"2009 Tournament"

"It's all said and done,
it's real and it's been fun"
Green Day

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

In no particular order: Thanks to the Kaplans and my family for their help with putting the signs, chairs and tablecloths around to help move the set-up along. Thanks to all who helped Scott with loading and unloading the trophies and prizes. Thanks to the Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers who set-up/manned the silent auction tent, sold raffle tickets and worked the front door. A big thank you to all the sponsors for your support this year and to the businesses that donated goods and services to the raffles. Thanks to Ray Geminski for his time this week and to his son Chris for providing a venue for us to order the prints. Thanks to Jim Gatto for keeping the website updated and allowing me to make multiple changes in quick succession without losing his patience. Thanks to the anglers for participating. Thanks to Cord, Tosh, Ryan, Skip, Alex, Doug Jr, Pat, and all the dock staff for their hard-work weighing/icing/gassing/baiting. Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket for the car, the boat and/or the "green ones." Thanks for the "sweat equity" that all our volunteers and committee members provided this week and all the months it takes to put this event together. Everyone of you--angler, worker, family, friend--are what makes the HOI the great tournament and fundraiser that it has grown into.

Also there is was one correction for the boards!
SEAPHORIA tied for 2nd place Albie/Day Division.

Family Connection, part 3: Owen and Dean Schwartz fished as a father-son team on FISH THIS.

Ray was snapping pictures all night and the photos will be available at www.shvillagephoto.com Monday afternoon (click on View & Order Event Photos, follow instructions step-by-step, use password "villagephoto").

Ahhhhhhh, the infamous Dinner in the Dunes. It didn't rain this year, but as usual there was a weather related wrinkle....we had to "bog" our way through the flood waters on Dune Road to get to Oakland's but that didn't deter our partygoers. Doug and his talented staff pulled off another amazing evening of food and beverage; if you went home hungry or parched, YOU didn't work hard enough, because the staff certainly did!

Scott acted as MC graciously thanking sponsors and guests for their support, presenting Pam with flowers in honor of their wedding anniversary (today) and surprising me with the Chairman's Award (a beautiful signed print of the Vito DeVito Big Brothers picture). Then it was on to the angler's most important part of the evening...the trophy presentations to our winners:

DAY CATEGORY:
Albacore: Bimini Bum 50.5
Donna G, Seaphoria 45.5

Yellow fin Positive Attitude 72
Skidz 71
Fishin' Impossible 61

Big Eye Positive Attitude 202
Fast Track 167.5

Mahi Skidz 27.6
Sandra Jeanne 19.42
C-Joy 19.24

Bluefish Flyn' Low 7.42
Spellman's Marine 7.02

DAY GRAND POINTS CHAMPION presented by White Water: POSITIVE ATTITUDE

OVERNIGHT CATEGORY:
Albacore Sheldrake 52.5
Morning Belle 49.5
Josey, Giddy Up, Barbaric 49

Yellow Fin Canyon Bound 78.5
Reel Action 75.5
F.I.S.H., Eyecatcher II 72.5

Big Eye Sea U II 293.5
Morning Belle 216.5
Rascal 207.5

Mahi Ariel 28.72
White Water 26.94
Lady Pamela 22.7

OVERNIGHT GRAND POINTS CHAMPION
presented by White Water: WHITE WATER

Tony from the Billfish Foundation presented REEL ACTION (overnight) and SPELLMAN'S MARINE (day) with awards for releasing the most marlin during the tournament. Mark Cox of Big Brothers Big Sisters drew the green tickets and lucky Capt Brad went home with the Zodiac. And from the looks of it, many of our guests won their heart's desire in the silent auction. Then, the moment all of us boat and car raffle ticket holders waited for...and for the first time the boat will stay here...Congrats to Michael Papajohn. I missed who the lucky car winner was, but it sadly it wasn't me. And then it was time for me to say good night...but there were still plenty of folks hanging out enjoying the evening.

And with that...the 9th Annual HOI has come to an end. This year had the most boat entries, some interesting dock activities, an almost close encounter with a hurricane and an awesome party. Wonder how the 10th is going top it? We'll have to wait and see.....

I had a great time seeing you at the scales and the party. I am honored and touched by the Chairman's Award. I borrowed this year's closing thought from Garrison Keillor of Prairie Home Companion: Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.

Sleep well, you anglers of the deep, may you dream of calm seas and fantastic catches.

Until next year,

Kathy

Saturday, August 23rd, 2009

I hope everyone enjoyed their day off and took advantage of it to prepare for the party!

Put your wristbands where you can find them tomorrow. The party starts at 5pm at Oakland's. Don't forget to bring your cash / checkbook / credit card to the party. There will be T-shirts, Hats, Silent Auction and Raffles!

All great ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.

There were some corrections to the online leaderboard so be sure to "refresh" the page or hit F5 to see the final standings.

Forgot to mention in last night's Tourney Highlights:
Big Eye autopsies performed--2

Family Connections, The Sequel: MORNING BELLE'S Joseph Larucci and Mark Turner are brothers-in-law.

See you at the party!

