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Photos: Snapper Tournament participants reel in some big fish

By Barbaraellen Koch

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Liam Hansen, 7, of Wading River fishes with his father Mark on the town’s floating dock during the 15th annual Riverhead Snapper Tournament.

More than 150 children and adults participated in the Riverhead Recreation Department’s 15th annual Snapper Tournament held on the Peconic Riverfront Saturday.

The event is designed to get children “hooked” on fishing and to raise money for the recreation department’s youth scholarship fund.

There were 18 fish caught, with sizes ranging from 7 to 9 and 1/8 inches.

All the winners received a trophy and the first place winners received a fishing rod and reel donated by Warren’s Tackle Center of Aquebogue and West Marine of Riverhead. After the winners were announced there was a Chinese Auction with items donated by local merchants. Free hot dogs and soda were donated by the Flanders Men’s Club.

The youth winners were: First place, Ryan Zaleski of Riverhead; second place, Christina Gigante of Lindenhurst; and third place saw two winners, Ava Gradischer of Wading River and Mikayla Nirrengarten.

The adult winners were: First place, Al Raynor of Eastport; second place, James Zaleski of Riverhead; and third place, Don Visek of Aquebogue.

Emily Smitheimer, 12, of Stony Brook, brought a stool from home.
Renee and Joe Dragotto of Middle Island came up empty-handed.
Dalton Lucas, 11, of Jamesport showed off his catch — just under 8 and 3/4 inches.
Recreation Department staff member and tournament director Colleen Eastwood (far right) with winners (back row) Al Raynor of Eastport, Don Visek of Aquebogue, (front row) Ava Gradischer of Wading River, Christina Gigante of Lindenhurst, James Zaleski of Riverhead (holding for his dad Jim) and Ryan Zaleski of Riverhead.

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