Babylon Tuna Club hosts largest tuna tournament in event's history
by Carolyn James

Paul Salk of Sayville and Frank Rodrigues of North Babylon, work at their job of cutting a huge tuna brought in one morning of the two-day event. People went to the Babylon Village docks as the boats came in to buy fish fresh from the bay and ocean. PHOTO BY CLIFF DE BEAR

Despite a rainstorm, the annual Babylon Tuna Tournament held Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29, was a resounding success, according to organizers.

"Even though the weather reports were bad, it didn't stop them from coming," said Ralph Perone, tournament chairman as he talked about the number of boats in the event. "And, everyone enjoyed themselves."

Boaters came from as far away as South Jersey and Staten Island to take part in the event, which raises money for the AHRC. And, there were more contestants and larger boats than ever before.

"The biggest boat was a 67-footer and many others were over the 50-foot range, said Perone. "There's no doubt that the event is gaining in notoriety and that the tournament is getting a very big name and is for a good charity."

The boats went out in good weather, but the rains came on Saturday afternoon cutting into some of the sales for tee shirts and other items. Most of the fresh fish, did go, however, said Perone.

The Babylon American Legion presented colors at the opening of the tournament and the national anthem was sung by Bridgett Phillips. There was the traditional blessing of the fleet.

For the first time in the tournament's history, there was a tie for first place in the overnight division. The first two places were won by Staten Island Yacht Sales team, which also tied for third. "In the spirit of sportsmanship, however, Staten Island Yacht Sales graciously gave up third place to Marine Max," said Perone.

There were 23 overnight boats and 37 day boats in the competition. Results were as follows: Overnight Category-

Tuna: lst, Harry Stratman, Team Staten Island, 177 pounds; 2nd, Dave Zarrello, Team Staten Island, 130 pounds; 3rd, Harry Stratman, TeamStaten Island, and Brian Duncan, Marine Max, Bertram Team, 68 pounds;

Blue Marlin: Kerry Kapner, Somewhere in Time, release

Charlie Giarratano a member of the Tuna Club and assistant weigh master makes note of the size of fish brought in on the score board. Above, sign greets visitors. PHOTOS BY CLIFF DE BEAR

White Marlin: Mike Lombardo, Four Bitten, release Special Awards-

Largest Dolphin, Mike Parajohn, Fishwish, 19.1 pounds

Largest Mako, Jeff Michalkewicz, Breakshot, 145 pounds. Day Category-

Tuna: 1st, Rocco Toppi, Tunacious, 65 pounds and Robbie Rabell,Diablo, 65 pounds; 3rd, Bill Brunner, Lil fish, 64 pounds.

Shark: 1st, Mike Dumoulin, Danielle Marie, 424 pounds; 2nd Bob Kirschberg, Venture, 164 pounds and 3rd, Jeff Michalkewicz, Breakshot, 145 pounds.

Bluefish: 1st, Tom Kastanek, Reel Deal, 14.3 pounds, 2nd, John Basler, No Limit, 11.8 pounds and 3rd, Bill Sims, My Personality, 11 pounds.

Fluke: 1st, Mike Clancy, and Joe Balsamo, Baccala One, 5.9 pounds, 3rd, George Muller, Uncle Bob, 5.15 pounds

White Marlin: Robert Sheben, Tunacious, release

A check from the proceeds of the event was presented to the AHRC at the Bergen Point Golf Course and awards were presented.

In photo, Charlie Giarratano, a member of the Tuna Club and assistant weigh master makes note of the weight, angler and boat on the score board.

Paul Salk, of Sayville and Frank Rodrigues of North Babylon, both fish and cutters, worked at their job of cutting a huge tuna brought in that morning.

Sign greets visitors at the tournament as they approached the dock.

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