Friends Of Caleb Smith Host Junior Angler Fishing Tournament

By Carole Paquette 

Photos by: Michael D’Agostino, Carol Tokosh, Natalie Rash (click on photos to enlarge)

12th Annual Junior Fishing Tourney Nets Some Big Fish

A.M Winners - 3rd prize, Owen Murname; 1st prize Rosemary Deutsch; 2nd prize, Stevie RosenfeldP.M. winners: 2nd prize, Gwendolyn Raeihle; 3rd prize, Ryan Paolella; 1st prize, Angelo LupoMore than 30 children caught more than 50 fish at the popular Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve Junior Anglers Fishing Tournament held on Saturday, June 7. The 12th annual catch-and-release event was held at Willow Pond in Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in Smithtown. The anglers, ranging in age from 5 to 8 in the Charlotte Derby shows off the fish she caught.morning session and 9 to 12 in the afternoon, happily cast their Birthday party anglers. Back row: Stevie Rosenfeld, Hailey Kulesa, Vivian Derby [8th birthday]. Front: Charlotte Derby, Peyton KulesaA.M first place winner Rosemary Deutsch makes a fish face as she shows off a toy fish from her goody bag. lines for prizes, which were awarded along with goody bags and ice cream for all, following each session.

In the morning session, Rosemary Deutsch, 5, of Wantagh, won first prize for catching the most fish: seven. Stevie Rosenfeld, 7, of Hauppauge received second prize for catching the largest pan fish, measuring 8-3/4 inches; and Owen Murnane, 5-1/2, of East Northport won third prize for catching the largest “other” fish, a 14-inch bass.

 PM winner Angelo Lupo shows off his sixth fish, which garnered him a first prize.In the afternoon session Angelo Lupo, 11, of Deer Park, won first prize for catching the most fish: six; Gwendolyn Raeihle, 8, of Smithtown, won second prize for catching the largest pan fish, measuring 10 inches; Ryan Paolella, won third prize for catching the largest “other” fish, a 10-3/4-inch bass.

The day brought six good friends together to compete in the event while  celebrating the eighth birthday of Vivian Derby of Hauppauge. All of the six friends caught a fish, and one: Stevie Rosenfeld, won second place.

 Stevie Rosenfeld proudly displays her winning pan fish. Five-year-old Rosemary Deutsch of Wantagh, fishing under the watchful eyes of her parents, Heather and Tom, didn’t catch any fish last year but had caught six within the first hour this time, to go on and win first place. 

 Murnane with his dad, and judge Carmine Petrone, show off his winning 14-inch bass.In the afternoon session, Sal Lupo, 13, who had won first prize last year offered the Friends group his help this year. Sal could be seen PM group of anglers  sites along the pond helping bait hooks and release fish. “I love this place,” Sal said, as his two brothers, Angelo, and Vincent, 8, nodded eagerly.

For more information about Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve events check www.friendsofcalebsmith.org