FISHING : Newhall Woman Brings Her Saltwater Pursuits Closer to Home

When Dee Dee Steiner tells her favorite story about the one that got away, she’s not talking about her husband, Gary. The Newhall couple spent their first date fishing, got married on a fishing boat and went deep-sea fishing for their honeymoon.

So, it’s ironic that Steiner could not continue as president of the San Fernando Valley Saltwater Fisherman, a club she founded in 1985, because of marital and other commitments.

“With my new husband and other responsibilities, it got to be too much to handle,” she said.

Steiner is the club’s secretary after serving as president for its first two years. She started the club after only two years’ experience in saltwater fishing.

“I just thought there was a need for a saltwater club here in the Valley,” said Steiner, one of six women in the club, which has grown from 20 to 55 members. “At the time, I didn’t have many people to go out fishing with.”

The club, which charges yearly dues of $15, also attracts members from throughout Los Angeles and the Santa Clarita Valley. It meets monthly in Panorama City and conducts chartered fishing trips throughout Southern California, including daylong outings to Catalina..

The only two requirements to join the club are an appreciation of saltwater fishing and a willingness to wake up early.

Yearly dues are $15.

Information: 805-251-2977.