Kathy

Friday, August 21st 2009

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UP FOR SATURDAY! SATURDAY IS A NO GO, STAY DAY! There will be NO sanctioned tournament fishing, until the advisory is lifted.

With a small craft advisory up for today, no-one was allowed to leave.
But we did have 3 overnighters return from their Thursday departure.

KAHUNA (George Vickers) was the sole boat with fish for the scale and tried to get on the board with his bigeyes (127.5 and 99). And with the safe return of NOOSA (Anthony Herman) around 3:30pm today, the 9th Annual Hamptons Offshore Tournament drew to an early and quiet close due to the small craft advisories posted for the rest of the weekend.

The final standings are posted on the website (www.hamptonsoffshoreinvitational.com). Please notify Kathy if there are any discrepancies so she can check the weigh-in sheets.

EVENT PHOTOS:
Ray Geminiski, our event photographer, took advantage of his day "off" and worked with his son Chris to get the tournament photos up early. To view the pictures and order your favorites: go to www.shvillagephoto.com . Click on "View & Order Event Photos" on the homepage. Follow all instructions step by step, using villagephoto as the password. The party pics will be up on Monday.

DINNER IN THE DUNES: this is your warning to find your wristbands and put them in the car so you know where they are for Sunday. Remember NO BANDS, NO PARTY!

There are still raffle tickets available for the car, the boat and the other really cool prizes that have been donated to this great cause and event. You'll be able to get them at the party or you can stop in at All-Points, Haskell's, East End Bait and Tackle or White Water Outfitters on Saturday.

TOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS: thought I'd do this year's recap tonight rather than try to put it together after the party on Sunday. Relive the memories :)

The Day division weighed in 1811.82lbs, not including the approx. 1500lbs in marlin releases; the Overnight division had 6751.89lbs, not including the approx. 4415lbs in marlin releases.

4 teen anglers went on their first offshore trips; 2 of them went on their first overnights
2 anglers were under 12 years old

Notable releases/sightings/catches: swordfish, mako, hammerhead, manta ray, a pair of baby sailfish, triggerfish, baby mahi, whales, porpoises, tiger shark, brown shark, wahoo and a couple of "mysteries"

One good deed was reported
Jim Dubrowsky, Walter Dreyer and John DeLaTorre celebrated birthdays.

The overnight division had 100% participation with every boat leaving the dock at least once and 39 of the 50 entries completing all their trips.

The overnight division had a 96% participation with all but one of the 25 boats making at least one trip and 9 of them completing all their trips.

And for the 9th year, we had a safe return record of 100%

"Fishing is our handshake, our language./A Heritage that binds us together./A Journey that lasts a lifetime,/That we have begun again with our sons and daughters."

SMTC has always been a club of fishing families and the HOI benefits the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, so it's not surprising that 37 of the 75 boats had crews that were related--fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, brothers, husbands and wives. And because I had the time, here they are--if I missed a familial connection, sorry.

The Hook-up: Thomas and Andrew Burpee, Nick and Brian Maloney; C-Joy: Walter and John Dreyer;
Flyn' Low: Richard Sr, Richard Jr and Jason Davin; Hot Pursuit: Billy and Billy Durbec, Tom and Tommy Durbec; Reel Style: Bob, Chris and John Heller; Sandra Jeanne: Mike and Maud Forman, Jamie and Kaitlyn Hummel; Deborah A: Bill and John Altman; Complicated Lady: Craig and Keegan Corcoran; Spellman's Marine: Doug, Jean and Derek Wells, Pam, Dan and Joe Pettet; Carol Libby: Don and Don Jr Law, Greg and Keith Branden ; Fishin' Impossible: Mark, Jamie, Lonny and Ari Freedman; Bimini Bum: Michael and Walter Steishin; Cudda Bin: Bill and Billy Campbell; Mako Bone: Mike and Brian Leatherman; Grand Bahama Mama: Kraig and Brian Doroska; Phia-John: Ryan and Woody Worth; Able Hand: Howard and Alex Kesseler; TNT: Ryan and Vance Comerford; Sheldrake: Leigh and Jeremy Schroeder, Nat and Max Kramer; Reel Therapy II: George and George Jr Yakaboski; Reel Action: Doug, Doug Jr and Christian Oakland: Gusto IV: John and Brian Hyland; Miss-Stress III: Keith and Dylan Flynn; Fisheyes: Joe and Jason Hubner; Cathy's Choice: Eugene and Chris Burger; Giddy-up: Jim and Derek Matuski; Josey: Mike and Andrews Leto, Jim and Janet Ambrosio; Rascal: Ken, Ryan and Jake Dowling; Barbara Ann: Dennis and Mike Caracciolo, Kevin and Barbara Basham; Total Return: Brian, Rick Sr. and Rick Jr. Nydegger; Jaclynn-Roe: Ron and Paul Moschetta; Lady Jane: Rob, Mike, Joe and Dave Maloney; Ariel: Ned and Sam Kaplan; Lady Pamela: Scott and Ryan Horowitz; Rumurr: Tom and Alexandra Murray; and Morning Belle: Mike and Pat Hanrahan.

