These are without a doubt the toughest editorials for me to write about but it wouldn’t feel right to not get my thoughts out about my friend for the better part of the last 10 years, Ralph Votta, who passed away in early January.
While I have not known Ralph as long as some of you reading this, I can certainly say that he left a lasting impression on me. Ralph could be described as the last of a dying breed. One of those individuals who bridged the gap between “back in the day” and today. Aside from his ability to bridge two gaps in time, Ralph was one of the most standup, straight-shooting people that I had the pleasure of knowing. His class and character were second to none. He was a person you could meet once and never forget. He also showed unbelievable generosity and gave anyone who wanted to talk his full attention. And if you were fortunate enough to listen to him over the years, you would know that anything he said was gospel.

Mr. Votta, also known as the “Tin Man” to some, was very much known for the high-quality tin fishing lures he produced through his business, West End Tins. Ralph acquired the company from the original owner, Charlie Graves, in 1975 and has run the business with integrity ever since. I even spoke to him a few weeks before writing this, and despite his health issues, he mentioned getting orders out to his clients, exemplifying his dedication to his craft. Many years ago, when I first got to know Ralph, he would tell me stories about how the company came to be back in the pre-war era of the United States. Stories of the late Charlie Graves, A WW1 vet who created these lures and designs out of block tin.
Ralph was not only a renowned lure maker but also involved in several groups and organizations around Long Island. I know he took a lot of pride in his involvement in the Sportfish Education Center, located in Babylon on Ocean Parkway. As a founding father of the Sportfishing Education Center, Ralph dedicated his time and talent to ensure its success. His efforts in promoting education and awareness in the sportfishing community have left a lasting impact. He was a founding member of the New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association and a visionary who understood the importance of the fishing industry. His dedication to promoting sport fishing, especially among children, and raising awareness about marine resources was unparalleled. Ralph was more than a champion for the fishing industry. He directed the organization in support of various causes and events. From supporting Heroes on the Water to participating in programs like Casting for Recovery, he made a difference in the lives of many. Another was his involvement in the Zipper Club, in which all members underwent open heart surgery.
Personally, I worked many fishing shows and flea markets alongside Ralph and got to know him quite well over that time. When you spend hours at a time with a man talking about fishing and life, you really get a sense of their character and who they are and I can say, without a doubt, that Mr. Votta was a prime example of a model human being. I’ll certainly miss all of the long chats I’ve had with him and of course the extra sandwiches he would always bring me.
In Ralph’s words, “Wood is good, but with tin, you always win.” Rest easy, my friend.