The cause:
This trip will go to the highest bidder and will be to raise money for the Home Base Program , to help soldiers and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries suffered from their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The winning donation will be made DIRECTLY to the organization at Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program (http://www.runtohomebase.org/runtohomebase/GregoryWalsh) and will be a 100% tax deductible charitable donation for the highest bidder.


Your experience:
COMMANDO SURFCASTING SPONSORED TRIP

Dates & Location: June 13th - 15th Block Island, RI.
Details:
Three day, two night, fully guided surfcasting trip for one person. (Must be 18 to bid)
Note: If bidding surpasses the $1000.00 mark this trip will become a 4 day three night trip for the winning bidder.

Just fishing beneath the bluffs on Block Island will have you instantly hooked. Whether you're a hardcore wetsuiter or like staying dry in your waders this trip will be something you remember forever.
Lodging will be in an Island style home that sleeps 8. Amenities are not really important because you will be fishing long nights and sleeping during the day. Rest up and expect to be fully exhausted at the end of this trip. There will be plenty of food and you are not expected to bring anything except your fishing gear, a well rested body and a great attitude.
You will not need a vehicle on the island. If you plan to bring a vehicle reservations must be made ASAP with the Block Island Ferry once bidding closes and you will be responsible for ferry cost.
The trip -
The Commando Pro Staff will pre-fish the island for 4 nights prior to your arrival. They will have a full report and offer you choices of where to fish depending on your fishing style or what you're comfortable with. You will fish many of the big fish spots that are known and some that have never been heard of. If you want to fish plugs, eels (available on the Island), jigs or tins it's up to you. This is your trip enjoy it.
This will be a great opportunity to ask questions, hear some stories, learn some history and even take a chance at putting a fish on the board in the Pabst Blue Ribbon Tournament which coincides with this trip.
Total Guides combined experience of over 100 years of fishing Block Island.

Guided by:
Tom White - Commando Surfcasting
Pete Lajoie - Commando Pro Staff, RH Custom Rods Pro Staff
Guest Guides
Gary Soldati - Big Water Lures (13th)
Pat Abate - Rivers End Tackle (13th)
Dennis Zambrotta - Author (14th-15th)

The winning bidder will be responsible to get himself to and from Block Island, his own fishing equipment and any other incidental expenses he incurs. Donation to RTHB must be within 3 days of auction closing.


Additional:
Joebaggs Bucktails just donated a 6 pack of bucktails to the winner.
3- 1oz in red,wht, and black and 3-1.5oz in the same colors.
2 BI Danny swimmers (courtesy of Piemma)
4 rigged eels (courtesy Pat Abate)
A pilgrim and a eely (courtesy of Left Hook Lures)
Your ferry cost will be covered from Pt Judith (courtesy of the Lajoie family)
Super Strike plugs, proven producers on Block Island (courtesy of Super Strike Plugs)
Private dinner on the 13th at the Naragansett Inn and a package of Lemire Plugworks plugs (courtesy of Al Lemire)



Bidding will end April 30 at 6PM

Disclaimer: Commando Surfcasting and all other parties involved assume no risk or liability for any personal injury, death, equipment loss or failure. You will also be responsible to sign a release prior any activity.

Awesome! I'll start...

$400

-spence

Bidding is open until the 30th
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$400
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Whoops.. meant $500
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I feel honored to take part in this most noble cause and I’d like to thank Tom White for inviting me. Let me add that I will provide the winning bidder the most enlightening "spot burn" opportunities - the winner will STAND ON rocks that are proven "cow perches” where
50s have been slid ashore on past tides. I look forward to the privilege of meeting the highest bidder.

DZ

Def. a great oppertunity for anyone. I have fish with Tom, Pete, and Pat many times and with the knowledge they have and determination this oppertunity comes once in a life time. You will learn as well as catch fish..

$600

Looks like a dream trip, great job on putting this together.

-spence

What a line up of talent. If I thought I could
keep up with any of them I would bid this up even
past point that Soups faints. Why now, why not
ten years ago. Any able body who doesn't bid
on this will regret it for a longtime.
And that's the truff.
:love:

What a line up of talent. If I thought I could
keep up with any of them I would bid this up even
past point that Soups faints. Why now, why not
ten years ago. Any able body who doesn't bid
on this will regret it for a longtime.
And that's the truff.
:love: Sorry john. Eels, eel rigs, braided line, that I have too supply, does take a toll on my finances.
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Looks like a dream trip, great job on putting this together.

-spence

All the credit needs to go to Tom from Commando. This is all his initiative, his money, time, and contacts. I am just fortunate enough to call him a friend and a supporter of my cause.

And we just sweetened the pot.
Joebaggs Bucktails just donated a 6 pack of bucktails to the winner.
3- 1oz in red,wht, and black and 3-1.5oz in the same colors.

I will donate 2 BI Danny swimmers proven to slay the dragon on "The Block". Winner gets his pick

:drool: This is an opportunity that shouldn't be missed I have learned a lot fishing with DZ the past 6 years on BI :drool:

Sounds like a sick trip.

DZ is super helpful and Tom is a great guy, heard all about his "block bible"

Will have to see about work, might have to get in on this bid

I am going to start a seperate thread to answer questions and do some posts. I am amazed at the generosity here and can't thank guys enough...

Well Now that i have "gotten permission" from the better half to jump in for a chance to support a great cause and fish with great people (although She did tell me if i don't play my cards right she may take it if i win), i will bid $ 700.00

My bank account is near empty but i would like to help. I will donate 1 dozen tail hooks to whomever wins

This is very cool.

Wish I could afford to up the bid. Wow.
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Nice work guys - If you haven't fished the Block - it is something special :love:

I would like to thank Tom for the opportunity to be part of this, Block is a special place and the perfect spot to hold this event!! I am not expecting the person to be fishing sluggos when they fish with me, so I will be bring a supply of Big Water Pikes for the winner! Good Luck!! :uhuh:Gary

$750.

