Surfcasting in Montauk, N.Y.

There is an old town that lives at the end of Long Island, only 118 miles from Manhattan. In recent times it has become a summer destination for NYC to escape during the summer, and with it brings tremendous change to the town. There are more hotels, fancy restaurants, and a vibe that contradicts Montauk's past.  

I grew up in Suffolk County Long Island, and have been going out there since I was a kid. It was a place where you're not defined by the tag on the back of your shirt, but the stare in your eyes or the smile/frown you owned based on good times and bad. T-shirts, fishers, surfing, and simplicity at one of the greatest beaches in the world. 

The old Montauk still exists and is clear and more present in the off season months. This month I camped at Hither Hills State Park just west of Main Street. For $25 a night you can enjoy everything Montauk has to offer.  

Camp Hero

 Bring your tent, fishing rod, some bucktails for the stripers, and be ready to go fishing at a moment's notice. There are many places to fish out in Montauk. Light House, False Bar, Hither Hills, Bluffs, and much more. If you're visiting Montauk for the first time, head to Paulie's Tackle for all the local fishing tips, good conversation, and some more bucktails. 

Paulie's Tackle Shop

I recommend heading out 45 minutes before sunrise, to hopefully catch some fish, and to see an incredible sunrise on the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. Walking out in your waders into the warm ocean, and casting off while the waves crash on the shore, makes you quickly realize Montauk's draw. The fish are more likely to bite in the middle of the night or early morning. There was a storm that made it hard for me to fish at night, but as soon as it passed, I headed out at 4 am in a deep fog and a bit of rain to get the last cast in before I headed out. You can't see anything in front of you, but you start to make out shapes. You realize the darker it gets in front of you, and the larger the wave is. The ocean is extremely powerful and you feel humbled to stand in it up to your knees, cast into its darkness in hopes of catching a fish. 

The 4th of July

July 4th is a day to celebrate our country and community. Today represents what it means to love the person next to you more than you love yourself. For all of those who sacrificed their life at war and in this country to make sure their neighbor had the same rights as they do. When we say love always wins, it doesn't mean that hugs and smiles will win any fight, violent or nonviolent. It describes a level of commitment to love the person next to you and demonstrate it by helping them when they need it. America is built on individuals who help someone cross the street, drive them to the hospital, and stand up for their neighbor's rights when they become challenged. It doesn't matter who they will vote for or how they identify themselves left or right. We can never be scared to protect our neighbors or let anyone convince us we should be afraid to help one another. To love is to have no fear. Without fear, there is nothing we can't accomplish together. 

This 4th of July, look a stranger in the eye and say good morning or ask how they are doing. Let the people around you know you are aware of them, ready to react, and ready to help.  Demonstrate what it means to love your community and country.  Happy 4th of July.