The first weekend in October once again brought surfcasters together at the End for the annual Fred Golofaro Memorial Montauk Classic, held October 4–6, 2025. What has quickly become one of the most anticipated surfcasting events of the season lived up to expectations both in terms of fishing and camaraderie. Anglers lined the beaches of Montauk from dusk to dawn, casting darters, bucktails, and needlefish into rolling surf that produced plenty of fish and a set of worthy champions.
This tournament is more than just another date on the fall run calendar—it’s a celebration of Fred Golofaro’s enduring legacy. Fred was not only a pioneer surf angler, writer, and voice for the fishing community, but also a mentor and friend to countless fishermen across Long Island and beyond. His belief in sharing knowledge and his love for Montauk’s surf lives on in the anglers who gather each fall in his memory.
The 2025 edition of the Classic was blessed with good conditions and plenty of life in the wash. Striped bass were the headliners, and all three spots in the striper division were filled by quality fish. Top honors went to Frank Mercurio, whose 45-inch striped bass stood out as the winning catch of the weekend. Just behind him, Alba Rodriguez secured second place with an impressive 44.25-inch striper caught during the daytime hours, proving that persistence and timing can pay off even under the sun. Rounding out the category, Brian Lang took third place with a solid 42-inch bass. Each of these catches reflected the strength of this year’s fall run and showcased the kind of fish that make Montauk world-renowned.
Bluefish also played their part, with a strong showing in the category. Rajesh Smith landed the winning fish, a 7.8-pound gator blue, to top the board. Second place went to Mike Addeo with a 6.3-pounder, and third was taken by Mike Marrone with a 6-pound fish. The bluefish may not have matched the stripers in size, but their spirited fight and reputation as surfcasting staples made the competition in this division just as fierce.
Beyond the individual catches, what made this year’s event memorable was the community effort that went into making it happen. Special thanks go out to New York State Parks and the Montauk Anglers Club, who helped coordinate the tournament and ensure smooth operations from registration to weigh-ins.
The atmosphere over the weekend carried the same spirit that Fred Golofaro embodied—one of camaraderie, respect for the resource, and passion for the sport. Anglers swapped stories at the weigh stations, traded tips on the sand, and shared in the excitement of the fall run in Montauk. For many, simply participating in the Classic is as much an honor as placing in the standings, because every cast made in the surf during this tournament pays tribute to Fred’s memory.
As noon came on Sunday and the final results were tallied, it was clear that the 2025 Fred Golofaro Memorial Montauk Classic was another resounding success. Strong fishing, worthy winners, and a community united in respect for a legend—this is what surfcasting is all about. And for Fred, who devoted his life to preserving and promoting this lifestyle, there could be no greater tribute.
