Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club

On Tuesday, October 30th, at a General Membership meeting of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, Bill Figley was elected Sportsperson-of-the-year by the JCAA member clubs.

Bill graduated from Lafayette College with a B.A. Degree in Biology in 1971 and from Syracuse University with an M.S. Degree in Wildlife Biology in 1974. He worked as a Fisheries Biologist for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife starting in 1976. In 1984 Bill Figley began the Artificial Reef Program within the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The goal was to create habitat off the New Jersey coastline for various marine species which could then be enjoyed by recreational fishermen and divers. By the en! d of 2005 over 140 wrecks, 3500 patch reefs and 14 million tons of various materials have been sunken on the ocean bottom. The vast majority of money used to purchase materials for the reefs was donated by local clubs, associations, communities and individuals. It was Bill who helped make the program successful by making people aware of it. He spent countless hours speaking at local clubs and organizations, getting them to understand the program, teaching them how to find and fish the reefs, and gaining support as well as donations for the program.

Bill retired in 2005 after 30 years of service to the people of NJ and Division of Fish and Wildlife. Over the years, he has published numerous fishing related pamphlets and is an avid angler and hunter. Currently, Bill has taken a very active role in Reef Rescue which is a coalition of organizations seeking to eliminate the commercial pots that have taken over our reefs. Reef Rescue includes organizations like the JCAA, RFA, Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association, Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club, Greater Point Pleasant Charter Association, and the New Jersey Council of Diving Clubs. Recreational fishermen will be forever indebted to Bill for all the work he has done.

Bill will be presented with the Sportsperson-of-the-Year award at the JCAA annual dinner/dance being held on Sunday, November 18th at the Crystal Point Yacht Club.

Our Keynote speaker for the event this year will be Congressman Frank Pallone who will be explaining what is going on with summer flounder, striped bass and many other issues. Congressman Pallone will be available to answer your questions. Congressman Pallone is one of the previous recipients’ of the JCAA Sportsperson of the year award for all his hard work on the environment and fisheries issues.

So, if you want to have a good time and want to help us celebrate Bill Figley as Sportsperson-of-the-Year, and hear Congressman Frank Pallone talk on the important fisheries issues, come on out to the Crystal Point Yacht Club on November 18th. Tickets are $60 each or $500 for a table of 10.

Directions

From the North:
Take Garden State Parkway South to Exit 98 - Follow exit ramp signs for Route 34 South - Take Route 34 South to exit for Route 70 West (Camden/Lakehurst) - Go approximately 1.5 miles to bridge - After bridge, take right jug handle - At light cross over Route 70 and make left into Crystal Point

From the South:
Take Garden State Parkway North to Exit 90 - turn right at the end of the ramp onto Chambersbridge Road - Go straight for 2 miles to big intersection - Turn left onto Route 70 East. Follow Route 70 East for 8 traffic lights - after 8th traffic light exit right onto River ! Road. Make left turn into Crystal Point.

From Toms River:
Take Route 37 to Hooper Avenue North. Take Hooper Avenue to end and bear right onto Route 70 East. Follow Route 70 East for 7 traffic lights - after 7th traffic light exit right onto River Road. Make left turn into