(Halesite, NY) Councilwoman Susan A. Berland wished the Town’s newest “fishermen” well before their day-trip on the James Joseph II. The group departed from the dock in Halesite and enjoyed lunch, courtesy of Junior’s Pizza on Wall Street and Pro Huntington, the Pub and Restaurant owners of Huntington Hospitality Association, on their way out to the harbor.
In June, Councilwoman Berland sponsored an essay contest for Town of Huntington residents aged 7-13 to find the “great catches” that would be “Fishermen for a Day.” Contestants had to submit their best-written essay describing why they wanted to spend the day on the water and why it’s important to protect the fish and their habitat. Councilwoman Berland partnered with the James Joseph II, the Imperial Sportsmen and the Suffolk County Senior Citizen’s Fishing Club.
The lucky winners spent the day learning about marine fishing, the thrill of catching a salt water fish and why it is important to comply with fishing regulations under the tutelage of the Imperial Sportsmen and the Suffolk County Senior Citizen’s Fishing Club.
“It was wonderful to see this event come to life for the second year in a row. Working with the Imperial Sportsmen and the Suffolk County Senior Citizen’s Fishing Club, we were able to bring the ‘Fisherman for a Day’ event to the Town of Huntington once again. Both of these groups have a passion for teaching the sport of safe fishing to our youth.” Councilwoman Berland stated. “It was an action-packed day for all of our essay winners and without the James Joseph II, Junior’s Pizza on Wall Street and Pro Huntington’s generous donations it would not have been possible.”
The Imperial Sportsmen meet twice a month and sponsor 10 charter trips a year for members, mostly out of Orient Point, which feature two fall Bass trips out of Montauk. Members, and spouses, enjoy an annual Spring Bruch and Christmas Party. For membership information, please contact John Schoenig at (631) 261-7105.
The Suffolk County Senior Citizen’s Fishing Club meets once a month at the Senior Beach House at Centerport Beach. There are two seasonal picnics a year, both featuring a casting a snapper contest, and a Christmas Party. For membership information, please contact Ted Kerpez at (631) 261-3624.
The James Joseph II is a 144-passenger Yank-build fiberglass-over-wood construction with all of the latest electronics and safety equipment. The James Joseph II has a full galley providing rods, bait, and tackle. All mates are experienced professionals, who are friendly and very helpful. The James Joseph II is Coast Guard certified and all necessary equipment is on board.
