Article by Larry Jock
It has been my pleasure to have known Franky Pettolina and his family for a long time. As Captain and mate on his family’s charter boat, “Last Call”, Franky has seen first hand a lot of history take place in the Ocean City Fishing Community and has been at the center of the action, serving as President of the Ocean City Marlin Club for what seems like forever, so it was great to interview Franky on what is happening at the Club and where he sees it heading in the future.
I know you have been the President of the Ocean City Marlin Club for quite a number of years. What year were you elected President and how many terms have you served?
This is my 9th year as President. I am 5 months into my 5th term. Each term is 2 years. I started my "political career" in the Marlin Club as a Board Member in December of 1999 for the 2000 calendar year. I have also served as the elected Secretary of the Club.
Are you the longest serving President of the Club?
Yes I am. But I should note that prior to my predecessor Billy Regan, terms were single years as opposed to 2 years, so when it comes to terms I am not. There were a couple of Presidents that served for 6 years which would have been 6 terms in those eras.
How many terms do you plan to serve? Is there a limit on the number allowed?
There are no term limits. I have an incredible Board of Directors, an awesome staff and the support of a very dedicated Auxiliary. I will happily serve out this term and see what the future brings. The members aren't throwing eggs at me yet, so I would welcome another term so long as the members are still in favor of it.
What year was the Marlin Club formed?
The Club was formed in 1936. We are celebrating our 80th year this year.
Who were the driving forces behind the Club’s creation?
As I understand it, with the newly formed Ocean City Inlet after the big storm of 1933, a group of fishermen formed the club to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship. Also in the early years the club served to help organize the pioneering charter captains and to plant the seeds of the strong conservation ethic the club enjoys today. Over the years we have become the recordkeeping body for the town of Ocean City in regards to sport fishing.
What is the Marlin Club’s primary mission?
We look to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and conservation. I believe our website has a statement along the lines of "promoting the conservation of the sea and her creatures".
What have been the Marlin Club’s major accomplishments?
We were the first organization to go to a strictly release format for white marlin in tournaments. Boated billfish do not score in our tourneys. We have also been at the forefront of promoting the use of circle hooks in the mid Atlantic. We had circle hook rigging seminars in the early 2000s.
Are there any fishing related issues currently on the Marlin Club’s radar screen that you are dealing with right now?
We do not have any major issues on our plate at the moment, but we try to keep "in the know" of anything that could creep up on us.
What challenges do you see coming down the road and how do you see the Club dealing with those challenges?
The biggest challenge I face day to day at the club is finding ways to serve our members better and to promote sportfishing in our town. Ocean City is known as the "White Marlin Capital of the World" and we need to keep it that way. The club will deal with any challenges they way we always have in the past. We will listen to our members and the board will work for their best interests.
How does the Marlin Club interact with the various governmental organizations?
The club has always had a good relationship with our local government. Also we provide records when requested and also a meeting place when various committees or focus groups need to meet.
Has the Club had any famous members?
We have not had any celebrity members so to speak, but we have welcomed the "who's who" of the fishing community into the club over the years. Our members have held their own on the international stage, winning the Los Suenos Series for example, or placing in the top angler or boat categories in The Masters Tournament. Guys like Tred Barta, Dave Ferrell, George Poveromo and Bomboy Llanes have all come in as guests at the club. Travis Brown of the TV Show "Wicked Tuna" has been to the club more than a couple times, and the rest of the cast from the first Outer Banks season stopped in as well.
Where was the Club’s original location?
The original Clubhouse was on the corner of Talbot Street and St. Louis Avenue in downtown Ocean City. That location is a parking lot now.
Where else has the Club been located?
Our second clubhouse was on the corner of Route 50 at the entrance to the Ocean City Fishing Center.
What made the Club choose it’s current location?
