An avid Fisherman all his life, Ed Kopack had the best areas to enjoy his hobby. From the shore and waters of the North Fork along the Long Island Sound, the Peconic Bay, and the surrounding areas extending from Riverhead to Orient Point and out into the Atlantic Ocean. Surf Fishing was his forte, and he was fortunate to have a career encompassing his favorite pastime.
He worked a few jobs during high school and after. A restaurant, retail stores, and during that time, became a regular at Warren’s Tackle Center in Aquebogue. He frequently assisted the owner in the various tasks involved in maintaining a very busy bait and tackle shop. When the owner decided that he was ready to retire and was going to close up, Ed and a few of his fishing buddies got together and purchased the business and building, which also had a residence upstairs. The owner requested they keep the shop name, and the group agreed, and they acquired their new venture. Ed worked full-time and lived upstairs with his wife, Sharon. They made it their home and ran the business with their partners. Ed had been involved with Warren’s Tackle Center for well over 40 years. He became the sole owner in the mid-90s. Warren’s Tackle Center has been a popular and well-known fishing, bait & tackle shop, and he, as a friendly owner for over four decades. He was knowledgeable of the popular local fishing spots, knew when the spring and fall runs were happening and was excellent at repairing reels and rods and making custom fishing rods. He also reported local fishing action to The Fisherman Magazine regularly.
Sadly, Ed suddenly passed on December 20th, 2022. He is survived by his wife Sharon of 39 years, his sister Helen, brother Joe, and sister Maryanne. A memorial service was held on Thursday, December 29, at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home. A mass also occurred at St. John’s church, with a cemetery service on Friday, December 30th.
