Every so often the calendar throws us a curveball – one of those rare Saturdays that manages to pack more purpose, passion, and fishing action than we ever expected. Saturday, July 26, 2025, is shaping up to be one of those days. And whether you’re fishing for fluke, fishing for a cause, or fishing to say thanks, there’s a place for you on the water.
Fluke and Festivities in Bay Shore
Let’s start with the inaugural Bay Shore Fluke Tournament, hosted by the crew at Bay Shore Fish & Hunt. This one has all the ingredients for a classic local derby – lines in at 5:30 a.m., weigh-ins at dusk, and a full day chasing summer doormats between Jones and Moriches Inlets. A $50 entry fee gets you in the game, and there are cash prizes, raffles, and a calcutta for those feeling lucky (or confident).
But it’s not just about the fishing – it’s about the community. The event wraps up with food, drinks, live music, and an atmosphere that reminds you why we love summer fishing on Long Island in the first place. It’s also a chance to support a local shop that’s been outfitting anglers for years. Call 631-665-7414 to get signed up, grab a few fresh bucktails, and mark your GPS for the weigh station.
Fishing in the Fight Against Cancer
Meanwhile, over in Staten Island, another fluke tournament is making waves for a very different reason. The Pink Ribbon Fluke Tournament, hosted by the Staten Island Fishing Club, is a women-only event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society. This unique derby turns the tide on tradition by putting female anglers front and center and directing the power of the local fishing community toward a fight that affects so many of our families.
Sign-ups will be held the night before – Friday, July 25 – at Captain Marina on Mansion Avenue, and the tournament itself kicks off the following morning. It’s more than just a tournament – it’s a statement of strength, unity, and resilience. And it’s proof that a rod and reel can be just as powerful as any pink ribbon when it comes to making a difference. For more information or to get involved, email SIFishingClub@gmail.com.
Giving Back to Those Who Gave First
And perhaps one of the most meaningful events of the day for many will unfold at the Union Avenue Dock in Center Moriches. That’s where the Great Gun Moriches Anglers will once again host their annual “Take a Vet Fishing” Day, an event that brings our veterans out on the water for a day of well-deserved appreciation and camaraderie.
Starting at 7:30 a.m., local volunteers will be loading veterans aboard private boats for a day of fishing across Moriches Bay. Bait and tackle are all provided, and the only thing these heroes need to bring is a smile – and maybe a hat for the sun. The day wraps up with a barbecue back at the dock, where sea stories will be swapped and new friendships formed.
It’s hard to overstate the importance of events like this. For many veterans, especially those living alone or adjusting to life after service, this day on the water is more than just a fishing trip – it’s a reminder that they are seen, valued, and appreciated. For those of us who love fishing, volunteering a few hours or a boat for something like this is one of the most impactful things we can do. If you’re interested in helping or know a vet who’d like to attend, call (631) 813-8663.
What’s striking about this particular Saturday is how it reflects the many dimensions of the fishing lifestyle. There’s the competitive spirit of a fluke tournament. There’s the generosity and activism that comes with fishing for a cause. And there’s the deep, unshakable respect for our veterans – many of whom share our love of the outdoors and the ocean.
It’s easy to look at a crowded summer fishing calendar and feel overwhelmed. But every so often, a day like this comes along – a day when getting involved means more than just chasing a big fish. It means being part of something bigger. Whether you’re hopping on a boat with a vet, competing for a cash prize, or supporting a cause close to your heart, Saturday, July 26 offers a way to give back while doing what you love.
So pick your port, tie on your best rig, and set the alarm clock early. The fish will be waiting – but more importantly, so will the people and the causes that give this great sport of ours its heart.
