DECEMBER, 2001

Here we are at the end of another year of "us" against "them." Unfortunately, it looks like "they" got the upper hand this year. Last year was bad, but the records show that this was undoubtedly the worst year on record in regards to Marlin fishing. But it proved to be a better than average Albacore year starting early and scattered fish still being reported as this is being written. And there were the exciting and frustrating chases of the Yellowfin with Bluefin thrown in to make things interesting. And, of course, the threat of inshore closures and the fear of longline introduction makes for a lot of grist for the winter debates.

But never look at the end of one season as finality. Actually, it is the start of the coming season. Time to clean, paint, oil, grease and get things ready – just in case things open up earlier than normal. And, of course, it is time to pay dues. Yes, you knew that message was coming sooner or later. Very shortly, you will be receiving ballots for the election of 2002 Board of Directors as well as that inevitable "dues are due" message. Please fill out the ballots and, of course, it will be most appreciated if you will send in your dues as soon as possible. The thought of losing your subscription to this newsletter should be almost too much to contemplate.

With the subject of dues comes a message from our leader, President DAVE VERDUGO: Due to increasing costs over the past year, the club has been suffering from a bit of a financial crunch. This crunch is largely due to the increase in utilities costs secondary to the energy crisis and due to the events of September 11^th which resulted in decreased participation and cancellation of some of our tournaments. As a result, the Board of Directors is exploring ways to either cut costs or generate revenue to support the club’s operation and activities. Some of the initial ideas discussed include the following: New Membership Categories (this will be discussed in a letter sent to all members) – Electronic Mail delivery of the Gaffline in order to save postage & printing costs (I encourage all club members comfortable with E-mail to chose this format) – Consideration of staffing the Club with volunteer members during the non-peak fishing days when the Club is kept open. I also encourage all Club members to attend our annual awards dinner in February. We will be having lots of great raffle prizes left over from our cancelled tournaments as well as a great dinner. There will be more information to follow. In addition, please note that the Club maintains an inventory of clothing and other sundries that can be purchased at the Club. We are attempting to assemble an inventory and price list for these items. Should you have any ideas that might have a positive effect, financially, on the club, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your past support and please have a safe and happy holiday season. – R. DAVID VERDUGO, President.

THE ELECTRONIC AGE: While we are on the subject of cost saving measures the Board of Directors have come up with the very latest: Gaffline by E-mail! As more and more of us join the Internet revolution it has been suggested that a considerable amount can be saved from printing and mailing costs. We already, thanks to DENNIS ALBERT, regularly post the Gaffline on the Club’s Web site and we would like to send it out via E-mail to as many members as possible – at least to those who care to participate. If you would be willing to participate in this program simply so indicate and send your E-mail address to WAYNE SLAHOR at Slahorw@aol.com who will assemble the master mailing list. Once the program gets going you will receive an E-mail with a link to the Gaffline (Marlin Club Webpage). A simple click will have the Gaffline on your printer within minutes.

Of course, if you are not interested in participating (or simply don’t have E-mail access) leave well enough alone and the mailings will continue un-interrupted. And, yes, you can already download the GL from the Web Site (www.themarlinclub.com). Even if you simply wish to download it we still need you to respond to WAYNE so that the necessary changes can be made to the mailing list. Thank you for your help.

AWARDS DINNER: This annual Gala has been scheduled for Feb. 2, 2002 at the Bali Hai. Mark your calendar. Join in toasting those who "did it" and hear about plans for next year. Invitations will be forthcoming.

NEW MEMBERS: Not much fishing going on, but let’s welcome new members to the Marlin Club: ART J. PONCE, 1075 Weterville Lake Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91915 – 619-482-2175 (and his 46’ vessel "Hasta Un Lado") and MARC ROTH, res: 3368 Governor Dr., S.D.,92122;bus:2804 Canon St.,S.D. 92106;619-222-0438 (40’ Callisto") - Welcome aboard!

F.Y.I. – The Nov/Dec 2001 issue of Australia’a Blue Water Boats & Sportfishing has an excellent report of the Club’s 2^nd Annual Offshore Invitational Tag & Release Tournament. The article, written by Rick Gaffney, reports on the success (so far) of the Tournament’s satellite tagging program and includes pictures of several of the participating boats including "C Bandit," "Capt. Hook II," and, yes, even "Moonshine Too." A little publicity never hurts. And not enough can be said for RICH HAMILTON’s countless hours of work in putting the whole thing together.

And, if you marvel at underwater videos of Marlin working the meatballs take a look at Guy Harvey’s "Underwater Realm." It can be obtained from GARY GRAHAM (760) 746-7260 – P.O. Box 30019 Escondido, CA 992030. It’s not very long, but the scenes are spectacular. It’s a **** production.

The office staff wants you to know that many members did not pick up their 2001 Year Books. If you are still interested in getting either drop in (Wed., Fri, Sat. 2-6 PM) or call (619-222-8677) and they will mail it out to you.

Inventory: We have Club "T" shirts ($15); Polo Shirts ($29); Sweat Shirts (Navy Blue-$35/Natural-$49); Hats (Embroidered-$14/Printed-$6); Flags ($15); Offshore "T" shirts(2000-$14/2001-$20); Offshore Carry Bags (2000-$15/2001-$25)

YEAR BOOK (FULL PAGE AD) SPONSORS

Many thanks to ALL of our subscribers. We owe them our support and gratitude.

SUBSCRIBER OF THE MONTH

Over the years I have regularly seen the name of AL MELLONE on countless numbers of MC items, especially at tournament time. At one ILTT after another we have regularly seen tote bags donated to the club by AL’s company. Unfortunately, AL passed away a few years ago, but the company has carried on under the supervision of AL’s grandson, BOB, who continues their close relationship to the Marlin Club. When repairs or replacements are needed for covers, enclosures, etc they are always ready to respond as requested. Every year it was: "thank you, AL." So now, again, we say: "thank you, BOB."

And that opens the door to yet another request. Dues are due. Vote for Board members. So now, let us remind you that we are again soliciting your participation in the 2002 Year Book. This is another opportunity to pitch in and contribute to the Club’s ongoing activities. Your ads indicate your willingness to support the Club in our day to day functions. And don’t forget – all full page ad subscribers will be listed in the Gaffline each month as above. Full page ads are $90, half page $50.00 and third page ads $40.00. If you need further information please contact the Club at 619-222-8677.

Of course, the new proposed Membership Categories will help to provide full – or half-page ads for some. But for the rest of us it may be business as usual.

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