Mr. Poseidon’s Second Annual 3-Day Striper Challenge will be returning to Montauk. The challenge begins on Thursday, October 20th at 8:00 a.m. and goes until Saturday, October 22nd at 4:00 p.m. It will take place at Montauk Manor, and check in will be at the Lighthouse lower parking lot on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Poseidon’s Striper Challenge is a surfcasting catch and release-only challenge. Registrants will receive a Rapala Retractable Ruler at check-in and submit a picture of their striped bass from tip of snout to tip of tail during the challenge. The largest striped bass in length will win first prize, which starts at $500 and will increase with each registration entry.
Eric, who is known as Mr. Poseidon on his YouTube channel, spoke about the spirit of the 3-day striper challenge, why he started it, and his goals going forward.
Eric says, “I’ve always been a giver. Even as a kid I’ve always wanted to give, and this has grown with me throughout my life. I used to give away my Matchbox sets when I was younger to kids who didn’t have them. Even at Christmas time it was never about getting, but always giving. There’s no greater feeling than seeing someone receive a gift they love, it’s an indescribable feeling.” Eric began the striper challenge with this giving spirit a year ago, noting that he does not make a profit by holding this event and puts up his own money in hopes that those participating will be happy and have a memorable and fun time.
Eric is known as Mr. Poseidon on YouTube, clarifying that although he has a Greek background, he doesn’t see himself as Poseidon, the king of the sea. He says this is why he added the “Mr.” in front, discussing how his viewers seemed to like the name and that it has become his brand and a way for people to trust in his mission.
He explained that he hosts some of the best giveaways on his YouTube channel, and that it’s one of the things he has become known for. Eric described some of the items he gifts, including reels that go for up to $1,000. He says, “People think I’m crazy for doing that, but it doesn’t feel crazy. My channel is about guys who are starting out.” He further explained, “Surf fishing is a loner sport, so bringing people together is a beautiful thing. It’s a tough sport, but there are guys who want to tell their story and there are other guys who want to hear it, so it’s great being able to bring people together who love the sport.”
Striped bass is the most popular fish found in Montauk. Eric noted that they can be hunted throughout the year, but that this is the prime season from September through November. And he said this event is set apart from other events in the area because it’s a community that isn’t very big right now. He says, “I’m looking forward to it because a lot of people will be meeting each other in person for the first time but they’ve met in chats already online so it will be great to bring the community together.” He is most looking forward to meeting all the new people that he hasn’t met before, and he said the experience is made even better because he gets to host the event with his wife.
Last year, Mr. Poseidon’s 3-Day Striper Challenge had 17 participants, and Eric said that this year they are already closing in on 50 with more anticipated. His goal is to grow the challenge each year. He says, “You know something is good when people consistently come to you and tell you they had a great time. The comradery is great to see.” He hopes to eventually grow the challenge enough so that money will be leftover for him to donate to an organization yet to be determined. He is always looking to give and wants to be able to give back to the community with this event, noting that is his ultimate goal.
Eric says that those participating in the event can expect a great time and some great prizes. “No one gives out prizes like this for such a small amount of people. We don’t make a profit, we get rooms for people who can’t afford them so that they can be a part of this, and I just want people to appreciate what I’m doing,” he explained. “It’s tough in this day and age to appreciate anything, but I hope everyone will be happy to be there and have a great time.”
The winner of the challenge will be announced on Saturday, October 22nd around 6:00 p.m. This will be during the awards party, which includes food and drinks for all entrants in the challenge. There will also be drawings for some amazing prizes during that time.
Mr. Poseidon’s 3-Day Striper Challenge is sure to be an unforgettable experience where new friendships and connections can be made in the heart of Montauk! Anyone who is passionate about the sport of surf fishing won’t want to miss this event and the chance to get involved with a likeminded community.
More information about the challenge, rules, and how to register can be found on Eventbrite, as well as a video of last year’s challenge. Visit Mr. Poseidon’s YouTube channel for more information about his mission, great content, and giveaways!
