Due to busy schedules all around, this year's trip is being auctioned off a little late. But, Commando Surfcasting has once again put together a truly unforgettable trip, fishing Block Island with some of the most knowledgeable fishermen.


Bidding will end on Saturday May 18th at precisely 8 PM. (8:00.00)
Make sure to get your bids in early to ensure your chance to go on this trip of a lifetime!


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 Run to Home Base Program and will be a 100% tax deductible charitable donation for the highest bidder.


Your experience:
COMMANDO SURFCASTING SPONSORED TRIP

Dates & Location: June 6th-8th (fishing the nights of the 6th and 7th) 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 the trip will be extended another day (June 5th-8th). If the bidding surpasses the $1500 mark it will be extended again. (June 4th-8th)


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 several 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, and learn some history.
Total Guides combined experience of over 100 years of fishing Block Island.

Guided by:

Tom White - Commando Surfcasting, RH Custom Rods Pro Staff- CTS
Pete Lajoie - Commando Pro Staff, RH Custom Rods Pro Staff-CTS
Will Sirotnak - Commando Pro Staff, RH Custom Rods Pro Staff-CTS
Guest Guides:

Pat Abate - Rivers End Tackle
Dennis Zambrotta - Author
Gary Soldati – Big Water Lures
Toby Lapinski – The Fisherman
John Hanecak – On The Water - Angler of the Year


Bonuses:
Custom Built CTS CB1005-1 . 10' 1 Pc. 3-6 Oz. Courtesy of RH Custom Rods. The rod will be built to the winner's specifications and will be awaiting them on Block Island when they arrive. http://rhcustomrods.com/index.php
Super Strike Lures http://superstrikelures.com/

Guppy Lures http://www.guppylure.com/

4 Beach Master Atom Jr's courtesy of Bobby G from Beach Master

JoeBaggs Bucktails https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joebaggs-Bucktails/257208321020661

Linesider69 - https://www.facebook.com/Linesider69CustomPlugs

Left Hook Lures

$125 Gift Certificate to a S-B Sponsor of your choice - Courtesy of JohnR

Savage Gear http://www.savage-gear.com/

A private lunch/Dinner for the whole crew at the The Narragansett Inn on Block Island and a donation of plugs
- AL Lemire from Lemire's Plugworks comes up HUGE again,,,, http://www.lemiresplugworks.com/ AL has been a HUGE supporter in the past as well.... http://www.blockisland.com/narragansett/







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.





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.

Bidding in this thread?

Bidding in this thread?

Absolutely,,,, We will also be updating the sweeteners as they arrive.... So far I have already heard from

AL Lemire from Lemire's Plugworks comes up HUGE again,,,, http://www.lemiresplugworks.com/

A private lunch/Dinner for the whole crew at the The Narragansett Inn on Block Island and a donation of plugs.... AL has been a HUGE supporter in the past as well.... http://www.blockisland.com/narragansett/



Beach Master

Guppy Lures - http://www.guppylure.com/

JoeBaggs Bucktails - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joebaggs-Bucktails/257208321020661

RH Custom Rods - CTS http://rhcustomrods.com/index.php

Linesider69 - https://www.facebook.com/Linesider69CustomPlugs

This will get really good....


FishMTK and RI Bass...... We hope to have you back to Pre-fish......

just heard from RI Bass,,,, "I'm F'N pumped. I love this #^&#^&#^&#^&. Honest to God, I just love it. And thank you for making it possible. " Guess that means he is coming too,,,,,


The fish below was caught that week during pre-fishing.... I don't think he told a sole,, so,, shhhhhhh,,,,:devil2:

$100

Now someone outbid me fast because I'm in London on the 6th :hihi:

-spence

Bobby G from Beach Master has donated 4 Atom Jr's to sweeten the pot . I will post a pic tomorrow .


On behalf of RH Custom Rods I would like to add a Custom Built CB1005-1 . 10' 1 Pc. 3-6 Oz. Rod will be built to winners specs.
the rod will be waiting for the winner on Block Island when they arrive.

