TRENTON – The State Senate has officially passed legislation (SJR-146) designating June 1 of each year as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey, named after a well-known restauranteur, veteran, angler, and family man.
The bill had been introduced by Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre (all R-9th). They released the following statement:
“We are proud to announce that our legislation to formally establish ‘Bob Popovics Day’ in New Jersey has been passed by the full Senate. The unanimous, bipartisan support the bill received reflects the deep respect Bob earned throughout his life – as a veteran, devoted family man, innovative entrepreneur, and iconic figure in the fishing community.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Senator Paul Sarlo, Chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, for joining as a prime sponsor and for helping guide this legislation through to final passage.”
“Bob touched countless lives with his warmth and selflessness. Honoring him statewide reflects the deep gratitude and admiration so many feel for all he gave to his community.”
Popovics, owner of the Shady Rest, passed away last year from injuries sustained from a hit-and-run. He was 75.
Heartfelt comments poured in from thousands of people – many local, some from national media.
“There’s no other way to describe Bob Popovics other than to say he’s the most inspirational and innovative saltwater fly tier of all time,” said Ross Purnell, editor and publisher of Fly Fisherman magazine in a comment sent to JerseyShoreOnline.com. “More than 20 years ago he pioneered the use of epoxy and silicone in tying baitfish imitations, and with Ed Jaworowski published the book “Pop Fleyes” (2001). He later moved on to light-cured acrylics and became a specialist in using bucktail to effectively tie giant, lifelike baitfish imitations that don’t carry water and are easy to cast. He described his most recent revelations on materials and design techniques with author Jay Nichols in “Fleye Design” (2016).”
He had been named No. 33 in a story “The 50 Most Influential Fly Fishers” in a 2018 story in that magazine.
Popovics was celebrated for teaching his techniques to others, which grew the number of anglers in the area.
He had been a founder or advisory member of several local fishing organizations. In addition, he had been inducted into the North American Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum Hall of Fame in 2014.
The resolution designating June 1 as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” goes on to tell more of his story.
“Born in Trenton and residing in Seaside Park for many years, Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics has been a longtime resident of the State of New Jersey. Bob has made numerous contributions to his community, the state, and the United States. Bob proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
“Additionally, having taken over the establishment from his parents, Bob and his wife operated the Shady Rest restaurant in Bayville, New Jersey. Bob was also well-renowned in the fishing community for being an avid fly fisherman, master fly tyer, and the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pop Fleyes, a custom fly tying and educational company. His fly designs have been considered groundbreaking and his community meetings led to the creation of the Atlantic Saltwater Flyrodders.
“To recognize Bob’s numerous contributions to the New Jersey community in which he lived, the fishing community, and the United States, it is altogether fitting and proper to designate June 1 of each year as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey.”
The identical companion measure, AJR-209, is awaiting consideration by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
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