Attending the Plum Island Surfcasters Annual Fundraiser is like watching the super bowl, a must do.
Why are the Plum Island Surfcasters Annual Fundraiser’s so great?
- First class presentations by local surfmasters
- Tasty food at unbeatable prices
- The famous Custom Rod & Reel Raffle
- Many, many, table raffle items
- Local Exhibitors (e.g. Fly tying, plugs, & Kayak fishing)
- Purchase new or rare quality plugs and lures from local craftsman at fair prices
I got to the “club house” by 8:30 AM. I renewed my Plum Island Surfcaster’s club membership; paid the reduced entrance fee— complements of my PISC membership; and picked up a copy of each complementary fishing magazine:
- The Fisherman New England Saltwater Fishing Guide 2007 ($2.00 value)
- On the Water 2008 Special Edition ($6.00 value)
My first hot spot was the galley. I ordered a bottom-less cup of coffee for $2.00 and starting reading the landscape. The fist table that I visited was the Surfland Bait and Tackle table. Mike was there selling custom rigged (”striper candy”) jerk bait; e.g. slug-O’s. It was great to see and talk to Mike. He is one of the most technically savy fisherman I know. When it comes to fishing tackle and techniques, I trust and value his opinion. Looking at the rigged bait…”I cannot fish those because the jerking action kills my shoulder”, I said. Mike replied, “Then you should try needlefish.” The light bulb turned on, so to speak.
The first presentation was by Steve Papows, a professional shore guide on North Shore, Massachusetts. Having seen his presentation before, I thought I knew what to expect. Not! Steve all of the sudden, stopped talking, reached into a cooler, and pulled out two vacuum sealed menhaden. He held them up high and said: “This is Peter and this is Paul. They look alike, but they are not. One has spots and the other does not.” He then went into presentation theory and the importance of color and profile. Steve had at least one joke or story for every slide. Great presentation. If you are fishing in his waters, think yellow; but, do not take my word for it:
After Steve’s talk, I had a change to say hello to Anton (Tony) Stetzko, professional beach guide and artist on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Tony holds the World Record for the largest striped bass caught from the surf: 73 lbs.
I must apologize to Tony because photography does not do this fish justice.
Tony and I fished together after the 2006 PISC fundraiser. The first thing that people think about when they hire a professional fishing guide is “catching fish”. I caught much more than fish. Tony thought me how to “read the water” and how to properly present plugs. I have been landing much more fish ever since. Thanks Tony!
In addition to being a professional beach guide and artist, Tony also makes and fishes his own plugs. I have been fishing his Mr. Wiggly and love the way the plug swims. When I noticed the gourgous looking needlefish on his table, the light bulb turned on again. I bought one in this year’s new pattern:
Tony said this pattern is great in the fall during the migration. I am not sure I can wait that long to fish it. I’ll try it out in June and let you know how I do.
I cannot fish on an empty stomach, so I I trekked back to my favorite hot spot, the galley. The menu was full of tasty food at very reasonable prices. I ordered the “Stripah Chowda”. Yum. Yum.
Fully fueled, I trolled from table to table. I stopped at the Salty Bugger table and met Scott (a.k.a. “Salty”). Scott had an awesome display of Dannys and Needlefish plugs in every bait-mimicing color that I could think possible. I have never fished a Danny. (I know. I know. And I call my self a surfcaster. Go figure.) I was very impressed with Scott’s knowledge and passion for plug fishing. I am also very thankful for the time he took to talk to me about Danny plugs and how to fish them. I found Scott to be very approachable because he’s so down to earth and humble. I have just ordered my first Danny in olive white (Salty’s favorite color) from his website.
This was my third Plum Island Surfcasters Annual Fundraiser. Each one has been unique and worth the travel and low cost of admission. But, do not take my word for it. According to The Fisherman (No. 9. February 28 2008), 130+ people showed up, the vendors did well, the “kitchen pretty much sold out”, and that the famous Rod and Reel raffle raised $750.00 dollars. In short, the best show yet!
