In 2011, more than $450,000 in cash and prizes were paid out. Cash prizes will be awarded for the heaviest shark in the tournament and the heaviest shark for each day. The top three prizes will also be awarded for the heaviest mako, heaviest blue shark and heaviest shark of another species.
In addition to this outstanding competition, all sportsmen can contribute to the study of the shark by tagging and releasing sharks that did not meet strict weight requirements. Last year, more than 300 sharks were released back into the ocean. Of the sharks that were weighed in, more than 750 pounds of edible shark meat was donated to the Long Island Council of Churches’ food pantry to help feed those in need.
Last year, Tim Macierowski aboard Captain John Brunelle’s “Lady Irene 3” caught the heaviest shark and the heaviest mako of the tournament, weighing in at 325 pounds. Eight hundred anglers participated in the two-day tournament, with 16 fish and nine makos weighed.
Entry fee is $1,000 per boat. For sports fishermen who would like to get in on the competition but do not own a boat, the Star Island Yacht Club Charter Boat fishing fleet is available for hire for either one day or both days of the tournament. Each of Star Island’s boats can accommodate up to six anglers.
Dockage is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Transient rates for the tournament are $5.50 per foot plus $30.00 for utilities (water, electric and cable TV) per day, payable in advance.
To make your reservation, or for more information, call (631) 668-5052, or visit www.starislandyc.com.
* Photo is available upon request.
