Montauk Pioneer - October 9, 2009-The Word At Paulies

"What's happenin'?" Paul yelled out to the crowd of his guys who had come from near and far in fishing vehicles of all descriptions, fully loaded with coolers, rod, reels and equipment to fish during Paulie's Tackle of Montauk Third Annual Bass and Blue Tournament, beginning at noon on Friday, September 18th and ending at 10 a.m. Sunday, September 20th.

The previous weeks had been quiet, it was almost like killing time between fish as the surfcasters reminisced about last year's tournament. "The season is at least two weeks behind," Billy Jakob reminded everyone. "We had a late spring and it's gonna be a late fall, guys; you better start praying."

It was only a matter of time now for these surf rats that stand out from all other fishermen, to do what they love best; hunt for the big one.

"Whadaya, think Paulie?" they asked over and over again. "I'm prayin' that the new moon will bring an east wind guys."

"Instead we fished with a big blowin' northwest wind on Friday, while we waited for the turn of the breeze," Ed said.

With the wind at northeast after midnight, Justin Cassar's 27.92 bass was in first place and an 11.18 lb. blue was reeled in by the "Chopper Hunter."

With the tackle shop lighted up like a Christmas tree all night, surfcasters poured in and out with fish to be weighed or with thirsty and hungry appetites, or to pick up another bucktail, plug or maybe a pencil popper and, of course for information.

By early Sunday morning Jack announced, "Whose-a-matsis won!"

"On what?" someone asked, "You know, Jack answered, "on a whats-a-matsis!"

The award ceremonies followed the delicious lunch provided by Cromer's including chocolate iced brownies for dessert. Master of Ceremonies, Gary "The Toad" Stephens, entertained, awarded prizes (the board had changed) and posed for the cameras.

In first place, it was John Bruno with the largest bass; 32.06 lbs. His trophy was given by Kenny at Eagle Enterprises. He won a JNSki limited edition Paulie's Tourney Slope Head Junior, and a Silver VS -250 supplied by Craig of Van Staal. Steve Delara won 2nd place with his 31.36 lbs. bass and received a Double Rod Locking Rod Vault from Donald Janke of The Rod Vault as well as $200. Justin Cassar, with his 27.92 lbs. bass won Trail Head Tire Deflators and $150.

Rick Girzadas, "Chopper Hunter" won lst place for the biggest blue fish weighing 11.18 lbs. with a trophy from Kenny at Eagle Enterprises, a JNSki

Slope Junior, a double row Surf Bag by Kadir at Aqua Sakinz, fully loaded with Super Strike, Al Gag's, Tatoo, After Hours, West End Tackle, Bob Hahn and Point Jude lures.

Frankie Mercurio's 10.92 lbs. blue took 2nd place with prizes of Korker Cross Country Boots and Amphibian Soles and $200. Third place blue at 10.38 lbs. went to Dave Haase. Trail Head Tire Deflators and $150 were his prizes.

The Montauk Classic was held last weekend as well. Five awards were given for each category. First place was a bass at 42.20 lbs. and went to John Stebbin who caught his cow on a bottle darter, 2nd place went to Mike Byrnes with his 26.28 bass, 3rd place was Bill Wetzel with a 25.04, 4th place was Joe Brodman with a 19.20 and 5th place was Eric Nicoll.

In the blue fish division 1st place went to Steve Snyder for his 12.26, 2nd place to Mike Byrnes at 10.28, 3rd place to Jim Callahan at 9.58, 4th place to Andy Richman at 9.18 and John Goode in 5th place with his 9.l6 blue.