FREEPORT HUDSON ANGLERS 38th ANNUAL SHARK TOURNAMENT

[RJ]

Contact: David Gross
(516) 378-5181
boatmaven5@aol.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010

March 15, 2010- Freeport, NY – One of the oldest and largest shark fishing tournaments on Long Island will mark its 38th year when hundreds of boats head for the Jones Inlet at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 19 in pursuit of a prize-winning fish. Purses depend upon the number of entries, but in previous years up to $170,000 in prize money and gifts 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. About half of all entry fees will be returned as prize money.

The purpose of the event is to encourage and promote rod and reel angling, good sportsmanship and fair competition. In addition, a “tagging” competition will promote the conservation of immature sharks.

The Tournament will feature a shark tagging competition. 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 18 at the Town of Hempstead Guy Lombardo Marina in Freeport, NY. The Tournament will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 19 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 will clean, bag and distribute the meat. For complete rules and a Tournament application please visit www.fhanglers.com or call Dave gross, Tournament Director at 516-378-5181.