And the Vacarros--Tony and Anthony--competed in separate divisions.

But wait there's more....the weigh-in staff included George and Amy Kazdin, Sherry and Malcolm Wisch, Brian and Steven Jeffrey; and Maud Forman (Mike's daughter), Kaitlyn Hummel (my daughter), Sharon Matuski (Jim's wife) and Pam Horowitz (Scott's wife) worked the Captain's meeting.

This has been a great week and a pleasure to work with the volunteers, I appreciate the time we had together. The dock staff was professional as always and did an outstanding job at the scales. The anglers were patient and wonderful sportsman. Thanks to everyone who was involved.

Enjoy your Saturday off. See you at the party!

Kathy

Thursday, August 20

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UP FOR FRIDAY! FRIDAY IS A NO GO, STAY DAY! There will be NO sanctioned tournament fishing, until the advisory is lifted.

Thanks to Brian Jeffrey, Bill Tymann, Brian from White Water, Ray and Kena for working the scales today. We were visited by the morning "boys"--Joe, Pete and Bob--who came down to see how the other half of the HOI lives. And we had a fair number of observers enjoying the evening and catching up on the dock news.

11 day boats left this morning, but only 3 returned with anything for the scale. SPELLMAN'S MARINE (Doug Wells) achieved his goal of filling the bluefish box on the board with his 7.02lber. Then FLYN' LOW (Rich Davin) flew in with his wagonful of blues jumping to the top with a 7.42 along with a 7.12, 6.64 and 6.58. VICTORIA (Michael Gadman) took a shot at the board with his mahi (12.18) and reported a blue marlin release (100). SEAPHORIA (Brian Hogg) also reported a blue marlin release.

17 "red" boats returned from their Wednesday night away and 4 more took a chance on the day. CANYON BOUND (Carmine Zoccolills) was the first back to the scale with his 59lb yellow and let us know about 6 white marlin releases (all between 85 and 75lbs). SEA U II (John DeLaTorre) celebrated John's birthday by jumping to first place big eye with a 293.5 slob. They also had some small yellowfin that they kept on the boat and a manta ray "release". EYECATCHER II (Frank Pollina) showed us 2 yellowfins (72.5, 68) tieing for third and released a mako. MAVERICK (David Wildenstein) tried to fill the mako void but didn't make the minimum weight and for a short time had the third place mahi (21.54); they also released a brown shark (guestimated at 300) and saw a hammerhead. GIDDY UP (Jim Matushi) had a 4-of-a-kind big eye (120.5, 116, 107, 77) and weighed in their largest of 9 yellowfin (66.5).

FOX SEA LADY (Tony Gatto) didn't visit the scale but he did report a tagged/release white marlin (80), blue marlin release (approx 250), a couple of mahi, kept 4 yellowfin and released 3. PLEASURE SICA (Tony Sica) kept 3 small yellowfin. STATEN ISLAND YACHT SALES (Rich Lucas) also tried to fill the mako box but fell short with a 113.4lber, but did get a white marlin release (approx 50). MISS-STRESS III (Randy Allen) came home from their day trip with a tiger shark release and mahi. F.I.S.H. (Bob Baschnagel) didn't scale their small yellowfin, but did put up an albie (33).

WHITE WATER (Anthony Vaccaro) returned from Hudson/Dip/Tails with a 30lb yellow fin, the new 2nd place mahi (26.94) and a white marlin release. SUNDAZE (Ernie Spellman) had hopes for their yellowfin (62) and had a blue marlin release (300). CATHY'S CHOICE (Tom Errico) called in a white marlin release (60).

MAXIMUS (Bill Demchak) returned from Veetches and came close to getting on the board with their mahi (20.54), reported a blue marlin release (125) and two white marlin releases (60 and an amazing 125); they also get the "good neighbor award" for coming to the assistance of boat in need of a battery and doing an over-the-side pass off.

Three overnighters departed this morning for what will most likely be the last trips of this year's tourney. We'll have to see what they bring home.

STANDINGS AS OF THURSDAY

DAY

ALBACORE--no change

YELLOW FIN--no change

BIG EYE--no change

MAKO-- no change

MAHI--no change

BLUEFISH--Flyn' Low 7.42
Spellman's Marine 7.02

(new) BLUE MARLIN Victoria approx 100
Sephoria


OVERNIGHT

ALBACORE--no change

YELLOW FIN--tie for 3rd EYECATCHER II 72.5

BIG EYE--SEA U II 293.5
MORNING BELLE 216.5
RASCAL 207.5

MAKO-- no change

MAHI--ARIEL 28.72
WHITE WATER 26.94
LADY PAMELA 22.7


(new) WHITE MARLIN Staten Island Yacht Sales approx 50
Fox Sea Lady approx 80
Cathy's Choice approx 60
White Water
Maximus 1 x 125, 1 x 70

(new)BLUE MARLIN Fox Sea Lady approx 250
Sundaze approx 300
Ocean Raider approx 150
Maximus approx 125

Enjoy the day off and hope that it clears for Saturday.

