FISHMAN’S TROPHY STRIPER WINS ASA CAPE MAY EVENT

A 50-pounder is the goal of every dedicated striped bass angler, but catching it in an American Striper Association tournament and pocketing $10,000 in the process made that catch extra special for Stuart Fishman of Woodbury, New Jersey who also claimed the South Jersey Marina striper record with his Mercury-powered Fountain, Cuttin Thru. To top it off, fellow competitor Harry Svenson, representing Fountain Powerboats, presented Fishman with a custom Rolex for winning the contest.

Fishman also broke a string of victories by out-of-area anglers in ASA events. He made prospects very bleak for the 48 other entrants with a 57.4-pounder the first day, but barely held on the next day with just a 20.5-pounder to total 77.9 pounds. That barely edged the 77.6 pounds by Jason Olsen on Sparky after he came up with a 48.3-pounder Sunday. Nick Veneziale on Young Guns was far out of it Saturday with just an 18.15-pounder, but almost caught up with Sunday’s 52.8-pound trophy for a third place 70.95-pound total. Chris Hill on the Phoebe-Lynn was fouth with a 38.85 and 31.45 for a total of 70.30 pounds. Thomas Merighi Jr. was close behind Fishman Saturday with a 45.45-pounder on Partnership, but could match that bass only with a 24-pounder to finish with a fifth place 69.45-pound total. Matt Unsworth boated bass of 36.95 and 31.9 pounds for the sixth place 68.85 pounds on Mod Squad. Lance Rowe had almost identical bass of 34.5 and 34.25 pounds for a seventh place 68.75 pounds on Rockhound.

The Lady Angler award went to Mary Inman on Chuck Arnold’s Big Dog for a 46.5-pound entry, and the Junior Angler award was won by Thomas Merighi Jr. Twenty-nine of the 49 teams entered weighed at least one striper.