January 31^st  - Don Blackman Memorial Service

The day started out overcast, windy and cold, then the weather cleared as over 50 boats headed out to brave the seas for a final farewell to Don.  A memorial service followed at the Marlin Club, attended by a very large crowd. Steve Williams gave the eulogy and several people spoke of their fond memories of Don. Don was truly a great person and will be greatly missed.

The Blackman family sends their thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts and support. Special thanks to all that volunteered their boats to take out family and friends.

For more pictures visit the club website.

January Board Meeting Notes
Note: Board meetings are open to our members and you are welcome to attend if you have an item of interest to discuss.

Ø      Votes were tallied and here’s your new 2004 Board of Directors
New: Andy Norton, Jim Konzal and Cris Lahr
Continuing: Mike Bingham, Harold Weimer, Bob James, Steve Williams, Charles Been

First order of business for the directors was to vote in the following officers:

President – Wayne Slahor
1^st Vice President - Bob Woodard Jr.
2^nd Vice President - Cris Lahr
Secretary & Treasurer - Jim Konzal

Ø      As discussed and agreed upon the club will hold two (2) general membership meetings during the year. First meeting is scheduled for April 6, second meeting TBD.  Discussed several choices for guest speakers.

Ø      2004 Calendar of Events approved. (see inside)

Ø      Discussed and approved Shimano, Buck Knives, and Penn purchases

Ø      Discussed and approved, the Halibut Tournament will become the Don Blackman Memorial Tournament.

Ø      Discussed and approved we will hold a Albacore Tournament this year, scheduled for July 17^th

Ø      Ways to increase active membership were discussed. Charles Been and Bob James presented to the board members a proposal to include a 40 lb Albacore in the criteria for active membership. This proposal will be voted upon at the general membership meeting, scheduled for April 6^th.

Ø      The board discussed the need for a Hospitality Committee and is seeking a leader and committee. 

Ø      Discussed and approved to provide higher quality trophies for our awards.

Ø      Decided the club needed a good cleaning up prior to the Don Blackman service. Several board members and club members joined in the effort on Saturday, Jan. 17^th. They are: Harold Weimer, Steve Erickson, Bob Woodard Jr, Dennis Albert, Cris Lahr, Antone Lahr, Andy Norton, Ron Tinney, and Marcus Hale. Thanks everyone!

Annual Trophy Awards Dinner
Saturday, February 7^th
6:30 pm cocktails, 7:30 pm dinner
Shelter Pointe Hotel and Marina, Voyager Room
1901 Shelter Island Drive
Hope to see you there!

Welcome Aboard New Members:
Kurt “Woody” Brickley
Michael Belcher – Boat 26’ name: Outnumbered
Pete and Denise Wishney – 94’ name: Foxilady

ATTENTION MEMBERS
If you have not picked up your 2003 yearbook,
please call the club @ 619-222-8677
to have your Yearbook mailed to you.

Feb 7th - Awards Dinner
            A great time, a great place and an opportunity to meet your fellow members.

April 6th - General Membership Meeting
            State of the club address, guest speaker. Very important to attend, we have several issues to vote on.

April17th. - Club Clean Up Day
            A good time, a little work and the club will be looking good for the season.

April 25th. - Day at the Docks
            We will have a booth (would you like to help staff it?)

April 25^th – MC Open House
            Kids fishing contest. Hopefully we can keep M. Berry off the docks!  Stop by and say hello, get a hot dog and drink.

May 15th -Spring Shootout
            Notorious tourney for those wily yellowtail and white seabass.

June 5th - Halibut Tournament
            The tides are right and the fish will be on the bite -so says M. Bingham.
            This will become the Don Blackman Memorial Tournament.
 

July 17th - Albacore Tournament
            Yes, the Marlin Club is finally going to have an albacore tournament!

Aug 14th - Junior's Tournament
            It’s time to get those young ones out fishing. Great prizes for all.

Aug 21st - Couple's Tournament
            A romantic time for couples to share in the fishing experience and catch a BIG one.

Sept 4 & 5 - Labor Day Tournament
            A relaxed and fun tournament. 

Sept 25 & 25- ILTT Tournament and Dinner
            Offshore tournament fishing at its best. Don't miss it!

Oct 2 & 3 - Small Boat Tournament
            This one's for the little guys - 26' and under