This past weekend saw a pair of surf fishing tournaments take place on the Island’s South Shore. Saltwaters Tackle’s first annual event kicked off Friday at 5 p.m. and wrapped up at 5 p.m. on Saturday. More than 100 casters shelled out the $50 entry fee in hopes of nailing down the largest striper and the $1500 first prize that went along with it. There was also an optional Calcutta that could considerably sweeten the pot. In addition, if that winning fish was weighed at one of four beachside weigh stations and safely released, it was also worth a Van Staal reel. The tournament was unique in that four weighmasters were stationed at some of the more popular fishing spots within the contest’s boundaries so that potentially winning fish could be weighed and released on the spot. One of the weighmasters was mobile and could respond to a weigh-in request in short order if he was in the vicinity. Of the many fish landed during the 24 hour period, just three bass were killed, an encouraging sign for tournaments going forward.
John S. took the top prize of $1,500 with a 25.30-pound striper. Just a hair behind was Rubin Fournier with a 25.11 pounder. Rubin collected $1,000 for his second place finish, and $1,550 in Calcutta winnings. He also took first place in the Jones Beach Classic which paid out another $500, giving him a $3,050 payday! Other winners included Mike G. who took third place with a 16.64 pound bass worth $500, Al Vollmer with a 16.55, Henry M. a 15.65 and John L. 15.47. Fourth through sixth places received valuable tackle prizes. Since no bluefish were entered, the prize money and Calcutta money were raffled off at Sunday’s awards ceremony, along with many other great prizes.
Over at Jones Beach Fishing Station, the Jones Beach Classic, which ran from noon Friday to noon Sunday attracted 112 anglers. As already noted, Ruben Fournier took first with a 25.13 pounder, Larry Pacifico second with a 24.25 and Charlie Vollmer third with a 17.79-pound fish. Here too, no bluefish made it to the standings board. Everyone who attended the awards ceremony won a tackle related prize in the raffle drawing.
Slap Jackson performed his magic at the Jones Beach awards ceremony, before scurrying down to Saltwaters where he videoed that awards ceremony. Most of the fish caught during both contests fell into that 26 to 32-inch size range which has dominated the action around many parts of the Island this fall.
