She’s back. My Rock Water is in the water at her berth in Sag Harbor Cove. To quote Gene Autry, the singing cowboy, “I’m back in the saddle again. Yippee ki-yay!”
She hasn’t been docked since late November after she conked out just southwest of Big Gull Island following a morning of fishing for blackfish. It was not a great way to end the season.
Given that’s she’s nearly 25 years old, Rock Water needed much assistance over the winter and spring months. She was in critical condition, and the work required was even more than expected. Good thing she’s on Medicare and I have great mechanics in my corner. Getting old ain’t easy. Things break down more frequently.
The repairs, which included new twin fuel tanks, fuel lines, a new stern deck, and more, were overseen by Adrian Pickering at Ship Ashore Marina here in Sag Harbor, where I have berthed Rock Water, and other boats, for nearly five decades. The work he and his team undertook was exceptional. Ultimately, it was well worth the wait.
Even Michelangelo himself would now be proud to handle a rod and reel on the Rock Water’s stern deck. I’m not sure if the famed painter was a fisherman, but I believe he would have most certainly approved of the work done; it truly was a work of art.
I will take Rock Water out for a few local fishing trips in the next week or so. I plan to stay local, as the fishing is still really good around here. Striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and porgies still abound. Even a fluke or two can be caught. And don’t forget about blowfish. They are plentiful in many of the quiet bays, harbors, and coves.
That said, I’m debating whether to put in my lobster traps off to the east. The season closes shortly after Labor Day, which is not too far off.
I know what you are thinking: I’m already rushing the summer season before it’s officially started. I apologize. Many great days of the summer sun lie ahead for sure. But I’m not convinced it’s worth the effort to lug the traps on and off the boat for what will be only about two months. It’s a lot of sweat and work as I get older. Probably best I think forward to 2026 at this point and start fresh. The lobsters can wait.
Given that reasoning, I do plan to put in my blue-claw crab traps in the local waters shortly. With that in mind, I picked up about seven pounds of discounted chicken thighs the other day at King Kullen in Bridgehampton. They were labeled as a “manager’s special.” Their expiration date was that day. Perfect. I eagerly took advantage of the cheap price.
The chicken barely cost me five dollars. Blue claws are attracted to the scent of chicken meat; it’s a great and affordable bait.
I actually prefer blue claws over lobster. Their flesh is more tender and sweet. Crab cakes and other tasty preparations are ahead.
Fishing for those wetting a hook and line has been productive lately. Striped bass remains strong at Montauk, but large bluefish have shown up in great numbers, limiting the catch on some days. But there is nothing wrong with the frequently maligned bluefish; they are great eats.
Anglers take note: The popular Montauk Grand Slam charity fishing tournament, put on by the Kiwanis Club of East Hampton and the Montauk Friends of Erin, will once again be held at Uihlein’s Marina in Montauk. The owner, Henry Uihlein, has been a most charitable host of this event for nearly 20 years.
The two-day charity event has commercial, recreational, and party fishing boats competing to reel in and weigh in the largest bluefish, porgy, sea bass, and fluke over the weekend of July 19 and 20. For further information and to sign up, check out mtkgrandslam.org.
And as usual, the tournament will honor the Montauk Fishing Legend of the Year at its award ceremony on July 20. This year, the accolades go to Capt. Rob Aaronson, who has operated the charter boat Oh Brother! for nearly 40 years.
It’s a well-deserved recognition for Aaronson. I’ve known him for over 40 years. Finest kind, as most would say here. He works hard and wants his fares to catch fish and enjoy their days on the water. Congratulations, skipper. You worked hard for this tribute.
—
Fishing tips, observations, and photographs can be sent to [email protected].