The Suffolk Marine Anglers Spring Striped Bass Tournament was facing an ominous weather forecast just a day before the start of the contest. As Saturday wore on, the forecast for severe thunderstorms on the day of the tournament was revised, predicting the storms would hold off until late in the day, making the tournament a go for Sunday. Despite a southeast breeze, some morning fog and a mid-day downpour, the tournament was a success.
Fifty two boats and more than 150 anglers competed in the tournament and raised thousands of dollars for the Hospice Care Network. A number of quality stripers were landed by participating anglers, with most of the bigger fish coming from outside of, and west of Fire Island Inlet.
First place prize money went to Mike Gilberto for a 38.50-pound striper aboard No Bananas. Second place was locked up by Will Tregarthen fishing aboard the Underdog with a 37.45-pound cow. Less than a pound behind in third place was Matt Ervolino aboard Bass Hole with a 36.75 pounder.
In the Catch & Release category, George Caravousanous, fishing aboard No Bananas, won the top prize, a high end Lamiglas rod and Avet reel combo valued at over $500, for releasing a 23-pound striper. The Bluefish category went to Anthony Puccio fishing aboard "Salty Boy for a chopper that tipped the scale at 14.2 pounds.
Coming up this weekend is the first shark tournament of the season – the Point Lookout Shark Tournament on Saturday, June 11 out of Ted’s Fishing Station in Pt. Lookout. You can still sign up Friday night at the captains’ kickoff party at Ted’s. It kicks off at 6 p.m. The Caleb Smith State Park Junior Angler Tournament is also on tap this Saturday for youngsters from 5 to 12 years of age. Call at 631-265-1054 for more info.
