About the Cape Cod Salties
History
The Cape Cod Salties was founded in 1959 by commercial striped bass fishermen concerned with access to the shoreline fishery in Chatham, particularly Monomoy and Morris Islands. Many of the members of the club at this time fished Pleasant Bay and the High Bank areas. These were the days of plentiful bass, and these fishermen were interested in promoting their interests. Multiple catches of 30-, 40-, and even 50+ pound fish from the beach at night were the norm for many of these hardy fishermen. Some of our members continue this tradition today. The Shaeffer Brewing Company supported a competitive derby involving cash and prizes. Salties vied for these prizes in competition with other fishing clubs.
In 1975 the club branched out to encompass recreational fishermen as well as those with commercial interests. This change was made in part to provide a broader membership base with more commercial and political clout in advocating for the interests of fishermen. The club established an annual striped bass and bluefish derby for members with cash prizes for those over 16 years of age and trophies for those under 16 years. Interestingly, perhaps as a reflection of market values, the prizes awarded for bluefish were half those paid out for stripers!
Purpose
The purpose of the Cape Cod Salties organization is clearly stated in its by-laws as quoted below:
“The purpose of this organization shall be to promote and encourage interest in saltwater sportfishing; to provide opportunities for those interested in saltwater sportfishing to gather for entertainment and good fellowship; to foster sound conservation practices and laws and to see that these laws are properly supported and carried out by members; to further good sportsmanship; and to disseminate information concerning saltwater sportfishing to club members and to others.”
Structure and Decision-Making
Herbert Hoover said “All men are equal before fish.” The club’s philosophy reflects this observation. The club is a diverse group of approximately 275 men and women from all walks of life and all levels of angling proficiency--from novice to professional--bound together by a love of the sport. Members’ interests and expertise include virtually all methods of saltwater fishing: surfcasting, spin fishing, offshore and inshore boat fishing, and saltwater fly fishing.
The officers and a board of directors elected by the membership oversee the day-to-day operations of the club. Decisions involving the expenditure of $100 or more must be approved by the membership. Policy decisions are also approved by vote of the membership. While this process may make for some spirited meetings, control of the club is firmly in the hands of its members. A number of standing committees further supports the goals and needs of the organization.
The Cape Cod Salties was founded in 1959 by commercial striped bass fishermen concerned with access to the shoreline fishery in Chatham, particularly Monomoy and Morris Islands. Many of the members of the club at this time fished Pleasant Bay and the High Bank areas. These were the days of plentiful bass, and these fishermen were interested in promoting their interests. Multiple catches of 30-, 40-, and even 50+ pound fish from the beach at night were the norm for many of these hardy fishermen. Some of our members continue this tradition today. The Shaeffer Brewing Company supported a competitive derby involving cash and prizes. Salties vied for these prizes in competition with other fishing clubs.
In 1975 the club branched out to encompass recreational fishermen as well as those with commercial interests. This change was made in part to provide a broader membership base with more commercial and political clout in advocating for the interests of fishermen. The club established an annual striped bass and bluefish derby for members with cash prizes for those over 16 years of age and trophies for those under 16 years. Interestingly, perhaps as a reflection of market values, the prizes awarded for bluefish were half those paid out for stripers!
Purpose
The purpose of the Cape Cod Salties organization is clearly stated in its by-laws as quoted below:
“The purpose of this organization shall be to promote and encourage interest in saltwater sportfishing; to provide opportunities for those interested in saltwater sportfishing to gather for entertainment and good fellowship; to foster sound conservation practices and laws and to see that these laws are properly supported and carried out by members; to further good sportsmanship; and to disseminate information concerning saltwater sportfishing to club members and to others.”
Structure and Decision-Making
Herbert Hoover said “All men are equal before fish.” The club’s philosophy reflects this observation. The club is a diverse group of approximately 275 men and women from all walks of life and all levels of angling proficiency--from novice to professional--bound together by a love of the sport. Members’ interests and expertise include virtually all methods of saltwater fishing: surfcasting, spin fishing, offshore and inshore boat fishing, and saltwater fly fishing.
The officers and a board of directors elected by the membership oversee the day-to-day operations of the club. Decisions involving the expenditure of $100 or more must be approved by the membership. Policy decisions are also approved by vote of the membership. While this process may make for some spirited meetings, control of the club is firmly in the hands of its members. A number of standing committees further supports the goals and needs of the organization.