I want to thank the sponsors, guides and the bidders too. What a tremendous idea and cause. Great job, Tom! Really cool idea. I'm seeing this 10 years from now with a serious following.

I'm over budget as it is (DTR about to start college in Sept.--yikes) and the bidding is out of my league--which is a good thing for this worthy cause. I commend you all. I'll make a donation and start saving for next year's event. An opportunity to fish Block with these legends of the sport would be an incredible experience.

An early congratulations to the winner.

BTW--Tom knows his way around the kitchen, so I'm guessing the chow will be good too.

Nice job, boys!

I'm In, $800.00

just wanted to say thanks to everyone involved. This is a great cause and either way a donation is being made:chased:

Im honored to take part in this,its for a great cause. It will certainly be a great trip for whoever wins. Block island can be a great place to fish and can also be very humbling at times. You will learn things on this trip, you cant learn in any book or any website. Good luck to all the bidders.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone that has donated or volunteered their time , efforts , or money to make this all possible and help me with my fundraising. Thanks guys.

Im honored to take part in this,its for a great cause. It will certainly be a great trip for whoever wins. Block island can be a great place to fish and can also be very humbling at times. You will learn things on this trip, you cant learn in any book or any website. Good luck to all the bidders.

just don't go out for "a beer" with pete at 1 pm on a day you plan on fishing (although that day was probably better for us than those who made it out to fish).

in all seriousness though, this will be a great trip for whomever wins. those guys know the island and are a good bunch.

Who ever wins this will have a trip of a lifetime. Block is it's own beast. I hope you get some white water....it makes for an insane day bite. Those guys love the night I like the day the top water bite can be great... Needles in yellow and sandeel. I might try and do a recon mission that weekend.

I'll throw in 4 rigged eels for the trip, they can come in handy out there.

This may not appeal to all bidders BUT - if you like largemouth bass fishing - and the porkchop has some really nice fish - I'll take you to some sweetwater bass locations. On this schedule the winning bidder may never sleep.

DZ

Sounds sick, I'm in!! $850

Block holds a lot of fish and they tend to be bigger than on the mainland. A night like this is always possible:

Two friends and I decided to head out for a commando night on Block Island on Friday, October 9, 2009. (A “commando run” is where you get onto an island or predetermined area at the end of the day then fish all night and leave in the morning). We heard there was some weather coming in which made it all the better. I worked all day, packed my truck and headed south from where I live. After a 3-hour drive with traffic, I walked on the last ferry at Point Judith at 7 p.m., after meeting up with my two friends Ted Archibald and Tom White. Being a holiday weekend there were lots of kids and dogs but not many fishermen. When a couple people asked us if we were going for the whole weekend we said, "No, just for the night." To a person, they looked at us funny.
Once on the island we arrived at our destination and got into our wetsuits. It was dark, so we decided to take a few casts close by before making our trek to our special spot. There was not much wind and it seemed pretty calm, not what we had in mind weather-wise, we favor wind and waves. The night started off inauspiciously. No wind and flat calm, these conditions did not do a lot for our confidence. On Tom's second cast he broke off a plug that I had just given him to try out. (Make note of this it will be important later.) It was a “Slim” medium diver, in purple pearl. He could see it floating out in the water and asked me if he should swim out and get it. There did not seem to be any fish around so I said, "Go for it!" On his second attempt he got the plug.

At that point Ted came up to us and said he had some hits and caught one small bass. I had heard there were lots of small fish around so I was not surprised. You hate to leave fish but we were looking for something bigger. I had also read a report that had said there were a lot of porgies (scup) along the side of the island that I wanted to fish. So off we went.

We arrived at our spot and spotted the rocks we always fished from. Ted was the first to make the swim out to his rock, he later told me that while swimming, his lure, a giant pikie, came off his rod (still attached to his line) and floated 4 feet away from him and a fish hit it! The fish took 2 more swipes at it. He had to hold his rod up and keep the plug out of the water until he got to his rock.
By this time, Tom and I were swimming out to our rock (I have fished this rock since the mid-1980's so, like homesteading, I have a claim to it). I yelled to Ted asking if he had found his rock yet. If he is on his rock it would be easier for me to find my rock because mine was underwater. He yelled back that he found fish! I said, "How big?" and he yelled back, "20." I said, "Inches?" He said, "no pounds.” Needless to say we swam a little faster.
Tom and I climbed onto my rock, a good-sized rock that is easily capable of holding both of us. We got situated, looked at each other and then each made a cast. We both made two turns on the handle of ours reel and we were into fish. We looked at each other with big smiles…that was the beginning of a night of fishing that most surfcasters only dream about.

For the next 2-1/2 hours I did not bring my Pikie back in without a fish attached. At one point, Tom brought his Pike back in after he lost a screamer and two hooks on his 4/0 VMC treble had been straightened. He asked, "What do I do?" I said "Bend them back and keep fishing!" He ended up catching more than 50 fish on that “Slim” medium diver that he swam out and retrieved earlier.
My first 6 fish were 26, 26, 28, 33, 28, and 36, and we're talking pounds here! And we are only talking six casts! All the fish were weighed on the 60-pound Boga that I drag around with me. We had multiple hookups and at one point Tom had a 31-pounder and I had a 28-pounder to the rock at the same time. It was like a Chinese fire drill weighing each fish, taking a picture, unhooking them and getting them back in the water. After awhile we got pretty good at it.
My wife had asked me to bring home a fish for dinner. She doesn't like to eat anything over 30 inches because she finds the meat to be more tender. Oh boy was I was in trouble!!