Great job again guys. This is a dream trip for sure.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Great job again guys. This is a dream trip for sure.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Its slowly coming together,,, its been a rough winter,,,,, One thing I can say is that I could not do this without my friends and the kindness of others......

FishMTK and RI Bass...... We hope to have you back to Pre-fish......

just heard from RI Bass,,,, "I'm F'N pumped. I love this #^&#^&#^&#^&. Honest to God, I just love it. And thank you for making it possible. " Guess that means he is coming too,,,,,


The fish below was caught that week during pre-fishing.... I don't think he told a sole,, so,, shhhhhhh,,,,:devil2:

Awesome news!

What a great time it was last year. I wish I had more free time to spent more than a night, but what a night of fishing it was!

$300 I am in

$350

I am going to add a $125 Gift Certificate to a S-B Sponsor of your choice :love:

Great work Greg & Tom and all else involved!

$500
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

$550

Guppy plugs....

Bump for the BRUINS!!!!!!!!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

A commando bag might get me bidding.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

$600
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$700.00

A commando bag might get me bidding.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device
I'll let you use Tyler's! :uhuh:

Trip includes some guided sweetwater largemouth bass fishing if that's of interest to the high bidder.

DZ

I'll let you use Tyler's! :uhuh:

I'm using a bag made of cheesecloth it's wicked pissah! Better off sticking my plugs in my pocket
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Is this the organization?

About the 2013 Run-Walk to Home Base | Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program (http://www.runtohomebase.org/)

If you have info on the Home Base Program, can someone post it?

Thanks!

About the Home Base Program | Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program (http://www.runtohomebase.org/what-is-the-home-base-program)

Pretty sure this is the info
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

About the Home Base Program | Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program (http://www.runtohomebase.org/what-is-the-home-base-program)

Pretty sure this is the info
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thanks Bruce, that is it.

Only a few days left. There's already well over $750 in prizes and there will be atleast one more company donating.

$750 gotta at least match the prizes
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Linesider69 Plugs

$850.00

I have never been to the Block...

It doesn't get much better than this.
Great trip, a great cause, and some great peeps!

$1,000

$1,000

There we go! Let's keep those bids coming! :uhuh:

Bump for a good cause...

Quite the line-up of guides & guest guides!

Ok,,, Due to being super busy with things I (take the blame) screwed up and didnt get in touch with Steve from Super Strike after he had made a commitment to AGAIN provide some SPECIAL stuff for this,,,

So The Super Strike care package will also be added to the goods...

Thanks again Steve....

Ok, already booked for Cutty but can't pass on this. This could really push me to a PB....the company, fun and food...Awesome! $1,100 bid

Great opportunity to gain experience and fish with some of the best of today and of the past. Note to the winner bring red bull and get use to watching the sun rise. Good luck bidding.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Savage Gear is also putting together something for the winner. The bonus package alone is HUGE.

ok,,, The slots are filling in and the Guides have it organized pretty good for the schedule on when and who the winner will fish with,,,,

Just got off the phone with Pat Abate from Rivers End and he will have rigged eels.

I know its early but Just want to thank all my friends for their help on this,,,,

NOW,,,, VERY IMPORTANT NOTE....


The winner makes the donation directly to RUN TO HOME BASE... They will email you the receipt for you to DEDUCT the WHOLE DONATION on your taxes.... YES ,,, TAX DEDUCTIBLE FISHING TRIP,,.....

IT doesn't get any better than that....

$1,200

Confirmed the Dates for Frank Capone....

Frank is an exceptional Cook and also a heck of a fisherman... Last year he cooked an incredible meal and unbelievable pizza..... granted he will be improvising on Block but I promise he will not disapoint.

His plan this year is to add breakfast one day to his already generous dinner plans.,...

