BUTTONS – What Are They and Who’s Got ‘em

The “buttons” are special awards that the club gives out to recognize outstanding catches. If you check out Article X in our yearbook, it gives an explanation of all the club buttons. Only one button is given to the angler for each category. Example: Marlin category 20# test would get a Red Marlin Button; 12# test would get a Black Marlin Button.

As to who’s got the buttons, if you go to the member directory and look up a name – Let’s use Harold Weimer, for example, who has a number 2 in front of his name. This number represents the number of buttons that he has received at the end of the 2002 season. If you look down the members list you can see that some members have got an impressive collection.

We have one other button awards – the “Silver Button”. The Silver Button is awarded for special service to the club or to recognize record catches. The Silver Buttons are not included in the number by the anglers’ name.

So what are you waiting for? Check out the yearbook, set your goals and go for it!

2003 Button catches for the season

Season “Wrap-Up” Potluck  - Saturday, October 26, 2003

We had a great turnout with approximately 30 people and lots of yummy food for all. Our dinner was briefly interrupted by Carl Smith (great timing) who brought in a nice size Marlin to weigh.

 

Last Marlin of the season?? Hopefully Not! Congratulations Carl!!

Our guest speakers were Mr. Tom Raftican, President of United Anglers of Southern California, his assistant Bob Osborn and Dan Fink, a representative from Seven Strand. Dan demonstrated the Seven Strand’s Geo Sonic “chirping” lure and donated several marlin/tuna lures, which were raffled off to the attendees. Thank you very much Dan.

Mr. Raftican presented an informative slide show about the devastating effects of bottom trawling and the United Anglers efforts to stop this habitat damaging fishing which is still legal off the California coast.

Here are some highlights. Additional information can be found on their website www.unitedanglers.com.

NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Council are in the process of implementing a fishery management plan for highly migratory species, for the first time ever protecting our billfish, sharks and tunas before the last ones are gone. This plan prohibits the use of longline fishing gear, a prohibition in place because of UASC efforts. NOAA Fisheries with their newfound recognition of the gear’s unacceptable levels of by catch will push this prohibition beyond the United States 200 mile fisher limit.

The presence of non-selective bottom trawls and gillnets continue to threaten any progress made in fishery management. This industrial fishing ethic of catch ‘em all and dump whatever they don’t use is no longer acceptable. It is time to team up with other marine conservation organizations and responsible commercial fishers to end the business as usual practice of irresponsible commercial fishing interests as they continue to place their short-term profits over the welfare of our fisheries.

The exciting thing about the future for both sportfishing and for our fisheries is that it will be as bright as we care to make it. “No-Take” reserves will continue to threaten our ability to fish traditional waters, but with thoughtful planning and participation in the management process we have the potential to shape that concept and literally turn our worst nightmares into parks with fishing as good as we care to make it.

None of this will be free or easy. We face an uphill battle, but our potential success in building abundant fisheries is only limited by the amount of effort that we care to invest. Much like the rest of the world, fishing, fishery management, its research and administration are all affected by forces from new technologies to dwindling budgets. Through all of this change, there is one concept that is becoming increasingly clear: “Today, Fishing is a Contact Sport.” Now, more than ever concerned anglers must stay in “contact” with both our sport and the forces that affect it, lest fishing cease to exist as we know it. Your continued support of United Anglers of Southern California is essential.

The United Anglers need our help. If you wish to join the United Anglers, membership forms are available at The Marlin Club or you may register on line. The fee is $35 per person or $50 for a family membership.
 

BIG TIME LUCKY
by Walter Moss

While in Mag Bay on WILD THING, Jim Wachtler’s 52 Hatteras, I hooked up a 454# Blue Marlin. 2 ½ hour stand up fight on 80# test / 30 Penn/Single speed. We chased it over 7 miles. Bob Johnson (BUENA VIDA) sunk the first gaff, Daren Becker, the second. Ron Bowers (Salt Fever) filmed the entire fight. Film footage has been put on DVD. Absolutely awesome film. It hit a pink 3.5 Zukers. Also got a nice bull dodo. Jim did a superb job at the helm.

Way to go Walter! Congratulations!