This one hits me exceptionally hard. Aside from my immediate family members there are few people I love and respect as much as Capt. Neil. He was my mentor and the main reason my charter business is still running today. Anyone who knew the man, even briefly, could immediately sense his love of life and compassion for others.
Personally, we were good friends for something in the neighborhood of 40 years. He built all but one of my custom rods which I cherish and still use today. He built a beautiful Striped Bass rod for my wife that she also adores. One of my most enjoyable experiences as the son of a fisherman was to watch Capt. Neil spend a huge amount of time consulting with my dad on the one and only custom rod he ever owned during his lifetime.
I had the honor of taking Capt. Neil and a few other close friends out on my boat on several occasions over the years. I had the even greater honor of taking his family out on several other trips as well. All very special memories for me and I hope for Neil and his family as well.
While he seemed to love catching almost any species, I firmly believe that Fluke held the most hallowed space in his heart. I still chuckle when thinking about the days when the Sea Robins would overwhelm our Fluke catching efforts. He would often proclaim, "I think I have another
Irish Fluke" on the line!
Attached are some photos of just a few of the very fond memories I have of this great man. The shot of him with the young boy holding the nice Striped Bass is not one of Neil's children. It was a very lucky young man whose Dad had won my raffle trip at Ward Melville HS many years ago. I promised the dad that his kids would get to fish with a legend that day!
To the best of my knowledge, Capt. Neil never did catch that DD Fluke he was always chasing. I have a feeling he will be coming face to face with his trophy very soon.
RIP and God Bless you, my friend.
Capt. Mike
Yes RIP capt neil ,,,,,,,
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