Kathy

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Thanks to Sherry and Malcolm Wisch for their turn at the weigh table. Sorry we couldn't have made it more exciting, but it was great seeing you today.

So what does the weigh-in committee do when there's 20 boats returning (15 overnight and 5 day) but only 6 fish to weigh in? Well, you chat and gossip with Mike Forman, Steve Rizzo, Randy Allen and Mark Edwards and the other friends that stopped by. You critique some of the more ridiculous fishing shows on tv. You discuss the merits of photography equipment with Ray. You talk about the qualities of Utz pretzels and other snack foods, Chik-fil-a, the Waffle House vs Denny's and other earth-shattering topics.

MORNING BELLE (Joseph Larucci) was a daytripping overnighter that headed to the dip, and came home with some yellowfin for the grill, released a blue marlin (approx 125) and scaled the new first place big eye (216.5). TNT (Chris Senior) returned from their first overnight with a bigeye (179.5) and a mahi (17.30). REEL THERAPY II (George Yakaboski) tried for the board with their mahi (18.72). REEL ACTION (Doug Oakland) let us know about a blue marlin release (approx 250) from today and 6 whites from Monday's trip.

The lone day boat to weigh in was GRAND BAHAMA MAMA (Lanny Molnar) who brought in two mahi (12.9 and 11.12).

The mako category is still open on both sides of the board and the bluefish category is empty on the day side.

STANDINGS for WEDNESDAY

DAY
Big Eye: NO CHANGE

Yellowfin: NO CHANGE

Mahi: NO CHANGE

Albacore: NO CHANGE

Mako: none

Bluefish:none

White Marlin release: none

Blue Marlin release:none


OVERNIGHT
Big Eye: Morning Belle 216.5
Rascal 207.5
Fisheyes 204.5

Yellowfin: NO CHANGE

Mahi: NO CHANGE

Albacore: NO CHANGE

Mako:none

(new) White Marlin: Reel Action 6 release

(new) Blue Marlin: Reel Action approx 250

Tomorrow is homecoming for 16 overnights. With Hurricane Bill stirring things up offshore, not sure who's heading out for the day, but we'll be at the table so you should come by and say hi!

See you at the scales.

Kathy

Tuesday, August 18

Thanks to Steven Jeffrey and Amy for helping with weigh-in duties.
Thanks to Ray for donating his time taking pictures--you'll be able to see the photos on Monday, ordering directions are on HOI website. Thanks to Brian from White Water for stepping in on photo duties and being there to back us up this week. Thanks also to those whose expertise and knowledge were utilized today.

It was great seeing old friends today, sorry we couldn't chat more.

Also HOSI would like to say:
Happy Birthday!
to Jim Dubrowsky
and Walter Dreyer!
We hope you had a great day!

After yesterday's marathon weigh-in, today was almost like a half-day at work with "only" 22 boats (50/50 each division) returning. Not too much action at the scale, but the mahi category changed on both sides of the board.

SEAPHORIA (Brian Hogg) called in a white marlin release and a report of small tuna but nothing for the scale. PHIA JOHN (Christopher Burke) returned from the Claw with twin yellows (57) and a 6.44 mahi, and junior angler Ryan Worth released a white marlin (approx 90).

LADY PAMELA (Scott Horowitz) went "everywhere" and released a small mako, had some yellowfin, and scaled the largest of their mahi (22.7) to get on the board in second. LADY JANE (Rob Maloney) weighed in a big eye (105), two mahi (17.76, 15.86), kept the yellowfin for the themselves and released a white marlin (approx. 70).

LE DAY OFF (Frank Lenihan) weighed in his first fish of the tourney, a mahi (14.9), followed by C-JOY (John/Walter Dreyer)who came home from "west of the Dip" and got on the board with their 3rd place mahi (19.24, 15.98). SANDRA JEANNE (Mike Forman) wrapped up their 4th HOI trip with a mahi (12.26).

ARIEL (Ned Kaplan) lost a swordfish at the boat but returned from Atlantis with a yellow (64.5), albie (42.10) and 4 mahi (28.72, 14.96, 14.86, 13.84) to jump to first.

SPELLMAN'S MARINE (Doug Wells) called in two white marlin releases (50, 80) and DEBORAH A closed the day with two white marlin releases (approx 95, 85).

STANDINGS for TUESDAY

DAY
Big Eye: NO CHANGE

Yellowfin: NO CHANGE

Mahi: Skidz 27.6
Sandra Jeanne 19.42
C-Joy 19.24

Albacore: NO CHANGE

Mako:none

Bluefish:none

(new)White Marlin releases: Spellman's Marine approx 50 and 80
Deborah A approx 95 and 85



OVERNIGHT
Big Eye: NO CHANGE

Yellowfin: NO CHANGE

Mahi: Ariel 28.72
Lady Pamela 22.7
Sheldrake 19.38


Albacore: NO CHANGE

Mako:none

(new) White Marlin: Ariel
Reel Time
Sea U II approx 65
Phia John approx 90

"Hump day" tomorrow has 11 overnighters returning and who knows how many daytrippers. Come celebrate the half-way mark with us.

