Third Annual Newburyport Shark & Tuna Tournament Recap
By Larry Collins
The third annual Newburyport Shark and Tuna Tournament was a huge success. A big thank you to all who fished, sponsored, attended and worked the event. There were 40 registered boats, an impressive sponsor team led by IRA Motor group, great weather, fantastic giveaways and a wonderful wine tasting and clambake was held for the public under the tent on Saturday. And…the largest payout of prize money in the tournament history!
Congratulations to all of the tournament winners. The tuna division was tightly contested with 5 tuna brought to the scales. Rico Syphers and the crew of Janice Marie edged out the field for first place with a 105 inch, 583 pound tuna. Only two pounds separated second and third place, with Will French and the crew of Betsy G taking second place. Betsy G’s tuna was 105 inches long and weighed 477 lbs. Steve Mscisz and the crew of Final Offer beat out a number of other crews for third place, with a 103 inch, 475 lb. bluefin.
The shark division was also close. Kristian Zoeller from Hogg Tide took first place in the Calcutta division, and third place in the catch and release division. Ed Cloutier and the crew of Fishy Bizness took second place in both the Calcutta and catch and release division. Chris Orsillo from Trapper John captured third place. The catch and release division was won a second year in a row by Tom Nee and the crew of SALT. Over 1,000 sharks were caught and released by the collective field of fisherman. Check out our website to see pictures of the winners and their fish.
The tournament also made a $1,500 donation to the Newburyport Education Fund. We are delighted to be able to give a little for their cause.
Planning has already started for 2017. Look at our website in the upcoming weeks for dates.
Have a safe and productive fall fishing season!
[easy-social-share]