I will pause here to say that this was not "stupid fishing." The fish would not take a Jointed Eel, and when the other guys used a needlefish they only caught smaller fish and did not get as many hits. The vast majority of the fish came on my new “Slim” pikes (8-inches long and weighing 3 ounces), but the bigger fish came on my traditional Giant pikes (8-inch and 4 ounces) and Troller pikes (10-inches and 7-1/2 ounces).
I have been fishing for a long time and I have had many good nights in that time span. There have been nights where we got into a pick of big fish or solid hits of smaller fish but never in my life have I see the numbers of big fish that we saw on that October night. The school stayed with us through the entire tide until daybreak and they were keyed in on big baits—it was amazing!

As a rule you don't walk away from big fish, but we did. We actually swam away exhausted. On my way in, I swam over to Ted and asked him how he was doing. He said he had lost all his big pikes and was using a needlefish and not getting as many hits. I cut off the Giant Pike that I had on my rod and threw it to him and then finished swimming to shore. When I looked back I saw that Ted had followed me in, and he came up carrying a big fish. He got it on his first cast with the Giant pike and it turned out to be 34 ½ pounds.

There was a young guy fishing to the side of us that night, we invited him over. He had waded out as far as he could and cast with a needlefish for half an hour without a hit. He was in waders and I said "Too bad you don't have a wetsuit." He said he did have one up in his car so I suggested he get it, so he did. We were lying in the rocks resting and we watched him swim out to one of the rocks right in front of us. We jokingly claimed that he kept us awake with his light going on and off constantly, a sign that he was catching fish, and then his camera started flashing, a sign of big fish! So it turned out this kid, Eric caught five fish over 30 pounds while we rested.

We went back out for the last two hours before light and we took a few more fish up to 30 pounds. The tide dropped out, it got light and the fish finally moved off. Between the four of us we had 11 fish over 30 pounds and numerous fish in the high 20’s. We packed up and left, back in our regular clothes, with the exception of our long surf rods, we looked like regular tourist. We were soon on the 8:15 a.m. ferry back to Point Judith, smiling all the way home. It truly was a night to remember.

Gary.. every time I read that I remember it like yesterday,,, I am still amazed you were able to put it on paper and keep all my swearing out of it... I know there was lots of choice words when I broke that plug off and when I got my plug back with 2 straightened trebles.... Never the less something special....

I can only hope I could provide that type of night to the winner.... Never the less This will be an AWESOME trip,,,,,,

Just recieved a donation from George at Left Hook lures for the winner. A pilgrim and a eely. Very nice plugs, that will catch out there. Thanks George!

And if the winner isn't tired enough we can always have Gary give his famous Squid lessons....

Picture edited to protect the innocent....

That's funny, I wonder who else is in that pic. I use to use the squid for bait now that I make plugs I eat them. Guys are always stealing my stash for fluke bait now. :uhuh:

Back in "85" I had read so much about Block that I decided to spend 4 days on the Island unseen, sleeping in my truck. I stopped in at Cove Edge Tackle on the way to the ferry. I told the shop owner Henry Hetu where I was headed and he asked me to give him a ride to the ferry. When we got off the boat Henry took me for a tour of the Island, all the top spots. He then took me back to the cottage he and a bunch of guys from Rhody were renting. Capt. Don, Tom Behan, Frank, Bill, they were all there. I will never forget Capt. Don (who I later found out was a chef) was cooking fresh tuna steaks. They invited me in and I ate and fished with them for the 4 days I was there. The first night we fished Ballards Beach. Tom had taken a 58 1/2 and 56 1/2 years prior so it was a special place for him. I was fishing next to Tom and Capt. Don. We were all throwing black needlefish. All of a sudden Tom gets a hit in close and breaks off immediately. It sounded like a gun going off. He yells "Dam, Big fish!" Next thing I know Capt. Don's drag is screaming. It seems like this fish would run forever. I am next in line and up on my toes waiting for my turn. It never came, Dons fish was an even 40 pounds. The next night they all wanted to go to Black Rock. After the night before I wanted to go back to Ballards. Henry said he would go with me. The other guys said they would try Black Rock for a while and then if there was nothing they would come back to Ballards. They never came back!
They said when they got down the bluffs it was still light and they could see all these big bass tails sticking out of the water. They were grubbing for sand eels.They threw everything at them, but it didn't turn on until it got dark, then all hell broke loose. There was one big rock out in front of them and the bigger fish kept taking them around it and breaking them off. Frank landed the biggest fish at 38 pounds. A storm blew in the next couple of days and I only ended up catching one small schoolie that trip, but I was hooked. I took their offer to come back, and I fished with those guys at Block for the next ten year until we all took a break from the Island and fished the mainland. Most of those guys are gone now, and I feel very fortunate to have fished with them! Gary

Those are great memories Gary. I still cringe at the thought of missing that great night you three experienced and although I've yet to have a night like that, I enjoy every minute I'm on that island. Block is truly a special place, but to experience it with good fishermen and be put on hot spots right off the bat, jeez. All I can say is good luck bidders.
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Ballards Beach, Sept 1990 2 AM and I'm throwing a BI green needle. I hooked up and never stopped the fish. 11' white lami, Penn 704z loaded with 20# (that was the norm then) Ande. Not a screaming run, just a bulldozer that swam away.

Larry Tremblay (coaches Hockey for Moses Brown now) was 20' away and both of us just stood there for a couple of minutes and stared straight out to sea toward the main land. The Block is a special place.
I went the 2nd week of Nov last year. All alone for 3 days. Met one other fisherman. A very special place.

with any luck i will get to add some memories to my fishing experiences. $ 875.00

Bump for wonderful love!

I'll throw in a couple plugs too ;)

When I went to Block for the first time in the early 80's I was fortunate to hook up with a bunch of guys that had been fishing the Island for ten years with the locals. They showed me all the spots, sometimes you thought you were driving down somebody's driveway and all of a sudden you were at the water. Spots you would never find on your own. Plus years of scouting myself. I have been chased right down to the water by homeowners and chased out of driveways. Only shot at once:uhuh:! Years later I was talking to a guy that had been fishing the Island for 6 yrs. We were comparing notes and he didn't know half the places I had been to. That is just me, the other two guest guides have been fishing the Island longer than me. You also have Tom, Pete and their crew, nobody fishes harder than they do. Tom spent so much time on the Island last year they made him a local! That is just some of the experience that you will be privy to if you win this trip! Gary

I wish I could afford to bid higher, but I have a cruise to Alaska booked a couple weeks after this and the money would just be too tight. Whoever wins this is getting a once in a lifetime fishing experience.

