A picture-perfect day at the Snapper Tournament

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On Thursday, Aug. 22 at Gilbert Park in Brightwaters, a group of over 200 reeled in precious memories with friends and family as they participated in the annual Brightwaters Snapper Tournament!

The tournament, held from 4 to 8 p.m., is a lighthearted and long-standing tradition in Brightwaters. Residents bid farewell to summer under beautiful clear skies in an evening filled with family fun, live music by the talented one-man-band Tommy Duck, a barbecue dinner, and of course, plenty of fishing.

To participate, children, adults, and seniors purchased a $5 ticket at the event, or a $20 ticket for the whole family, to cover the cost of bait and a classic barbecue dinner. Additionally, extra poles were available to purchase for $10.

This year over 150 fish were caught and released, with tons of variety. Among the awards for the different age groups included largest fish, most fish, and most exotic fish.

The evening was a success largely due to the help of local volunteers.

“It was a great night with many guests from the village and surrounding neighborhoods,” noted Brightwaters trustee William Pitta, chairman of the tournament. “Dan Kroger from Bay Shore Fish and Hunt donated the bait, and mayor John Valdini barbecued for everyone throughout the entire night. Many village residents volunteered their help with weighing fish and releasing them, especially Vincent Rucci, Michael Krieger and Joe Opatovsky.”

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Photos courtesy of William Pitta.