Oregon Tuna club

bait boy · 01-20-2003, 02:04 AM

Pilar posed a very serious question to a few of us at the meeting about starting our own version of a Tuna club. Probably much like the old timers did back in San Diego and Catalina and Avalon tuna club. They are much like us in that they found a new and special fishery that only a select few cared or even knew about and grew it into something special.

What are your opinions on starting such a venture? any Ideas for what it will take to do such a thing.

Mr. Fisherman · 01-20-2003, 02:50 AM

A Tuna club?
I made Tuna clubs for the Sea Swan and the Pilar. Purdy fish whackers they are.
Oh, you are talking about a social club...
Pass the Patte and crackers, Blue blazer and white pants affair maybe?
Naw, not with Johnboy at the helm.
What's wrong with the Salty Dogs?
We have a flag and a burgee/pennant laready. All we need to do now is get them bloody

.
I barely have time to keep up here as it is....
I like the idea of coming together to pillage though.... :grin:

01-20-2003, 09:32 AM

Corirod won't let me use a tuna club :depressed: any more.

bait boy · 01-20-2003, 09:43 AM

Keta, Is he afriad you will look like this?

01-20-2003, 09:59 AM

You should have seen the poor tuna after I halibut smacked 'em :shocked:

OceanBlue · 01-20-2003, 12:20 PM

Baitboy - What would be the charter for this club? Is it purely social/educational or would there be a political "agenda" - for example, a formal organization to promote the recreational fishery in Oregon, preserve our rights to fish TUUUNAAAA? Build new fisheries?

What we have now is a pretty strong informal social group in TA (AA for those of you shy of the TA acronym). We could call it something more serious like Oregon Tuna Club. (Hmmm... OTC...)

Tell us more about what this would look like?

bait boy · 01-20-2003, 04:41 PM

I have no Idea, but since Pilar brought it up I thought he might have a better idae of what this would look like.

Does anyone have ballpark numbers on the recreational fishery for tuna, how many sport fishers are participating in the Pelagic fishery (Chumking)?

My idea would be a club that does social events like the meetings so that we could get together and commiserate during the offseason, and gain some political clout as a larger united voice. Organized tournaments and such.

Has anyone participated in a tourney that had Albies as a target?

Mark Mc · 01-20-2003, 05:29 PM

Hi Baitboy, I can agree with some of the intent you're talking about, but we've been trying to promote these things already within i-fish. Do we have to have a "tuna club" to get people to write letters / provide input on the HMS plan? Do we need a "halibut club" to get people to write letters with ideas for a halibut tag (vs derby)? I think not....this is a salt water fisherperson's "club", and we should be speaking up on as many matters as we can that affect our ocean fisheries.

Now, if the intent is to have gatherings that focus on one type of fishing or another (like you did the other night), can't we just say "January meeting: agenda is beer, food, and tuna talk"; February meeting agenda: beer, food, and halibut talk"; etc.

Just my 2 cents. Let me know if I'm missing something here....Thanks!

Marty · 01-20-2003, 06:06 PM

Bait Boy

I have fished in several tournaments, of which two were for tuna out of San Diego. The San Diego crowd actually have a number of tournaments throughout the year and tuna is just a part of the tournament. They get sponsors with great give-aways, have cash prizes for winners or all the winners of the different catagories will get a ticket and all the tickets go into a hat for a drawing, with the main prize being a new outboard or ????. The tournaments generally are for biggest tuna, calico bass, yellowtail and halibut. It is usually a two day affair like the big tuna blow out in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, except that the winners in Cabo can win in excess of $500,000.00 if they win the daily drawings and the main.

