There’s something special about Montauk in the fall, especially when the beaches begin filling with surfcasters looking to connect with a trophy striped bass or bluefish. It’s a time of year that many anglers look forward to, and for those who participate in the annual Fred Golofaro Memorial Montauk Classic, it’s about much more than catching fish. It’s about tradition, camaraderie and remembering someone who made a lasting impact on the Long Island fishing community.
The tournament, held in memory of the late Fisherman editor Fred Golofaro, continues to bring together anglers who share the same passion for surf fishing that Fred carried throughout his life. Anyone who knew Fred or followed his writing, understood just how much Montauk meant to him. From the rocky shoreline to the legendary fall run, Fred helped countless anglers better understand and appreciate the opportunities that Long Island surf fishing has to offer.
This year’s tournament once again brought out a dedicated group of surfcasters looking to put their skills to the test. As always, the striped bass division was conducted under a catch-and-release format, allowing participants to compete while ensuring that these valuable fish were returned to the water. With striped bass conservation remaining an important topic throughout the fishing community, it’s a practice we’re proud to continue supporting.
The striped bass division produced several impressive catches, with Gary Krist taking first place with a 43-inch bass. John Perrone followed closely behind in second place with a 41-3/4-inch fish, while Rich Corallo rounded out the top three with a 41-1/2-inch striper. It was a competitive showing, with less than two inches separating the three winning fish.
Krist wasn’t finished there, either. He also claimed the top spot in the bluefish division with a 10.51-pound fish, completing an impressive tournament performance by taking first place in both divisions. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and everyone who made the effort to get out and fish.
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the involvement of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. DEC representatives were on hand both days, helping anglers replace treble hooks with single hooks supplied by them on their favorite plugs. This hands-on effort promoted better catch-and-release practices and demonstrated how relatively simple tackle modifications can help reduce unnecessary injury to striped bass.
I want to extend a special thank-you to the DEC staff who took the time to participate and educate anglers throughout the tournament. Conservation doesn’t always require sweeping changes. Sometimes, it starts with small adjustments that individual fishermen can make to improve the survival of the fish they release. Having DEC representatives there to work directly with the surfcasting community was a welcome addition to the event.
I’d also like to thank the New York State Parks staff for their continued support and assistance in making the tournament possible. Their cooperation plays an important role in keeping this longstanding Montauk tradition going. Our tackle sponsors also deserve recognition for generously contributing prizes and helping make the event a success.
Most importantly, thank you to every angler who participated. Whether you placed in the standings or simply enjoyed a few tides fishing Montauk’s famous shoreline, your involvement is what keeps this event alive. Fred understood that fishing was about more than the size of the fish at the end of the line. It was about the experiences, friendships and stories that came along with it.
As we look ahead to future editions of the Fred Golofaro Memorial Montauk Classic, I hope we continue to build on that spirit. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to The Fisherman and the surfcasting community, and one that we’re proud to carry forward.
