hookset
07-16-2008, 01:28 PM
Manville American Legion Post readies for annual fluke tournament
By BOB MAKIN • STAFF WRITER • July 14, 2008
MANVILLE —During the 19 years of American Legion Post 304's annual fluke tournament, more than $40,000 has been raised for local scholarships (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#), recreation programs and the high school band, as well as the VA Medical Center in the Lyons section of Bernards, organizers said.
Lou DeFazio, director of the annual tournament, founded the fun family affair to give back to the community (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#) and to share his passion for fishing.
"I always have liked to fish and teaching other people how to do it," said DeFazio, a lifelong Manville resident who served in the Air Force from 1976-80. "I enjoy seeing people enjoy themselves."
Several opportunities to enjoy the fluke tournament are open this year, DeFazio said. In past years, the event sold out all of 150 spots, but a few remain.
This year's tournament will take place Saturday from Bogan's Boat Basin in Brielle. The event will offer a party boat on the Atlantis, but those with their own boats are welcome to join in the fun.
Participants also can fish from the Brielle beach (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#), DeFazio said.
More than $1,200 will be awarded in cash prizes for the four largest catches. Trophies will be awarded to the first four places in a junior division for children, who are welcome to compete among the adults, DeFazio said. They have placed in the adult competition in the past, he said.
The entrance fee is $20 per person, which includes a party Friday at the American Legion hall on Main Street in Manville. The party will feature several door prizes, including a rod and reel, coolers, lawn chairs and a trip to the Bahamas (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#).
Anyone has a chance to win door prizes and a 50-50 raffle, as well as the actual tournament the next day, DeFazio said.
"A few years back, a friend of a friend was visiting from out of town, and he brought him to the fluke tournament," he recalled. "He never had fished before. Well, he won a fishing (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#) pole on the Friday night, and then went out fishing and won the tournament.
"Last year, a little girl won first place in the junior division," DeFazio continued. "She won a trophy, a fishing pole and two movie tickets. I could have given that kid a million dollars for that trophy and she never would have given it back ever. If you could have seen the look on her face. That's what makes it all worthwhile."
By BOB MAKIN • STAFF WRITER • July 14, 2008
MANVILLE —During the 19 years of American Legion Post 304's annual fluke tournament, more than $40,000 has been raised for local scholarships (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#), recreation programs and the high school band, as well as the VA Medical Center in the Lyons section of Bernards, organizers said.
Lou DeFazio, director of the annual tournament, founded the fun family affair to give back to the community (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#) and to share his passion for fishing.
"I always have liked to fish and teaching other people how to do it," said DeFazio, a lifelong Manville resident who served in the Air Force from 1976-80. "I enjoy seeing people enjoy themselves."
Several opportunities to enjoy the fluke tournament are open this year, DeFazio said. In past years, the event sold out all of 150 spots, but a few remain.
This year's tournament will take place Saturday from Bogan's Boat Basin in Brielle. The event will offer a party boat on the Atlantis, but those with their own boats are welcome to join in the fun.
Participants also can fish from the Brielle beach (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#), DeFazio said.
More than $1,200 will be awarded in cash prizes for the four largest catches. Trophies will be awarded to the first four places in a junior division for children, who are welcome to compete among the adults, DeFazio said. They have placed in the adult competition in the past, he said.
The entrance fee is $20 per person, which includes a party Friday at the American Legion hall on Main Street in Manville. The party will feature several door prizes, including a rod and reel, coolers, lawn chairs and a trip to the Bahamas (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#).
Anyone has a chance to win door prizes and a 50-50 raffle, as well as the actual tournament the next day, DeFazio said.
"A few years back, a friend of a friend was visiting from out of town, and he brought him to the fluke tournament," he recalled. "He never had fished before. Well, he won a fishing (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS/807140327/1017/NEWS04#) pole on the Friday night, and then went out fishing and won the tournament.
"Last year, a little girl won first place in the junior division," DeFazio continued. "She won a trophy, a fishing pole and two movie tickets. I could have given that kid a million dollars for that trophy and she never would have given it back ever. If you could have seen the look on her face. That's what makes it all worthwhile."