President:
Guy Ahearn
gwahearn@yahoo.com
(917) 751-7840 

Secretary:
Victor Popolano
   VMAGROCK@aol.com

Membership Director: 
Joe  Blanda
joe@sibait.com 

Fund Raising & Sales Director :
Anthony Scotto tony53051@aol

Tournament Director:
Chris Carlino 
bigfish711@msn.com 

Public Relations Director:  
Tom Matteo
tjmatteo282@aol.com   

Staten Island Tuna Club
72 years of Fishing Experiences
*******  

Taken from our 50^th Anniversary Journal in 1988.

STATEN ISLAND TUNA CLUB

1938 – 1988

Princess Bay Inn Staten Island, NY 1938: A small group of avid fishermen met.  Their intent was a fishing club that would dedicate itself to fishing exclusively for Horse Mackerel (Giant Bluefin Tuna) in the prestigious United States Atlantic Tuna Tournament.

The Staten Island Tuna Club became a reality thanks to men like George Inwood, Jack Lobosco, Bill Price, Chappy, Tom Ernest and others, fishing the USATT in 1938 – 1939 and 1940.  The war interrupted the Tournament from 1941 to 1945.

In 1944 the Staten Island Tuna Club established its own Annual Tuna Tournament.  In these early days fishing for giants was at 17 Fathom’s and the Mud Hole, thoughts of fishing the “BA” were unheard of.  In 1963, John Swedberg’s “Highlife” with the young John Swedberg Jr., in the chair  boated a 323 lb. Bluefin.  In the years that followed the Staten Island Tourney produced catches like Lynn Benson’s (Miss Honor & Crew) 466 lbs., in 1968.  Lynn did it again in 1969 with a 342 lb. Fish.

In 1970 due to the tireless efforts of John Swedberg Sr. (11 years of perseverance), USATT accepted the clubs reentry into its tournament.  That year the club sent two boats north to fish.  The Trio and the Pipp, coming home with 2^nd place honors.

In 1971 four boats representing Staten Island sailed to Point Judith Rhode Island:

Herb Danielson’s - Trio, Angler Jim Pollucci’s 430 lb. Tuna

Henry Schimming’s - Spindrift, Angler Jim Ferrara 334 lb. Tuna

Steve Rhodes-  Pipp, Lynn Benson’s- Miss Honor

The four boat team scoring 1124 team points returned to Staten Island the winners of the biggest big game fishing tournament in the World.

Over the years the club has continually provided financial support as well as participating in noteworthy organizations such as N.Y.S. Sports Fishing Federation, The National Coalition for Marine Conservation and the Staten Island Natural Resources Protective Association, and their efforts on behalf of all fishermen. 

With pride in our sports fishing heritage in this our 50^th Anniversary Year, the Officers, Board of Directors and Members of the STATEN ISLAND TUNA CLUB take this opportunity to welcome all Captains and Crews participating on our 2^nd Annual Shark Tournament..... 

 
Herb Danielson’s - Trio, Angler Jim Pollucci’s 430 lb. Tuna

This 263lb thresher won the 2005 S.I.T.C. Shark Tournament, 
caught by Darrin LaMantia on the" Kayla Rose".

Q: What is the mission of SITC?
A: Our goals include:

·         Provide a forum for developing new friends with similar interests.

·         Build an organization to help saltwater anglers build a personal network for high quality/accurate fishing information.

·         Build an organization where members can share fishing outings aboard other member's boats to help one another expand their fishing knowledge and experience.

·         Creating a compelling educational program, with venues including members educating members and guest speakers that bring valuable expertise and knowledge to SITC members.

·         Supporting charitable causes that are aligned with the interests of SITC members.

Q: Who are SITC's typical members?
A: SITC is made up of owners of offshore-capable boats who fish saltwater through the year; their regular and experienced crew; and anglers who may not currently have offshore boats but have both a keen interest and skills that align with SITC 's mission.

Q: Who can join SITC?
A: SITC is a club designed for avid boat fishermen who fish inshore and offshore ocean waters off New York. Our club is not focused on surf or fresh water fishing. If your interests are strongly aligned with our goals, you may be a candidate to join SITC.

Q: Must I own a boat to join SITC? 
A: No, a boat is not a prerequisite. Our bylaws call for members that own offshore-capable boats and members who do not. Our goal is to build a club that is highly relevant for fishermen who have a common set of interests that focus on ocean fishing from boats. We have members who have very strong backgrounds as a crew member or a professional captain operating a party or private boat, but do not own their own boat.

Q: I am looking to join the crew of an offshore fishing boat. Can I find that opportunity here?
A: Maybe. The primary goal of this club is to help avid fishermen build their personal network, which could lead to the opportunity to fish aboard other members' boats. However, paring boat owners with crew members is not a direct goal of this club.

Q: I don't have a lot of experience with offshore and wreck fishing, but I am very interested in learning more about this. Would the club be a good fit for me?
A: Quite possibly. While we are looking for experienced fishermen to participate in our club, we do bring members into our group based on their interest and ambitions. We do like to share our expertise with new fishermen, and have several members that "grew" into the club after joining.

Q: Is this club also a social club?
A: We're a fishing club first and foremost. At current time, the only activities we have planned are related to fishing.

Q: What if I fish only freshwater waters, or the surf?
A: The goal of SITC is to focus on wreck fishing and offshore saltwater fishing from aboard boats. As a result, this club probably is not the right fit for you.

Q: Where is the club based?
A: Many of the anglers live in Staten Island, which is where most of the club functions will be held. However, we welcome anglers with similar interests who reside further away.

Q: Where are meetings held?
A: Our meetings are held at the Great Kills Yacht Club, 37 Mansion Ave in Great Kills, Staten Island at 8:00 pm.

Q: How many people are in the club?
A: As of fall 2009, we have 70 members, most of who have been with us for 3 years or more.

Q: How old is the club?
A: SITC is over 50 years old stared in 1938.

Q: What upcoming events are planned by SITC?
A: See our calendar or events pages.

Q: Why can't I get access to the club's message board to see the calendar and fishing reports?
A: Our message boards are private to club members. If you are a club member and have not yet signed up to access the board, you can do so here:  Visit Our Sportfishing Forum Boards . Club members that are having trouble accessing the boards should contact John Malizia at absolutlyjm_99@yahoo.com

Q: What is the cost of membership
A: Membership cost is modest, at $150 per year, with an initiation fee of $100 and a one year probationary period.

Q: I don't think this is the right club for me, but I'd like to attend an upcoming meeting because the topic really interests me. Can I come?
A: Sure -- non-members are welcome to attend meetings. We do ask you to contribute a small fee to help cover costs associated with running our meetings.

Q: I'm interested in getting involved. What is my next step?
A: Instructions for submitting a membership application can be found on the membership page. Also, look at our schedule of events to see when our next meeting will be held.

Q: I have more questions. Who should I contact?
A: Visit the Main Page to reach one of our club officers.

Vice President :
Dominic Basile
dom3838@aol.com 

Treasurer: 
John Gerace
jgerace@si.rr.com

Good & Welfare Director:
Guy Bono
krunch1012@aol.com

Entertainment Director : 
Walter Fisher 
fisherboyz2@yahoo.com 

Marine Fisheries
Director:
John Malizia
absolutlyjm_99
@yahoo.com

 

Tuna's Of The Atlantic	Shark Tournament Rules	Triple Play Blackfish Tournament
The Goodfellas Fluke Tournament	Past Shark Tournament Results	Tuna Tournament

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