I can remember back some 20 years ago, hearing about fly fishing for stripers on the east coast… specifically, Montauk. Being a west guy, I had at that point never traveled further east than Chicago, and had no clue what the east coast was all about. In my mind, it was a place of tall buildings, lots of people, and very small waves.
The furthest point east in America, Montauk sits at the end of Long Island Sound. Driving from LaGuardia International Airport to Montauk is a true test on one’s patience, taking the better part of 3 hrs to reach the center of town.
I arrived late, well past 9 pm, but just in time for a beer at the Shagwong Tavern… an old, dark, beer joint where the Rolling Stones and other icons from the entertainment world would hang out with Andy Warhol during the raging 70′s. I could feel the history bleeding from its walls as I drank my beer, and thought about my next 5 days chasing the fall stripers with Capt. Paul Dixon.
Capt. Dixon is the man. Confidante, engaging with an east coast swagger and a touch of California cool. He was born in Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, California during the mid-1950s. He spent his early years as I did, surfing and fishing the deep, cool Southern California waters a few steps from his mother’s home. He left Southern California in the early 90′s, moving to Montauk.
Some people might tell you Paul Dixon was not the first fly rodder on Montauk, but he sure was the first to put Montauk on the map as a world-class saltwater fly fishing destination. He opened a fly shop, started a guide service and tirelessly promoted the fishery throughout the 90′s. He trained and mentored most of the best guides that work the Montauk waters today, and is the areas fly fishing striper ambassador. Read more….
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