More 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 morning session and 9 to 12 in the afternoon, happily cast their 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.
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.
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.
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 overseeing 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.
Photos by Michal D'Agostino, Carol Tokosh, and Natalie Rash, courtest of the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve.
Pictured in Feature Photo: Charlotte Derby shows off the fish she caught.
Pictured (from left to right):
Photo 1 - A.M. winners: 3rd prize, Owen Murnane; 1st prize, Rosemary Deutsch; 2nd prize, Stevie Rosenfeld.
Photo 2 - P.M. winners: 2nd prize, Gwendolyn Raeihle; 3rd prize, Ryan Paolella; 1st prize, Angelo Lupo.
Photo 3 - Birthday party anglers. Back row: Stevie Rosenfeld, Hailey Kulesa, Vivian Derby [8th birthday]. Front: Charlotte Derby, Peyton Kulesa.
Photo 4 - A.M first place winner Rosemary Deutsch makes a fish face as she shows off a toy fish from her goody bag.
Photo 5 - Charlotte Derby shows off the fish she caught.
Photo 6 - PM winner Angelo Lupo shows off his sixth fish, which garnered him a first prize.
Photo 7 - Stevie Rosenfeld proudly displays her winning pan fish.
Photo 8 - Owen Murnane with his dad, and judge Carmine Petrone, show off his winning 14-inch bass.
Photo 9 - PM group of anglers.
