This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Young Residents Reel it in at Mayor's Annual Snapper Derby

Glen Covers participated in Saturday's Pryibil Beach fishing event

Young Glen Cove residents participated in the 2010 Snapper Derby at Pryibil Beach Pier Saturday morning to enjoy fishing with their families and friends.

Although it was a windy day, cloudy skies and cool temperatures provided for good fishing weather, said Tom Manzione, who has been Chairman of the Derby for 10 years.

The event has become a Glen Cove tradition, as it has been nearly 25 years since the city's first Snapper Derby. It was organized by the Glen Cove Anglers Club and the Matinecock Rod and Gun Club. Volunteers from each organization worked to get local sponsors in order to raise money for food, prizes and all other amenities.

Find out what's happening in Glen Covewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Volunteers have fun helping the kids, teaching them to fish. They're all fishermen," said Manzione. He added that they help with the children's rigs, and have extra lines and hooks to make each fishing experience go as smoothly as possible.

A total of 121 children were in attendance, and over 120 fish were caught. Each child received a Glen Cove Mayor's Snapper Derby tee shirt, hot dog, soda and a raffle ticket for prizes.

Find out what's happening in Glen Covewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The competition was fierce; kids ran up and down the pier, holding their wriggling fishes carefully so as not to drop them. All participating children brought their fish to be weighed, and the amount was recorded. The standings were written and constantly updated on a dry-erase board at the entrance of the pier.

Frankie Barbone of Senior Division had a strategy: fishing on the left. "The cast is going to go farther on this side because of the wind," he said. "This way, you have a better chance of catching something." He added that his favorite part about fishing is the moment he makes a catch.

The Mangiarotti's made the Snapper Derby a family affair. Older sister Margot, 15, took pictures of her little brother, Teddy, 8, who is already a seasoned fisherman. He discovered his love for fishing on a family trip to Cape Cod, said his father, Ed, and frequents Oyster Bay to hone his skills.

His favorite fishing memory was on a recent outing: "I was at the Oyster Bay docks with my friends and we caught 20 fish each," he said.

Awards were given to the kids who caught the most grams of fish. In the Junior Division, ages 6 to 10, Shellie Deguire, Tristan Nolan and Nicole Valeonsisi placed first, second and third, accordingly. The top three winners in the Senior Division, ages 11-16, were Gaetano Famiglietti, Jessica Reynolds and Erica Dantona. The award for Best Angler went to Josh Cohen.

Winners won brightly-colored fishing rods and trophies.

Mayor Ralph Suozzi presented the children with their awards. He mentioned that this is an event he looks forward to each year, and recalled that his father had also participated in the Snapper Derby when he was mayor. "It's a recreational experience, it's family fun," he said. "Sharing the love of the outdoors and fishing with the next generation; it's just a great thing. I love it."

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?