Hemby Hooks Biggest Bass at Ducks Tourney

It was a beautiful calm day on the waters for the Ducks Unlimited Striped Bass Tournament at in Montauk on Saturday.

Local fisherman and some from Connecticut and further west on Long Island came to participate in the fourth annual tournament, hosted by the East Hampton Town chapter.

In the end, it was Nick Hemby of Water Mill who caught the biggest fish. Hemby hooked a 38.9 pound striped bass that measured 47 inches off of Montauk Point. First prize was $500.

Hemby was aboard captain John Healey's "Legal Limit."

"The team worked like a well oiled machine," said Healey of the group that included Andy Vogeney and Healey's sons Jack and Scottie. "Never a doubt that we had the skill to take first... in having fun with great friends," he said.

"It was very successful fundraising, even though we were low on numbers on boats and participants," said tournament chairman Tom Federico, who is also a charter boat captain.

Though the final amount was not yet tallied, Federico said $2,500 was raised. The money goes to the national organization, which uses it toward wetlands and habitat preservation.

Nineteen boats fished in waters east of the Shinnecock Canal between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. There were supposed to be about 25 boats, Federico said, but some dropped out at the last minute. Weigh-in took place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., followed by an awards presentation, auction and buffet.

Second place was a 33.4 pound fish caught by Eric Sachtleven. Frank Lenihan caught a 30.3 pound striped bass and took third.

In the fly fishing division, Vitto DeVito took first with a 10.5 catch.

Of the juniors, Ryan McMahon took first with an 18.7 pound striped bass. Alex Dziemon was second and Max McConn took third and both had fish that weigh-in at 16.8 pounds.

Editor's note: Nick Hemby is the author's boyfriend.