Anyway, I would love to have a tournament here in Oregon for tuna. Weather is the toughest thing to predict because sure as rain in the winter it would be blowing the day we wanted the tournament. It would be relatively easy to hold a tournament with all contestants putting in a $5.00 or $10.00 or $1.00 fee and the biggest fish in the month of August or September would get the pot. You could also have a 3 fish total that might diversify and spread out the winnings. The winnings wouldn't be nearly as important as the bragging rights. You could even have a 'first fish of the season' (I think Pilar would have won that in 02) or a 'last fish of the season' (I think Corrirod got the last one that I know of) and I know Ugly-Green got the biggest with his 102 lb. bluefin. Weigh-ins would have to be on a given scale at a certain location which should be available to everyone seven days a week. Pay-offs would have to be at a pre-determined tavern where all contestants could drink away the winnings. Count me in!!!! Only 151 days and counting, as the first fish of the 2003 season will be on June 26 in glassy calm 3 foot seas with a 6 knot breeze out of the NW. Everyone else will be knee-deep in silvers, but a few sneaky souls will be out patroling the offshore seamounts. Can't Wait!!!! Nothin' like tuna maddness.

Marty

Mark Mc · 01-20-2003, 06:29 PM

Hey Maaaaarty! Top of the evening to ya! I'm glad you focused in on that tournament suggestion; in my fogginess I didn't read that last line of Baitboy's last post. So you know I'm all over that idea! In fact, I'd love to have another kind of contest: biggest tuna on light line (say 8 or 10 lb test). BTW I hope you don't mind my posting a photo of your mug on another thread ("we now return you to the fishing channel"). Figured to be fair, these guys should know who they are dealing with!

See ya.........Mark

[ 01-20-2003, 07:31 PM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]

01-20-2003, 07:01 PM

How much 8 lb line does a 113 H Senator hold?

Mark Mc · 01-20-2003, 07:28 PM

Why is that, Keta? Worried about getting spooled? Naw, I'd use my Newell 229 or just a Squidder....

01-20-2003, 07:43 PM

:smile:

bait boy · 01-21-2003, 01:51 AM

In reply to mark mc, I think that this would be larger than Ifish if it got to some grand status like the OTC. Not just segregated to the salty dogs with internet access and knowledge of Ifish.

I have no knowledge of how to run a tourney for ocean fish and even how to plan for one and attain sponsors for such a deal, but if we get a better than average response for such a tourney we might actually be able to get some press for the area tuna fishery. I am not sure if increased press is good or bad for our little tuna niche...

Pilar · 01-21-2003, 09:54 AM

I'm not sure what I was thinking.

Seriously though, there are people who chase Tuna who do not internet. They would benefit from a group like the proposed OTC. Also I think if we want to plan sponsored tournaments or play with IGFA class records we need an identity more along the lines of the Avalon Tuna club.

If we don't get it and claim it soon, someone else will ...............

As far as Salty dogs goes we have a great network to talk, write letters and get out the troops for meetings. That won't change any time soon.

I don't know about the rest of you but I've moved on as far as the ocean goes ....

I've been an Ocean salmon fisher ... Yawn!, an Ocean bottom fisher ... too easy, Yawn!, An Ocean halibut fisher... ok that's a little better

But ... now I am a Tuna fisher and the other fish are what I do when tuna is not happening ... Know what I mean?

So joining a club called Oregon Tuna Club makes a lot of sense to me. We can educate new fishers, validate senseless tuna pursuit behavior, enable tunaholics to pursue their addiction, promote conservation of billfish through tag and release programs. Who knows where it could go? Bluefin, Swordfish, Marlin?

Do you know the IGFA rules for record fish on a class of line? If you want to pursue records then we better find out. Landing a billfish in Oregon is one thing, setting an IGFA record in the process of doing so is about a million times better.

Oh yeah and then there is the whole sponsorship deal. If we could get Mercury Marine and Grady White to sponsor boats ... well, you get the idea. We could test tackle for Zukers, do boat trials in the demanding Pacific Ocean ... They'd be more inclined to sponsor a bona fide organization than a bunch of internet rabble. One look at that picture of Wak and that Tuna at the Dopey bay cleaning station and they'll know better.

OceanBlue · 01-21-2003, 09:58 AM

Look! It's a man! No, it's a visionary! No... It's Pilar!

