This article was originally published in Kaleidoscope‘s April 2025 print edition. It is being published as a separate online article now for easy access.
The Ward Melville Patriots Fishing Club held its 12th annual Saltwater Fishing Expo on March 1. The show started in 2013 and has been growing every year since, except for one year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now the largest fishing show on Long Island — this year, there were 212 vendors across 335 tables, with dozens more on the waitlist. The show helps vendors gain exposure across the local fishing community. Funds raised from raffles sold at the show allow the Fishing Club to go on trips in the fall and spring at no charge to students, including seven trips planned across May and June.
The Fishing Club was founded by advisor Bob Wilson 16 years ago. Mr. Wilson explained his motivation by saying, “Fishing is the most expensive, yet cheapest, form of therapy out there.” He started off by reaching out to local businesses in the early years of the show — the first show had 10 vendors — but quickly, vendors began reaching out to him instead. Now, there are businesses from states all along the East Coast, from North Carolina to Maine; even a fishing camp from Alaska attends. The show has reached its maximum floor space and is unable to expand any further within Ward Melville.
This year, vendors came from a variety of backgrounds, with specializations in rods, lures, plugs, charter services, art, apparel and more. In addition, there were tables for organizations and agencies such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program. Many of the vendors contributed to one of the 80 raffles at the show, often worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Because there is no entrance fee to the show, the raffles helped to support the club. Additionally, there were 10 speakers who gave presentations throughout the day, sharing their expertise on different areas of fishing.
Before the show, Fishing Club members, numbering over 40, spent hours setting up over 300 tables across the cafeteria, gymnasium, auditorium entrance and the surrounding hallways. On the day of the show, they helped vendors bring in their supplies and find their spots, and they assisted vendors throughout the day. Jeremiah Moody, the club’s president, said, “My first two years at the club were largely informational, learning techniques of fishing and the different types of local fish. Mr. Wilson and those who were in the club before me have really prepared me to take on the presidential role this year. This year at the show, I had more of a logistical role. I’ve been able to form relationships with many vendors.” Moody was also interviewed for the Bay Rats and Buoys Podcast while at the show.
Many vendors who participated in the show were inspired by the youth participation in the Fishing Club. Brenden Rutigliano of Captree Fuel Bait and Tackle explained, “This expo is the reason I decided to start the Long Island High School Fishing League to encourage more schools to start fishing clubs.” Rutigliano donated eight rod & reel combos as a raffle this year, his 11th year at the show.
Captain Doug Tobak, the owner of Corazon Fishing Charters, has been at the show for four years. At the show this year, he donated a full day charter for a group of six as a raffle and gave a talk which highlighted his insights into fishing on the South Shore. Tobak said, “Bob Wilson and the Ward Melville community have supersized the youth fishing movement. … For me to see that, I want to be all in on helping.” Additionally, Tobak shared, “[The show] has helped us keep in contact with our existing customer base, and it’s allowed us to create new relationships with the fishing community.”
The proceeds from the show go towards funding the club’s trips, which are open to all students at Ward Melville for free. The club also contributes over $9,000 to senior scholarships every year. This year, there are trips out of Port Jefferson Harbor, Shinnecock Inlet, West Meadow and more. Carmine Menna, a member, said, “The Fishing Club has taught me a lot of leadership skills. I really like the trips, not only because I get to go out and catch fish, but because I can help people learn as well.”
Mr. Wilson emphasized that all are welcome on the trips, highlighting the range of students who were in the club, from “lacrosse kids to the football quarterback to kids who are in all kinds of academic pursuits.” Most of the trips are beginner level and don’t require any previous experience, although a couple are more advanced. Mr. Wilson mused, “There’s something about being one with nature. You get to see sunrises or sunsets that no one else gets to view. We live on an island. This is one of the natural resources that you should learn to appreciate and to keep around.”
