I once caught a fish this big. . .

Montauk - The 24th Annual Star Island Yacht Club Shark Tournament was held on Friday and Saturday, June 18 and June 19 in Montauk. A Captains meeting was held on Thursday, and an Awards Ceremony and Dinner followed Saturday's event. The tournament concluded at 5 p.m. sharp on Saturday, and only those boats that were inside the inlet were allowed to complete a weigh-in with their catch by that time.

Approximately 165 competitors entered this year's event, and one victory was assured at Saturday's event with a Thresher shark weighing in at 335 pounds. The minimum weight for consideration for a blue shark is 250 pounds, makos must be at least 100 pounds, and other shark species, 150 pounds. Additionally, the boats must observe the federal bag limit of one fish per trip.

Star Island Yacht Club also provided charter fishing boats and captains for those anglers who wanted to participate but did not have boats.

There are many who find this tournament to be an unnecessary killing of animals and the day's events were accompanied by protestors at the entrance to Star Island bearing posters and vocalizing their disapproval.

Bragging rights and prize money are assured for the captain and crew who brought in this 335 pound Thresher.

The tournament organizers have previously stated that "All sportsmen can contribute to the studies of the Shark by tagging and releasing sharks that don't meet strict weight requirements. Last year over 340 sharks were released back to the ocean. Of the sharks that were weighed in, over 750 pounds of edible shark meat was donated to the Long Island Council of Churches food pantry to help feed those in need."

And up he goes for the official weigh-in.

With a nominal entrance fee of $800 per boat, and over $500,000 paid out at the 2009 tournament, this annual event draws many serious fishermen to test their mettle against what is considered one of the most fearsome and feared creatures of the ocean - the shark.

The tournament gained particular fame in 1986, when shark hunter Captain Frank Mundus, captain of the Cricket II caught a 3,427 pound Great White in the waters off Montauk. Mundus is considered by many to be the inspiration for the character Captain Quint in "Jaws." He died in September 2008, and the boat was purchased by his personal friend and Rhode Island resident Jon Dodd for a little over $50,000. Dodd undertook to restore the vessel and offered to return it to Montauk, however, his repairs in excess of $80,000 at that time proved too costly for interested Montauk residents who felt the boat should be cherished and treasured as a local link to both Mundus, and the area's claim that Montauk is the fishing capital of the world.

The fate of the Cricket II remains unclear, but the influence and memories of those who knew and knew of Mundus, will forever have an impact on shark fishermen everywhere, and for those competitors pulling into the dock that bears a life size replica of that Great White caught by Mundus over 20 years ago, a tip of the cap is always in order.

As for those viewing the weigh-ins from the comfort of the dock - that unmistakeable theme music and blockbuster film that kept many from putting their toes in the water too quickly or swimming after dark served as a reminder to pick your battles - carefully.

This year's event offered $50,000 in cash and prizes as follows:

 • Heaviest Shark Tournament - $25,000
 • Heaviest Shark Day 1 - $2,500
 • Heaviest Shark Day 2 - $2,500
 • Heaviest Mako - $5,000
 • Second Heaviest Mako - $2,500
 • Third Heaviest Mako - $1,500
 • Heaviest Blue Shark - $2,500
 • Second Heaviest Blue - $1,500
 • Third Heaviest Blue - $1,000
 • Heaviest Other Species - $3,500
 • Second Place Heaviest Other - $1,500
 • Place Heaviest Other - $1,000

Much of the shark meat is distributed to food pantries.

Under beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures, this year's tournament drew large crowds of fellow fishermen, sports enthusiasts, children and adults who cheered for their friends and family members who undertook the challenge for bragging rights, and recognition as the catcher of the biggest (and many believe the meanest) fish ever - the sha.., sha.., shark!

Boats of all sizes carrying fishermen and sportsmen approached the dock at Star Island in Montauk with their catch.