See you at the scales.

Kathy

Monday, August 17, 2009

Thanks to Oakland's dock staff-- Cord, Alex, Tosh, Patrick and Skip for getting us through the first three days of the tourney. Thanks to our send-off crew for doing such a good job getting everyone on their way safely in the morning. Thanks to Amy and George Kazdin for working the scales with me and to Joanne, Kena and "Parker" Pete for stepping up to help today.

Folks have been asking about tournament t's--they will be available at the dinner on Sunday. If you want one, but won't be at the dinner, send your request with a friend who is going. Sizes and colors are limited.

Still don't have your raffle tickets...get to All Points, East End Bait and Tackle, Haskell's or White Water Outfitters. Brian from White Water Marine also has boat raffles at the weigh-in table. If you're looking for the $20 raffle tickets (the green ones), Scott will have some when he gets back from his trip.

And now....on to the report from the crazy train that was today's weigh-in.

So every morning I go down to the dock to see what I can expect for the day's weigh-in and today I found drop cards for 40 boats returning today (26 overnighters and 14 days)--oh my! I did get to add send-off crew to my resume when I collected LADY PAMELA's and LADY JANE's drop cards for their 2nd overnights.

MORNING BELLE (Joseph Larucci) rang the opening bell for today's weigh-in with their 2 largest yellowfins (55.5, 50) and the new overnight second place albie (49.5). FISH THIS (Owen Schwartz) returned from the Hudson with 2 yellows (67, 59.5), a white marlin release (approx 50-60) and hook-up/release of a "mystery." MISS-STRESS III (Randy Allen) went west of the dip for his 3 yellowfin (69.5, twin 58.5), mahi (13.9) and white marlin release (approx 60). REEL FAST (James Foley) brought in the tourney's first big eye (100.5), scaled the biggest of his 7 yellowfin(56.5) plus an albie (43.5). PATTI G (Ray Gorman/Bill Decker)'s big eye (176.5) wowed the crowd; Captain Bill told me they had another big eye but lost it, released a white marlin (approx 85), saw a swordfish, some triggerfish and had baby mahi in the net. NOOSA (Anthony Herman) went to the Tails, saw a hammerhead, and brought home an albie (46) and mahi (14.44). DANNY BOY (Danny Maldari) returned from their first trip with one albie (48) and a mahi (11.56). Jim Dubrowsky of FISHEYES celebrated the day before his birthday by returning with a crowd-pleasing 204.5lb big eye and a 19.06 mahi.

And that was just the FIRST hour!

BLUSHIN' ROSE (Doug Lobel/Bryce Poyer) called to say they had a white marlin release (approx 50), jumped off a blue, and brought home some small tuna. JOSEY (Jim Ambrosio) wheeled up his yellow (60) and third place albie (49) that he found in the dip. They also released a blue marlin (approx 400) and a white (approx. 80). WHITE WATER (Anthony Vaccaro) were a mako short of a HOI "full house" weighing in 3 big eyes (193.5, 162.5, 160), a yellow (51), an albie (48.45) and a mahi (16.36). FISHIN' IMPOSSIBLE (Mark Freedman) was the first daytripper to come to the scales returning from east of Atlantis, weighing in a yellow (36.5) and a mahi (18.48). FAST TRACK (Gabe Ariola) stunned the gallery with the first two big eyes in the day category (167.5, 126). BARBARIC (Gregg DeSantis)'s 49lb albie put them on the board in 3rd.

We got a 15 minute breather before FOX SEA LADY (Tony Gatto) came up with the 2 biggest of his 5 big eyes (118, 104), the largest of his 6 yellow fin (52.5) and a 19.22 mahi from his pile. They also released two white marlin about 85lbs each. SUNDAZE (Ernie Spellman) returned from "all over" with two yellowfin (71, 55.5) and told us about narrowly missing a 30 foot tree--roots and all--floating in the ocean. ABLE HAND (Howard Kesseler) checked in and at first said they weren't going to weigh anything, then decided that Alex should get a chance to get on the board with his mahi (11.74). FRIGATE (Floyd Carrington) took their third strike today. SEAPHORIA (Brian Hogg)'s yellow was 45.5lb.

Oakland's REEL ACTION backed up to the scale with the second place and two spare yellows (75.5, 58, 52.5) and a mahi (12.25). They also released two white marlin (50, 70). POSITIVE ATTITUDE (Michael Mapes) wheeled up his contribution to the scale--the day category's first place big eye (202) and decided to filet up his 7 yellows without weighing them in.

Back from the Hudson, CANYON BOUND (Carmine Zoccolills) jumped to the top of the species with their 78.5 yellow. GUSTO IV (John/Brian Hyland) waited patiently to weigh in their first fish of the tourney---35.5 yellow and 18.84 mahi. REEL LUCKY (John Haley) said they went "everywhere" and had 20 mahi, released a white marlin (approx 80) and saw some triggerfish. SANDRA JEANNE (Mike Forman) made his third trip to the scales with today's mahi (5.32). REEL TIME (Steve Rizzo) made his first stop at the scales with a 18.24lb mahi and CHASIN' TAIL (Dave Mabrino) added to the yellow fin column with a 63lber.

