Although The 12th Annual Riverhead Snapper Tournament the tournament was a total success. Big snappers were caught again during this year's event. The event is held along the Town's beautiful Peconic Riverfront. The Snapper Tournament focuses on getting children involved in fishing. There is an Adullt Division and a Junior Division. The Riverhead Recreation Department's Summer Scholarship Program benefits from the tournament. Tournament Director, Capt. Ray Kelly said "Children were definitely hooked on fishing this year. It was great to see the children fishing from the town dock. The snappers were in the river and they were big. Congratulations to all our winners. Thank you to all the parents and adults who bring the children and to all the businesses that donate money and raffle prizes for the Chinese Auction which follows the tournament." Free hot dogs and soda were provided to the participants thanks Tom "Bucky" O'Niel. John Heagy and Patrick O'Niel and the generosity of the businesses.

Capt. Kelly was kept very busy measuring the snappers this year. The lead kept changing during the tournament which was very exciting. Willie Walker and Samatha Izzo caught a 11 & 1/4 inch snapper which took First Place in the Adult and Junior Divisions. Children came from as far away as Massapequa and Queens to fish in the tournament. The tournament was also filmed as an episode of the television show, Adventures In Fishing which airs on cablevision and can be seen on www.adventuresinfishing.com.

The results of the tournament are as follows: Junior Division: 3rd place- Thomas Daquaro, age 9, with an 10 & 1/4 inch snapper, 2nd place- Ryan Albiet, age 4, with an 10 & 1/4 inch snapper and 1st place, Samatha Izzo, age 12, with a 11 & 1/4 inch snapper. Amatha won a 1st place trophy, a beautiful 1st place framed Snapper Print donated by Capt. John Lavelle of Rocky Point and a rod & reel combination donated by Warren's Tackle of Aquebogue, NY.

Adult Division: 3rd place- Nick Gigante with a 10 & 3/8 inch snapper, 2nd place- Jim Angermaier with a 10 & 5/8 inch snapper and 1st place- Willie Walker with a 11 & 1/4 inch snapper. Willie won a 1st place trophy, a beautiful 1st place framed Snapper Print donated by Capt. John Lavelle and a rod and reel combination donated by West Marine of Riverhead, NY. Willie really knows how to catch those winning snappers as he is a past winner of the tournament.

For information on participating in or sponsoring next year's tournament, please call The Riverhead Recreation Department at 631-727-5744 or go to www.adventuresinfishing.com.