and the "Mil-So-Mar" crew participated in the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship held at Kona. They returned with an invitation extended to the Marlin Club to participate in this year's H.I.B.T (Hawaiian Invitational Billfish Tournament), probably the oldest and most prestigious world-wide competition. If anyone is interested in participating as a member of a Marlin Club team please contact LIL at the Club. The dates are August 11-18. Cost? (I was afraid you might ask): $3,800 for a 4 angler team, $3,550 for a 3 angler team, and $3,300 for a 2 angler team. 4 days of charter boasts are an additional $2,400. The line forms to the right.

NEW FISHING AWARDS;
In keeping up with times four (4) new Perpetual Trophies have been created:
-Largest Albacore of the Year (the R. DAVID VERDUGO Award)
-Largest Dorado of the Year (the MICHAEL BERRY Award)
-Largest Sportfish Taken on a Fly Rod (the Baja on the Fly Award)
-The CHUCK GILLAM Memorial Award for Most Marlin Taken and/or Released On Natural Bait (i.e. Jig Fish need not apply)  (Hmm - Can Largest Sportfish Taken on a Kayak be far behind?????)

F.Y.I.!!!: New members are reminded of the fact that all new members are assigned to Associate status and shall have the same privileges as have Active Members with the exception of voting and holding office. Active membership is achieved by boating or releasing (in accordance with Club Rules) a Marlin or Swordfish or boating a Tuna of 40 pounds or over.

And, finally, the FIRST FISHING REPORTS OF THE YEAR: Congratulations are in order for President DAVE VERDUGO who recorded the largest fish reported for the Month of March (i.e. The Largest Fish of the Month contest). Don't laugh, but as the winner of the annual contest DAVE will not have to pay dues next year. What's that you say? What was the weight of his fish? I almost forgot - DAVE's pre-fishing in preparation for the Southwestern Bottomfish Tournament put a 4.6 pd. Rockfish on the scales. But don't complain - you could have done better if only you'd have wet a line - and weighed-in your catch! There were reports of larger catches, but - no weight slips!
    DAVE's fish was taken on 50 lb. line. He thought he had a chance for IGFA's 10 to 1 Club, but somehow mis-interpreted the rules.
    Last month we suggested you keep an eye on the "Harvey B" if you are interested in Halibut fishing. Good advice! They (the BINGHAMS) are off and running with steady catches and already have recorded several 20(+) "keepers." On April 17th MIKE BINGHAM weighed in a 44 pd-2 oz "barndoor" taken on 12 pd. line.

Should be a great tournament. Have you signed up?

Another outstanding catch worth mention was a 34.8 pd. "flattie" by PAT HOLMES on April 16 on 4 lb. line, a possible World Record.

DAY AT THE DOCKS & OPEN HOUSE: were held on April 29th. TROY and SHERA GRANT, CRIS LAHR and JIM KONZAL manned the Club's Booth at the Docks promoting the forthcoming Halibut Tournament and directing interested parties to our Open House. At the Open House several boats were on display including "Dos Hermanos" (JON & ROB EPSTEN), "October Rose" (FRANK PIFELO), "Drop Back" (BOB WOODARD, Jr.), "Desperado" (ED CHECKERT), "Lor-e-lei" (WAYNE SLAHOR), "Wild Thing" (JIM WACHTLER), "Sidekick" (HAROLD WEIMER), and "Team Riviera." Acting as hosts and hostesses at the Club were: LIL MILLER, WAYNE & CHARLOTTE SLAHOR, MICHAEL BERRY, CRIS AND ANTONE LAHR, et al.

SURFING THE WEB: Those of you who enjoy looking at all the fishing-oriented web sites now available on the internet are aware that new sites keep popping up, but that our own site (http://www.themarlinclub.com  www.themarlinclub.com) remains as close to the "gold standard" as any. With all the links it is amazing how much information is available, as well as current Club events. But also available are the commercial sites offering the very latest information constantly updated and geared for our type of fishing in local waters. These sites are available at a co$t, but the information available is well worth it. One of the very best such sites that we can recommend to you is BOB VANIAN's http://www.976bite.com. He's got everything in there that we require.

2001 YEAR BOOK SPONSORS
This year's book is currently being put together by the office staff. Unfortunately, the ads have been slow in coming in. The Club, the Board, the Staff - all of us have an interest in this - request that those who have participated in the past please continue to do so. And, please, send in your ad information ASAP. Thanks for you help. We shall resume listing all full page advertisers just as soon as the information is compiled. Mucho gracias

Fishermen are born honest.  but they get over it.  (Ed Zern)

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