Rudi has set new standards for taking extraordinary steps in the handling of his fish, from bleeding fish out to using ice brine slurry baths, he is among the most experienced fishermen in the fleet and has a legendary reputation working with a rod-and-reel, sometimes reeling in three fish at a time while using only two hooks. Over past decades Rudi has developed an intuitive ability to find fish, has mystified other fishermen with his techniques and is known for always returning home with a healthy haul of either inshore or offshore species. An original visionary behind the Dock to Dish Montauk program, Rudi has supplied the cooperative with the finest fish since before it was formally launched to the public, and has been the most steadfast pillars of support in the effort to reconnect chefs and restaurants with the Montauk commercial fishing community.

At Dock to Dish Montauk we have pioneered unique community-based seafood sourcing programs which provide forward-thinking chefs and members of our cooperatives with direct dock access to incredibly fresh, wild, sustainable seafood that is accurately curated and fully trackable and traceable to the source of origin and fisher who harvested the haul. Dock to Dish Montauk is a strictly supply-driven, membership-based model which was founded by a crew of veteran seafarers who launched the original Community Supported Fishery program of New York State; and then established the first Restaurant Supported Fishery program in North America.