Leisure  Tymes™     Proud Sponsor of

Jack's Bait & Tackle-City Island, NY

Memories that survive generations are priceless and I can still feel the warm mist of summer mornings during the 1950's walking from the Island Boat Club and going next door to Jacks Bait Shop with my Dad as we readied ourselves for another wonderful day fishing the Western Long Island Sound. In those days we used sand worms a lot as the flounder around the Island was plentiful all year round. Jack's always had fresh worms that would stay alive and fresh in Dad's home made bait box that floated beside the boat when it was not in use. Beside bait the store had plenty of tackle as well. Jack ran the store with his wife Rose and it always seemed that however early we got there they were ready to serve. You always saw the white and orange skiffs from Jacks with fishermen (and women) with smiling faces hauling in flounder, black fish and porgy's from the local spots around the Island as well as places like Execution Light House, Steppingstone Light House, Sands Point and Half Moon Beach. That's because Jack and Rose always knew where to send their customers. They knew that if they caught fish they would be back. That's what business is all about...satisfied customers and repeat business. It's still the same today.

In 1965 the store moved north one lot to 551 City Island Avenue to make room for the expansion of the old Vidal's Marina to become what has been (until 2003) the Royal Marina. In 1992

Jack Rumpf passed on leaving the store to his grandson John (who had been running the store for several years) and today, still family owned since 1945, Jack's Bait & Tackle has the largest selection of fishing tackle in the immediate area and is one of the largest bait wholesalers on the east coast.

After my Dad sold his 21' Owens Inboard Cabin Cruiser around 1962, we would rent skiffs with outboard motors from Jack's. The skiffs were well maintained and always dry, and the motors were always dependable. The last thing you want is to be out fishing and have the engine konk out on you. I can still recall loading the poles and tackle into the skiffs with "old man" Jack pushing us off and wishing us luck. Today you can still rent 4 person 16' fiberglass skiffs 7 days per week. Boats are available on a first come, first served basis beginning at 6 AM and must be returned by 4 PM, and cost $39.99 on weekdays and $49.99 on weekends, includes gas and tax. You can bring your own motor if you wish for a discount. A valid NY driver's license and credit card are required.

Supporter of      

Copyright © 1999-2007 Leisuretyme.net, LLC. Disclaimer. The contents of this site, including the name LeisureTyme.net are subject to copyright protection. Any duplication without expressed permission by LeisureTyme.net, LLC are prohibited. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein LeisureTyme.net, LLC is not responsible for any errors or omissions.  Last modified: May 31, 2007