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Catch of the day: New Castle striped bass tournament brings out fish enthusiasts for a good cause

NEW CASTLE-

More than 80 youngsters braved the October-like climes to participate in the Little Harbour Charitable Foundation's fourth annual Wentworth Marina Striped Bass Tournament for children.

"This is the fourth year we have hosted the event," said Doug Voss, marina manager. "We are proud to sponsor this; it gives the kids a chance to get away from all their electronics and learn some smart fishing techniques. The cold temperatures and rain didn't affect the children," said Voss. "The adults were all huddled while the children all had smiles as they were standing in line to board the boats."

Craft from 18-foot private boats to the 78-foot Atlantic Queen were seen throughout the tournament. 

The Atlantic Queen out of Rye Harbor served as a host for some 35 youngsters, with the rest dropping their lines from individual boats. 

Thirteen-year-olds Ryan Patenaude and friend Peter Aikens, of Rye, were among the first to feel the effects of the chill. "It was freezing cold" said Peter. "We called Dad for more warm clothing." 

"We been here every year" said Ryan, "and it seems to rain every time, but I don't mind it. I love doing it and it's for a good cause."

The Muise and Higginbottom families traveled from Windham.

"I got up at four a.m.," said 14-year-old Dylan Muise, who found it too choppy going far out so after a while elected to fish from the dock. "We could see stripers," said 9-year-old Ryan Higginbottom, "but didn't catch any; they were too smart for us."

Participants ranged in age from 4-year-old Joey Alie of Northwood to 19-year-old Ryan McCann of North Hampton, who participated in the new Alumni Division. 

The Trinity College student and competitive swimmer said there were six-foot rollers and lots of mackerel. 

"We just kept moving" McCann said.

The catch and release tournament's main purpose is to raise funds for the Little Harbour Charitable Foundation, which has gifted more than $1.65 million in support of Seacoast area organizations since 1997. 

This year, the program will allow some children living at Cross Roads House and the Portsmouth Housing Authority to participate in "Summer Lab," a brand new learning initiative paring children with exceptional educators and mentors at Portsmouth's Dondero School.

With the boats returning to the Marina, the excitement quotient ratcheted up.

As each contestant arrived at the judges table, and each fish was measured and weighed, oohs and ahhhhs passed through the awaiting throng as larger and larger fish were recorded. One fish was a 42" Schoolie brought in by 13-year-old Ben Sandquist of Portsmouth.

"It took me 8 or 9 minutes to bring it in," said Sandquist.

Said Ben's father Brett, "This is pure enjoyment; I've fished all my life and this is teaching the next generation."

While the individual fish were being recorded, a sumptuous repast was served to all while jugglers juggled and live music played. 

Via Fosters