CUDDA BIN (Bill Campbell) brought their tote of yellow (27) and mahi (9.74) up to scale while KAHUNA (George Vickers) was getting tied up to the dock. KAHUNA lost a 450lb swordfish at the boat, released 4 white marlins (ranging from 80 - 100), and scaled three big eye (101, 100.5. 99) and a 38.5 albie. .GIDDY UP (Jim Matushi) wheeled up their 49lb albie to put them on the board in a three way tie for third.

RASCAL (Ken Dowling) waited to unload their 3 big eyes (207.5, 176, 158.5) and took over first place. REBEL (Mike Tucci) was the most patient of today's entries, waiting to weigh-in our first wahoo (not a tourney species, but good for SMTC).

UNICORN V (Bud Brandt) was today's caboose coming in late (but safe) due to engine trouble.

STANDINGS for MONDAY

DAY
Big Eye: Positive Attitude 202
Fast Track 167.5

Yellowfin: Positive Attitude 72
Skidz 71
Fishin' Impossible 61

Mahi: Skidz 27.6
Sandra Jeanne 19.42
Fishin' Impossible 18.48

Albacore: Bimini Bum 50.5
Donna G 45.5

Mako:none

Bluefish:none

(new) White Marlin: Grand Bahama Mama approx 75


OVERNIGHT
Big Eye: Rascal 207.5
Fisheyes 204.5
White Water 19.35

Yellowfin: Canyon Bound 78.5
Reel Action 75.5
F.I.S.H. 72.5

Mahi: Sheldrake 19.38
Fox Sea Lady 19.22
Fisheyes 19.06

Albacore: Sheldrake 52.5
Morning Belle 49.5
Josey 49
Giddy Up 49
Barbaric 49

Mako:none

(new) White Marlin: Fish This approx 50 and 60
Miss Stress III approx 60
Patti G approx 85
Blushin Rose approx 50
Foxy Sea Lady 2 x approx 85
Reel Action approx 50 and 70
Kahuna 3 x approx 80- 100
Rascal approx 60

(new) Blue Marlin: Josey approx 400

HOI Trivia: Day category has weighed in 1678.46lbs and Overnight category has weighed in 4287.09lbs

Tomorrow has 6 or so overnighters returning, but I think the day category and daytripping overnighters could bump up the numbers with anglers trying to beat what may be coming weatherwise on Wednesday and/or Thursday.

See you at the scales.

Kathy

Sunday, August 17, 2009

This morning's send off was "hot"--39 water warriors left; waiting at the dock was hot; and the weigh-in was "hot" (OK, all you Buster Poindexter fans sing with me "ole, ole, ole")

Today was WOW!!! 16 overnighters from yesterday returned, 2 overnighters played "daytripper" and 16 day boats went on the hunt.

This afternoon had a burst of activity around 4:30 when first time HOI participant RUMURR (Tom Murray) arrived from his overnight with 2 yellowfin (59, 54.5) and a mahi (6.18). Tom's daughter Alexandra landed the mahi and a small yellowfin (not weighed in for tourney) on this her first offshore (and an overnight at that!) trip. Amy welcomed her to the "Offshore Girl Angler Club." LADY PAMELA (Scott Horowitz) picked the largest of his 4 yellowfin (64.5) and mahi (9.04) to put on the scales and reported 3 white marlin releases (approx. 75, 80, 100). The wise-cracking crew of F.I.S.H (Bob Baschnagel) wheeled up a cart load of yellowfin (72.5, 61.5, 60.5, 55) they found at The Dip. EYECATCHER II (Frank Pollina) returned from Hudson with nothing for the scale but let us know that he brought home 6 small yellowfin and released the same number as well as a swordfish, a mako and a hammerhead.

And then a break in the action.....until LADY JANE (Rob Maloney) weighed in a yellow (59) and two mahi (18.5, 13.28) and reported release of two white marlin (approx 50 and 85). DENISE CATHERINE (Rosairo Miano) brought in his first yellowfin (54) of the tourney. SHELDRAKE (Nat Kramer) waited his turn and tied up to the scales to unload the first albies of the day (52.5, 49) and two mahi (19.38, 12.3). Capt. Leigh Schroder told me they first went to the Dip where they released a blue marlin (approx. 300), had a "mystery" bite that they backed down on and fought for 25 minutes before it "went away," then they headed over to the Tails where they found the albies and mahi.

JACLYNN-ROE (Ron Moschetta) released a blue marlin (approx 500) and a hammerhead, and weighed in the largest of their 6 yellowfin (58) and three of their dozen mahi (16.76, 16.4, 15.06). Overnighter TOTAL RETURN (Brian Nydegger) took a day trip with his dad Rick Sr., brother Rick Jr, Mike Bizzozo and Ray Kelly of Adventures in Fishing, and tried to get on the board with his mahi (13.98).