Whoever wins this is getting a once in a lifetime fishing experience.

Edited for prominence, ya know ;)

After reading these posts and stories I realize two things.

1) We have the absolute best community. I am always shocked at the incredible reception we have to help others out, and the people participating this are providing quite the experience. I can not thank everyone enough.

2) I need to make it to Block this year!

I've had a few questions about this , so I will answer this here and I have also updated the original post.
The bidding will end on April 30th at 6PM.

I like the time that way no one has to stay up until midnight.

I hope guys don't wait until the last minute for the bid.

Sorry for the Delay announcing this... Friday night June 15th. Dinner will be served by Guest Cook Frank Capone. He is great cook so prepare to put on the feed bag.

He is also a hell of a fisherman and last time he was on the island took a 40.... Maybe he will chime in and give us the menu.

Tom:

Thanks for the kind works and I look forward to helping out with this worthy cause. In regards to the menu, I'm considering

1. Ritz crackers and cheese whiz; or
2. Italian food and lots of espresso with sambuca afterwards.

I even think DZ survived one of my meals on Block a few years ago (and we didn't need to rush him to the hospital either).

All kidding aside, I'll make something good to eat, and plenty of it, for all

I even think DZ survived one of my meals on Block a few years ago (and we didn't need to rush him to the hospital either).
Several years ago on BI we had DZ over for some food and I brought out a nicely braised beef stew over polenta with 4 different types of cheese to melt on top. Good times and I'm still surprised nobody killed me in my sleep on that trip :buds:

-spence

braised beef stew over polenta with 4 different types of cheese to melt on top. -spence

:drool:

Several years ago on BI we had DZ over for some food and I brought out a nicely braised beef stew over polenta with 4 different types of cheese to melt on top. Good times and I'm still surprised nobody killed me in my sleep on that trip :buds:

-spence

That's the 7th gayest thing you've ever posted on this site.
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A Capone meal - yummy. Just don't give me kitchen clean-up duty afterwards ;)

DZ

Several years ago on BI we had DZ over for some food and I brought out a nicely braised beef stew over polenta with 4 different types of cheese to melt on top. Good times and I'm still surprised nobody killed me in my sleep on that trip :buds:

-spence

We thought about it, and had to talk the one we can't mention here out of it...

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Hysterical!!
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A Capone meal - yummy. Just don't give me kitchen clean-up duty afterwards ;)

DZ

Don't worry DZ your not coming out for dish duty... lol,,,,,:fishin::fishin:

Don't forget this is still an auction :humpty:

Looks like the bidding is at $875. Someone should push it over a grand and get the extra day...seems like a good value :hihi:

-spence

Thanks Spence.... Good to keep this right up there,,, we are getting closer,,, Only a couple more days....

Dig deep guys this is a GREAT cause.... I personally have over $1000 invested in this and hope the bidding makes at least $1001.00..

Don't wait until the end to bid or you might not win this auction....

100% tax deductible for the winning bidder.......

ULTIMATE BLOCK TRIP.....

NO ONE can share with you what these guys have ALREADY accomplished on Block ALREADY....

EVERY GUIDE has fish OVER 40# from the surf on Block ALREADY.... more than a few have 50#'s.... A couple with fish even bigger....

Hi Gary.. That is some good fishin man!!!! This trip will be worth very penny and then some for someone!!!!!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Hi Gary.. That is some good fishin man!!!! This trip will be worth very penny and then some for someone!!!!!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Hey Bill... Thanks for the kind words.... and recognizing how great an opportunity this trip of a lifetime really is.....

Also shoot me an email when you get that bag... Thanks again..

Tom @ commando......
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I got this story second-hand from John at Twin Maples. Two locals were fishing a sandy spit one night on a good bite. The spit has a good current running along the ocean side and it is narrow and drops off pretty quickly on both sides. It is shallow on the bar and you can wade out in the water quite a ways. The bite died and the two fisherman headed to to dry land. Halfway back they can see this big shape blocking their path (remember it is night)! They inched closer and one shined his light on the shape. They both screamed like thirteen year old girls (my interpretation, that is what I would do!). An estimated 1000 pound Mako had beached itself tying to swim over the bar. It's big tail was sweeping back and forth and it didn't seem to like the light so they shut it off. The bar is narrow and it is a big fish, so there is no way around it, plus the tide is coming in and pushing them closer to the shark. Needless to say they are both scared s--tless and trapped. Worst case scenario they get washed off the bar same time as the shark and they all end up in the water together. In this case (a happy ending) the shark got enough water underneath to slide off the bar and the two fisherman raced to shore. And as John says, "Never to fish there again!"

If you win this trip you will be fishing this bar, good news is I think it will be a little too cold for big Mako's in early June (I think? :confused:) Gary

LOL!!!!!
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Gary... The seals on this bar have a strong tendancy to draw those big toothy critters in close to block especially on that side of the island.....

And wearing a wetsuit makes us look a lot like our furry little friends.....

FYI... Not far from that area I had something big grab my eel bag last year while swimming..... Just saying....
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And you still skish? That's pretty close to the edge of being certifiable! I would see a mako in every wave.


Gary... The seals on this bar have a strong tendancy to draw those big toothy critters in close to block especially on that side of the island.....

And wearing a wetsuit makes us look a lot like our furry little friends.....

FYI... Not far from that area I had something big grab my eel bag last year while swimming..... Just saying....
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

And you still skish? That's pretty close to the edge of being certifiable! I would see a mako in every wave.



Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I wasn't skishing.... I was swimming to a rock in fairly shallow water not far from shore....
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This opportunity is killing me as I know all of the guys incuding the guest chef and would die to fish with you guys-especially Pat- but the week before I am going to another island and will be fishing all night for 5 straight nights. That usually takes me 3 weeks to recover. Also don't think I could take that Wednesday -Friday off the week after a week off.

I will second that. My boss would kill me if my back didn't. Still can't quite let go though. Keep comin' back to the thread.

Got it. I would like to bid on this, just don't know if my elbow can make it...

I wasn't skishing.... I was swimming to a rock in fairly shallow water not far from shore....
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I posted this story before so I will not go into details but I was on the same bar and almost got swept off back in the 80s. Took me a good 20 minutes using a big heavy rod as a wading staff to get back in. Very dangerous place and quite a few good surfmen have died there. 5 knt current sweeping across a bar of soft sand with deep water on both sides. The bar tend to slide away from you.

I posted this story before so I will not go into details but I was on the same bar and almost got swept off back in the 80s. Took me a good 20 minutes using a big heavy rod as a wading staff to get back in. Very dangerous place and quite a few good surfmen have died there. 5 knt current sweeping across a bar of soft sand with deep water on both sides. The bar tend to slide away from you.

Can be a VERY dangerous place... Not for the inexperienced.... or when its foggy....

I'm happy to place a bid to support the Home Base Program. We can't do enough to support the warfighters, IMO.

My bid is $1,001.00.

Though not counting towards the bid, it will be 100% company matched.

Thank you for your service GregW.
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And if the trip and the extras weren't already enough.....
The Lajoie family is going to cover the winning bidder's ferry cost from Pt Judith.

The Lajoie family is going to cover the winning bidder's ferry cost from Pt Judith.

Props :cheers:

-spence

And if the trip and the extras weren't already enough.....
The Lajoie family is going to cover the winning bidder's ferry cost from Pt Judith.

Pete's dad made it clear from when I first pitched this idea to them that he would cover the Ferry Cost for the winner. The Lajoie family could not be happier to help.

Pete Lajoie has also spent an incredible amount of his personal time planning this and is as dedicated to making this a TRIP OF A LIFETIME for the winner as I am.

Pete is no stranger to Block. Last year alone we spent over 8 weeks fishing together over there not including Commandos..... There are not many rocks out there that don't have his footprints on them.

Sucessful fishing,,, well here are some of the DOCUMENTED results from Petes fishing last year and this is only a portion since I witnessed his biggest fish of the season they are not on the list.

PeterLajoie 43.70
PeterLajoie 42.80
PeterLajoie 38.00
PeterLajoie 35.00
PeterLajoie 33.50
PeterLajoie 33.00
PeterLajoie 32.03
PeterLajoie 31.25
PeterLajoie 30.25

Good luck to the bidders.....

There are famous fishing spots on the Island and then there are rocks, only reached by deep wading or a short or long swim. You don't need a wetsuit on Block, but as in any place it opens up new possibilities. If you haven't wetsuited before this is a great opportunity to experience it. You can take it as slow as you want, no pressure. With all that said, I have also been on Block for a week and have fished from shore because of the big waves on the south side. If you are concerned about sharks there is the wetsuiter's motto: "You don't have to be the fastest swimmer, you just have to be faster than one other guy in the group! :jump1:" Good Luck with the bids!!. Both Pete and Tom had some really nice fish last year!!

To potential bidders: The wetsuit swimming method may sound intimidating to some. If you're not comfortable with that type of extreme fishing be advised some good fishing can still be had by more traditional surfcasting. I specialize in catching shallow water stripers and do not swim to any rocks - if this is more your style you'll have great access to some proven areas.

Nice bid RI Bass!

DZ

I'm happy to place a bid to support the Home Base Program. We can't do enough to support the warfighters, IMO.

My bid is $1,001.00.

Though not counting towards the bid, it will be 100% company matched.

Thank you for your service GregW.
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:kewl:

Last year there was only ONE plug that was working and working well under the bright moon on Block,,,,

Eels were not getting touched.....

IT worked so well after that night I OVERNIGHTED ALL the SUPER STRIKES in that color to BLOCK and we crushed fish for a few more nights on them,,,,, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours on the same rocks on consecutive nights,,,,, Can't say enough about Super Strike....


Sorry I was slow with this but when we were just under the $1000 bid....

Steve from Super Strike sent me an email with hopes ANOTHER (Super Stike has made a few donations Already this year) donation may help us get to the $1000 mark.....


So Super Strike is donating some plugs especially for BLOCK to the winner.....

Lets thank the Musso's for their donations and most importantly some of the BEST lures EVER made,,,,,

To potential bidders: The wetsuit swimming method may sound intimidating to some. If you're not comfortable with that type of extreme fishing be advised some good fishing can still be had by more traditional surfcasting. I specialize in catching shallow water stripers and do not swim to any rocks - if this is more your style you'll have great access to some proven areas.

Nice bid RI Bass!

DZ

Dennis is absolutely correct,,, and a master at it...... EXCELLENT fishing can be had on Block in waders.... Last year when the surf was 9-10ft we hit some nice fish in waders standing in ankle deep water..... VERY versatile place..... this trip was put together to asccomodate ANY style....

Last year there was only ONE plug that was working and working well under the bright moon on Block,,,,

Eels were not getting touched.....

IT worked so well after that night I OVERNIGHTED ALL the SUPER STRIKES in that color to BLOCK and we crushed fish for a few more nights on them,,,,, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours on the same rocks on consecutive nights,,,,, Can't say enough about Super Strike....


Sorry I was slow with this but when we were just under the $1000 bid....

Steve from Super Strike sent me an email with hopes ANOTHER (Super Stike has made a few donations Already this year) donation may help us get to the $1000 mark.....


So Super Strike is donating some plugs especially for BLOCK to the winner.....

