By Captain Norman Hyett
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease nine years ago, Nick Frasso decided to cope with his illness by holding a fishing derby at the Winthrop Lodge of Elks to raise money for Parkinson’s research. What began as a relatively small endeavor has turned into the largest one-day fishing derby in the state. Over the years $100,000 has been raised to help find a cure. If a person can best be judged by how they respond during a crisis, Nick Frasso has proven himself to be both strong and courageous by any standard.
This year’s derby was fished by 230 people from boats, kayaks and shore. Helped by good weather and decent fishing, many fish were caught, but no blockbuster bass. There were five fish that weighed in at over twenty pounds. The largest was caught by Bill Delfuoco at 28.4 lbs. which earned him bragging rights and a $1000 cash prize. Jack Thompson, age 15, won the junior division at 19.2 lbs, while Mike “Stinking Walley” Sullivan (part of NEKF) won the kayak division (a catch and release tournament) with a 38.5” fish.
Winthrop is a small seaside community ten minutes from downtown Boston. Residents are as diverse as its larger neighbor, and they care for one another with passion and love. Hundreds of folks come out for the awards Bar-B-Q, raffle and live music provided by the Deepwater Blues Band. Volunteers work hard all year long to find sponsors, coordinate the event activities and sign-up fishermen. The “Help Hook the Cure” Michael J. Fox Derby has become a town-wide event, helped by many wonderful sponsors throughout the area, which not only raises money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, but also educates people about Parkinson’s Disease.
Next year’s derby, the tenth annual, will be held on August 23, 2014. All are invited to fish, hang-out and sponsor. If you would like to become a sponsor please call 617-846-5714.
Below:
Mike “Stinking Wally” Sullivan wins the catch and release kayak division with a 38.5 inch striper.
Junior winner Jack Thompson from Winthrop with an 18 pound striper.
Bill Delfuoco of South Hamilton took home first place and the $1000 prize with this 28.4 pound striper.
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