HOOK UP (Nick Maloney) was the first daytripper to let us know about his white marlin (approx 70) release. HOT PURSUIT II (Jaro Hauk) came in with a mahi (15.46). FRIGATE (Floyd Carrington) stayed away from the scales for the second day, but called in a white marlin release (approx. 40).

REEL THERAPY II (George Yakaboski) had a "great time...we saw whales, porpoises, and lots of other sealife" and picked their largest yellow (52.5) for the scale.

And if you'll indulge me a proud parent moment: Jamie took Kaitlyn on her first offshore trip today aboard the SANDRA JEANNE (Mike Forman) and came home with a mahi (14) and a bluefin (51.5), Mike's daughter Maud weighed in her 2nd fish for the tournament, a mahi (17.42). A little SMTC history: Jim Hummel took Jamie fishing and Chuck Foreman did the same with Mike when they were young/teens, Jamie and Mike worked together with Tred Barta in the 80s and now they are continuing the tradition of great fishing with their daughters. This is what it's all about.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming. THE ARIEL (Ned Kaplan) hung outside the gas dock for his turn at the scale and it paid off as their 69lb yellow put them on the board. Sam landed a 16.04 mahi and they released a white marlin (approx. 70). SKIDZ (Rick Fayer)'s second day at the scale showed us a yellow (59) and the new first place mahi (27.6). BIMINI BUM (Tony Vaccaro) arrived in full pirate regalia (ok, so really it was a just a hat, but the whole crew was wearing them!) but it worked for them since their albie (50.5) put them on the board along with a white marlin release (approx. 70).

POSITIVE ATTITUDE (Mike Mapes) fixed the hydraulic problems from yesterday and came in with seven yelllowfin, but only weighed in the biggest--good choice as the 72lber put them on top of the category. SEAPHORIA (Brian Hogg) weighed in twin yellows (58) and DONNA G (Paul Grosser) scaled three albies (45.5 and twin 45) and a mahi (18.02).

OCEAN RAIDER (Mark Edwards) showed a 61lb yellow and 2 mahi (18.6, 17.1). CATHY'S CHOICE (Tom Errico) wrapped the day with a plethora of yellows (ranging from 66.5-56) and mahis (16.14-11.74) .

While we were gathering ourselves at the end of the whirlwind weigh-in, PLEASURE SICA (Tony Sica) shared his WOW moment of their trip--they hooked up "something big", fought it for four hours, everybody worked the rod and finally a 13 ft (guesstimated at 600+ lbs) tiger shark "popped up like a submarine!"

STANDINGS for Sunday

DAY

Big Eye:none

Yellowfin: Positive Attitude 72
Skidz 71
Fishin' Impossible 61

Mahi: Skidz 27.6
Sandra Jeanne 19.42
Donna G 18.02

Albacore: Bimini Bum 50.5
Donna G 45.5

Mako:none

Bluefish:none

(new) White Marlin releases:
Hook Up approx. 70
Frigate approx. 40
Bimini Bum approx 70


OVERNIGHT

Big Eye:none

Yellowfin: F.I.S.H. 72.5
Ariel 69
Cathy's Choice 66.5

Mahi: Sheldrake 19.38
Ocean Raider 18.6
Lady Jane 18.5

Albacore: Sheldrake 52.5

Mako:none

White Marlin: Lady Pamela approx. 75, 80, 100
Lady Jane approx. 50, 85
Ariel approx 70
Cathy's Choice approx 65, 65, 65

Blue Marlin: Sheldrake approx. 300
Jaclynn-Roe approx 500

Still don't have your raffle tickets? All Points has them.

With 21 overnighters returning and who knows how many day boats going so they can get their days in before the weather turns, tomorrow has the potential to be a MANIC MONDAY. Will you be there?

See you at the scales.

Kathy

Saturday, August 16, 2009

Have to get the corrections out of the way
before the news:

We have 75 boats not 76 (50 overnights, 25 day)--I guess I shouldn't try to do math very late at night

We aren't taking orders for t-shirts, however, they will be available at the Dinner in the Dunes next Sunday.

The morning crew of Joe, Pete and Bob waved off 30 boats in the early morn--16 daytrippers and 14 overnighters.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE (Mike Mapes) had a negative start to his day with hydraulic troubles, but fingers crossed it'll get fixed and they'll get to come out and play soon.

Today was all about mahi with a dash of yellowfin.

FAST TRACK (Gabe Ariola) got the party started as the first boat back and weighed in two mahi (12.84 and 12.64) landed by James and John.

And then Amy, Ray, Brian and I sat. And waited. And snacked. And soaked up the sun. And answered questions from passers-by. And waited. And chatted with Brian Nydegger (TOTAL RETURN) and his family. And waited.

And finally...FISHIN' IMPOSSIBLE (Mark Freedman) arrived with his three yellowfin (61, 59 and 55) caught by Ari, Elan and Stew west of the Dip. HOT PURSUIT (Bill Durbec) brought us two mahi (17, 15.9) from the Fishtails. First time HOI participant, CUDDA BIN (Bill Campbell) reported the first White Marlin (approx. 80lbs) release of the tournament and weighed in a 14.56lb mahi. SANDRA JEANNE (Mike Forman) pulled up and added to the Mahi pile with two (19.42, 17) and weighed in Maud's 47.5 bluefin for the SMTC Junior board.

