The Story of NIBA

 The New Inlet Boating Association

by Pat Riley

The story begins in 1988. Don McLeod was the primary mover. Paul Carroll and Jerry Duffy participated in discussions with Don that resulted in a “meeting” held at the end of the bar at the Alewife Tavern. I think it was on a Sunday afternoon. That founding group included:

Bill Arnold        Paul Carroll      Jerry and Jan Duffy       Charles Griffen Paul Gunn

Don McCloud              Paul O’Donoghue         Pat Riley.

 

It was decided to form an informal organization of boaters and fishermen primarily from, but not limited to, the towns of Marshfield, Norwell, and Scituate. The purposes were to share experiences and be helpful to each other on the water, to sponsor informative programs, fishing tournaments and other related events, and to advocate on environmental issues related to fishing and boating and specifically to the North River. One or two more meetings of this group plus another person or two were held at the Bridgewaye Restaurant in Marshfield and the Captain’s Quarters in Norwell. The name New Inlet Boating Association was chosen because it seemed the most appropriate nautical landmark for our area. Bill Arnold agreed to be President, with Jerry Duffy, Secretary, and Paul Gunn, Treasurer. Dues were set at $15 per year.

Members agreed to spread the word and invite potential participants to an “organizational” meeting. This was held at the VFW hall in Scituate. Date is uncertain, either 1988 or 89, but many current members joined at that time, including Joe Degutis, Pete Flaherty, Tom King, Ron Matheson, and Dave Whitney. What is certain is that NIBA was a going concern in 1989, and held week end fishing tournaments that year with a $10 entry fee. Weigh ins were at Mary’s Boat, along with hot dogs and beer. In 1990 there were 32 dues paying members, and NIBA was flourishing. Paul Carroll succeeded Bill Arnold as President. The Marshfield Yacht Club made its hall available and NIBA meetings have been held there ever since.  For several years NIBA participated in the North River Watershed Association’s clean up days, with NIBA furnishing refreshments at the Spit.

In the following years, weekend tournaments continued to be held and monthly meetings featured programs on boat maintenance and repair, various fishing topics, environmental issues, and more. Guest speakers came from the Coast Guard, Division of Marine Fisheries, the Army Corps of Engineers, North River Watershed Association, several suppliers of fishing tackle and marine equipment, the Fisherman Magazine, the Environmental Police, and well known fishermen such as Roger Jarvis, Dave Tracy, and Rusty Barry. NIBA members themselves presented programs on various fishing methods, on sharks, on rod building, and on commercial fishing.

Paul Carroll was president through 1993, Bill Edward from 94 through 96, Bob Greim from 97 through 99, Mike Devine in 2000, Joe Foley 2001 through 2004, and Skip Cornell in 2005. After Paul Gunn, Joe Degutis, Jim Besse, Phil Rice, and Bob Lignowski have served as Treasurer. After Jerry Duffy, Tom King, Pat Riley, Mike Devine, Dave Vogel, and Steve Williams have been Secretary. Dave Whitney, Joe Degutis , and Pat Riley have been Vice President at various times.

For several years NIBA chartered head boats, the Andy Lynn or the Captain Mac, for Spring cod fishing trips. Season long tournaments for striped bass and blue fish, with fee included in the dues, then $25.00, were held until 1998, when the present practice of two split season derbies was inaugurated. Two split season cod derbies were begun in 2003, with entry fees of $10.00 each. The NIBA Operating Procedures, the closest we have to By Laws, were adopted in 1998. Jim Besse and Dave Whitney were the primary authors. Pat Riley got the NIBA lending library started in 1997. Some time in the 90s the popular raffle was begun at monthly meetings, and Pete Belsan’s Bait and Tackle has been a generous contributor, with Tom Callahan serving continuously as raffle master. Membership has continued to grow and is open to any interested boater or fisherman in the area.