b'W ith all the new individualsN otA NotherC lubl ikei t that advance aquatic resource and families joining theels addressing fishery issues.2. In 2017 we were singled out for By John Jolley, WPBFC past president & current board membermembership of this historic and unique institution,our conservation efforts by the prestigious American Fisheries I thought it was time to single out a few opinions about whatSociety (AFS).The club received its Presidential Conservation makes the West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC) so special.Award, which recognizes singular or long term contributions Longtime members often empha-size the diverse membership.Oneconservation.The AFS, founded prominent member,,in 1870, is the worlds largest and one of Americas foremost anglingoldest fisheries science society.3. historians and pastM pirkees iRdievnkt ionfThe Billfish Foundation honored the famous Avalon Tuna Club, sug- the WPBFC with its Club of Ex-gested that our club was highlycellence Award in 2017 at its an-egalitarian.The unspoken rulenual Gala in Ft. Lauderdale.This that egos and wallets are left ataward recognizes fishing clubs the clubhouse door remains de- that contribute to conservation cidedly intact.That it remains soand management of billfish and alive and vital today is largely dueother species, and for responsible to that reason. sportfishing practices.Another characteristic Mike, former Florida Assis-makes clear is that the club hastant Director of Marine Resources kept its attention on the pulseprEod baIbrlbyy summed it up best re-of angling activities and concerns like no other entity sincegarding the WPBFCs many contributions.He said, There was its founding in 1934.This was why, pastnothing anywhere like it.Floridas Fish and Wildlife Conserva-WPBFC president and famous pioneering boat builder withtion Commission could not have completed all their fisheries Rybovich and Sons Boatworks, used thJeo chlunbn aysRa ylabuonvcihcihng padresearch on the east coast without the dedicated support and for various angling and conservation initiatives for decades.diligence of the club and its members.Ed further remarked, Johnny moved in rarified circles and belonged to many augustFew (if any) do what the WPBFC does.None do it better!organizations, according to Mike.He could have mounted hisLong recognized as a local historic landmark, the WPBFC assaults from anywhere.That he did so time and again fromreceived Palm Beach County Historical Landmark designa-the WPBFC was no accident. tion in 1991 and was added to the West Palm Beach Register Additionally, this clubs extraordinary history has gener- of Historic Places in 1998.In 2018, the club was listed on ated amazement and praise according to the latethe National Register of Historic Places by the United States , who was a longtime club member, former Undersec- National Park Service.Soon after this designation an official retary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, histNoartiahna naiendl historic marker was placed in the clubs front yard at 5th Street P.i gRheley dregarded environmentalist.Amazement, because ofand North Flagler Drive. Shthe diversity of interesting people who made this organiza- Another critical review by, one of Floridas tion into a powerhouse to energize tourism through fishingmost successful businessmen, seems appropriate here.Nick, during the years following the Great Depression in the 1930sa 68-year member of the club, aNnidc oknem ofi tthhe worlds most ac-and 40s, and praise, as the club evolved into an organizationcomplished and respected billfishermen saluted the WPBFC that contributed significantly over decades to important en- during its 60th anniversary in 1994.He suggested, The true vironmental resource conservation initiatives. measure of an organizations character is its ability to adapt, Many of these endeavors were delivered in various ways overimprove and survive.The WPBFC has certainly lived up to time before many of todays widely recognized conservationthose qualifications.While many other clubs have vanished entities were even a thought.As these new fishing relatedover time, this year, we celebrate our 87th anniversary.We organizations formed, WPBFC members were front and centerlook forward to our 100th in the not too distant future!With and often involved directly in funding and guidance.This wasmore than 1,400 members, the club remains fiscally strong and no accident either. dedicated to the guiding principals of civic involvement, ethical I believe no other club has partnered so closely with theangling & conservation advocacy and producing quality fish-scientific and conservation communities, and this part of theing programs of interest for our members and the community.WPBFCs history has been well documented.Consequently, ourWell, thats a brief personal perspective.Above all, the club is reputation and credibility was enhanced and remains secure.still about kids, family and friends.Longtime club director, the Supporting examples include:1. The WPBFC was selectedlate, often said, Its the people who make the Conservation Organization of the Year in 2010 by the Floridaclub so special.She was right.We welcome all and are grateful Wildlife Federation for our 76 years of social activity, commu- to evFerraynocnees c Dontouinceuting their memberships and volunteerism. nity involvement and environmental education and advocacy.The WPBFC needs your continued support.Its always been a Members have long served on various boards, councils and pan- team effort.Theres not another club like it!58 W esTP aLmB eachF ishingc LuB'