History

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 Here is the History of the Club that appeared in the November 29, 2001 issue of the "Fisherman" magazine, written by John DeBona.

   The Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County started back in 1937 with the leadership of Bill Backus, writer for the Bergen Evening Record newspaper. Seventeen fellow fishing enthusiasts, who also wanted to start a fishing club, were asked to get together for an initial meeting at the newspaper's office building when it was located on Main Street in Hackensack, NJ. The eighteen men met at the "morgue" room, where daily copies of this newspaper were recorded and filed.

Bill Backus presided at this meeting and told the men his ideas on what he thought would make for a good fishing club. After long discussions on how the club should be formed, the subject of what to name this new club became an important topic. Many suggestions were given, but only one seemed so right. The name Salt Water Anglers seemed appropriate. Then, almost immediately, someone added Bergen County to the suggested name, and it was unanimously adopted at this first meeting to call the new club the Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County. Bill Backus was elected the clubs first president.


THE CLUB GROWS

 The first several meetings of the new club lagged somewhat, but then interest in the club began to grow. By the end of Bill's first term as president, membership grew to almost 100 members. Bill was unanimously asked to serve as president for another year, but refused the nomination because he did not want to see the club turn into a "one-man show".

   Phil "Chappy" Coonan, a surf-fishing enthusiast, was elected the club's second president. As with Bill, Chappy was well liked by the membership. In honor of these two great men, the club has an annual weeklong fishing derby named after them. The Backus-Coonan Derby is traditionally held at Montauk, at the end of Long Island. It usually starts on the Saturday after Columbus Day, and ends the following Sunday. Awards are presented to registered participants catching the heaviest fish in each eligible category.

   During the 1930's and 1940's, most fishing was done locally since outboard motors did not exist and boats had to be moved by oars. A few fishing boats were available, but many members could not afford the $1.00 fee that was charged to fish aboard them. Remember, this was in the middle of the Great Depression, a time when money was extremely tight.

   The dues for the club membership started off at $2 per year. The club was fiscally sound, but did accumulate a reserve of funds. Although the bills were usually paid on time, in 1945 it's treasury showed a balance of exactly twenty-two cents.

   In 1945, the club logo was developed, and a monthly bulletin was created to keep members informed of upcoming events, good catches made by members, and club tournaments. Members enjoyed receiving the monthly bulletin that informed them of the club's many activities, and the bulletin continues to this day- every month.


A PERMANENT HOME

 As the years progressed and the membership increased, the Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County had to move its meeting location on a few occasions to accommodate the club's growing needs. Some of the members travel a good distance to get to the regular monthly meetings that are currently located at the American Legion Hall in Rochelle Park, NJ.

   Although it is the oldest and most influential clubs in New Jersey, many other smaller clubs have been created throughout the state. Most, however, target a specific species of fish or a particular form of fishing. There are even clubs that require you to have a particular brand of boat to be a member. As the club approaches its 65th anniversary in 2002, any angler with a desire to fish in salt water can join and participate in the club's many activities.


PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES

 Today, the club is filled with the same enthusiasm as its founding forefathers, and it tries to bring the very best efforts to its members. There are regularly scheduled monthly meetings, the highly informative monthly bulletin, quality guest speakers who talk about fishing techniques, and plenty of exciting fishing trips planned throughout the year. The Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County has thrived by keeping the club fresh and exciting, with more and more adventurous fishing trips being planned each year.

   The club members pull monster-sized codfish from the depths of Stellwagen Bank when they meet and set sail from Green Harbor, Massachusetts for club trips. They also get together to fish on overnight canyon trips, chasing after giant yellow fin tuna. Throughout the year, the club holds various fishing contests amongst club members and invites other clubs to join them in friendly inter-club competitions. Awards are always given to the winner of any club-sponsored contest at their "Annual Past President's Dinner" held each March.


SUPPORTING CONSERVATION

 From the very beginning, the Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County were concerned with conserving fish, protecting the nation's resources and enhancing fishing opportunities for local anglers. The club has supported the Jersey Coast Anglers Association (JCAA) and the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) in the never-ending battle to protect our future fisheries. The club's monthly bulletin contains a special political page designed to inform members and non-member readers about just what is happening on the political end of the recreational sport we love so dearly. It is through their coverage of political happenings that their members can make an informative decision as to who gets their vote in the next elections. They encourage the writing of letters to our congressmen and women, and those in the Assembly, asking that they support their views. They even offer to pay the postage for their member-written letters to ensure the needed letters get mailed.


HELP THE YOUNGSTERS

 With a large membership made up of local and not-so-local residents, the Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County has endeavored to share its knowledge with the community at large. Each June, the organization sponsors its annual Orphan's Day Fishing Trip, during which time less fortunate children from the local area are taken on a chartered boat for a fun and educational day of fishing. The children learn good sporting techniques and respect for our marine environment, and also enjoy a truly special outing. This has been a tradition for over 45 years.

  Each September, The Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County conducts it's Annual Bocce Ball Tournament that was developed by long-time member and past president, Frank Lillo. This fun-filled day at the Glen Rock Bocce Ball Courts has been the club's biggest fund-raising event. All proceeds go to aid the club's Orphan's Fund.

  The Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County is a not-for-profit organization. Their club emphasizes two key factors, which maintained their success for nearly 70 years: excellence in general education of our natural resources through their educational meetings and excellence in character building. Through the years, men and women have dedicated themselves to the growth and advancement of their club. Many members have put in 30 and 40 years as members. They have continued to be loyal to the club that has paved the way for clubs that exist today.


COME JOIN THE FUN

 Prospective members are encouraged to visit a club meeting to get to know the club and its regular members. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month at 8 p.m. sharp. When scheduled, an educational meeting will be included with the regular meetings, and those meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. The educational meetings will have members learning how to make rigs and to snell various types of hooks for specific species of fish. All materials (hooks and leader material) will be furnished free of charge to attending members, who are allowed to keep the rigs they tied that night. Other nights members may learn when, where, and how to produce bigger and better catches of their favorite species of fish.

  The club's meetings always promise to be informative as well as interesting. A $2.00 charge for non-member guests will be collected at the door. Should a guest join the club at the meeting, the $2 will be credited towards the membership dues collected, which are currently $25 for a one-year membership and $35 for the family membership. A raffle is always held for some quality fishing equipment. Free refreshments (Beer, Soda, hot dogs, and an occasional "special treat") are served at the meetings conclusion. Fisherman readers are welcome to join them as a guest at any meeting. Please feel free to bring along a friend or two, after all, that's what it's all about- having a good time with fellow fishermen. And join today!