07/08/2024
There were some Real Heroes Yesterday, some BEHIND THE SCENE Life Savers that allowed the Duke of Fluke 2024 to be successful.. Some of these names you'll know, and some you may not, but BELIEVE ME..without them.. This doesn't happen...
Suzanne Caturano my wife.. Not only does she put up with me, and allows me to keep my home like a warehouse, she was dealing with a likely concussion from a car accident she was just involved in, and she was there every minute, every hour (although she is snoring as I write this) to make the Duke of Fluke what it was..
Lee of the Worm Bar. Lee Manages the AllPro Market & Tackle. She is known as my work-wife. She is that person that JUST GETS IT DONE. I would need 2 hours to thank her, but it will only go to her head and then I would have to pay her more!!! so I'll end it here.. LOL
Kerry Anne Herley and her Husband Robert Herley. They didn't know they were going to be part of the DUKE OF FLUKE until they stopped by Yesterday... but they both saved the day, along with my son Brian.
William Witchey aka Billy Combs, of Combs Bait and Tackle. There is no Duke of Fluke without him.... he has written the script to allow this legacy of a tournament to continue.
Chris Ramos of Pelagic Outfitters. Wow.. is all I can say about this guy. All I can say is that the industry NEEDS HIM... and WE NEED TO SUPPORT HIM. Please, if you are driving down Montauk Hwy, in Lindenhurst, STOP BY HIS SHOP. He always has inshore deals available, and he of course can set you up for your offshore adventures.
Now, there were many people who helped out to make this happen, and maybe one day, if I get a free 100 hours, I will write them all down and give them the recognition that they deserve... but they know who they are, and they know that I'm very grateful for all their assistance and help. So a HUGE THANK YOU TO THEM..
Lastly... Thank you.. Chris Bach, Kelly Meyer for the hats and being a BIG SPONSOR for the Shirts. People don't know this, but the hats were so popular, Chris and Kelly didn't even get one!!!
and thank you to all the GREAT SPONSORS. All 222 people who fished, and those who joined up but couldn't fish, are wearing the coolest Tournament Shirts because of Chimney King Enterprises Inc., DEKit Tristate, Dr Anthony Innamorato/Foot Specialist, Squaw Island Fishing Club, Long Island Salt Savages, Pelagic Outfitters, Marine Mate Rob LoDolce and My Captain Ron's (I thought I was going to be assaulted as I handed out their insect spray..), Mikey Holodinski (wish you could have fished it...most popluar Ball Jig we have at the shop), Tommy Tog Jigs...thanks for the support!!!
And as the smoke clears and I calculate the raffle basket funds..
The Sarcoma Cancer Foundation will be receiving a check for $1835
Tunnel for Towers Foundation will be receiving a check for $1500 (big thanks to JD Stellfox)...
For those Ieft out, I only done so on this post (because I have 0 memory)... you are on my mind and in my heart... THANK YOU...