RIP David Arbeitman Reel Seat

[Gerry Zagorski]

Just heard David passed away.. A reel man amongst men and a great ambassador of our sport. RIP David you will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.

[Capt Dave Bender]

Dave was a great friend to me and my family. He supported my charter business with the best service a man could ask for. He was very proud of the fact that he and grant brought spreader bars into popularity in our area. I was lucky enough to work for him building the bars which was a very precise process. Both jimmy and I spent many a Fishermans dinner at the ark in point along with several other of his close friends.

We will see each other again Dave, I will have you in my heart forever❤️❤️

[Porgypounder42]

RIP Dave

[dales529]

Very sad to see this. I first met Dave in 2008 when I started working with SSFFF. Dave and I discussed the fundraiser trip and he was a lot of help as always. We have discussed fishing and regulations ever since. I will miss him as will the entire fishing community once his absence is felt in fighting for our rec fishing rights.
Fair winds and great tile fishing in your next adventure Dave.

[Gerry Zagorski]

That's right Dave and Dales....David was the originator of the high speed spreader bars and was very involved in the SSFFF. He also taught several of us right here how to chase his passion for Tile Fish. A great legacy yet a big void left behind.

Dave Bender - I know you and David were tight and I'm sincerely sorry for your personal loss brother.

I'm certain you and others have a few colorful stories and would appreciate if you would share some here.

No better way to start the healing process and give David an appropriate send off.

[Capt. Lou]

I go way back with Dave when he and Grant were in that small shop in PP probably about 35 years ago !
Over the years we became good friends and business associates . Several times he fished on my boat for fluke which as most bottom fishing he loved .
He was an innovator for offshore anglers and a mentor to a host of others .
Many years back when the fluke organization was fighting for a better season, we put together a deal with a company I worked with at the time AFTCO and designed and sold a fluke T Shirt which the owner of that company Bill Shedd
donated the profits from those shirt sales to Dave’s organization!
If memory serves we came to donate about 25k and that year it went a long way to insuring we had a better fluke season !
It’s a loss to all salt anglers due to the fact he always stepped up on your behalf !
RIP Dave you did more then your share .

[Capt Dave Bender]

I’ll start with this,

Next time you get invited fishing , and you make an excuse not to go, stop yourself and say... f this life is short, I’m going

I just texted jimmy to say, I can’t grasp that I’m never going to see dave again


Guys, take it from an Ol has been... live your best life

[CaptMarc]

I didn't know Dave personally but heard from charter captains and other fishing friends that he would always be helpful. One of my friends went in about learning butterfly jigging and he spend about 1/2 an hour with him.
RIP in peace Dave.

[shrimpman steve]

Very sad to see this. He left a great legacy. A reel mensch (look it up if you don’t know Yiddish)

Rest In Peace my friend
Fair winds and following seas

[hammer4reel]

Sorry to see another pillar in the fishing community pass before their time .

[Ryelof]

I learned more about Tile fishing in a 15 minute discussion with Dave than my 1st 5 times actually fishing for them. R.I.P. you will be missed.

[bunker dunker]

Dave was a good man,always willing to help.rest in peace Dave

[1captainron]

This is never good news to hear. Dave was one of the key players for the SSFFF right from the start of the organization, he put so much hard work & dedication into everything he did.
We all will miss you my friend.

[Kevin Bogan]

I knew Dave for many years. He designed so much great tackle. Had so many innovative ideas. A real gentleman! RIP DAVE!

[Foul Hook]

Didn't really him to well but have been in the store countless times. He would always take the time to make sure you got the right tackle and good information for what ever you were fishing for. That being said his store and personnel are a top notch because he was top notch. RIP brother.

[Jim C]

I was introduced by to Dave a number years ago by my good friend
Archie Steward when I started to do some tile fish trips. He helped me set up for those trips. Archie and I are so sorry hear of the passing of Dave. He was a great guy with good advice to all.

RIP Dave

[jakesdad]

I first got to know Dave thru SSFFF. Always one to be honest and up front with what we where facing. Then became a customer in his shop, he was always knowledgeable and reasonable. Stand up guy that will be missed.

RIP my friend.

[Skolmann]

I got to know Dave over the past few years. Not only would we discuss fishing in our local waters but fishing in Key West-specifically Pulley Ridge as well. In addition we often discussed music as we had very similar tastes. Lastly, we discovered that we were fraternity brothers (Sigma Phi Epsilon) but from different chapters.

He will be greatly missed.

Calms seas my brother and may the deep drop bite always be on for you.

[capt74]

A good person and a friend. Sad loss to the fishing community lost a jewel. Always a smile and friendly conversation. RIP Dave

[captbogan]

Very heart breaking. I know many will miss him. He was a good friend.

[tsunami1983]

Rest in Peace Dave, very sad to hear this. Dave helped me countless times in my quest to become a better fisherman. A true master of his craft. My heart goes out to his family and close friends.