If you’re planning a fishing trip or just looking to get out on the water, Zuke’s Bait & Tackle (13355 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-298-5450) is the place to stock up on anything you might need and then some.
The Zuhoski family opened Zuke’s last year, taking over the former Jamesport Bait and Tackle’s compact shop on Main Road in Mattituck. Those heading out to fish will find different types of bait (worms, clams, spearing), nets, ice, a huge selection of lures, reels and poles, clam rakes, knives, bug spray and more.
There’s a selection of plastic fishing poles and mini-tackle boxes for young fishing fans, along with UV-protective shirts, neck gaiters and hats for the whole family.
Zuke’s first year in business was solid. “We were happy with it,” says Ian Zuhoski, who owns the store with his wife, Grace. “We like to keep [the shop] local — it’s been here in this location 20-plus years.”
One of the most valuable things Zuke’s provides is advice, whether you need to know what the fish are doing, the weather report, fishing regulations or any other important intel for a day on the boat.
1. Crab Trap $68 Mostly used for catching blue claw crabs in the bay or Sound, pick up these wire traps in different shapes and sizes and try to catch your limit (50 crabs per day in New York State).
2. Okuma Fin Chaser Fishing Pole $67.99 This entry-level fiberglass fishing rod comes with a one-year warranty — perfect for a budding fisherman. Okuma is a company in California that promotes responsible angling and healthy marine ecosystems.
3. Clash II Penn Reel $250 This lightweight reel is mainly for inshore use. American-made Penn reels are known to be smooth and durable and have a high tolerance to saltwater corrosion.
4. RonZ Big Game Fishing Lures $19.99-29.99 While Zuke’s carries all types of lures, these colorful, heavy-duty ones are for catching tuna or big bass. “The bass like the colorful ones during the day and the dark colors at night,” says Zuhoski.
Photo Credit: Doug Young
5. Ultraviolet Protection Factor shirt $35 6. Hat $20 Sun protection is a necessity, especially when on the water, and these UPF-rated garments block 98% of the sun’s rays, allowing only a small amount of UV radiation to pass through. The shirt is protective but lightweight; the Zuke’s cap, meanwhile, is popular with Mattituck High School students.
