On a warm humid morning on July 25, a group of like-minded family and friends gathered to honor a humble giant of a man who had been a renowned member of our recreational fishing community for decades. Three years ago, September of 2021, long time editor of the Long Island edition of The Fisherman, Fred Golofaro, passed away suddenly in his home town of Islip on Long Island, shortly after doing what he loved most, fishing.
Fred touched thousands of people through his generosity and dedication to fishing, and through his work with the magazine. As a longtime friend and professional associate I was honored to be in attendance. Recognizing Fred’s work in fisheries conservation for Long Island’s marine district, on this special morning, the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation on Long Island was there on this special day to dedicate a plaque in Fred’s honor at a ceremony at the public fishing pier on Overlook Beach at Captree State Park.
Looking out over the waters of Great South Bay, taking in those familiar landmarks – the Fire Island light, the Moses tower and bridge that we all use as landmarks on countless days of boating and fishing – I could not think of a more appropriate place to honor our special friend. This, after all, was where Fred grew up, and few could match Fred’s knowledge of these waters, most especially how and where to catch fish.
As we waited for the formalities to begin it was humbling for me to see so many fine people I knew, not only from my nearly 40 years with New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), but also through my friendship with Fred. As we began to recall our times spent with Fred, I was reminded of how Fred could bring people together to appreciate our home and what our marine resources mean to it.
Finally, it came time to begin the formalities. Regional director George “Chip” Gorman began by saying, “Working with State Parks through fishing tournaments that he organized throughout our area Fred Golofaro raised well over $100,000 for fishing conservation programs in the marine district. I never met a person who did not appreciate Fred and what he meant to the fishing scene in New York.” Chip later explained to me that in addition to providing support for state park’s efforts to enhance fishing access and opportunity on Long Island, Fred’s efforts also helped to support reef projects, fishing education programs, and more.
The Fisherman’s Matt Broderick gave praise for Fred that was especially poignant. Matt explained that he had a speech planned for the event this morning but on the way to the ceremony he met a person at his local coffee shop that changed that. Seeing The Fisherman logo on Matt’s shirt, the gentleman asked about Fred. Matt explained where he was going that morning and the man related his own story about Fred (no surprise to Matt I am sure, as everyone who fishes or boats around Long Island has a Fred story).
As Matt retold, years back while surf fishing, the fellow was fortunate to meet Fred on the beach. As they made small talk Fred kindly inspected the man’s fishing gear and offered helpful advice about surf fishing. Thanking Fred, the man went on his way, appreciating the chance to meet one of the masters of the surf fishing scene. Sometime later this man received a package in the mail from Fred who had taken the man’s name and address. Curiously, the man opened the box to find an assortment of surf fishing plugs and lures with a note wishing him good luck in his future surf fishing trips. I told Matt later that he got me with that story. Hearing it, I had all to do to keep my composure, because this said volumes about Fred. His generosity was truly immeasurable. When it came to fish and fishing, and anything else for that matter, Fred always wanted to do the right thing, and make others appreciate it as much as he did.
Fred’s legacy lives on. His Take a Kid Fishing Program that he began many years ago continues to provide opportunities for recruiting young fishermen on Long Island. Most importantly, Fred left an indelible mark on all he met simply by demonstrating his fine outdoor ethic, his generosity, and his passion for these waters he grew up on.
Now we have a special place to take moment to remember Fred Golofaro, to appreciate his kindness, friendship, and his life’s work as we overlook these precious waters of the marine district he so cherished.
