Leading off with the annual concern this time of the year is the inevitable: DUES WERE DUE! As of March 1^st, that is. It’s a little like pulling teeth – so put a string around your check book, tie it to the door handle, and slam the door! Out will pop a check, fill it out and – please – send it in. With the talk of a coming El Nino this may prove to be the year of redemption. Being devout optimists (what fisherman isn’t?) this may be the year that the Marlin rebound and bring along more of the "exotics" ( e.g. Yellowfin and BigEye Tuna, Dorados, and maybe even a Blue Marlin or two). We are looking forward to an exciting season and would like to have all of you along for the several intra- and inter-club competitions. The 1^st Albacore and Tuna of the Year have already been boated, but there is a space saved for you at the category: "1^st Marlin of the Year." So get your name on the books and get in line – or at least "a" line - in the water, that is..

ANNUAL MEETING: The Club’s Annual meeting was held on April 2^nd at the Southwestern Yacht Club. Out-going President DAVE VERDUGO introduced the new President – WAYNE SLAHOR. Approximately 33 members were present creating a quorum. This permitted us to pass a by-laws change that would limit the number of active members on the various committees to 3 as opposed to the required 5 in the past. Long time MC member STEVE CUSHMAN who is currently President of the Port Commission gave a completely thorough and comprehensive report of the actions of the Commission and just where the Marlin Club fits into the over-all scheme. Much is planned for the future, but as STEVE indicated: "How long in the future is – well, how long is long?" Don’t hold your breath, but he assured us that the Marlin Club is NOT an endangered species..

Also speaking was Tim Hobbs, a representative of the NCMC (National Coalition for Marine Conservation). This is an organization that is very active on the East Coast and, for a few years, made some headway out here, but has not been heard from for several years. But they have taken up the cause of the attempt by the commercial interests to introduce that experimental long-line clause into the West Coast Highly Migratory Species Plan. We had thought that this was a done (dead) issue, but "they" (the bad guys) managed to keep it alive and further hearings are coming up. The NCMC web site: www.savethefish.org has information about the next round of hearings. More letters, more calls will be necessary.

F.Y.I.: If you enjoy those beautiful underwater scenes of lit –up Marlin working the meat balls you must look at Richard Attenborough’s "Blue Planet" series as was on the Discovery Channel. The underwater scenes feature Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, porpoise and even birds working the bait/meat balls. If you missed the TV action drop by the Club, prop your feet up, have a cold drink and watch this outstanding series – courtesy of FRED & LAURA DUDLEY who have donated a set of the video tapes to the Club. Guy Harvey’s "Underwater Realm" scenes are great – these are even better. Apparently, Mr. Harvey had a hand in the filming of both – probably off Mag Bay.

COMING EVENTS: Saturday, April 13 is CLUB CLEAN-UP DAY. Come in, move a little dust around, pull some weeds and help get things in order. Refreshments will be available for all the workers.

Sunday, April 21^st is DAY AT THE DOCKS & MC OPEN HOUSE. The Club will have a booth on the docks and volunteers are requested (for the Open House as well). Sign-up sheets are at the Club.

And May 18^th will bring us the MC’s Annual HALIBUT TOURNAMENT. Mark your calendar. The tournament is open to the public and applications are available at the Club. Entry fee is $50 per angler which includes dinner. And there will be a raffle with some quality items (including a Trinidad 30 reel). The tournament awards are a $1,000 shopping spree at Fishermans’ Landing Tackle Shop, a 1½ day fishing trip on the International Star plus a $250 shopping spree at Fishermans’ Landing, a Trinidad 12 reel and matching rod combo, and a 1-day Tuna trip aboard the International Star. Entry fee is $50 per angler. With Prizes like those listed even a few old Marlin fishermen might be induced to try the drift.

In case a lost White Seabass picks up your bait there will also be an optional side jackpot for the largest WSB for an additional $10 with an 80% payout.

And here is something to catch your eye – maybe even your checkbook. The Marlin Club is having a Memorial Day Weekend SPRING SHOOTOUT. Sunday, May 26 is the day. A reward of $250 is offered for the largest fish of the tournament. See the enclosed. The climax of the day is an Awards Dinner and Giant Raffle. The competition is open to 2002 dues paid members only. Entry fee is $30 per angler/$20 for juniors 15 and under. Prizes are for the top 4 in the Yellowtail/White Sea Bass category, top 3 Albacore, and top 2 juniors. Applications are available at the Club. Albacore? Already???

Note: any person who chooses to join the club as a new member and pays the 2002 membership dues will get a free entry into their choice of either the Halibut or Spring Shootout tournament

NEW CLUB: MC member Alan Sheridan has let us know that there is a new club over the horizon - up towards Dana Point area – the Dana Sportfishers. They have over 50 members with 30 boats and look forward to participating in local tournaments. They believe in the soft core approach (i.e. "let’s have fun") to fishing in local waters without the rigidity of the "hard core" element.

And a hearty THANK YOU from the Club to Mark Watkins (Sheffield Plating) for the beautiful replating of the Club’s canon which should make those weigh-ins sound so much better. Sheffield does gold, silver, nickel, etc plating and is located at 9850 Waples in S.D. Their number is 858-546-8484. Give Mark a call if you are tired of that dinghy, tarnished look.

And, speaking of helping hands, the Board of Directors wish to acknowledge the yearly contributions of VAAA (aka Vessel Assist Association.). They regularly contribute almost a $1,000 worth of memberships to the Marlin Club for our various functions. Known as "The boat owners Auto Club" membership in VA is like cheap insurance. As for their membership card? – Don’t leave port without one!

And certainly not least the entire Club wishes to thank those members who responded to the request for additional contributions to the Club’s coffers. Thanks to all of you who responded in a time of need. Thank You letters will be sent soon.

YEAR BOOK (FULL PAGE AD) SPONSORS

(Note: this is a list of mainly last year’s subscribers. It is still time to get your ad in for this year.
It’s only $90 for a full page – and monthly listing here. Check with the Club.)

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

"What the hell happened?"

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