He died Mon Jan 25. What a character he was. RIP Ernie.
http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starl...&pid=138983940
Ernest Wuesthoff Jr.
Ernest Wuesthoff Jr., fisherman and owner of "The Bait 'n' Tackle Shop" in Normandy Beach since 1962, passed away on Monday. He was 84. He was known as "Ernie" to all who encountered him. Ernie was a lifelong resident of New Jersey. He went to school in Union City, and then joined the Navy. He was proud to serve his country in World War II. Ernie learned to fish soon after he could walk. He would watch his father play baseball at Hudson County Park, and he soon stumbled upon the fishermen lining the banks of the Hudson River.
Ernie would swear that, at age four, he spotted his first fish swimming by prior to catching it. Ernie, like many of his peers, had to grow up fast. He took his first job at a bait and tackle shop when he was just 7 years old. He credits shop owner, Muriel Owens, with much of his fishing prowess and business savvy.
While Ernie never cared as much about baseball as his father and his younger brother, George, did, it was Ernie who would cross paths with one of the greatest ballplayers of all time, Ted Williams. Ernie and Ted were stationed in Pensacola, Fla., in the 40s. The two bonded quickly over their love of fishing. They were also both skilled gunsmiths. Ernie and Ted fished together for many years after their military service ended. Ernie opened his first shop "Cliffside Rod and Gun" in 1946.
However, Ernie always had his eye on the Jersey shore, and in 1962, he opened up shop in Normandy Beach. At that time "The Bait 'n' Tackle Shop" was the only game in town.
He built a reputation as an honest, knowledgeable fisherman. He loved to teach people the joy of fishing, especially children. Generations of fishermen have learned from him. His students have returned year after year with their children and grandchildren, hoping Ernie would impart a bit of his wisdom. His fishing stories have become almost legendary. While Ernie could talk a big game, he could certainly back it up. He knew his stretch of sand better than anyone. If you met Ernie on the beach, he would be sure to point you in the right direction, hand you the best lure, then head off the beach to help his wife, Charlene, at the shop. He just wanted everyone to love fishing as much as he did.
Ernie loved to quote famous authors and poets. Oliver Wendell Holmes was among his favorites. Holmes once said, "Every calling is great, when greatly pursued." Ernie found his calling at an early age, and in his pursuit, he achieved greatness. Ernie's contribution to those lucky enough to know him will last forever.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Charlene Wuesthoff of Brick; his daughters, Holly Crespo of Brick, Jeanne Merry of Toms River, and Paula Robinson of Iowa; his son, Steven Wuesthoff of Toms River; his two grandsons, William and Michael Wuesthoff, and his brother, George Wuesthoff of Atlantic Highlands. Viewing hours are from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a prayer service being offered at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at Weatherhead Young Funeral Home, 885 Mantoloking Rd., Brick, NJ 08723, (732) 920-1811.