Montauk Pioneer - August 29, 2008 - Reelin' It In For A Win

Fishing contests are frequent in Montauk, but Henry Uihlein's Montauk Mercury Grand Slam is an extremely special event. The fluke, bluefish, striped bass and sea bass tournament is a tradition in Montauk and Henry himself is a thoughtful leader of the event, making it an extra special event for families.

The Montauk Mercury Grand Slam offers some outstanding prizes, such as a top of the line Mercury engine as well as a top of the line rubber raft with an engine. All of the money raised for the Montauk Mercury Grand Slam goes to benefit the East Hampton Kiwanis Club and the Montauk Friends of Erin. Both of these organizations are responsible for countless events and positive influences on the Montauk business, tourist and working community.

The East Hampton Kiwanis Club was founded in 1985 and is dedicated to children's issues and needs throughout the Town of East Hampton. Efforts supported by the Kiwanis Club include Toys for Tots, college scholarships and senior citizen programs, Meals on Wheels and local youth projects such as the East Hampton Town Rec Center.

The Montauk Friends of Erin is a civic organization founded in 1962. In addition to producing the second largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York State each year, the organization offers various sports and scholastic sponsorships for kids.

It was one exciting day for young Anthony Quaresimo, pictured above, who won the rubber raft and motor at the Montauk Mercury 2008 Grand Slam. This years event was extremely special with the Maria E winning the Grand Slam title.

Perry Mastragelc and Richard Rade did an amazing job accumulating 139.85 points to win the 225 horse power Mercury engine, a highly sought after prize. Both men brought in some stunningly large fish.

We learned that the Maria E. has an interesting story behind it as well. In 2002 Maria E. Locascio and her husband Anthony bought the boat as part of a dream that they, with determination, fulfilled. The pair fished every year, but unfortunately Anthony became ill and the pair sold the boat to their son-in-law, Perry Mastrangelo. Anthony every year would root for him and Rich Rade to win the first prize. Well this year, they finally took it. Unfortunately Anthony was not their this year, as he had passed on, but according to all accounts, everybody knew that he was there in spirit.

At the Grand Slam this year, all of the children that were involved received a plaque sponsored by Cablevision.

In Montauk, it doesn't get much better than a friendly fishing tournament with smiles all around. It's what it is all about out here and Uihlein's contribution to the fishing community and to the community of Montauk is always celebrated year after year. We are lucky to have a place like Uihlein's.