RECREATIONAL FISHING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
“THE BEGINNINGS”
When did recreational fishing begin in Southern California? UASC decided to research this question when it was suggested that commercial fishing interests should take precedence over recreational fishing interests in Southern California as they were here first. Jan Howard, with the help and generosity of Michael Farrior, assembled the pictorial and resource information documenting recreational fishing as early as 1896. Here is UASC's answer to this question.
TUNA
The first tuna of record was a bluefin caught in 1896 off Catalina Island by Colonel C.P.Morehous of Pasadena, California. The first tuna caught by an angler to receive public acclaim was a 183 lb. bluefin caught in 1898 by Dr.C.F.Holder,founder of The Tuna Club. The largest bluefin taken on sporting tackle was 251 pounds also caught by Col.C.P.Morehous in 1899.
The record catches of Bluefin Tuna at Catalina prior to 1910 are as follows:
| Fisherman | Pounds |
| C.F.Holder,Pasadena,Cal.,Season 1898 | 183 |
| Col.C.P.Morehouse,Pasadena,Cal.,season 1899 | 251 |
| Gen.A.W.Barrett,Los Angeles,Cal.,season 1900 | 164 |
| Mrs.E.L.Dickerson,New York,season 1901 | 216 |
| Ernest E.Ford,Alhambra,Cal.,season 1902 | 174 |
| Col.John E.Stearns,Los Angeles,Cal.,season 1902 | 197 |
| Gen.A.W.Barett,Los Angeles,Cal.,season 1904 | 131 |
| P.S.O ’Mara,Salt Lake City,Utah,season 1909 | 153 |
The largest Yellowfin tuna catches at Catalina prior to 1910 are as follows:
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| Fisherman | Pounds |
| Arthur J.Eddy,Chicago Ill.,season 1906 | 60 |
| E.J.Polkinhorn,Torreon,Mexico,season 1907 | 50.5 |
MARLIN
The first species taken with rod and reel was a striped marlin off Catalina Island in 1903 by a fishing guide or “boatman ” named Harry Willey..The first documented marlin was a 125 pound striper taken by Tuna Club member Mr.Frank Llewelyn in 1903 at Avalon,with Mr.Willey as guide. NOTE: Photos courtesy of The Tuna ClubSWORDFISH
The first broadbill swordfish taken by an angler was caught in 1913 by Tuna Club member William Boschen.The fish weighed 355 pounds.The fish and the bait were presented by a kite (invented by Capt.Farnsworth)while Mr.Boschen used a prototype reel witha disc clutch (invented by both men).
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