United Anglers of Southern California

UNITED ANGLERS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NAMES FOUR NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

New UASC Leaders Reflect Diverse Backgrounds, Years of Angling and Conservation Experience

January 8, 2010 — United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) announced today that four new representatives have joined the non-profit fishing/conservation organization’s board of directors.  The announcement was made by UASC President Steven Fukuto.

“We are very pleased to have Will Ebersman, John Gaebel, Ben Hamilton and Steve Lee joining our esteemed board of directors,” said Fukuto.  “Each of these gentlemen brings a unique combination of angling and life experience that will benefit our organization and all Southern California recreational fisherman.  I’m looking forward to their input and strong leadership as we move into a very critical time for recreational anglers,” added Fukuto.

Will Ebersman is a familiar face to anybody who’s ever participated
in any UASC activity or event, from the Fred Hall Shows to fundraising
events to countless youth fishing trips.  He has served selflessly,
volunteering anytime and anywhere the organization has needed him.  
This level of involvement has given Ebersman in-depth understanding of
UASC’s mission, and will help him as he moves into a new leadership
role with the organization.  

A “Jersey boy” who moved to sunny Southern California after graduating from Alfred University in the late
80s, Ebersman rekindled his love for saltwater fishing (he grew up on
stripers, bluefish and freshwater gamefish back East) in 1991.   It was
around 1993 that he signed up as a UASC member, at the urging of
angling visionary Russ Izor during a Day at the Lots event.   Watching
from the sidelines has never been Ebersman’s style.   In addition to
his work with UASC, he is actively involved with 976-TUNA kid’s fishing
trips and classes, is on the Foundation Board of the Los Angeles Rod
and Reel Club, a member of the Turner’s Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club
and the Westwood Sportsmen’s Club.   Ebersman also started an angling
club at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, where he works
as a Utility Services Specialist.   As further proof of his
volunteering nature, Ebersman records textbooks one night a week for
blind and dyslexic students.  

In contrast, new board member John Gaebel is as local as they come.  A Long Beach native who grew up
watching Pierpoint Landing’s “Fishing Flashes” on television and
heading out on many 1/2- and 3/4-day boats from local landings, Gaebel
attended Long Beach City College and Cal State Long Beach.  He
eventually became a dentist and practiced for many years in Southern
California.  This led to starting his own thriving insurance company —
PacificDental Benefits — which he eventually sold to United Health.

Gaebel’s fishing exploits over the years have been no less successful.  In the
mid ‘80s, he got into private boating with the purchase of a Cabo 216
CuddyCon  (he first met UASC board member Jim Hendricks in the Cabo
owner’s club).   He used this small center console to target a wide
variety of inshore and offshore gamefish, from seabass and halibut to
albacore and yellowtail.   After selling his business about four years
ago, Gaebel moved up to his current boat, a 31’ Black Watch named
Pescador that he keeps in Dana Point Harbor.   Fishing is in his blood
— one of Gaebel’s two grown sons is a professional captain aboard the
71’ sportfisher Alure, which is currently fishing in Mexico.  His son
is also a member of “Team Easy” which won the Catalina Classic marlin
tournament in 2009.   

Tackling important issues with UASC won’t
be unfamiliar ground for Gaebel, either.  He was involved in the Ocean
Fish Protective Association (OFPA), where he fought anchovy stock
reductions and other issues with this organization founded by Russ
Izor.

Ben Hamilton comes to UASC’s board with a background in
Marine Ecology certain to benefit UASC members and broaden the
organization’s perspective.   A California native, Hamilton knew he was
“hooked” on fishing at the tender age of four.   He worked for a time
as a commercial fisherman around the Channel Islands and applied his
considerable mechanical knowledge doing marine engine and total vessel
refurbishment.    He recently retired from his position as a Consumer
Safety Officer for the National Seafood Inspection Program of the US
Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic Atmospheric
Administration, and the Marine Fisheries Service in Long Beach.
 
Hamilton
was granted a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Ecology) with a minor in
Chemistry from the University of Redlands, with an emphasis in research
ecology of plant and animal species.  He received his Masters in Marine
Biology from Occidental College, doing research in Mercury Pollution
and Primary Productivity, completing the research at Jet Propulsion
Laboratory in Pasadena.

Hamilton's work on and around the ocean
proves his lifelong dedication to protecting our marine ecosystems. 
UASC will benefit from Hamilton’s 20+ years of experience in
environmental work and 15 years of field ecology work focusing on
estuaries and other critical marine habitats.  Hamilton is Co-Founder
of AnEcoScape.net, a multi-media entertainment company with veteran
writer and entertainment publicist, Michael Conley.

Although
Steve Lee was born in Bakersfield, since he moved to Balboa Island in
6th grade the ocean has long been an important part of his life.  Lee
recalls fond memories of chasing albacore on the 14 Mile bank with his
father aboard a 20-foot Garwood boat, or wintertime runs to deep water
in search of rockfish.   A devotee of fresh and saltwater fishing, Lee
has been a member of the Balboa Angling Club for more than 20 years. 
He lists among his top angling accomplishments catching a marlin on
9-thread linen line, and has set a lofty goal of catching one on
6-thread line.  

Lee currently owns a successful machine shop
business in Huntington Beach, manufacturing precision machined parts
for commercial and aircraft use.   He has always been fascinated with
machinery, working for a time for a manufacturer involved in NASA’s
Apollo project.   He is particular proud of the fact that parts that he
manufactured are up on the moon.   His current company also makes parts
for American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO), which is how Lee first
became acquainted with UASC board chairman Dave Elm.   The two fish
together regularly, sharing a passion for saltwater fishing and a
concern for protecting our precious marine resources.

“This
past year was a tough one for recreational fishing, and 2010 is going
to present us with some great challenges as well,” said Fukuto.  
“These strong leaders will help guide our organization as we fight for
healthy oceans, robust fisheries and the recreational access all
Southern Californians deserve.”

For more information about the
ongoing activities of UASC, call organization headquarters at (562)
494-9900 or visit www.unitedanglers.com.