CHAPTER VII 



THE TUNA CLUB AND ITS BRANCHES 



IN all probability the most widely known and most 

 influential angling club in the world has its head- 

 quarters at Avalon, Santa Catalina. There is 

 but one organization like it, the British Sea Anglers' 

 Society of London, founded by Mr. F. G. Aflalo, the 

 well-known authority on sea-angling, whose books are 

 standards and classics. As you enter the smooth and 

 attractive little bay of Avalon, a brown building with 

 a pier out over the water is seen to the right. From 

 its flagstaff floats a blue flag bearing the words "Tuna 

 Club," and down from it are numerous signals and 

 colors, telling that some member has made a catch, 

 and that Mr. T. S. Manning, the genial arbiter pisca- 

 torum of the club and of the town, is celebrating in 

 his loyal fashion. 



The club house is not five minutes from pier or 

 hotels, and sooner or later, anglers from abroad find 

 their way into its hospitable rooms, and meet the 

 really famous sea-anglers of the world; not only see 

 them, but the fishes on which they won their spurs and 

 honors, as they hang on the walls. The club is a mod- 

 est structure built out over the water, and was devised 

 as a meeting-place for anglers and to aid members 

 and their friends in securing a good day's fishing. 

 Entering, the office is on the right, where Mr. Man- 

 ning holds forth as Honorary General Manager, devot- 



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