Customer Reviews

Night Tides: The Striper Fishing Legend of Billy the Greek

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Forget about the fishing for a moment, understanding the type of dedication required to become just good at the sport of catching striped bass is one thing, the level by which the Greek operates in is one of a different zip code altogether.

I will say for those new to striper fishing and interested in pursuing the sport for the first time, the Greek certainly describes in detail the fish and conditions needed to achieve your goal. As for fisherman who are further along at the sport, the information is refreshing, reaffirming and insightful.

There is much good amusing and educational reading in Night Tides. I recommend it both for new and establised fisherman alike!

Michael G. Cinquemani's, Night Tides, featuring striped bass legend, Billy (The Greek) Legakis, is as unique as the relationship between the two men; that is, teacher and student with their roles reversed. Cinquemani, an English teacher at the time their friendship was formed three and a half decades ago, was accosted by a fourteen year old cocky kid who was willing to impart his knowledge of striped bass fishing in exchange for a long ride to the beach that his minibike and gear proved challenging.

"Hey! I seen you leave with a fishing rod a lot in the afternoon, but I never seen you come back with any fish. I'll make you a deal. You drive me over to the beach and I'll show you how to catch a bass .... No, really, it takes me twenty minutes on my bike just to get to the Monroe jetty--plus you try riding with a ten foot surf rod and a lure bag. And I got to limit my choices, which really cramps my style. With your car, as pathetic as that thing is ... we can really cover some territory. Really. I can even show a hopeless guy like you how to catch fish."

And so the rest is history, or more accurately, an accounting of life's lessons revealed through a spirited rapport. Billy, to this day, does not score scores or even hundreds of stripers a season; he takes thousands! A fish tale, you say? Not when you do the math! Not when you add The Greek's acumen and compulsion into the equation, for the man fishes twice a day, every day, for a 250 day striper season, equalling approximately 1800 hours. He fishes in any kind of weather, not excluding storms of the decades. He fishes from shore, boats and bridges. In following Cinquemani's vivid depiction of his friend's extraordinary feats, the reader is indeed awed by the audacious man's strength, agility and tenacity in targeting BIG bass; 40-50 pounds and over. Billy's single-minded goal in life? To break the current world's striper record. One of Michael's? To write that story of the century.

Having grown up on Long Island I've heard of the legend and stories regarding the subject of NIGHT TIDES. Many of the stories and expiriences contained in Mike Cinquemani's book have become legend and lore of many of the old time fishermen that spin tales in the off-season at any of the tackle shops that dot Long Island. Many of those tales are about the incredible numer and size of Billy "The Greek" Legakis' Bass. Mike Cinquemani's ability to bring the reader along with Billy on some of his many midnight hunts is incredible. Billy Lagakis' fresh, matter of fact approach to fishing trophey bass is refreshing to say the least. Bill Legakis lives the life that so many of us fisherman can only dream of. Mike Cinquemani brings the reader along for the ride.

I just didn't want this book to end. It will definitely fire you up to go fishing. Because that's what the book is about -- the fire and dedication of Billy the Greek. Cinquemani really captures the all-important intangibles of striper fishing: the majesty and mystery of the fish themselves, and the drive and determination of those who are successful in catching them. It's not a how-to book per se; rather, as I said above, addresses the most important ingredient of success: the desire and persistence of those who pursue them. Billy does reveal the fundamentals, but he also shows you that just knowing them is not enough; you have to apply them, no matter how tough or how much time it takes. Anyone who calls himself or herself a striper fisherman will love this book.

Growing up within a mile of the ocean for over 25 years I could never understand the extremes one would endure and demonstrate while fishing. The Greeks passion and success for large fish have enlightened me. He has made fishing a science and an art.

This book kept me up for several nights straight. It is not a long book by any means and the average reader can go cover-to-cover in a few hours. However, one WILL find one or two things they missed upon every subsequent reading of the book.

This book is not written by a "Hard-Core" fisherman. Rather, it is the story of a "Hard-Core" fisherman. Mr. Cinquemani, a former NYC English teacher employs his grasp of the English language and writes in a way that is not only understandable, but entertaining to his readers. While the book is about fishing, it is not a "How-to" book and Mr. Cinquemani's choice to not focus on the technical aspect of fishing (i.e. equipment, knots, strategy), combined with his writing skills, does not leave one feeling empty upon the first completion of the book, or all subsequent completions for that matter.

Night Tides is about Billy "The Greek" Legakis, a legend in the striped bass fishing world. It is the story of this man's ongoing pursuit for the "Largest" striped bass. Stories of this man's introduction to this fish, his obsession with this fish, and his unparalleled pursuit of this fish grace the pages of this book. Several pictures are also included in the book, adding to the whole experience.

Having read the book several times, I am not only astonished by the sometimes unbelievable accomplishments of this particular fisherman, but grateful that the paths of these two gentlemen crossed when it did. While the stories of "The Greek" are truly amazing, without Mr. Cinquemani's abilities, these stories may very well have been untold. My utmost gratitude to Mr. Cinquemani and Mr. Legakis for choosing to share their stories with the rest of the world.

After relocating to California from New York, I'm always on the lookout for reminders of my home surf and turf. So when a friend sent me his copy of "Night Tides" to read, it didn't take much convincing to get me to check out the work of its local author.
As a casual fisherman, I always wondered why I never scored well with big striped bass, the glamour species of the northeast. Now I know. While the author makes it clear that almost anyone can catch his or her occasional striper if good fortune smiles, this study of one man's obsession with one extraordinary species of fish transports you into a world that very few of us will ever get to see. The true-life story traces the evolution of "Billy the Greek" from his pre-teen years of striper fever to his present day 24/7 quest to find and battle the new world's record striper. Along the way the reader is treated to a narrative style that ranges from amusing sparring between author and subject -- to delicate brush strokes of poignant verbal imagery.
This is a quick-paced, enjoyable read. My wife, a non-fishing nature lover even declared the story to be "fascinating." And the pictures are enough to make a serious fisherman cry.
I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't fine "Night Tides" a wonderful alternative to actually "being there" for the adventure.

If you are a striped bass fisherman, this book will not let you down. I read it in 2 days. Eccentrics like Billy make life interesting. On a sad note, I can't imagine what it must have been like to fish back in the 60's and 70's before we wiped out the majority of these monster bass.

For a Striper fisherman, this is a GREAT book for those needing to review their fishing techniques and to check if their fishing equipment are up to standard. A few tidbits that were mentioned has helped me see the whole picture better and narrow down my approach to the specific target. As a result, I have tossed out the extraneous lures and happily carry fewer gears.

The book is a very easy read. BTG is a unique man with a true obsession with the straiped bass and the sea. A great book if you are not a fisherman and an even better one if you are. I let a buddy borrow it and he is not a fisherman. He is three quarters finished on the second day of his read. Go for it!