Montauk Pioneer - June 19, 2009 - The Word At Paulies

"What's happenin' Matt?" Paulie asked surfcaster Matt Fuller on Thursday p.m. as he was gearing up for his 2nd Annual Spring Bass Surfcasting 46 Hours Tournament. "Blues and bass were bustin' in the rip under the light last night," Matt reported. On Thursday night, veteran surfcaster Mike Coppola told his wife Stacie, when she asked what he wanted for his birthday the following day said, "I want a 50 pounder!" Mike got more than he'd asked for when he caught a silver beauty that weighed in at 55.75lbs., shortly before noon on Friday.

Adam "AO" Ostrowski rolled in with fishing buddy Geoff Bowen at 5 p.m. on Friday, the first day of the tourney. Hoisting his bass to the scale, it weighed 30.5 lbs. A quick call was placed to Jack Yee, official photographer. Nice way to begin the tournament, AO.

Surfcasters came and went all night: Paulie's was opened 24/7 for the tournament. Coffee, soda, doughnuts, cupcakes, etc. were always available and, of course, any last minute gear, emergency repair, and a place to unwind (no pun intended.)

By Saturday morning the board had changed. A bugle announcing the results blared at dawn. AO was gone and in 3rd place was Rob Holsteins at 34.20 lbs., 2nd place German Caceras at 42.88 lbs. and lst place Larry Welcome at 46.50 lbs.

"Now you really gotta fish hard," one of the anglers said. "Swing for the fences," Matt Fuller grinned. Even the "love 'em and leave 'em," Toad shouted, "Not when I'm in a tournament do I catch and release."

Fishing 99% at night, the surfcasters cat-napped during the day and were all set for the Annual Surf Rats Barbecue held Saturday at noon. What an event, hosted by Montauk's Peresh Dave a.k.a. "Montauk Pete." About two hundred people enjoyed a delicious array of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, clams, salads and soda. Arden Gardell at 668 the Gig Shack also donated an assortment of red velvet decorated cakes.

Tons of raffle prizes were donated by Peresh Dave, Zeno Hromin, Point Jund Lures, Afterhours Custom Plugs, NJ Tackle, Northport Rod and Reel, RI Popper, Superstrike, The Fisherman and many others. First prize was a Zee Bass 2X27 Reel valued at $949.

After another night of heavy fishing, Paulie's was jumping at 2:30 a.m. when Brian Ritter brought in his striper. Tipping the scale at 39.75lbs., Brian moved into 3rd place.

Early Sunday morning, with just a couple of hours to go, the board remained the same until the last call; all was over at 10 a.m. The crowd gathered; surfcasters, families, friends, vans, campers, jeeps, SUVs and RCs were all jammed in and around Paulie's Tackle Shop awaiting the Awards Ceremonies. Everyone's favorite emcee, Gary, "The Toad" Stevens, again entertained the crowd, presented awards and was photographed by the talented Ron Link with each winner.

Another highlight was "Dr. Jack Yee's" demonstration of How-to-Remove-a-Hook using pork skin which resembles real human flesh. Many volunteers assisted the "Doctor" during his most valuable technique.

First place winner Larry Welcome, from Cutchogue, fishing in his wetsuit, caught the 46.50 lb. bass. German Caceres from Sunnyside, in waders, reeled in a 42.88 lbs. for a second place win, and Montauk's wetsuiter, Brian Ritter, won third slot with a 39.75 lb. bass. A Van Staal reel and cash were awarded for 1st place; 2nd and 3rd place winners received AquaSkinz, Superstike plugs, a Beachmaster and Digger needles and cash.

The grand finale lunch wrapped up an exciting, unforgettable fishing weekend all orchestrated by Paul and Susan for their loyal surfcaster friends and customers. A big thank you goes to Cromers for their generous donation of a 6ft. delicious Italian/American hero and potato salad. Additional refreshments were provided by Gaviola's.