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Well put, my salty captain!

edsr · 01-21-2003, 10:14 AM

I have mixed feelings about an organized organization. Pretty quick you get officers, board members, dues, fees, fiduiciary responsibilities, and free spirits tend to abstain from joining. Stuffy?

There are a number of reasons for organization, primary of which would be the political clout an organization weilds. That could be a good thing. There has been some talk on this board that the limits on some species are too high. As an organized group with structure, yada, yada, there would be more respect and consideration by gov. agencies of opinions or suggestions. It then becomes a political organizatiion of sorts, see what I mean, less fun and more responsibility and work. This may be the time or not.

I think we have all seen the encroaching restrictions by gov. Many times they have no other recourse. Population increases, poor practices by the harvesters, climatic conditions and a hundred other factors directly affect all our lives, especially our fishing lives.

I would like to hear what other more experienced folks have to say.

edsr

edsr · 01-21-2003, 10:30 AM

O.K. already! enough of this heavy thought , but on the other hand, stuff.

Oregon Tuna Club - sounds great- sign me up.

Quick - get Fishingeek to register the web name.

edsr

Popeye · 01-21-2003, 10:32 AM

Pilar.....I belong to the IGFA if you need any information. As for my .02, I think a Tuna Club would be GREAT. I've never joined a yacht club, although I've been hounded to do so, because of the "Nose up" thing. I WOULD however be a part of a club that sponsers my favorite type of fishing. I guess I'm alot like Pilar when it comes to getting totally involved in what I'm passionate about. As for the political, snobbish, "too organizational" aspect, I think that can be controlled by only allowing those who don't have that as their agenda to belong.

Oh yea sign me up!

[ 01-21-2003, 11:39 AM: Message edited by: Popeye ]

Pilar · 01-21-2003, 10:44 AM

Popeye, yes, total immersion is the ticket.

I don't think being a snob is possible when you fish in a small boat. Besides from what I've seen of Yacht clubs, the main thing there is to be seen at the dock with the right people. We won't have too much of that to worry about with this group. We are all about going to sea and chasing the Albacore.

What would be the criteria for membership? I would think that an intense interest in bluewater big game fishing and boating would be one of them. How else could we attract the serious fishers and not the posers?

Any ideas?

And Popeye, can you give a short talk on IGFA and some of the rules that are followed to qualify a fish for a record?

Edsr, you raise valid points. I figure if the legislature needs a kick in the shins or the ODFW or PFMC or Halibut commision needs some public input, we are all over that. If we keep fishing as the focus of the group, how could we stray off into the land of burearacracy?

Popeye · 01-21-2003, 10:51 AM

Very quickly (because I need to get some stuff done right now) I have the application forms to fill out, needs witnesses etc. You also need a certified IGFA scale at your disposal. We could probably talk Chris at the store to participate, and maybe your guy at Dopey Bay?

Mark Mc · 01-21-2003, 12:04 PM

Maybe if this IGFA thing gets too complex, we should start a new organization, like the "Oregon RedNeck Saltwater Fishing Association"

Rule #1 - Gloves may not be worn while pulling in handlines.

Rule #2 - no greater than a .22 caliber rifle may be used to aid in landing a halibut or other large game fish. Exception: 12 gauge buckshot may be used if your life is in danger.

Rule #3 - bottled beer shall not be allowed on the fishing vessel, to avoid broken glass and because cans are 3 for $1.

Any more? Can we work in fishing with in-laws somehow?

skein · 01-21-2003, 12:16 PM

Oh man, I've rewritten this post five times trying to say one simple thing without offending anyone. Clubs, with rules, charters, etc, often start out with the best - and sometimes necessary - intentions, but too often end up rigid and exclusionary.

I like the free-flowing, ad hoc spirit of the Salty Dogs forum, which is pretty darn close to a bonafide Tuna Club. Do we need bureaucratic overhead?

