The month of July started out with local waters warming rapidly and predictions of the 1^st Marlin on July 4^th or the following week-end. Reports came in of several sightings, bites, and near-misses, but no cigar (or flag). But as the recent local albacore run went from "peanuts" to 40 pounders and fish reported wide open off the Osborne Bank, Morro Bay and even as far as San Francisco it was time to start making and curing bait (the "greenie" kind). New batteries in the gyros and time to change the hooks on the lures. Ahh, for the peace and quiet of marlin fishing (as in: "I’m just resting my eyelids").

As the full moon rose the winds picked up and blew – and blew and blew. Lots of wind, cool waters, and unheard of albacore fishing out of even Marina del Rey. Yes, following the cooler waters on the outside the larger albacore migration headed outside of San Clemente and the long run proved well worth the effort. .

But mid month saw the larger fish slowly sliding up the inner waterways and the closer fishing steadily improved. Soon the 5-8 pounders became a thing of the past and fish in the mid 30’s and even larger became the rule. In addition, month-end brought increasing numbers of Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna. Yes, the freezers are abulging.

Mid-month also brought ever increasing sightings of "the right kind," and on Tuesday, the 17^th, a small skiff fishing outside of the 302 hooked, caught, and released the 1^st reported Marlin of the year (with an anchovey on straight 40). And the 18^th brought the first report of a fish weighed in at Avalon by a Northern boat – Joe Grant on the "Bravado." The month also brought us the dreaded red tide and local Mackeral took a vacation. But that left almost two full weeks for the MC "hard core" to get out and claim those 1^st of the Year flags.

At month end at least 5 fish were reported – 2 at the 302, 1 at the 181, 1 off Dana, and 1 Catalina East End. Any day now the blue flag will go up on the Club Flag Staff.

While out looking for that "1^st of the Year" fish Team "Mil-So-Mar" "stumbled" across a 351 pd. Swordfish about 6 miles off Pyramid. They (Rick Rooney, Kevin Bohannon, and skipper RICH HAMILTON) hooked the fish at about 1:30 PM on Friday 7-27 and, well into the night, took turns pulling on the creature. Their efforts were not in vain for, at 1:00 AM, they boated their valiant foe. It was weighed (where?) and then reduced to a freezer full of fillets. A nice start to the "season."

NEW AWARDS: with the start of  THE (i.e. marlin) season we look forward to the series of tournaments designed to bring out the competitive nature in many of us. As stated in the preamble of the Club’s Year Book/Roster: "The purpose of the club is to (not only maintain a free, certifies weigh station for the angling public, etc) but also ‘to promote sportsmanship and sport angling competition among club members.’ " With this directive in mind the club has regularly sponsored a variety of tournaments designed to bring out our competitive nature. In addition, these contests have had the secondary effect of adding revenue to the Club’s treasury.

Each year it seems like there are more and more tournaments popping up all helping to stretch our resources (and time) to the limit. Therefore, hoping to stimulate member participation in our own Club-sponsored tournaments (as well as the others) we have come up with an award based on participation in various recognized Intra- and/or Inter-Club Competitions: the MARLIN CLUB COMPETITION AWARD.

Members can participate in as many or as few of these tournaments as they wish, but the scoring for this Award will be based on the scoring in the three highest competition point-scoring tournaments. The enclosed will explain that is necessary to actually score (not merely compete) in a given tournament in order to accumulate competition points. If you are confused don’t bother asking the BOD – they are just as confused. If you have any questions please call MARTY MORRIS at (619)583-5132.

The scoring for this award is based on the system used by the Balboa Angling Club in their (no longer active) Southern California Billfish Championship that awarded not only the top Boat (team), but the top Club and Angler as well. We are limiting this to the top Boat/Team. The enclosed lists the "recognized" tournaments. And please be aware that we shall consider only points scored by Marlin Club members. "Ringers" (aka "Hired Guns") need not apply.

There will be a perpetual plaque at the Club listing the annual winners and a suitable, prestigious award will be presented to the winning boat(s) at our annual Awards Dinner.

But don’t go away: there will be more "gold" to give away at the annual Awards Dinner. As will be explained in yet another flyer for this month’s Gaffline a new award has been created to recognize individual and boat talent in the form of the new MARLIN CLUB PROFICIENCY AWARDS. Briefly, these awards will recognize the facts that is more difficult to catch fish on lighter line as well as the difficulty in catching heavier fish. A point schedule has been made up to recognize these facts as well as to penalize for the taking of fish on heavier line. See the enclosed.

