Fourth in a series. In part three, In 1899 Colonel C. P. Morehouse (credited with the first tuna), broke Dr. Charles Frederick Holderrecord with a 251-pound blue-fin tuna, which still endures as the club’s heavy linen record to this day.
Fourth in a series. In part three, In 1899 Colonel C. P. Morehouse (credited with the first tuna), broke Dr. Charles Frederick Holderrecord with a 251-pound blue-fin tuna, which still endures as the club’s heavy linen record to this day.
But the sport had one drawback: injuries were common.
Injuries sustained while battling the “leaping tuna” were common enough that the front porch of the Hotel Metropole where the club had its first headquarters, was dubbed” the tuna hospital.”
The original constitution stated, “Should it happen by reason of absence or exhaustion, neither record nor signature can be made, any three members of the club shall have the right and are hereby directed to record that catch and affix said.”
This was a necessary allowance, for exhaustion, sunstroke, broken thumbs and even an occasional dislocated shoulder were part of the price these men often paid for being a part of this new “Sport of Kings.”
For information about taking a tour of the Tuna Club, see the story on page 12.
Camaraderie and good sportsmanship became recognized as being as important as the angling itself.
Techniques could be learned here, and it provided a perfect place to experiment with tackle innovations.
Anglers could console or congratulate one another, all the while keeping up with the latest fishing news by greeting the incoming boats which landed on the beach directly in front of them.
Here is where the tradition known as the “Porch Party” originated, and it was in this environment that much of the foundation was laid for the sport of big game fishing as we know it today.
Another side of the history includes many notable sportsmen and personalities who have been a part of the life of the club.
Known conservationists such as Theodore Roosevelt, as well as two other American Presidents were frequent guests. Many Heads of state, royalty and waptains of industry such as Winston Churchill and Gen. George S. Patton were also guests of the club.
In addition there were several Hollywood personalities that were part of the membership.
Famous Directors Hal Roach and Cecil B. Demille and well known performers Joseph Jefferson, Stan Laurel, Jackie Koogan, Charlie Chaplin, Bing Crosby and noted western author and adventurer Zane Grey were members.
But perhaps most surprising to many will be how active the club remains in its commitments to angling and conservation.
Today, the club’s primary catches are Marlin. The vast majority of these are tagged and released, and must be caught within our territorial waters to be eligible for our annual awards.
Only linen or dacron lines are used to earn a “Button Fish.”
All rules from rod length to one gaff are strictly adhered to, including the requirement that the fish meet the minimum weight for the pound test of line used.
When it’s all said and done, The Tuna Club has remained committed to the spirit of its founders and recognizes the importance of preserving our heritage, the history of big game fishing.
The information on this page came from the Tuna Club of Avalon.
