![]() | On the Water and Shoreline | ![]() |
Captain Skip Montello ![]() Before becoming a full time guide, he enjoyed a successful science and engineering career at the Polaroid Corporation. |
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Captain Al Montello ![]() |
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Stephen Papows Shoreline Guide/Surfcasting Instructor. Looking back, I can't honestly remember a time when I didn't fish. I grew up within walking distance of a small brackish pond that bordered the ocean. Here is where I spent most of my early fishing days. Later,life guarding on a local beach, I witnessed my first "blitz" ever. My friend hooked and landed the first blue fish I had ever seen. As it swam in the third wave off the beach front, backlit by a setting sun, I knew I was forever hooked on wading the surf. I remained there until almost dark; watching the sea foam that was more intricate than any bridal veil, ride up and over the gentle swells. Seemingly, that took place only yesterday; I realize now, that more than thirty years have passed. About fifteen years ago, I started presenting seminars to teach people about the sport that I love. I have never had the patience for bait fishing so my lectures consist mainly of catching fish on artificial presentations. There is something about the strategy of fooling a fish with a plug that I really enjoy! People should know that large stripers can be taken from shore without the use of a boat or its electronics. There's something about being in the water, level with the fish. To me, wading is the "essence" of fishing the surf. This season I took my second fifty pound plus striper from the surf. The fact that I took it on a plug made it all the more rewarding for me. I also took first place in the Rivers Edge North Shore Scholarship Fund Catch and Release Tournament. |