AUGUST EVENTS: Friday, August 17^th is the second and last POTLUCK DINNER Meeting of the year. Plenty "the ones that got away" stories should be circulating by this time so join in and tell some of your own hard luck stories. Ron Gaul has been lined up to give us a presentation on the current state of gill net/longline fishing with some very interesting photos (or film?). This is a topic that we ALL should maintain an interest in and be as informed as possible.

Saturday, August 18^th is the Marlin Club JACK BOHANNON JUNIORS’ TOURNAMENT. An application is enclosed or is available at the Club. Here’s a chance to do a little "bonding" with the kids – and their friends. If the Albacore counts hold up the kids should get a real work-out. And don’t forget – lots of gifties for all the participants – prizes for the winners - lots of smiles from the kids - and the usual good food as well. And you can’t beat the cost!

Saturday, August 25^th is the Marlin Club PRESIDENT’S TOURNAMENT FOR COUPLES. Once again, TROY and SHERA GRANT are in charge. See the enclosed flyer. This is your first chance to score some competition points for the new award. Sorry, those of you with Fedships will have to leave the crew at home.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS: September 1^st & 2^nd will bring us the MARLIN CLUB "LABOR DAY" TOURNAMENT. Please see the enclosed flyer. Remember, only Marlin Club members are eligible for awards . Marlin Club angling rules shall prevail and all fish must be weighed in at the Club. As previously reported, there are no major rules with NO line restrictions, NO reporting (except for intent to release), NO mileage limitation, and NO entry fee. Awards for Largest Marlin by a Man, Largest Marlin by a Woman, Largest Marlin by a Junior, High Scoring Boat and High Release Boat will be presented at the Annual Awards Dinner.

The week-end will climax with the annual Labor Day BBQ at 5:00 PM.. This year we will have a catered affair so that everyone can sit back and enjoy the event. Please call the Club if you intend to participate and/or attend the BBQ.

Sept. 8^th & 9^th follows quickly with the 2^nd ANNUAL OFFSHORE INVITATIONAL TAG & RELEASE TOURNAMENT. This is a 2-day event with the awards dinner on Sunday, Sept. 9^th at Sea World. Details in enclosed flyer. If you can’t fish it – volunteer to help out.

Further details re: the SMALL BOAT and ILTT tournaments will come in the September Gaffline.

FROM THE STAFF: We are advised that Boss Bait & Tackle, Inc. with offices at 4488 Convoy St. in San Diego, in Vista and in Lake Forest has extended to all members of the Marlin Club a 10 % discount on terminal tackle at any of their stores. To take advantage of their offer simply mention President DAVE VERDUGO’s name and the name of the Marlin Club.

NEW MEMBERS: Let’s extend a hearty "Welcome Aboard!" to CARL H. GREGORY, JR.; 7427 Melotte St., San Diego, CA 92119; 619-697-6733. He paid his dues – "Bill Me" is the name of his boat, a 24’ Skipjack. In addition, Greetings to ROBERT BEUCUS, 6824 Avenida El Alba, Scottsdale, AZ, 8523 and boating ("Reel Bruin") buddy, JOSHUA BURMAN, 1810 Malcom, #104, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Could they possibly be UCLA grads?????

KUDOS also to member DICK LAUB for donating his boat to the Rollo Heyn Foundation.

And, yes, it is true – we beat the 1^st Marlin of the Year and the Year Book/Rosters are available at the Club. Please try to pick yours up so that we can save on the very expensive mailing costs.

YEAR BOOK (FULL PAGE AD) SPONSORS

Many thanks to ALL of our subscribers. We owe them our support and gratitude. In recognition of their support we would like to add yet another feature to our monthly reporting. (As you will note – the "Boat of the Month" item as been temporarily shelved due to lack of interest.) And so, let us now introduce to you: "Member Advertiser of the Month." (If someone can come up with a catchier title than that please enter our "Member Advertiser of the Month Title Contest." All entries will be seriously considered.)

All members of the MC are not boat owners, but anyone knowing anything about fishing and boating and, certainly, the boat owners know that maintenance is the name of the game. Not only maintenance, but repairs – and more repairs – and especially emergency repairs ("I need it yesterday") - as in Marine Repairs. That brings us to a little known company – "M.R.Marine" – better known to many of us as MARK HENWOOD. If there is anything mechanical, electrical, electronic, or having to do with engines of all sorts (diesel, gas, generators, pumps), etc, etc, etc – MARK’s name and number is prominently on display on all of our Palm Pilots, Data Link watches, and emergency lists (ABOVE doctors, dentists, police, etc). An avid angler, long time MC member and supporter and former MC President MARK knows the importance of getting things fixed promptly and properly. His number is: (619)275-1905, but the more important pager/cell phone number is: (619) 379-5431. Speaking for all of us who have had the need to call upon his services I say "Thank you, thank you and again I thank you!" 

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