In an earlier story ("Why Isn't Salt Water Fly Fishing More Popular in SoCal?" ) we mentioned that it felt like the time was right for coastal and offshore salt water fly fishing to take off in Southern California. A great example of this growing acceptance is the recent announcement by the Balboa Angling Club (BAC) that they will be including salt water fly fishing divisions in their club record books.

BAC is the oldest fishing club on the West Coast, pre-dating even the Avalon Tuna Club. The club maintains an annual record book, with members competing for pins, certificates, and awards for the biggest fish in different divisions. IGFA rules are used, and the club has IGFA-compliant testing equipment for checking line classes.

Courtesy Balboa Angling Club

In the past, the club was focused mainly on marlin, swordfish and tuna. But, over the years, as the overall makeup of the membership changed, there was a shift in emphasis to other species. However, while the BAC encouraged light tackle fishing, salt water fly fishing was not included.

Then, two years ago, member Matt Campbell brought the idea of adding fly fishing divisions to the club record books before the BAC Board of Directors. Despite some initial resistance, Matt persisted, putting together guidelines, and starting an unofficial BAC fly fishing record board. His efforts were rewarded earlier this year when the BAC BOD voted to approve adding salt water fly fishing to the BAC record books. Salt water fly fishing divisions will also be added to certain BAC tournaments, such as the Lily Call Bay Tournament.

Courtesy Balboa Angling Club

Here's how the BAC club record program works:

• Fish must be caught from 60 miles south of Ensenada north
  
• Fish must be caught according to IGFA rules
  
• The club submission process is similar to the IGFA's, except the fish weight and line samples are handled by the BAC weighmaster.
  
• If the member's fish is a world record, the IGFA paperwork and weight results will be accepted in lieu of the club annual record application.
  
• Fish should be weighed alive at the BAC scales if possible. If the fish is weighed at an different IGFA weigh station (there are stations at the San Diego Marlin Club, and the Mission Bay Marlin club, for example), the weighmaster ticket will be accepted as documentation of the fish's weight. However, line samples must still be sent to the BAC for testing (unless it has been sent to the IGFA for world record consideration, of course)

Membership in the BAC is open to anyone. A family membership runs $150/year, and includes all family members. If you would like more information on the club, membership, or the fly fishing programs, take a look at the BAC website. They sound like a great group of people, and we wish them luck with their new salt water fly fishing programs!