One of the oldest and largest shark fishing tournaments on the East Coast will mark its 48th year when hundreds of boats head for the Jones Inlet at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 20th, in pursuit of the big one that will win the big money. Purses depend upon the number of entries, but in previous years over $250,000 in cash and prizes have been awarded.
The tournament, sponsored by the Freeport Hudson Anglers (FHA) fishing club, typically attracts several hundred entrants. Entry fees are $300 per boat if registered prior to June 1 and $350 per boat after June 1. If you choose to stay the night at the marina, dockage is only $50 for the night.
The purpose of the event is to encourage and promote rod and reel angling, good sportsmanship, and fair competition. In addition, a “tagging” competition that is in conjunction with NOAA will promote the conservation of immature sharks. Any FHA recognized species of shark, of any weight, tagged with an official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shark tag is eligible. Six percent of the total Tournament prize money will be allotted to the tagging competition.
A mandatory captain’s meeting will kick off the FHA Shark Tournament at 7 p.m. on Friday evening, June 19th, at the Town of Hempstead Guy Lombardo Marina in Freeport. The Tournament will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 20th and end at 6 p.m. Weigh-ins will be at the Guy Lombardo Marina. The five heaviest sharks, regardless of species, will be declared the winners. The FHA requests that all weighed-in fish be donated for distribution to charitable organizations. FHA members are available to clean and bag your fish no matter what you choose. For complete rules and a Tournament application please visit www.freeporthudsonanglers.com or call Dave Gross, (516) 286-8293.