SPELLMAN'S MARINE (Doug Wells) had nothing for the scale, but was excited about their white marlin (approx. 70) and blue marlin (approx. 400) releases. His crew for the day were buzzing about how cool it was to see the blue dance and spin and almost strip the reel. They sent pictures for the site--you'll be able to ooh and ahh tomorrow when the Leaderboard is updated with today's landings.

SKIDZ (Rick Fayer) and his crew, Carol Nakamoto and Dave Casquarelli, rolled up to the scale with a wagon full of yellowfin (71, 62.5, 57 and 55.5) from the Hudson. COMPLICATED LADY (John Shemilt) wrapped up things for us today with his white marlin (approx. 70) release.

DAY STANDINGS:
Albacore: none

Yellowfin: 1. SKIDZ 71.0
2. FISHIN IMPOSSIBLE 61

Big Eye: none

Mako: none

White Marlin: CUDDA BIN approx 80
SPELLMAN'S MARINE approx 70
COMPLICATED LADY approx 70

Blue Marlin: SPELLMAN'S MARINE approx 400

Mahi: 1. SANDRA JEANNE 19.42
2. HOT PURSUIT 17
3. CUDDA BIN 14.56

Bluefish: none

On the dock sightings included the Haley family, Jim and Christine Dubrowsky, a stealthy John Maguire weighing in a mahi, and friends and families of today's daytrippers. Hope to see more of you as the week goes on.

When visiting www.hamptonsoffshoreinvitational.com ...make sure you hit "refresh" or the F5 button -- that way you'll always be looking at the most current updates.

See you at the scales.

Kathy

Friday, August 15, 2009

The HOI Captain's Meeting is always an interesting mix of business and pleasure--the business of checking in/signing up and the pleasure of catching up with friends while enjoying a burger and a beverage (or more). Looked and sounded like everyone had a great time.

I arrived with 69 pre-registered boats and left the tent at the end of the night with only one drop out (we'll miss FISHIN' MISSION) and only one category switch for a total of 76 (our most entries EVER!) including several first timers----not a bad night at all. As usual I only got to see the folks that came by to get their Captain's materials and buckets, but I know I'll be able to catch up with the crews over the week.

Thanks to Sharon, Amy and Steve C for their help at the check-in table; to Connor, Kaitlyn and Maud for their Bucket Brigade prowess; and to Bill Tymann and Mark Cox (both from Big Brothers Big Sisters) for their staffing of the T-shirt table; to Joe Tag and the other "advisors" at the Safety Briefing table; to the Absolute Detailing crew for selling raffle tickets; to Open Sea for the Captain's Meeting Hospitality and to Oakland's for allowing us to take over the parking lot and hosting the weigh-ins in this week. And of course, Scott was working the crowd. If you were a part of tonight's success and I missed you, thanks also.

Boat, Car and Green Raffle tickets will be available at the weigh-in table all week. Get yours now before they're all gone. You can also get Car and Boat raffles at East End Bait and Tackle and White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays or Haskell's in East Quogue.
Members: please mail in your stubs/payments or drop them off at the weigh-in table during the week.

There is a limited number of T-shirts and hats still available. If you want to order "HOI Gear", email Kathy or drop off your wish list off at the weigh-in table and we'll put it together for you.

Our "staff" photographer Ray Geminiski will once again be donating his time to record your catches for posterity. And you'll be able to view/purchase photos on Monday, 8/24 at www.shvillagephoto.com. Every captain received the details on how to order prints and Ray will also be passing out cards at weigh-ins.

Ray Kelly will be taping the event for his ADVENTURES IN FISHING show. You may get a chance to be a star!

Bookmark http://www.hamptonsoffshoreinvitational.com and you'll be able to see standings, check the weather, read my nightly recaps (just in case you miss one ). We can even put up your photos--email them to Kathy and she'll pass along for posting on the site. Share the link with your friends and family so they can see how you're doing. Thanks to our webguru Jim Gatto for his time and efforts.

There is a small number of dinner tickets still available. Get in touch with Kathy or Scott if you need more.

Miss Manners is reminding you to be patient and pleasant to the Oakland's dock staff this week (and "remember" them appropriately)--they will be working extra hours and helping us to ensure a successful event. This also extends to our weigh-in staff...everyone there is a volunteer and we promise you will get to scale your fish.

And lastly, from your "den mother" for the next 9 days: Please, please, please, please remember to complete the back of your drop cards before you leave the dock--I need to know who's on the boat, a landline contact and number and a cell or sat phone number for the boat. This is so I can reach you in case of an emergency or if you don't check in at the end of your trip. Each captain was given my cell number in their packet (here it is again: 631-872-8434)---use it to check in! We will have a handheld VHF radio at the weigh-in table, but sometimes the crowd noise/activity makes it difficult for us to hear you call in, so if you don't get a positive response, call my cell.

Tomorrow is looking good for our first day....can't wait to see who takes the plunge!

See you at the scales.

Kathy