At some point maybe we can get him to disclose his secret... Not only how to catch a 40# fish on Block but also get someone else to carry it to the truck,,,,,,:devil2:

Great cause for the War Fighter.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Hours left. Keep those bids coming.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Less than three hours to go.
Who's going to win the trip of a lifetime.

Somebody should really bid this up at this price it's a steal. I'd do it but I'm going to be out of country.

-spence

I was fortunate to win this last year. For anyone thinking of bidding, let me assure you this was truly an awesome experience. Regardless of your experience level, you will learn a ton. The guys in the house and the guides were all good people, passionate about fishing and supporting this important cause!

Bid hard...you will not regret it.

I'm in for $1300

$1655

$1660

$2000

$1,701

Nice work Puppet! Have an Awesome trip!!

Nice work Puppet! Have an Awesome trip!!

Thanks.
Never been in an auction before....pretty exciting stuff.

I really think it is hard to put a value on a trip like this. Both in content and cause.

Thanks.
Never been in an auction before....pretty exciting stuff.

I really think it is hard to put a value on a trip like this. Both in content and cause.

Agreed! Tight Lines!!

Nice job guys. I can't thank you enough for bidding for the cause.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Nice job guys. I can't thank you enough for bidding for the cause.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

This is just a sick trip.
It is a crazy gift to put this together for the community. I still cannot believe that I am actually going.

Thank you.

$2000
Because the bidding has surpassed another $500 increment we are offering an additional day (Monday) if that works with your schedule.

Congrats! Better start resting up.

Congrats! Better start resting up.

Jeepers!

Its gonna be a marathon. I cannot wait.

Damn Stephen, you're going to have a couple sick trip this year!!!

Congrats man!

Awesome work by everyone involved.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

nice work puppet - congrats

Damn Stephen, you're going to have a couple sick trip this year!!!

Congrats man!

Awesome work by everyone involved.



nice work puppet - congrats


Thanks guys. I cannot wait.
I might not be able to sleep between now and then.

If any of you have advice for someone new to Block Island, I am all ears.

Good work puppet. Going to be a trip of a lifetime.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thanks guys. I cannot wait.
I might not be able to sleep between now and then.

If any of you have advice for someone new to Block Island, I am all ears.
Yes,start catching up on sleep now.. Congrats!!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Puppet. I will be in touch with you to help you plan everything. If you have any questions we can discuss them then.

Get in touch with DZ also. He has a copy of his book you want to try and read before too.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Nice job and congrats, Steven!!... This trip is unbelievable and the knowledge you'll gain will last a lifetime! Have a blast, and bring a notebook!! Way to go, bud!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Puppet. I will be in touch with you to help you plan everything. If you have any questions we can discuss them then.

Get in touch with DZ also. He has a copy of his book you want to try and read before too.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Right on. I have to start making a list of things I want to ask.
I will pm DZ.

Nice job and congrats, Steven!!... This trip is unbelievable and the knowledge you'll gain will last a lifetime! Have a blast, and bring a notebook!! Way to go, bud!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thanks Man! I am so pumped!

Congrats Puppet!

Whoa ... awesome trip, awesome cause, awesome benefits - looking forward to the great recap ... catches, stories, pics, etc.

Way to go, was out of town for the last part. Can be nothing but awesome with these guys!!! At this place!!
Rick Seifert

Congrats Puppet I have your package ready for shipment and Enjoy the trip and enjoy the island. You will learn a lot and just have fun. JB.
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Congrats Puppet. You'll meet some great folks. Good luck.
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Very nice fundraiser. Congrats to all! Hope the fishing is epic!

Puppett - check PMs so I can work out your prize!

Congrats

Thanks guys. I spoke with Greg, Dennis, and Tom over the
weekend. It sounds like its going to be a blast. The more I
hear about the trip the more I am just blown away by the
generosity of all the people involved.

It should be epic!

Congrats Puppet I have your
package ready for shipment and Enjoy the trip and enjoy the island. You will learn a lot and just have fun. JB.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I am so looking forward to the bucktails you selected. I received
my order I placed with you a last week for some canal goodies
and they look awesome. I cannot wait to use them.


