The snappers were scarce but the sunshine and family fun were plentiful in downtown Riverhead today, where the Riverhead Recreation Department hosted the 17th Annual Snapper Tournament on the Peconic Riverfront.
Only 30 fish were hauled in and brought to the measuring station by the 166 contestants registered today, said the rec department’s Jim Janacek. Last year, participants caught more than 200 snappers , Janacek said.
“I think it was the rain we had Thursday,” Janacek said. “We had a lot of freshwater runoff and not enough tide cycles to bring the salt water back in. When that happens, there’s fewer fish.” The last fish brought in was at 2:10 p.m., nearly an hour before the tournament ended at 3.
The winners in the adult (16 and older) category were: Jeremy Eastwood, 10 3/8 in.; Alex Raynor, who caught his fish on a bamboo pole he cut down this morning, 9 7/8 in.; and Chris Pyzynski, 9 3/4 in.
Youth (15 and under) winners were: Mike Casciano, 10 1/8 in; Daniel Mastropaolo and Logan Carey (tie) 10 in.; and Adriana Casciano, 8 5/8 in.
Contestants were treated to hot dogs and soda provided by the Flanders Mens Club.
“This is a really nice community event,” said Aimee Keller of Manorville, whose daughter Elaina, 7, was casting from the town dock while her son Matthew, 5, abandoned his rod for a “Boogie Board” tablet and was busily sketching Batman images perched on a bench under an umbrella. “We enjoy coming to it.”
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
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