by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
Each year the Montauk Grand Slam Charity Fishing Tournament honors a “Fishing Legend of the Year” and this year it is Captain Robert Aaronson. How is the Legend selected?
The Montauk Boatmen Captain’s Association voted and this year’s person selected was Charter Captain Rob Aaronson, whose boat is the Oh Brother. This event is a “one of its kind – inshore charity fishing tournament” that takes place while the Legend of the Year is honored.
Registration begins on Friday, July 18 and the tournament runs Saturday and Sunday, the 19th and 20th. The two day family friendly tournament ends with a party at Uihlein’s Marina and awarding of the prizes. Started over two decades ago, Montauk local, Joe Blocker came up with the idea of a Montauk fishing tournament and together with Henry Uihlein, of Uihlein’s Marina put together this popular and exciting event. It includes several categories where anglers compete to catch multiple species. The Kiwanis Club of East Hampton and the Montauk Friends of Erin, with Sponsor Madison Square Garden Entertainment offering the cash prize for the winner. Anglers compete to catch the largest fish in four categories: fluke, seabass, bluefish, and porgy. Participants MUST catch all 4 species to be eligible to win the Grand Slam and the top prize of $8,000. There are also individual species awards. And let’s not forget the young anglers for this event. Any child, 13 and under that weighs in a fish is eligible to win the Barry Kohlus Memorial inflatable boat and engine. There is also the Rick Willi “Heads Up” Kids Porgy Champion Trophy! For more information and/or to register visit https://www.mtkgrandslam.org/
Captain Aaronson
The Montauk Sun had a chance to chat with Captain Rob Aaronson after he was voted to be this year’s Legendary Montauk Fisherman. When asked how he felt when he heard he was selected, Captain Rob said he “was pretty humbled by the honor and has looked up to many of the captains that voted for him and now he is in the same category.” Originally from the Bronx, N.Y. Captain Rob came to Montauk as a child on vacations with his parents and his dad also loved to fish. After high school in 1979 Rob came to Montauk and started working as a deck hand and mate on other ships until he bought his own in 1982 and now the latest one in 1988. What does he go after on his charter and the answer was “everything from porgy to giant tuna, stripe bass a popular favorite of guests.” An interesting observation he shared during our conversation was that fisherman often have to adjust their work and careers to keep being flexible in the field when perhaps the charter business is slow or it is off season. In other words, to be “able to change hats”. He said there are several other aspects to learn in a fishing career such as longline fishing, which is a commercial fishing method that uses a long main line with baited hooks attached at intervals to catch fish. The main line, which can be miles long, is suspended in the water, either near the surface or on the seafloor, depending on the target species. There is also “dragging” which are two distinct concepts: dragging a lure or bait across the bottom to entice fish or adjusting the drag on a fishing reel. Dragging a lure involves moving it slowly along the bottom so it looks like prey. Last but certainly not least is the art of scalloping in the ocean. This can involve snorkeling or diving in shallow, coastal waters. It is easy to understand the dynamics and skill that goes into being a fisherman and the many aspects of expertise it requires to be flexible in the industry.
When asked how he came to name the boat Oh Brother, Rob explained he is a twin and often when people called it would be “Oh brother!” Even now some call him “Bro” for short. The twin brothers fished for a while together until his brother switched career paths. However, Captain Rob’s son Robert Louis Aaronson is also a fisherman and is carrying on the family fishing dynasty.
To take a peek at Captain Rob’s boat, here is a short video about his charter business. His 40’ foot custom Downeast vessel is ideal for up to 6 passengers on day trips, complete with the latest GPS and Fish Finder technology. https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/4836?booking_days=1&booking_persons=2&booking_children=0&gallery_position=0&gallery=scroll
One final thought Captain Rob shared was his enjoyment in seeing not only repeat guests on his charter boat, but now generations of family members continuing the interest and joy of fishing the waters of Montauk! The Montauk Sun congratulates Captain Robert Aaronson, Fishing Legend 2025!