Puppett - check PMs so I can work out your prize!
Congrats

Thanks. Very cool!

$2000

Amazingly generous bid! See you on the Porkchop!

Amazingly generous bid! See you on the Porkchop!

Yeeeeeaaaaaaah!

I have been reflecting on this a bit, and I do not feel generous, as it
was the bid that I truly feel the trip is worth. With the extra days
added it is worth even more, but my budget capped out where it
did, and the auction played out in my favor.

The opportunity to rub elbows with such a talented group is really
priceless, and I see all of you and the sponsors as the ones who are
being so generous with your time and resources. You guys are the
ones with the amazing generosity. Thank You!

Best of luck and good all the way around for all involved.

This is Painted Rock - I took 2 days ago.

Just to get you guys in the mood.

Best of luck and good all the way around for all involved.

This is Painted Rock - I took 2 days ago.

Just to get you guys in the mood.

That's nice. Thanks for sharing.

Best of luck and good all the way around for all involved.

This is Painted Rock - I took 2 days ago.

Just to get you guys in the mood.

Any fish? was out there for the day Thursday (work related) and it was relatively stirred up in tight on the S. Side...

I have always wanted to paint that rock in a faux granite texture to make it look like someone replaced it with a new one. :hihi:
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Even though it is over, I thought a bump on Memorial Day weekend was appropriate. Everyone should be commended for being so generous to a worthy cause.

Caught up with the winner last week,,, Once again we have a GREAT guy coming,,, In talking I decided heck with waiting until the specific day and asked him to come Sunday night instead,,,, So it will be almost a week of fishing and fun,,,,

Puppet. Congratulations on your winning bid and I'm sure you'll have a great time on this noteworthy trip. While I've fished BI several times, I won't be offering you much fishing advice while I'm out there as you will be in the company of some real experts.

Actually, I'll be the guy getting off the ferry with rolling pins, pizza pans, fresh erbs, food stuffs, my espresso pot, and .... 6 black sluggos.
Anyway, I be cooking while I'm there and planning at least 1-2 major meals suited to your specific tastes. Feel free to PM me your food likes /dislikes so I can give the menu some thought.
Naturally, with the last name "Capone", Italian is my specialty, but anything goes. I hope to not dissapoint.

Frank

Caught up with the winner last week,,, Once again we have a GREAT guy coming,,, In talking I decided heck with waiting until the specific day and asked him to come Sunday night instead,,,, So it will be almost a week of fishing and fun,,,,

Right on! This trip just keeps getting better and better. Not to
mention Tom spent about 4 hours the other night giving me the
download on what to expect and some crazy stories from other
seasons.

Six nights of fishing. Its gonna be a marathon....I am really pumped!

Puppet. Congratulations on your winning bid and I'm sure you'll have a great time on this noteworthy trip. While I've fished BI several times, I won't be offering you much fishing advice while I'm out there as you will be in the company of some real experts.

Actually, I'll be the guy getting off the ferry with rolling pins, pizza pans, fresh erbs, food stuffs, my espresso pot, and .... 6 black sluggos.
Anyway, I be cooking while I'm there and planning at least 1-2 major meals suited to your specific tastes. Feel free to PM me your food likes /dislikes so I can give the menu some thought.
Naturally, with the last name "Capone", Italian is my specialty, but anything goes. I hope to not dissapoint.

Frank

Wow! Thats pretty cool.
I eat everything, so the canvas is yours. I am Looking forward to the feast!

Thanks Frank!

Well, as of 8:15am on Saturday, there were no reports of stomach illness, food poisoning, or anyone being evacuated from the island due to my cooking. As for the fishing and the good times, I'm going to defer Tom, Pete Lajoie, Toby, JLH, DZ, Chuck, Gary Soldati, Pat Abate, and all the others who spent time fishing with Puppet. I can only say that Puppet is a great person and was very appreciative of the trip.

