On the Run -- Fly Fishing On the Run & Living In NYC

[fmw]

Great book! I think you managed to cover just about all of the major striper nuts and oddballs on the east coast and managed to capture the current state of the sport. A few questions:

1. I'm curious as to whether you found fly fishers more prevalent in certain regions rather than others. I've had the perception (correct or not) that fly fishing is way more popular in New England rather than the New York area and eastern LI (where I fish) (except of course during albie season at Montauk).

2. I remember you saying that you lived on the Upper West Side (I'm at 75th & WEA) . . . did you ever schlepp down to Riverside Park and make an effort???

3. I recall thinking as I read the book that by the time December rolled around, you were down in NC, but that year (2001) was the year of the warm fall and that great December herring run off Montauk and other places around LI. Did you ever make it back to enjoy any of that??

[On The Run]

fmw,

Though it didn't make the book (didn't work with the chronological order of the trip) I did hit the herring run in Montauk in 2001. It was outrageous. One of the best fishing experiences I've ever had, if not the best. I fished it with my brother in his Regulator. Blitzing bass that averaged 15 pounds with many going 30. Every one of them stuffed to the gills with herring. We caught them on herring, needlefish, and some giant flies Dave Skok tied for me. Fished until we were just plain exhausted from reeling in bass. It was during the week and there was only one other boat out there. I'll never forget the sight of huge blitzing fish--hoping it happens again sometime.

I do hoof it to Riverside Park and cast (used to do it before work). I've caught a few fish there (and a garbage can) but never anything to get too excited about.

It did seem that there's more flyfishing going on (at least from the surf) in New England. As you know, the problem with throwing a loop in Montauk is the lack of room most of the time. But I have a few spots to get away from the crowd (and the wind) and still catch a few.

[fmw]

Thanks for the great response. Out of curiosity, does your brother keep his boat at Gone Fishing Marina??? . . . thats where I am and I ask because there are a number of Regulators there. By the way, what a great boat the Regulator is.

[On The Run]

FMW,
My brother just stepped up from a 21 foot Regulator to 26 that he keeps at Gone Fishing (Tom's old boat). It's a sweet ride. Stop by if you see us around.

BTW, he's selling the 21 foot Regulator. It's a 1999 w/ a 200 Yamaha in nice shape if anyone is interested. It's out in Montauk.