Star Island Yacht Club Hosts 27th Annual Shark Tournament

Montauk, NY — The 27^th Annual Shark Tournament will take place on June 14-15 at Star Island Yacht Club, with the Captain’s Meeting being held on June 13 at 7:30 p.m. Fishing will begin at 6:00 a.m. on both days.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the heaviest shark each day and tournament-wide. The top three prizes will also be awarded for the Heaviest Mako, Heaviest Blue Shark and Heaviest Shark of other species. At the request of many shark fishermen, the species of Tiger Shark has been added to the category of “Other Species” along with Threshers and Hammerheads.

In 2012, more than $550,000 in cash and prizes were paid out to the winners. The heaviest shark of the 26^th Annual Tournament was captured by Tom Rispoli III, who caught a 422-pound Thresher aboard Captain Mike Marro’s “Bluefin.” The big money winner of the tournament was the 344-pound Mako landed by Captain Pat McFarland’s “Little Mac.” The crew took home honors for Heaviest Shark Day Two, Heaviest Mako and Calcutta winnings, totaling just shy of $200,000.

In addition to this exciting competition, all anglers can help contribute to marine life study by tagging, and then releasing, sharks back into the ocean that do not meet strict weight requirements. Such tags will allow researchers and conservationists to better understand the sharks’ habits and migration patterns, without causing any harm to the sharks. Last year, more than 250 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.

Entry fee is $1,000 per boat. Those who register before April 15 will be eligible for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate from the Star Island ship’s store. 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, for up to 59 feet, or $6.00 per foot, for 60 feet and greater. There will be a $30.00 fee for utilities (water, electric and cable TV) per day and $50 for two-cord, 50-amp service. Both are payable in advance to the Star Island Yacht Club. There is a 15-day cancellation policy for the tournament entry. All cancellations must be faxed or emailed.

To make your reservation, or for more information, call (631) 668-5052, or visit www.starislandyc.com.