Bait Store to Re-Open at Soundview Boatramp

The bait store at the off of Eaton's Neck Road in Northport is a step closer to reopening.

At its Tuesday, April 12 meeting, the authorized Supervisor Frank Petrone to execute an agreement with Mark McGowan for the remainder of the term of the license agreement for the bait and tackle shop at the  facility.

McGowan currently owns and operates Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle at the . The second shop, empty for several years, will be known as Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle East. It will sell bait, rods, provide repairs and more, McGowan posted on his Facebook page Wednesday.

"We will be providing bait and tackle as well as beverages, ice, snacks and pre-packaged food, emergency boating supplies and renting kayaks. Same reliable service as our main store, but at a different location," he posted.

The tackle shop will be open Thursday through Sunday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the beginning of the season and will be adjusted as needed, McGowan said.

Fifteen minute tie-ups are available at the site, also known as the Northport boat ramp or the LIPA boat ramp because it sits at the base of the hulking Northport power plant stacks.  Cow Harbor United Soccer League's local fields are nearby, as well. Parking is not allowed in the massive parking lot without a boat trailer and sticker, which are available through the town's Department of Parks and Recreation.

McGowan is a natural to take over the concession contract, AJ Carter, town spokesman said. "The longtime operator of the bait and tackle shop informed the town a couple of weeks ago that he could not continue this year, prompting the town to search for a replacement who could take over quickly," Carter said. "Mark McGowan is that person."

In 2003, the town entered into a five-year license agreement with Joseph DeGaetano to operate a bait and tackle shop from March 1 to Nov. 30 at the Soundview boat ramp, Carter said. DeGaetano was to make available to the public "live and frozen bait, fishing tackle, engine lubricant, ice, pre-pakcaged snacks and candy, soft drinks and ice cream."

The license fee was $2,700 a year. In December, 2007, the Town Board extended that license agreement for another five years, until Dec. 31, 2012, at the same terms.

The board also approved $1.5 million in funding for sorely needed upgrades to the harbor and dock at the Woodbine Marina in Northport, including dredging and installation of a wave baffle.

In addition, the board appropriated $168,000 for improvements to Hobart Beach's parking lot.