Lets thank the Musso's for their donations and most importantly some of the BEST lures EVER made,,,,,


This trip gets better by the minute!
I had a lot of success on Super Strike plugs last year.

Have a Henderson wetsuit. I'm in for a swim! $1050
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OK... Al Lemire from Lemire's Plugworks (http://www.lemiresplugworks.com) has donated an early dinner for the WHOLE crew on Wed June 13th.

This dinner will be at 4pm and served at the
Narragansett Inn. It will be a private dinner for this crew only with no wait since they will not be open yet..... Al came up big......

Narragansett Inn on Block Island (http://www.blockisland.com/narragansett/)

He is also donating a package of plugs to the winner.....

Can't thank Al enough......

Hmm,


I was going to say Check-Mate as i can not bid the amount that would have been worthy of RI Bass with the 100% company match (I know it does not count towards the auction) to this great cause. I Think we all will agree the trip will be unbelievable (and a price really can not be put on it) any way you look at it. As a veteran, the respect i have for ALL past present and future vets out there (and the great things that are done with this organization) i wanted to gracefully step out and allow the company match to add to this great cause and make a personal donation.


Good luck to whom ever wins this now

GregW, would you please post a link to where i can make a donation, and thank you for your service

ChuckD

I will bid $1,200 for this opportunity to support our troops and fish until I'm a useless lump in mid-June. (still w/ company match, etc...)

One hour to go.... and I can't thank the bidders enough,,,,,

they are bidding on a GREAT trip for a GREAT CAUSE....



and RI Bass.... That is exactly how we plan on fishing,,,,,,,,

Wow you guys are the best, I would love to be a fly on the wall for this trip. Remember what happens on BI stays on BI

Wow you guys are the best, I would love to be a fly on the wall for this trip. Remember what happens on BI stays on BI

TB..... I know DZ plans to spill it... Pat and Gary have their secrets and stories to share........ Pete wants someone to go Large... Julio is a sleeper but I have seen him pull fish when it is DEAD over there.....that is when he doesn't miss the ferry.....:uhuh:

Most importantly the guys bidding are bidding for the cause.... and that type of bidding will be rewarded..........

Stay tuned.....

TB..... I know DZ plans to spill it... Pat and Gary have their secrets and stories to share........ Pete wants someone to go Large... Julio is a sleeper but I have seen him pull fish when it is DEAD over there.....that is when he doesn't miss the ferry.....:uhuh:

Most importantly the guys bidding are bidding for the cause.... and that type of bidding will be rewarded..........

Stay tuned.....

I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for this to end, I wonder if there will be a bidding surge at the end

I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for this to end, I wonder if there will be a bidding surge at the end

I would rather see guys bid now instead of trying to sneak something in at the last minute,,,

The idea is to raise money for a great cause....

Not to sneak a bid in last minute for a fishing trip,,,,,

$1250..
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1300

Great cause. Great Trip.

$1,501

Congrats
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$1,502

$1,550

1551

1,600

1603

$1625

1630

$1655

1660

Oh well. Good luck on the trip.

And winner is a lurker.

It ends 6pm Pacific Time right guys?

:jump:

I would have to say congrats RI Bass 1800 is 1800 first post
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Or was 1800 (6:00) too late damn guys, last minute wow congrats ?????? Will wait for results
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It was agreed that the company match wouldn't count, so congratulations to FishMTK as much as it pains me to say it. I'll make a donation though not in the same amount.

I would have to say congrats RI Bass 1800 is 1800 first post
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I wasn't meaning company match. I could have thought wrong with 1800 (6:00) post got it, or the entire
Minute but fishmtk did get last post before 6 (and the last one before 6:01) so well see.

Either way congrats to the winner
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this is a tough one,,,,, Fish MTK has been in touch with me,,,, proceding cautiously,,,

Take them both:devil2:
I bet they will do it

logistics friends............. logistics......

I would rather see guys bid now instead of trying to sneak something in at the last minute,,,

The idea is to raise money for a great cause....

Not to sneak a bid in last minute for a fishing trip,,,,,
Funny I thought the same thing bidding for the redsox tickets.

Congrats to the winner.
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on the sad but stupid front I got home at 10 to six and tried to bid but in a panic forgot my password and was locked out lol

congrats to the winner -great cause-job well done for all involved

Well done guys whoever the winner is.
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Congrats to the winner. This is a dream trip for sure. Thanks to all the people willing to donate their time and experience to make something like this possible.
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Wow…. I can’t thank the bidders enough. Also EVERY donation to help make this trip special. I have taken the time to look at every angle I can think of and to see who the winner was.

And after speaking with BOTH of the highest bidders we agreed that FishMTK had won.

Now with that being said the bidding had gone over $1500 which was a mark I set to add another additional day but did not advertise since I wanted guys to bid for the charity, not a fishing trip. Well they bid hard and for the right reasons.

So after speaking with FishMTK I realized I am truly lucky for the type of person he is and look forward to fishing with him on the trip. He has extended an offer that is something that is extremely generous and completely welcomed by all parties involved. He will share this soon. Remember this is HIS TRIP.

Since he is unable to come on Tuesday for the extra day I jumped on the phone and covered even more bases and have secured him lodging for Sat night on the island and he will have his opportunity to fish with Gary Soldati that night.

To accommodate his extra day John at Twin Maples extended an offer and Al Lemire from Lemire’s plugs has once again stepped up and made ANOTHER incredible offer to supply lodging for all the unforeseens that are going on.

Again, I cannot thank all those involved enough. I am truly fortunate to have the friends I do because they are the ones who have come together on this,,,,

Stay Tuned……..

Wow, Congratulation FishMTK (and what a gracious thing to do) and RI Bass. It is all for a great cause and i want to thank everyone who made a donation and bid.

