Summer 2017 Hamptons Shark Tournaments
Beaching it in Montauk this weekend? The last thing you want to see if you’re relaxing on the beach or wading in the surf is a dorsal fin sticking ominously out of the otherwise placid ocean. If you’re on a boat during one of the East End’s world famous shark tournaments, though, that’s the moment you’re waiting for. Just how many sharks are patrolling the waters around our serene and scenic waters? The website ocearch.org will give you an idea. In fact, last summer researchers from Ocearch discovered a great white shark nursery in the waters off Montauk. So, probably a lot. Which means there’s plenty of opportunities to cash in at any of the East End’s shark tournaments, which we’ve listed below.
31st ANNUAL STAR ISLAND SHARK TOURNAMENT
6/15–6/17. The beloved shark tournament returns. Sharks that don’t meet weight requirements can be tagged and released. If you want to participate but don’t own your own boat, you can charter one. Cash prizes include $30,000 for the Heaviest Qualifying Shark of the Tournament! In all, prizes are valued at more than $500,000. Yacht Club & Marina, Montauk Point. starislandyc.com
THE 47th ANNUAL MONTAUK MARINE BASIN SHARK TOURNAMENT
6/22–6/24. This year’s tournament will have $50,000 in cash prizes. Red Line Films will be on-hand doing segments for NBC Sports. The tournament is limited to 150 boats, so sign up soon. Montauk Marine Basin, 426 West Lake Drive, Montauk. 631-668-5900 marinebasin.com
THE 25th ANNUAL MAKO, THRESHER AND TUNA TOURNAMENT
8/4–8/5. 2016 was the best year yet for this fan fave tournament with more than 35 threshers and 20 makos caught. Think you have what it takes to compete in 2017? The tournament includes not only sharks, but also any species of tuna, including Blue Fin. Overnight fishing returns again this year, so captains are encouraged to get an early start on Day Two. As with last year, you can only weigh in one shark per day. Cash prizes total more than $10,000. Yacht Club & Marina, Montauk Point. starislandyc.com
For a full list of summer events in Montauk and beyond, go to Events.DansPapers.com.