Tell Me Everything You Know...

[SilverMallard]

Well, If you don't like the way they run things around there, the contract is open for bids every so many years. They are private business owners that bid on the contract. If the park were open to fishing all week, it may become worthwile to keep it open all week. Otherwise, I think they do a fine job at the lodge.

I have no problem with them closing the non-lodging stuff down when the fishing is closed...which is what they do. But when they are taking reservations 365 days/year for lodging and the fishing is F-M, I think I should be able to call at Noon on Thursday for lodging info/reservations and get a call back before midday Friday! And I never said a single word to her when she started making excuses about how they live 39 miles from the park and it's a real hassle for them to provide customer service this time of year. They make BIG BUCKS on these concessions. You'd think they could make sure they got their messages and returned their calls in a timely fashion. But the delay caused us to cancel our plans to go down this weekend.

I am aware that the concessions are up for bid periodically. I fail to see what that has to do with me providing info on my personal experiences with the park to other anglers who also might want to go down there. It was a heads up...call WAY in advance...and the place is NOT open on Thursday as had been previously reported in this thread.

[Greg]

SM

Don't let that experience sour you on trying Montauk. It is a wonderful place to fish year around. It's my and my families favorite place to fish in the state and that's saying a lot.

I think Reeds cabins may be open in the winter and its a nice place to stay as well. The park store is OK but I've often wished for a dedicated fly shop in the area as well as a few more restaurants. That's one of the drawbacks to the area is that it is pretty remote with limited lodging and restaurant options. But of course that is also its charm. One note: forget about cell phone service in the area.

When you fish in the park don't forget to try the catch and release section. It's a pretty unique stretch of water and generally always has some very large fish. The fishing outside the park has always been kind of hit and miss for me. But I enjoy it nonetheless.

Good luck,

Greg

[10pointer]

like others have said reed's should be open and a certain mumber of their cabins are open for reservations i believe during the c&r. You will get through or a fast response because they live onsite in their home there.

The C&R is really a treat and the waters outside the park are a whole lot of fun but sure a whole different animal than in the park.

I love the place, and the winter is a nice time to get away and see very few people in the park....but just wait till march 1st haha!

[Watcher]

In case anyone wants to know, here's what I learned from the woman who owns the concessions at Montauk SP this week:

1. Park is only open Fri-Mon during C&R season for fishing, restaurant, stores, etc.

2. Lodging and camping are open 365 days/year.

3. Water in campground is on/off depending on weather during the winter months.

4. If you call for reservations/info during the week, you probably will have to leave a message and wait until Friday for a return call...which is too late to make plans. And then you get this story about how she lives 40 miles from the park and it's really inconveniencing her to operate this MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR STATE CONCESSION 4 days/week from her home 40 miles away. Poor baby! My heart bleeds for her. And I am so sorry to have inconvenienced her by trying to give her my money.

I'm afraid you got a line feed to you by a woman who is not in any associated with the lodge at Montauk. The concessionare is from Salem (23 Mile)and they have someone at the Lodge every day, Steve or John will take reservations daily.

[SilverMallard]

I'm afraid you got a line feed to you by a woman who is not in any associated with the lodge at Montauk. The concessionare is from Salem (23 Mile)and they have someone at the Lodge every day, Steve or John will take reservations daily.

Interesting. That would mean someone is intercepting their calls and phone messaging system and, for some reason or other, is returning their calls (way too late) just to make them look bad. Yeah, that wouldn't be high on my list of logical explanations.

[crappiefisherman]

If it was me I wouldnt buy my candy bars there.That will show em.Every one has a bad expierience at a business of anykind some time.But most dont harp on it , over and over.