Centennial season of Montauk State Park kicks off
Photo by Shari Harris
Jean Morton and James Morton were the special guests at this year’s Opening Day start. Hatchery Manager Kyle Case, at right, gave the countdown for firing the starter pistol, then presented the couple with the 000001 tag.
Photo by Shari Harris
Andy Gerringer, of St. Charles, Mo., brought in the first lunker at 7:20 a.m. He caught the 4 lb. 13 oz. rainbow on a jig.
By Shari Harris
Publisher
Montauk State Park is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and a local couple with strong ties to the park stood on the bridge to fire the opening shot as the horn sounded on Sunday morning. Fishermen wasted no time after the firing of the starter pistol, and a new Catch-and-Keep Trout Season was underway.
James and Jean Morton had the honor this year of firing the first shot and receiving the 000001 tag. The Mortons have lived adjacent to the park for over 50 years, and for 35 years they operated Spring Road Cabins on the west side of the park. Both have historical connections to the area as well. Prior to the formation of the park, their great-grandfathers were co-owners of the Montauk Mill. James’ great-grandfather operated the mill and Jean’s great-grandfather ran the general store located inside the mill. Jean’s grandfather also worked in Montauk valley as a blacksmith. Just downstream of the park is Parker’s Ford, and Jean attended school at Lower Parker schoolhouse near there.
For opening day at Montauk, 2,259 adult tags and 380 kids tags were sold.
