The annual Town of Oyster Bay Bluefish Tournament, held Sunday, Sept. 14, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay, was a great "down home" event. It encourages sportsmen and brings out families to compete. It is a delightful end to the summer season. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto summed it up saying, "The town's Bluefish Tournament is widely recognized as a great sporting event with wonderful prizes and excellent camaraderie. What could be better than hours of fishing followed by a 'tailgate' party with hot dogs, beverages, snacks, raffles, awards and prizes?"

This year some local people were able to stay on the winning board including John Hotine of Bayville, Mitch Kramer of East Norwich and James Sawicki of Bayville.

Mitch Kramer earned 6th Place with his 12.94 lbs. bluefish. Mitch owns TowBoat US and does volunteer work for the WaterFront Center. Mitch and his friend Gordon Anderson went out together to compete in the tournament. They caught their fish in the Eatons Neck area, the next harbor down. They started out around 5 a.m. "We did very well. We caught about 30, all about the same size from 10 to 12 pounds."

Mr. Kramer said they didn't keep the fish they caught. "We gave the fish away to people who worked for the town." He said, "The best part of the bluefish are the cheeks. They are a part inside the gill that looks like a scallop. You feel the gills to find it.

"We also won the tournament a couple of years back," he added. The two men are regulars in the annual event. This year Gordon won dinner for two at Steve's Pier 1 restaurant in the giant raffle run by the town, after the tournament.

Diane Ferris said her family took part in the bluefish tournament again this year. She said, "As usual my group of fishermen didn't come close to a top weight: 18 years and still nothing. My husband Rich took a picture of the younger crew mates with their bluefish catches.

"The boys had a great time and even these smaller 8 and 10-pounders were a lot of fun to pull up. I know the Pilot always has photos of the winners but I thought you might like this one too. It truly shows the spirit of the day," she added.

This year's winners were: 1st place, Mike Dilorenzo of Hicksville, 14.33 lbs.; 2nd place, Ken Braun of Syosset, 14.12 lbs.; 3rd Place, John Hotine of Bayville, 13.38 lbs.; 4th place, Chris Markakis of Hicksville, 13.10 lbs.; 5th Place, Joe McMichael of Hicksville, 12.98 lbs.; 6th place, Mitch Kramer of East Norwich, 12.94 lbs.; 7th place (tie), Joe Chiro of Commack, 12.70 lbs.; and 7th place (tie), Ralph Novotrey of Plainview, 12.70 lbs.; 9th place, Gordan Anderson of Westbury, 12.61 lbs.; 10th place, Tim Lober of Huntington, 12.59 lbs.; 11th place, Mike Pellicane of Centerport, 12.58 lbs.; 12th place, Paul Napoli of Bethpage, 12.53 lbs.; 13th place, James Sawicki of Bayville, 12.50 lbs.; 14th place, Kenny Johnson of Syosset, 12.35 lbs.; 15th place, Herbert Hahn of Cold Spring Harbor, 12.34 lbs.

The supervisor added that the "Fishing is a sport for all ages that offers just about everything. The tranquility of being out there on the water and the adrenaline rush of feeling that first big tug on your fishing line are two important reasons to fish. Add to them a spirit of competition and the distinct possibility of winning impressive prizes, and you have the Town of Oyster Bay Bluefish Tournament. It's a great way to spend a Sunday."

Along with plaques, the winners receive gift certificates, from $2,000 for first prize to $100 for 13th, 14th and 15th places. But, everybody wins in this great outdoor event. The Bluefish Tournament, is sponsored by the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Parks and Oyster Bay Marine Supply, was open to anglers of all ages.

Co-sponsors of this year's Bluefish Tournament included: Arizona Iced Tea, Bridge Marina, Coca-Cola, Cover Craft, Duffy's Bait and Tackle, Garans Bait and Tackle, H&M Powles Marina, Kydd's Marine Center, Lowrance Electronics, Manhattan Beer Distributors, Mercury Outboards, Mill Max Corporation, Nor'East Saltwater, North Shore Fire Equipment, Oyster Bay Beverage, Phillips Fish, Sekora Lures, State Bank of Long Island, Steve's Pier I, Tents "R" "S", WBAB 102.3 FM, Nova Charters, Trader Joe's, Zorn's Chicken and Ribs, and Wise Potato Chips.