History of the Tuna Club Avalon Santa Catalina Island California

Arthur N. Macrate, Jr.

Published by Tuna Club, 1948

About this Item

Arthur Macrate Jr.'s "HISTORY OF THE TUNA CLUB, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California" . Published by the Tuna Club, 1948, FIRST EDITION 1948 True First Edition of this great history of the AVALON TUNA CLUB, at Santa Catalina Island, California (Founded in 1898). 197 pages, with 17 chapters. Contents includes: Dedication; Acknowledgements; Table of Contents; List of Illustrations (Of which there are 26, with many historic photos of record game fish, and sights around Catalina); Introduction; Prologue; Fin De Siecle; Early Days; Constitution, Incorporation, and By-Laws; The Club House; In Memoriam; Affiliated Clubs; The Annual Tournaments; Flags and Buttons (Awards); Guides and Boatmen; Tuna, Marlin, and Broadbill; Tackle and Baits; Fishing Grounds; San Clemente (Island); Conservation; War Years; Some Interesting Fights; Club Records: Epilogue, Appendix, Bibliography, and Index. The Santa Catalina Avalon Tuna Club was founded by Charles Frederick Holder (Author of GAME FISHES OF THE WORLD, RECOLLECTIONS OF A SPORTSMAN ON THE PACIFIC COAST, BIG GAME AT SEA, THE BOY ANGLER, THE CHANNEL ISLANDS OF CALIFORNIA, THE LOG OF A SEA ANGLER, LIFE IN THE OPEN, and others) . Holder had a special place in Big Game Fishing History, as he invented the sport of BIG GAME FISHING in 1898 when he took a tuna of 183 pounds on a rod and reel (See Scan) It took 3hr. and 45 minutes, and they were towed 10 miles in their boat by the tuna. All previous Big Game fishing was done with hand lines. The news went out by word of mouth and by telegraph that the sport of Big Game Fishing had been born. Later, the first broadbill swordfish ever landed on rod and reel was caught by a member of the club here (See Scan). Charles Holder also founded the Rose Parade in Pasadena California, and was prominent in the Valley Hunt Club, in Pasadena. This history of the Club was written to honor the Fiftieth anniversary of the club. The Golden Jubilee. The club's purpose is and has always been to preserve Big Game Fishing as a sport in which the skill alone of the angler and the boatman is matched against the native cunning and strength of the fish. These men went forth to catch Tuna that could exceed 200 pounds, Marlin, and Broadbill swordfish on wooden or cane rods and reels. The early reels did not have a drag with which to slow the run of the fish. They used leather pads to press against the spool. The club is still in existence today, and continues to use strict limitations and rules on the size of tackle and lines to be used in taking Tuna, Swordfish, Marlin, Dorado, etc. The tuna were called Leaping Tuna and could at times be seen jumping over the fishing boats, in their pursuit of Flying Fish (Their favorite meal). The anglers at times used silk Chinese kites to help carry their baits outside the wake of the fishing launches, as this made them more acceptable to their quarry. Contributors (And/or members of the club) include Kip Farrington (PACIFIC GAME FISHING, ATLANTIC GAME FISHING), Van Campen Heilner (OUR AMERICAN GAME BIRDS, A BOOK ON DUCK SHOOTING), O.H.P. Rodman, George C. Thomas Jr. (GAME FISH OF THE PACIFIC) George C. Thomas III, and F.G. Menke. The book includes records of fish caught, including Tuna, Marlin, Broadbill Swordfish, Black Sea Bass, Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, Albacore, Dolphin, and others. Believe me when I say that this book is a treat for the eyes. These copies do not come along very often. If you have an interest in Big Game Fishing, then this is the Holy Grail of angling club histories. This is a scarce book. One of only 4 available on the internet. This copy is Near Fine, in a burgundy leather binding that has some minor scuffs, with gilt titles on the front cover. There is NO internal marking or writing of any kind. The hinges and the binding of the signatures are quite tight, with no signs of separation. Seller Inventory # 01024

Bibliographic Details

Title: History of the Tuna Club Avalon Santa ...

Publisher: Tuna Club

Publication Date: 1948

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

Edition: 1st Edition