Tom- great job sponsoring this 2 years in a row !!!!!

Frank your cooking was fantastic, and needless to say I had a blast.

I am on the road for the next couple of days...but when i get home I intend on writing up a report on the week and the fantastic experience I had on this trip.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all contributers of this trip. I am really humbled by the caliber of people both on the trip and behind the scenes.

It was awesome.

Well, as of 8:15am on Saturday, there were no reports of stomach illness, food poisoning, or anyone being evacuated from the island due to my cooking. As for the fishing and the good times, I'm going to defer Tom, Pete Lajoie, Toby, JLH, DZ, Chuck, Gary Soldati, Pat Abate, and all the others who spent time fishing with Puppet. I can only say that Puppet is a great person and was very appreciative of the trip.

Tom- great job sponsoring this 2 years in a row !!!!!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

It was an enjoyable trip for a great cause. Kudos to everyone involved. Steve (Puppet) is a very nice person whom I feel privileged to have met. I wish I could have found him some striped bass on my night out with him but it was not to be. But we did manage to have a great day sweetwater fishing for largemouth bass. Thank you to Chuck "Eelbob" Duval for renting the house, Tom and Greg for set up. Capone for some great grub - he even put a cherry on my pancakes - I'm a little worried by what that might mean ;) Pete Lajoie for finding the bass and sharing the location (real class act), Pat for some great stories and good company. Toby for finding some larger specimens.
Few photos of Puppet and some Block largemouths.
Thanks for the invite Tom.

DZ

The fishing was slow but it was a great group of guys and I thoroughly enjoyed my two nights on the island. Frank's cooking was great, no worries about going hungry on this trip!

Steve is a real nice guy and very passionate about the sport it was a pleasure geetting to fish with him I just wish we could have found some more fish while we were out there.

Thanks again to everyone involved in setting this up and to Steve for making the donation to a great cause.

Its getting to be that time a year again,,,,,,

Best thing about being a previous Winner of the Auction is You are invited back FREE to fish again during that week for a couple days,,,,,,,

I can't wait to see what this package looks like this year. This is quite possibly the single best thing in the entire surfcasting community. Really proud to consider you guys friends.

I can't wait to see what this package looks like this year. This is the single best thing in the entire surfcasting community. Really proud to consider you guys friends.
Fixed it for you..a trip like this is a dream trip. I don't think any winning amount is truly worth hanging around these guys learning from them.

I can't wait to see what this package looks like this year. This is quite possibly the single best thing in the entire surfcasting community. Really proud to consider you guys friends.

Well that's great news. And it means that this is turning out the way it was meant to. To make friends, raise money, and bring people together and have a great time. It it ever strays from that I will personally make the donation myself and go fish with friends.

As for sponsors this year. Well. I haven't talked to many yet but as per standing agreements from years past and to keep it short. THEY ARE ALL IN.

Also. Will be adding StormR as a sponsor.

Now. In case any of you forget JohnR is a huge supporter of this and gives us free run on making this happen. HE CAN'T BE THANKED ENOUGH.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Its getting to be that time a year again,,,,,,

Best thing about being a previous Winner of the Auction is You are invited back FREE to fish again during that week for a couple days,,,,,,,

Fantastic, and you are right that coming back each year is nothing short of awesome. Looking forward to the upcoming auction. Thank you to you, John and all the sponsors!

I don't think any winning amount is truly worth hanging around these guys learning from them.

It is really a trip that I will never forget.

This was last year's recap.
http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripertalk/showthread.php?t=82892

The trip alone is worth much more than my winning bid...not even
accounting for the experience and skill of the fisherman with whom I
was sharing the beach with. These guys are the cream of the
crop and some of the best people you will ever meet.

Nowhere else can you find access to a week of guided fishing with
some of the best striped bass fisherman on the planet....and at the
same time, make a significant donation to the soldiers who have
sacrificed for us. Such an easy decision to make.

good form guys !!!!