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Record High for Junior Fishing Tournament

by Carole Paquette

Photos by Carol Tokosh and Michael d’Agostino (click on photos to enlarge)

Winners in the morning group [from left] Mia McGivney, Angelina Saeiocca, Tommy LozadaWinners in the afternoon group [from left] Christopher Bellinger, Matthew Cira, Eric TrovitchThe fish in Willow Pond were biting at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in Smithtown last weekend and as a result the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve’s catch-and-release 15th annual Junior Fishing Tournament hit a record with a total of 259 fish caught by 30 anglers, ranging in age from five through twelve. All anglers caught at least three fish per person.

Winners of the morning session for those ages five to eight: Angelina Saeiocca, 5, from Bay Shore, won first prize for the most fish caught: 10; Thomas Lozada, 6, Massapequa Park, caught the largest pan fish, a 9-3/4-inch sunfish; Mia McGivney, 8, Rockville Center, caught the largest “other” fish, a 13-inch bass.

Winners in the afternoon session, for anglers ages nine through 12 were: Erik Trovitch, 12, from Smithtown, first prize for catching the most fish: 53; Matthew Cira, 9, Smithtown, caught the largest pan fish: a 10-inch sunfish; and Christopher Bellinger, 12, Smithtown, caught the largest “other” fish: a 14-1/2-inch bass.

For Eric Trovitch, who won first prize last year as well for catching 17 fish, the day began with immediate good fortune.

“He caught a total of 53 fish, and that’s the truth! He threw in his line and caught a fish within a minute!” said Carol Tokosh, whose husband Tom was chairman of the tournament.

There were 19 anglers in the morning session who caught a total of 116 fish, and 11 in the afternoon session who caught a total of 143 fish. All participants received a free tee shirt and goodie bags.

The Fisherman Magazine provided worms, bobbers, hooks and two rods for prizes.

Mia McGivney of Rockville Center catches the fish, then grandfather Roy Placet steps in.

Eric Trovitch and one of his 53 fish, a 14.75-inch bassMatthew Cira with his 10-inch sunfish Christopher Bellinger with his prize-winning bass
Tommy Lozada with his prize-winning sunfish.

om Tokosh of Smithtown with junior angler Cooper Phillips, 10.