Thanks to everyone for putting this together, now get packing

Wow congrats fishmtk should be one hell of a trip with that crew just stay away from the kitty Kat with them. Great cause
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So my wife told me that she doesn't think that I was this happy the day we got married...clearly not the case (just in case she reads this), but elated I am!

First, I would like to thank to Gattafish and everyone else that made this trip possible for such a great cause. Sounds like most of you picked up on the hints. Since this is such as great cause, I knew it was right to invite RI Bass to join me given his generous donation (and company match). I was even more stoked when he accepted.

I look forward to meeting, learning from and fishing with a great group!

Thanks again!
JC

FishMTK sounds like one classy Dude!!!!

Hope you guys have a great time.

Congratulations to FISHMTK and a great job by GATTAFISH for doing this.

FISHMTK- what is you favorite meal ? (Do you like Italian food ?) you can PM me if you like or post here, b/c the Friday night meal will be based on your likes (dislikes)...and don't worry about the others in the group. I can assure you they won't starve.

And by the way, let me know what your favorite breakfast is also.


Frank

What a great end to an auction for a great cause. Hey FISHMTK since you are coming on Sat. that is the first night of my week on the Island. You will meet the guys I fish with, hope you have a hood for that wetsuit!:uhuh::shocked:Gary

Congrats to everyone involved! Great job! Enyoy the trip FishMTK.
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Congrats Gents - and Thank You - Worthy cause....

Tom, Greg, and all the others: I know several people who have suffered a TBI, and what you have done here is truly impressive. You should be proud.
And to the winner(s), congrats!
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just don't go out for "a beer" with pete at 1 pm on a day you plan on fishing (although that day was probably better for us than those who made it out to fish).

in all seriousness though, this will be a great trip for whomever wins. those guys know the island and are a good bunch.



Wasn't this the night Paul got a 27-30# and you got your hooks straightened...????? :smash::smash:

nope. that night you guys went to the kittens and mike and i got pounded on the south side, then we all went out later and got into some fish.

the next night pete, mike and i never made it out, but noone who did got anything. although i still wish i made it out that night, heard of some decent fish taken at SE on the ferry ride home.

good times either way.

Thanks for refreshing my memory,,,,, LOL.... my mind is a little foggy from all the trips last year.....



Wow congrats fishmtk should be one hell of a trip with that crew just stay away from the kitty Kat with them. Great cause
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I am staying away from the kittens.... except our last night of the trip in July,,,,, Hmmm,,,, Wonder who will be there that night,,,,

Ok,,, Here’s what we are going to do.

FishMTK has requested that RI Bass come on this trip as well.

And in the words of RI bass “Hell yea I will go”. So it’s a done deal.

And after speaking to both guys there is no question in their generosity and thoughtfulness of each other and for RTHB.

From EVERYONE involved a huge thanks to both guys and from me a personal THANK YOU to them as well.

For Greg… You better run you’re A$$ off.

Now the trip. It was totally obvious they bid for the cause and the bid went over $1000 and then over $1500. So they both will get the additional day PLUS another. I am 100% certain we got some great guys on this trip.

We shifted a couple things to make this work….……

RI Bass will come out on Tues June 12th and stay until Sat. June 16th. FishMTK will come out on Wed June 13th as originally planned and stay until Sunday June 17th. Both guys will enjoy the benefits of the trip

Gary will come on Tues (hopefully early enough to go squiddin) to fish with RI Bass and then return on Sat night to fish with FishMTK. Pat Abate and Dennis Z. will keep their original schedules since they both already have ferry reservations but will plan to fish with both guys…..

John from Twin Maples on Block and Al from Lemire’s Plugs both made offers to do what it takes to accommodate the extras on this… So lets thank them both as well… side note: Fish MTK said he would sleep on the floor so RI Bass could go… Well… again generous offer but, probably the only thing that WILL NOT happen on this trip…….

Now… If anyone has any suggestions or thinks we may have over looked something Please let me know…

Most importantly…… THANK YOU to JohnR and S-B.com for not just allowing this but also being a HUGE supporter of GregW and RTHB

Sincere thanks again…. Tom

Guest Guides & Supporters who helped make this auction happen.

The Lajoie Family (and no Pete .. Text pictures of 30# fish at 2am last night was not funny)
Pat Abate
Dennis Zambrotta
Gary Soldati
Lemire’s Plugs
Twin Maples
The Narragansett Inn
Super Strike
Left Hook Lures – Plug Pack
Surfcasters Journal
Piemma - 2 BI Dannys
Fins32 - 12 tied siwash
JoeBaggs Bucktails - Block Island Bucktail package
The Dad Fisherman - Block Island Needles (Makes sweet needles)
Big Water Lures - Big Water Pikes
Rivers End Tackle - Rigged Eels

For Greg… You better run you’re A$$ off.

:rtfm:

I certainly do hope this epic adventure is well documented.

Great job guys :humpty:

-spence

Way to go, guys! That's a huge donation for a great cause. Kudos to the high bidders and especially to Tom and the BI crew who are hosting and guiding. This is an amazing trip and as Spence said, make sure you document it.

:rtfm:

I certainly do hope this epic adventure is well documented.

Great job guys :humpty:

-spence

It will be documented - whether it's epic or not depends on the what the striper gods challenge us with.

I'll be sure to write up a story if Tom and others agree to it.

Looking forward to contacting RIBass and FishMTK personally to establish communications.

Thanks Tom and others for coming through big time.

Bravo Zulu!

DZ

Nice work by everyone involved!

Great job to all. Makes this old vet proud to be part of this organization. The only reason I didn't bid was because I can't fish that hard anymore.
The Block, Cutty, Montauk, are places that require a lot of stamina if you are going more than 2 or 3 night straight.
The 2 guys who won are in for the trip of a lifetime
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Congrats to the both of you and get your sleep now. Cause your going to need it. Sun down to sun up. Block island tends to give you 3rd shift hours. :) I know that both of you will enjoy this trip and get into fish. I mean just look at the experience your going to fish with.. Have Fun be safe and land 40lber.

