Montauk Pioneer - April 24, 2009 - The Word At Paulie's Tackle

"What's happenin'?" Paul Apostiledes greeted his crackerjack local surfcasters on April 4th as they rushed into his Paulie's Tackle Shop to welcome and celebrate the new spring Montauk fishing season. Rough, raw, chapped hands and red cheeks no longer described these surf rats who fished late into December last year, fueling themselves with Paulie's hot coffee, snacks, and that unique camaraderie that has become a special part of their lives.

This is the group of fishermen who stand out from the everyday pleasure anglers. "Like the cowboys of the Old West, they are a breed apart."

It was a great reunion when Paulie's American flag waving in the easterly breeze gave the opening high sign.

Everyone's sweetheart, Susan Jappell, the shop's business manager, gal Friday, and hostess, brought home baked goodies for the opening season event.

Legendary Godfather of Montauk Fishing, Jack Yee, is back after a double by-pass surgery, tap dancin' in the shop and looking mighty good. Dedicated and enthusiastic surfcaster Geoff Bowen, local professional contractor, worked alongside Paul helping with the ever-needed improvements that Paul sees to each year. There is no doubt that Paulie's Tackle is outfitted with fishing equipment in tune with the novice angler and the most serious fisherman. In three short years, renowned for his custom rods, Paul spent a great part of the winter months restoring and creating rods to the delight of his faithful customers.

From now until winter the surfcasters once again will fish the shores and rocks of Montauk to catch one of the most exciting species- striped bass. Once again they will view the endless ocean, beaches and skies that disappear from their range of view as they do what they love best.

Awaiting a blitz of fish to hit the top water, when it so often looks like it is raining, is a dream these anglers know will soon come true. "Right now the Ditch Plains Jetty is the traditional place to start catching spring striped bass," advises Bob Hoffman who also mentioned the fact that there are flounder at Shea's Dock. "No fish yet up front," Bob reported, "probably another month," he hopes, "maybe sooner."

For those fishing for fluke, "It's not really catching the fluke, it's KEEPING what you catch," offered Captain Michael Potts of the Blue Fin IV. Restrictions and quotas are of great concern and controversy. This year a time limit with a two-part season in place, May 15 - June 15 and July 3 - August 17 leaves a two and a half week break when one cannot fish for fluke. There is a two fish limit of 21".

"These regulations are excessive," states Paul. "Many of my customers are going to spend hard earned money on fuel, bait, hooks and rigs to catch two legal size flukes."

In a lighter vein, Bob Hoffman laughs, "A fluke is a fluke and if I catch one it's a fluke alright."

Limits on stripers are: One fish from 28" - 40" or one fish 40" and above; 2 fish per day. More on Captain Pott's interpretations and mathematical figures in next week's column.

In the meantime you can be sure that Paulie's Tackle shop will be a buzzing haven for the locals and a destination for surfcasters up and down the entire east coast.