Skein - who is not much of a club joiner. (I've never caught a tuna either, so maybe I have no place in this discussion. :grin: )

01-21-2003, 12:56 PM

NO BOTTLED BEER

That's it, I'm out of here

I won't drink out of an aluminum container.
I goofey enough with out giving myself Alzhimers :depressed:

OceanBlue · 01-21-2003, 12:56 PM

Skein, I think you'd have to try pretty hard to offend someone.

Hey all... It sure sounds like there are some aspects of an "organized organization" that we all like. Perhaps we formalize an organization simply for the benefit of reaching a broader audience, being able to hold "official" tournaments and create a stronger network.

I would like to see politics handled outside of an organization like OTC (or maybe it is NWTC). We do fine with our little band of salties. The ODFW sure knows what they're dealing with when we say IFISH. I doubt there's anything that can wield as much clout as that, being that we're not a political organization, just a bunch of concerned fishers.

Anyway, it seems to me that we have half of what we need: Enthusiastic folks who want fish for tuna, share and gain knowledge, socialize and... for some of us... pursue the elusive Oregon "Bill"...

I think it would be great if we had enough info/direction pulled together in time for the sportsmen's show. But alas, I doubt there'd be enough time to organize.

fish assassin · 01-21-2003, 01:03 PM

I think I agree with Skein!! Thanks for putting it in words!

From the Did You Know department ... Did you know that ODFW and the NMFS
is going to institue limited entry permits for TUNA boats in the near future?
There is presently a lot of discussion going on as to how the licenses (limited
entry permits) will be awarded, but it sounds like they will be awarded on a basis
of how many TONS of TUNA have been caught in previous seasons. If a boat has
caught the required tonnage in any year between X and Y then they will be
eligable. Otherwise, no permit.

Very similar to the "experimental" bottom fishery permits that are now the
law (these will turn into limited entry permits in the near futrure in my
understanding).

Oh, wait, did I say that this was a limited entry permit for *commercial*
tuna boats?? Sport boats will be exempt, but there IS talk that charter boats
will also be limited somehow.

This is ONE way to limit the pressure on a fishery and/or assure a good
price to a limited number of fishing boats so they can stay in business.
Either way, with fewer commercial boats chasing TUNA off the Oregon Coast
this should give the sport boats a better chance! (IMHO)

Things that make you go "hmmmmmmm ..."!

-assAssin-

01-21-2003, 01:11 PM

Unfortunatly we have to be "political" or we will be trampled. Hunting is under attack as well as fishing. Trapping is what got me involved in politics and I had no idea that it would ever come down to fishing

Chaps · 01-21-2003, 01:39 PM

All this tuna club talk is making my mouth water . . . it's the only thing I miss from when I lived down south, and, to paraphrase Pilar, catching (and especially eating) salmon is great but the shear power and excitement of the tunnys is hard to beat and it is time for me to refocus. This will be fun . . . is OTC gonna accept applications from Washington types? I'll run out of Westport but would like to be involved in the group . . .
Yes, I'm

nutty 'bout tuna too - Bob

Miss B Haven · 01-21-2003, 01:58 PM

Hey- maybe this club could buy up all the fishing rights to the Pacific Ocean. There's your Charter! [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]

Marty · 01-21-2003, 02:22 PM

I love the sound of the "OREGON TUNA CLUB", and think that there would be more people than you think that would sign up. Maybe someone could do a survey to get a better idea of potential tuna holics out there willing to join.

Marty

Pilar · 01-21-2003, 02:37 PM

Yes, a fan club for 'Al' and his buddy 'Bill'!

It would never replace the Masons or the Disney fan club ......

Who's going to register the name?

OTC ..... Only Tuna Crazed .... Oregon Tuna Chasers .... Oregon Tuna Carkers ....

OceanBlue · 01-21-2003, 02:44 PM

NWT - NorthWest Tunaholics

8knots · 01-21-2003, 02:47 PM

I too, am not much of a club joiner. I do like how inclusive this forum is. I get a great deal of enjoyment and information from this site and check it most everyday possible. The personalities of many come right through and the spirit of sharing tactics and techniques for slaying tuna is most appreciated. I travel a lot for business and whereever I go I have pictures of my daughters, my boat and my tuna!