I can't believe the success of this auction. With FishMTK's winning
bid of $1,600 and RIBass's donation of his bid and matching contribution is
another $3,200. Fantastic, it adds up to over $4,800. And for a great cause. Congratulation to everyone... It just goes to show you how the
Boss can pick great people for his website. Johnny R you're the greatest.

Looking forward to this trip. Thanks to all the bidders. Get some rest.

Now for my part of the deal FishMTK, send me a PM with the 12 tail hooks you want, colors, size etc.

Y'know, this is a really cool thing that happened here. Very creative and impressive. An event like this is great for so many reasons, not the least of which will be lifelong memories and new friendships that come about as a result. People who don't fish look at me like I'm from Mars when I tell them fishing changed my life because of the associations and connections I've made with so many outstanding human beings. This event for this cause is a perfect example.

Really well done to all of the creators, guides, donors and bidders. You all deserve 50s and our Vets and those serving deserve more!!

ab

"RI Bass will come out on Tues June 12th and stay until Sat. June 16th. FishMTK will come out on Wed June 13th as originally planned and stay until Sunday June 17th. Both guys will enjoy the benefits of the trip"

Had to laugh when I read, "Both guys will enjoy the benefits of the trip", this said from a guy that fished Block for three weeks straight last year, every night!! Come on Tom, your going to kick their butt and they should have some warning!!:jump1:

Congrats to all involved

"RI Bass will come out on Tues June 12th and stay until Sat. June 16th. FishMTK will come out on Wed June 13th as originally planned and stay until Sunday June 17th. Both guys will enjoy the benefits of the trip"

Had to laugh when I read, "Both guys will enjoy the benefits of the trip", this said from a guy that fished Block for three weeks straight last year, every night!! Come on Tom, your going to kick their butt and they should have some warning!!:jump1:

Gary this is their trip....I will let them choose the pace......

I will be sure to save plenty of energy for the following week when I fish with your group..... :devil2:

I just got a message from Steve @ SUPER STRIKE..... He also sent me a picture of the custom needlefish lure donation he is making,,,,, all I can say is "WOW HFS" they look incredible.......

:nopics:

I just got a message from Steve @ SUPER STRIKE..... He also sent me a picture of the custom needlefish lure donation he is making,,,,, all I can say is "WOW HFS" they look incredible.......

:nopics:

hahaha, tattoobob, i concur. Cough them up :)

I found the pic on Face Book

Thanks TB.. Club meeting tonight and no posting pics from mobile phones.....
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Talked to Pat Abate last night and he is in for another night since we are taking the TWO top bidders... FishMTK and RI Bass......

Communication has been established, Donations being made, Dinner menus in the works,,,, This thing is going to come fast..... and while on the Island we will fish like machines.... That I promise....

This week will start praying to the "Big Fish Gods" and doing the "bait" dance....

After 2 years with a go pro I might actually have to take this thing out of the box and film something..... We will make sure we document this trip. As well.. The title says it all "ULTIMATE BLOCK ISLAND TRIP"TM & "ULTIMATE BLOCK ISLAND SURFCASTING TRIP"TM ................ Goal,,, "TRIP OF A LIFETIME"TM ,,,,,,,,, Just wait.............

I knew when we put this trip together I would personally look forward to it but I just can't explain HOW MUCH since talking to both guys..... These guys are READY and they are going to bring it.......

As of this date those titles are now TM of Commando Surfcasting and should only be used for charity purposes and never someone trying to imitate this for personal gain......

Big props and honors to all that put this together and to Greg who now needs to set a record time on his run (better him than me, right? :rotf2: )

As Dennis said: BZ :kewl:

Great outcome for a good cause :claps::claps:

Can't stop checking this thread awesome job no one more deserving than OUR troops . With the terrible news about Mr. Tim Coleman I can't help but wonder what this will add to to this epic adventure . Thanks to all .
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Can't stop checking this thread awesome job no one more deserving than OUR troops . With the terrible news about Mr. Tim Coleman I can't help but wonder what this will add to to this epic adventure . Thanks to all .
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Dave.... I will say with respect that we will be fortunate to be in good company. It may be quiet at first but knowing we are absolutely privileged for these guys to come together to do this will truly be special.

I assure you we will stand where the great ones have stood and where battles for big fish have been won and lost.

We will honor their hard work and dream of their successes. Without a doubt we will remain humble and do our best to make them proud.

No matter what the outcome or how many fish we catch this group will be bonded forever by our efforts and the contributions we have made for a great cause, by a great group of friends.

Awesome . I know that our fishing community will truly honor Tim and the Vets on this trip.
We all know Tim will be watching over you guys just make sure you get that camera working and hopefully when you get back we can all be a part of this trip. Thanks to all
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First of all , I can not say thank you enough to everyone, especially Tom for making this happen. This cause means a lot to me and to see so many people get behind it really brings a smile to my face. It is amazing what a community can accomplish. I really appreciate everything, that everyone has done to help out on this.

I am sure the top bidders are in for a true trip of a lifetime. And they should definately heed the advice and rest up. The last time I fished with Tom, we fished Friday to Sunday and slept a total of about three hours.

Not sure if anyone is paying attention but this trip is less than 2 weeks away,,,,,,

Tom is a great guy, heard all about his "block bible"


And where did you hear about this????

Finalizing a few details and this years' trip will be auctioned off very soon.

Its been a rough winter but finally things are starting to shape up,,,

The house is rented the Guides are Ready and most importantly We want to raise money for a great cause,,, Hopefully the short timeline will still allow some great fisherman to bid this for the right reasons,,,

Last year we had some incredible results and had the opportunity to fish with a couple great fisherman who did wellon Block.. This year I want to personally extend an invitation to last years winners to come to block again for free and prefish the island with the Commando Pro Staff...

Details to follow,,,,,

I also want to reach out to ALL Companies who donated last year and assisted in promoting this.