By Chris Avena
On the dog days of summer, August 17th marked the annual American Outdoor News Montauk Fishing trip. The scenic village of Montauk Point, New York, lay under a blanket of overcast sky. Once a quaint fishing village, Montauk has become a premier summer destination, attracting visitors from around the world to its picturesque beaches. Montauk stands as the East Coast's very own mecca, offering some of the best fishing experiences in the country.
In the predawn hours, ten sportsmen and sportswomen, mostly strangers to one another, gathered at the marina, ready to embark on their adventure aboard the My Joyce private fishing charter. Captain John, who would be at the helm, greeted us warmly alongside his first mate, Adam. As we prepared to set sail, the looming threat of Hurricane Ernesto cast a shadow over our trip. its trajectory moved up through Bermuda as it hugged the coastline. The condition of the seas was uncertain but Captain John assured us that he thought the fishing conditions would be good.
Our group was a diverse mix of family and friends, some old companions, and others meeting for the first time. A few had traveled from as far away as Vermont and Massachusetts, all drawn by the allure of a day spent fishing on the open water. As we pulled away from the dock, the camaraderie began to build, fueled by cups of hot coffee and classic New York bagels, shared amid the surprisingly calm seas. Adam, the diligent first mate, worked tirelessly throughout our hour-and-a-half journey towards Block Island, rigging up the fishing poles with precision. The early morning silence was soon broken by the sound of good-natured banter, as we traded playful jabs and witty remarks, thick-skinned and sharp-tongued as any group of outdoors enthusiasts would be.
When we finally reached our destination off the coast of Block Island, the real excitement began. As we stepped out of the cabin and cast our lines into the water, anticipation filled the air. It wasn’t long before we realized we were in for an unforgettable day of fishing. Almost immediately, our lines hit the ocean floor and the fish started biting—eager and relentless. The black sea bass, in particular, were voracious, and we found ourselves reeling them in two at a time. The thrill of each catch sent waves of exhilaration through our group, as we celebrated each successful hook. The day was shaping up to be everything an angler dreams of: adventure, camaraderie, and the unbridled joy of the great outdoors.
To keep our energy up, we took a brief lunch break to recharge. American Outdoor News provided a six-foot hero and plenty of soft drinks that were provided by Vicus Water for everyone to enjoy. This gave us a chance to refuel, share stories, and enjoy the beautiful, but overcast, views of the Atlantic. After lunch, Captain John expertly repositioned the boat to a new location, and we were back at it, casting our lines once more into the promising waters. This time, we found ourselves hauling in a diverse array of catches, including fluke, sea bass, and even the occasional mackerel. The action was non-stop, with every cast offering the potential for another trophy fish.
Throughout the day, we held a series of friendly contests that added an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Prizes were awarded for the first fish caught, the most fish caught, and the biggest fish of the day. These contests were generously sponsored by St. Croix Rods, Costa Sunglasses, GloveScaler, and Daiwa Reels, adding an extra element of competition and fun to our adventure. Each participant also received a gift bag, courtesy of Smith's Knives and Rat-L-Trap Lures, packed with gear to remember the trip by.
As the day began to wind down, Captain John set a course back to Montauk. Meanwhile, Adam, the first mate, demonstrated his impressive skills by filleting the day’s catch with precision and expertise. The boat was alive with chatter and laughter as we recounted the highlights of the day, each fish story bigger and better than the last. By the time we sailed back into port around two o’clock in the afternoon, we were all tired but thrilled with our successful outing. We had reached our full limit for the day, our coolers packed with black sea bass, fluke, and porgies, while the mackerel we caught were set aside for bait.
This Montauk fishing trip was more than just a day on the water; it was an experience that combined the best elements of sport fishing with the joy of spending time with fellow enthusiasts. Whether it was the thrill of the catch, the friendly competitions, or simply the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of Montauk, it was a perfect day that none of us would soon forget. We all left with smiles on our faces, new stories to tell, and plans to return next year for another adventure on the American Outdoor News Montauk Fishing Event.