LAWRENCE — Dozens of fishing enthusiasts raised more than $4,440 for a disabled boy on Memorial Day weekend.
Some 67 anglers participated in the annual Salt Addiction Fishing Tournament in Pemberton Park under the Falls bridge, said organizer and co-founder Jamiel Ortiz.
The catch and release tournament started at 5 a.m. Saturday in the fishing hot spot, said Ortiz, a lieutenant in the Lawrence Fire Department.
Ortiz and fellow fishing enthusiast Ricky Frias created Salt Addiction Fishing nearly a decade ago to promote the sport and showcase a positive event in the city.
Prizes were awarded in various categories and proceeds from the tournament will benefit Ryan Hendrick, a 10-year-old Lawrence boy who has Down’s syndrome and is blind in one eye, Ortiz said.
Ortiz and volunteers recently cleaned up Pemberton Park in preparation for the event. A fundraising workout was also held prior to the tournament.
“We want to thank every single one of our sponsors and everyone who showed up whether it was to fish or support the cause. We are extremely appreciative and grateful. Once again, thank you all and next year it will be bigger and better,’ Ortiz said
Winners were:
In the striper category, first striper caught, Andrew Rogalski; first place, Maximo Cabrera, 16.44 pounds; second and third place Bruno Paulino with stripers weighing 14.55 and 14.44 pounds.
In the shad category, Rocco Peluso caught the first fish. First place was Dan McLaughlin, followed by Peluso and Paul Meservey in second and third place respectively.
Surfland Bait and Tackle, Mike’s Custom Plugs, Hooked on Tail Sportfishing, NESC Credit Union and the Lawrence Fire Department were among this year’s sponsors providing raffle items.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter @EagleTribJill and on Threads at jillyharma.