I would probably join just to have a T-shirt or sweatshirt with Oregon Tuna Club written across it. However, IMHO, the less formal the club, the better.

Miss B Haven · 01-21-2003, 02:57 PM

My wife (Tuni) pointed something out the other night. At her Oregon Pinto Club meetings about 15 folks show up. There are hundreds of paying members in this club. 15 or so show up and do all the work. (and yes- formal clubs need a charter, insurance, bank accounts fund raising, nonprofit status, elections, bylaws, officers etc etc)
We had 50 or so people show up at an informal get together with no real agenda, leader, structure etc etc. Just folks with a common interest getting together for a good time once in a while.
Think about it! :smile:

[ 01-21-2003, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

Pilar · 01-21-2003, 03:31 PM

Ok, jeez, I get it.

Can we register the name, get T-shirts and the boat and motor sponsorship from GW and Mercury? Maybe OTC can be the club that is not a club.

Popeye · 01-21-2003, 03:56 PM

Pilar...I guess I get it too.... I thought this WAS going to be a fun thing, not neccesarily for "Real" ie: chartered, licensed, bonded, and insured. I get enough of that at work. Shirts, Burgees, Social gatherings, and Braggin' rights! Yeah Thats The Ticket! By the way....I love the Salty Dogs Site so much, I'd never give it up. I just thought, like a few others, that a Tuna Club would be kinda fun.

Miss B Haven · 01-21-2003, 04:34 PM

Bruce/John- If that's what you guys are really talking about I think we already have one (the non-club club). Maybe we should just start calling it something else (other than the Tunaholics). Since there's no legal mumbo jumbo we can call ourselves anything we want right?
I think the break is whether you take dues or not. As soon as you take money from people you've just opened that 6 month old worm box of liability and rules(reminds me- better check the boat fridge this weekend). :shocked: Same reason Jennie keeps ifish free (one on them anyway). She can have it her way, she don't need no stinking rules (cept hers).
It's pretty hard to have a membership/roster without dues though. How do you get a meeting together with out a membership list? How do you know when somebody drops off? The current non-club works because we're all members of the salty dogs (and ifish). That acts as both our roster (post and we shall receive) and our communication forum. :smile: Thanks Jennie (and the mods). [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

01-21-2003, 11:04 PM

Witnesses at both at the hooking/landing and weigh in. The scale has to be certified.

I wish that I had something to do :depressed: Maybe next month, I have an interview the 4th of FEB.

[ 01-21-2003, 12:06 PM: Message edited by: Keta ]

OceanBlue · 01-21-2003, 11:23 PM

Keta,

Keep talking like that and we'll give you somethin' to do. You can start working on the OTC charter, IGFA rules, tournament rules, etc.

:grin:

Mark Mc · 01-21-2003, 11:26 PM

Hi All, good topic....IGFA definitely has lots of rules, esp. around line strength testing, and certification & use of scales.

IGFA Website

If you catch a 40 lb albacore on 10 lb maxima green, but break test of the line shows it breaking at 13 lbs, it's not a 10 lb test record. I think that's why line is sold that is "IGFA rated", to ensure that it WILL break at the test in question (counter-intuitive from our normal thinking, eh?)

A few years ago, a guy in Santa Cruz landed by rod & reel about a 90 lb albacore. It would have been a world record, **except** that it was on the "normal" 2 prong tuna hook.

[ 01-21-2003, 12:27 PM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]

Pilar · 01-21-2003, 11:36 PM

There are other rules too. The angler must hook and play the fish, unassisted. No one can touch the line except the angler and then the wire man can only touch the leader to land the fish. Or so I've heard.

It sounds like there are some pitfalls to avoid. Wouldn't it be a shame to miss an IGFA line class record due to ignorance?