Montauk Shark Fishing Tournies Set for Weekend

Two of the largest shark fishing tournaments in the nation will cast off on consecutive weekends, flooding Montauk with anglers and onlookers hoping to see a monster at the docks.

The kicks off the of its tournament at 6 a.m.  Friday and Saturday. Cash prizes will be awarded for the heaviest sharks of particular species, with a grand prize for heaviest  shark of the tournament. Last year, entrants won more than $525,000, collectively.

The following weekend, will hold its , which in 2010 sent out 75 boats and more than 300 fishermen. The two-day event runs similar hours to the Star Island tournament and also offers cash prizes for top fish in various categories.

In previous years, both tournaments have contributed to the studies of the shark population, and this year there is special attention to increased humanitarian efforts. In a combined effort with the Concerned Citizens of Montauk, local artist April Gornik will distribute "G-shaped" hooks to Marine Basin tournament boats. Gornik and the Montauk Marine Basin believe these special hooks will help reduce shark injuries and deaths that can be connected to the use of "J-shaped" hooks.

"I think it's really a simple way that the playing field can be leveled a little bit for the sharks and the participants," Gornik said. "It's not asking them to stop fishing. I'm hoping more and more will be amenable to using the hooks."

Yet despite actions taken to preserve the safety of the sharks, the Montauk tournaments have not been without criticism. The Humane Society among other advocates have denounced them and other similar events as glorified animal abuse. In 2007, the group helped shut down a large tournament in Destin, Fla., according to local papers. In 2010, the Star Island Tournament drew inquisitive press after an entrant illegally caught and failed to release an endangered Great White shark.

This year anglers will try to match the success of "Afishionado" and "Wazzup," boats which in 2010 took home the grand prizes after nabbing a 335-pound Thresher shark and a 345-pound blue shark, respectively. The events traditionally draw a mixture of pros and amateurs, as those without a boat of their own can pre-register with charter groups.

Vessel launches at dawn and shark weigh-ins during the evenings are open to the public. This weekend boats return to port at 6 p.m. on Friday, and 5 p.m. on Saturday. An awards ceremony and dinner follows the weigh-in on Saturday night.