I really don’t want to belabor the point, nor am I seeking sympathy, but this year I’ve experienced a rather incredible run of medical issues from my head (requiring two EEG brain scans) to my toes and just about everything in between. It’s taken a lot out of me physically and mentally.
It’s the same with my boat, Rock Water, which I had built up in Nova Scotia. Like yours truly, she is breaking down with greater frequency. She is almost 25 years old, which equates to 100 person years. Would that we had both signed up for the extended warranty.
Looking at my log book, I’ve only fished three times on her this year. That’s pretty pathetic. I made about a dozen runs to check on the lobster traps, but I can’t recall fishing so little in my life.
Health and weather permitting, I hope to get in a few trips for blackfish before I yank the boat out of the water just before Thanksgiving. I did pick up a bushel of green crabs from Ken Morse at Tight Lines Tackle in Southampton on Sunday morning, so I’m ready.
I’ll even try for bay scallops when the season opens in state waters on Nov. 4. But from the scuttlebutt I’ve heard around the docks, the prognosis is once again extremely dour. Still, I will give it a try like I’ve done for nearly six decades. Some habits die hard.
Turning back to health, on the morning of Oct. 2, I once again remained on dry land and climbed aboard the Hampton Jitney out of Sag Harbor to enter Manhattan. Later that day, I was to undergo my fourth root canal procedure in the past six weeks. Lucky me?
After sitting in the chair for another two hours, my endodontist said the procedure went “okay” but that I still have some inflammation in the tooth. Not exactly the news I wanted to hear. I have to return again in two weeks for more discomfort in the chair that dares. I’m not happy about this.
The only highlight of my 12-hour journey to Manhattan was that I treated myself to a late lunch at the venerated Grand Central Oyster Bar. My train back to Bridgehampton was not to leave until 4:30 p.m. out of Hunters Point Avenue in Queens, so there was time to kill.
Off the bat from the lengthy menu of fresh seafood, I ordered half a dozen blue point oysters and an equal number of little neck clams. Both were plump and briny when dabbed with the vinegary mignonette sauce. It was a most fabulous start that made me smile despite my sore mouth.
I followed that up with an order of the iconic oyster pan roast, a savory and silky concoction that’s been on the menu since the restaurant first opened in 1913. Rich in a cream base, mixed with clam broth, sweet chile sauce, and Worcestershire, among a few other ingredients, it tasted wonderful as the Novocaine began to wear off. I was feeling much better.
Unfortunately, I have to head back to Manhattan next week for an echocardiogram. Already, with nearly a dozen heart stents, my cardiologist wants to check things over once again. He has some concerns. Wonderful.
Given how often I see him, I may as well invite him for Thanksgiving in a few weeks. It’s the same for my endodontist, as we are now on a first name basis. We are family, yes?
Despite all of the issues I’ve had in 2024, I still have much to be thankful for. My various doctors, specialists, and my wife, Terie, keep me going.
I will likely stop again next week at the Oyster Bar after my heart exam. Things could be much worse. I already know what I will order. And I know it will bring a smile to my face.
Hey blackfish aficionados, you better get those green crabs like I just did. Blackfish are now on the menu for many anglers looking to target the rough and tumble fish also known as tautog.
The season in the Long Island Sound opens tomorrow (Oct. 11). Elsewhere in New York waters, it does not start until Tuesday. Anglers fishing in the sound can retain three fish per day over 16 inches. Elsewhere, fishermen can put four blackfish in the bucket.
Get ready, fly-rod and light-tackle aficionados. The popular Castoberfest Montauk Fall Run event will be held on Sunday at the Montauk Lake Club on East Lake Drive from 2 to 7 p.m.
Capt. Tim O’Rourke of Montauk Point Fly Fishing, a light-tackle guide, will again host the afternoon of fun featuring a demonstration of high-end fly rods made by Sage.
Cold beer from the Montauk Brewing Company will be offered alongside a barbecue hosted by NorthFork Ironworks. A Sage fly rod and other items will be raffled off.
“It’s always a very fun event,” said O’Rourke. “We have had a great turnout for many years.”
Enjoy fluke? You better act quick as the season closes on Tuesday. Fanatics of the fabulous flatties have enjoyed good catches of late south and east of Montauk as conditions allow. Catch ‘em while you can.