It’s a great tradition. The popular Montauk Grand Slam charity fishing tournament — now in its 25th year — will once again be held this weekend at Uihlein’s Marina on West Lake Drive, and Henry Uihlein, the marina’s longtime owner, has worked hard to coordinate it.
It’s a great weekend of fun for both kids and adults. For me, it’s a throwback to old Montauk and true local camaraderie, where we all knew each other, no matter the season. Life was much simpler and quieter when the inaugural tournament was held.
The highlight of the event for many is the awards party at the end of Sunday to celebrate the Montauk Fishing Legend of the Year. It’s a great moment to properly acknowledge a person from the hard-working fishing community. This year, the honor will be bestowed upon Capt. Rob Aaronson, the longtime skipper of the charter boat Oh Brother. It’s very well deserved.
“I’m so beyond incredibly humbled by this,” Aaronson said last Tuesday morning, as we sat down together in the main cabin of his 40-foot BHM boat at its berth. Aaronson had just completed an early morning charter with a limit of striped bass for his fares.
His stout Downeast craft was custom-made over about a year in Brooklin, Me., in 1987. Aaronson was very specific about what he wanted in a fishing boat as he began to set sail on his career on the water. Everything needed to be perfect.
And as such, over several decades, he has become a true legend around these parts. His business has thrived despite the ups and downs of the economy.
Known better along the docks as simply “Bro,” Aaronson has been a fully committed fisherman to the waters of Montauk for decades and has earned respect from all. The man works hard.
Aaronson’s boat, which he’s operated since 1988, is also unmistakable, with its eye-catching 12-foot bow pulpit that was originally used to harpoon swordfish and tuna offshore. It’s much like viewing a picture out of the movie “Jaws” with Captain Quint manning the helm.
Aaronson has a much softer heart and demeanor than the crusty Quint, but he’s no less skilled at catching fish and providing a great day of fun for his fares.
As for the Oh Brother, “She’s a very special boat that I love,” he said. “I had her made for fishing and comfort. I’ve been very fortunate. I especially love seeing kids catch their first fish on the stern deck. That truly makes my day and why I still love what I do. It’s why I wake up every morning, just to see those smiles.”
As with previous award winners, the plaque Aaronson will receive on Sunday will be inscribed with the following: “In dedication for their knowledge of the sea, their love of the sport of fishing, and making Montauk the fishing capital of the world.” The words capture who Aaronson is to a T.
Born and raised in the Bronx with his twin brother, Aaronson found a home in Montauk in 1979, shortly after graduating from high school.
“My parents, both my father and mother, loved to fish,” said Aaronson, looking back at his upbringing. They kept a rickety 16-foot skiff berthed at City Island, a scant few miles from where they lived. “It’s what I was brought up with. I always gravitated to the water and fishing. They were a huge influence.”
Aaronson’s parents would also frequent Montauk during the summer months when he was growing up, and fishing was on the daily regimen as he matured.
“I started working and filling in as a mate on various charter and party boats in Montauk for several years starting at the age of 16,” he recalled. “I just loved doing it.”
Aaronson also worked in the winter season on commercial fishing boats that were pursuing fish via longline or trawl. There was very little rest for him during the year, but he didn’t mind.
Even in the winter up until five years ago, Aaronson captained draggers in the search for codfish and other denizens of the deep. There was rarely, if ever, a break for him.
It was hard work, but Aaronson never complained. He knew what needed to be done.
He has shared his love of the water with his wife, Gayle, and their two children, Sarah and Robert. His son is a commercial fisherman and bayman working out of Montauk. The apple clearly did not fall far from the tree.
Aaronson has fish in his blood, and it’s most appropriate that he’s being recognized for his hard work, commitment, and love of Montauk.
I’ve known and fished with Bro for over 40 years. He is the finest kind, as we say here in local quarters.
“Rob is so deserving of this award,” Uihlein remarked when I caught up with him last week. “He’s worked so very hard 12 months of the year whether fishing commercially or on his charter boat. I’m so glad he is being recognized for what he’s done and has brought to Montauk. He’s paid his hard-earned dues. He’s a fine man.”
As an ode to the seasoned skipper, I and a few close friends who have fished with him for decades, have chartered his boat on Sunday. It will be special to share that day of celebration with him. Fluke and sea bass are our intended quarry.
Aaronson brought us times we’ll never forget over the years, whether we caught or not, but honestly we never got skunked. And the laughs and good times were always more important than how many fish ended up in the bucket.
Thanks, Bro. Enjoy your special day.
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