Sign Up for Plymouth 400 Fishing Tournament

The fish took center stage at Union Fish Seafood as the Plymouth 400 Bass and Blue Tournament took over the deck on June 27th for their “Captain, Crew and Land Lovers Dinner.” More than 40 sponsors and participants came together to share camaraderie among fishermen and tell tall tales of “the one that got away.”

It was the first Captains’ dinner for the organizing committee, though the tournament is now in its’ second year. Last year’s tournament had over 70 participants and 10 sponsors.

“That was a great showing for a first year tournament”, Peter Balboni, Chairman of the Tournament Committee and member of the Plymouth 400 Inc organizing committee, said. “This year we’re way ahead of where we were in sponsorship and we’ll be able to offer over $4000 in prizes. We’re hoping that the number of participants goes more than 100 this year too.”
 
The dinner was put together to raise the excitement level and to reward some loyal sponsors. Union Fish partnered with lead sponsor, Bud Light, to create an atmosphere that was relaxed and low key. Guests had a choice of dishes created by Head Chef, Brandon Babiarz; recently featured on an episode of Boston’s “Phantom Gourmet.” Adult attendees also received a complimentary Bud Light or Twisted Tea and everyone enjoyed a molten lava cake with bacon and sea salt crumbles for dessert.

“We had almost 50 people at the dinner despite the fact that we had to move it back into June because of the July 4th holiday weekend,” Balboni said. “We were very happy and everyone had a great time. It set a great tone for this year’s tournament.”

The 2013 Plymouth 400 Bass and Blue will take place July 12 and 13. The tournament will be organized into divisions for boaters as well as shore based participants and there will be a separate set of prizes for those fishing bass and those fishing bluefish. There are categories for adults, youth up to age 16 and children under 7. All Massachusetts waters are eligible and fish must be weighed at the official weigh station headquarters at the State Boat Ramp on Water Street.

Registration closes at midnight July 11. Those who are interested can enter online at www.plymouthma400.org/bassandblue or in person at Pioppi’s Package Store, 183 Court Street in Plymouth.