It was actually a multi- year process. We knew the property was available, but the board could not come to agreement as to whether we should leave the exposure that the Route 50 frontage gave us. Our building needed work, and we had to make a decision whether to sink money into that building on Rt. 50 or invest in a new building. Ultimately, Billy Regan led the board during our decision to market the Rt. 50 building and with the support of the members we sold at the right time and we were able to build our new building at the head of the Commercial Harbor. It wasn't easy, and if it wasn't for Billy leading the charge we wouldn't be where we are now.
You recently did some big renovations. What was done and how will they benefit the Club and it’s members?
We have been in the building for over ten years now. We changed up the paint scheme. Did some repairs to the ceiling. All new window treatments were installed as were new light fixtures in the bar and general meeting area. New carpet was put in and we replaced all of the bar furniture. We have also added a 70-inch smart TV in the general meeting area which will stream our photo collection, memorial photos, current pictures and even have live updates during tournaments.
What future renovations are planned?
The biggest project currently on the list is an application of a sound deadening material/coating to the ceiling in the bar area. We have a contract signed to begin that project in February of 2017.
Do you ever see the building being expanded?
The building was designed with the ability to add on. The Board of Directors has explored the feasibility of building an additional office/meeting room on the back side of the elevator structure. We are always open to the idea of improving the club for the members.
A couple of years ago, the Marlin Club started a Memorial Day Tournament and a Rockfish Tournament. Are there plans to start any new tournaments in the near future?
We are always trying to keep our tournaments fresh and make adjustments that will keep the events exciting and the members interested.
This year a "shoot out" was proposed by the Ocean City Light Tackle Club. We are in the early stages of organizing the event and OCLTC. We hope to field a team of 12 anglers from each club to compete in teams of 2, fishing with the opposing team on alternating boats over a 2 day tournament. This will be a billfish only release event with bragging rights on the line. We have tentatively planned this for the second weekend in September, in between the Labor Day Tournament and the Challenge Cup Tournament. I have high hopes for this event. I think it can be great.
What do you consider to be the most successful Marlin Club Tournament?
Success is measured in different ways. The Canyon Kickoff is usually our largest event. The Kids Classic and the "Heels and Reels" have probably given the most to charitable organizations. The Labor Day White Marlin Tournament is the longest running white marlin tournament ever, anywhere. So I don't know that I can pick one as the most successful. If people show up and fish, and ultimately have fun then the event is a success in my opinion.
What role does the Marlin Club play in exposing young anglers to our sport?
The club promotes youth fishing a couple of ways. We have the Kids Classic Tournament which gives the kids their own event to shine in, as well as the "Wish a Fish" day for taking underprivileged or special needs kids out fishing. Our seasonal awards have a junior angler category as well as a prize for the first white marlin of the season caught by a junior angler. In addition, Charles Kratz made a provision for perpetually funding certificates to recognize any junior angler for catching their first billfish.
Why should someone become a member of the Marlin Club?
First and foremost to enjoy the camaraderie and love of marlin fishing with other like minded individuals. We have a great "friendly competition" among our members for the seasonal awards and we host some of the most entertaining and competitive tournaments in the mid-Atlantic.
How does a person become a member of the Marlin Club?
There is an application on our website, www.ocmarlinclub.com. Prospective members need to fill out the app and submit a letter of introduction for review by the membership committee.
What is the cost of joining the Club?
A full membership is $350 with a $350 initiation fee. That is the base level of membership. We also offer boat and family memberships which cost a bit more.
Is there currently a waiting list?
Yes there is a waiting list, but each application is reviewed on its own merit.
Well Franky, it’s a tribute to the Club that folks are waiting in line to join. I personally think you have done a wonderful job leading the Marlin Club over the last 8 years. It’s a vibrant organization and it’s leadership in the fishing community is unquestioned.
I appreciate it, Larry. I would like to thank our members for giving me the opportunity to serve as President. I truly love the Marlin Club and feel that we have the best group of fishing folks anywhere. It is truly a privilege to be President of such a great organization.
