(YORK HARBOR, ME) Although the weather that loomed over the 3rd Annual Dockside Striper Tournament held June 25th through June 28th in York Harbor, was geared more toward the fish than the fishermen, it didn’t dampen the zeal of the crowd or the success of the event. This year’s tourney was expanded to include three additional days and fishing categories (Bluefish, Cod and Mackerel). Although the Striper category was catch and release, the daily weigh-ins of the other fish brought high-fives, smiles, oohs and aahs, along with some memorable photo opportunities.

The tournament began with Thursday evening’s unexpected sunshine over the Captain’s Party-goers as 150 fishermen and their guests soaked in the warmth and unmatched view from the Dockside Guest Quarters & Restaurant. They also generously opened their wallets for the silent auction and raffles with prizes ranging from a Honda motor and Jay Peak Ski & Stay Package to high-end Rods, Reels and Red Sox tickets! As a special thanks for participating, all youth fishermen were surprised with their own tote bags filled with goodies from L.L. Bean, while all anglers were treated to gift cards from local landmark, Kittery Trading Post!

The grand prize winner of this year’s Striper Division featured York’s own Jeff Jellison with a fish measuring 42 inches long! Winners of each division were:

Striper/Youth Division:
1) Matthew Brown, 9 years old of Pepperell, MA, 39.75”
2) Austin McGrain, 9 years old of Pittsford, NY, 39”
3) Adam Brown, 13 years old of Pepperell, MA, 34”

Striper/OpenTackle, Men’s Division:
1) Jeff Jellison of York, ME, 42”
2) Dan Bothwell of York, ME, 41.5”
3) Andrew Webber of York, ME, 40.5”

Striper/OpenTackle, Women’s Division:
1) Lisa Amarosa of Dover, NH, 31.5”
2) Haley Woods of York, ME, 25.75”
3) Jennifer Woods of York, ME, 25”

Striper/Fly Fishing:
1) Tom Gibson of Ridgewood, NJ, 37”
2) Josh Abbott of Cape Neddick, ME, 25.5”
3) Bobby Hoy of York Harbor, ME, 24”

Mackerel (Youth Only):
1) Niko Alexandropoulos, 11 years old of North Hampton, NH, 1.8 lbs.
2) Elias Alexandropoulos, 6 years old of North Hampton, NH, 1.1 lbs.
3) Theo Alexandropoulos, 13 years old of North Hampton, NH, 1 lb.
4) Kosta Alexandropoulos, 9 years old of North Hampton, NH, 1 lb.
5) Matthew & Adam Brown, 9 &13 years old, of Pepperell, MA (tied), 15.5 oz.

Cod/General:
1) Peter Amarosa of Dover, NH, 28 lbs.
2) Lisa Amarosa of Dover, NH 23.5 lbs.
3) Andy Binger of York, ME, 7.5 lbs.

Bluefish/General:
1) Lisa Amarosa of Dover, NH, 9 lbs.
2) Robert Waniak of York Beach, ME 5.5 lbs.
3) Matt Webber, 13 years old of York, ME, 3 lbs.

The three day tournament raised over $27,000 through registrations, sponsorships a raffle and auction. Proceeds from which will be shared by both York Hospital’s For Every Patient Campaign and The Coastal Conservation Association of Maine (CCA). Jud Knox, President of York Hospital comments, “York Hospital is fortunate to be part of such a generous community…one who values, enjoys and supports all of the resources that surround them.” Both York Hospital and CCA would like to thank the Lusty family, owners of the Dockside Guest Quarters & Restaurant and York Harbor Marine Services for donating the venue for this expanded four day event. And, not to be overlooked, the stellar staff of community volunteers who made it all happen; Rich Goodenough (Chair), Jeremy Reynolds, Nick Strater, Dave Guerard, Chris Hartwell, Donna Reynolds and Jeff Jellison.

Sponsors Included: Dockside Guest Quarters & Restaurant, Graystone Builders, Jay Peak Resort-Vermont, Kittery Trading Post, Kozak & Gayer, P.A., L.L. Bean, Navtronics, Owens & Minor, Seacoast Media Group, West Marine, York Harbor Marine Service, Bragdon Insurance, Honda Marine, Jackson’s Hardware & Marine, Salt Associates, Seacoast YMCA, York County Federal Credit Union, Allagash Brewing Company, Horizon Liquor, The Meat House, North Center Foods.