The Island celebrates the third annual Fluke for Luke fishing tournament this weekend. The tournament commemorates the life of Luke Gurney, a husband, father and commercial fisherman who died in a fishing accident in June of 2016.
In addition to celebrating his life and his love for fishing, proceeds of the event will go towards the college fund for his two sons, who currently attend the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
The tournament starts at sunrise on Saturday, July 6, and ends at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 7. Weigh-ins take place at the P.A. Club on Saturday between 4 and 6 p.m. and Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m.
There are two divisions, junior and adult, and two different types of fish being weighed, fluke and sea bass. Placements will be given for first, second and third in each division and for each type of fish.
There is also an elective team competition. Four anglers can register for one team to weigh their four largest fluke and one largest sea bass.
The boundaries for the tournament are the same as apply to the Derby in the fall: the waters that surround the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. State recreational regulations apply to the fish and bag limit.
After the final fish is weighed there will be a cookout, awards ceremony and silent auction, held at the P.A. club starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Luke grew up in New Bedford, and the many fishermen arriving to the Island via the Seastreak are offered a $30 discount on their roundtrip fare.
“We had two fantastic weekends the last two years,” said David Hearn, one of the many organizers for the event. “And we’re hoping for the same this year too.”
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