The Big 3 Fishing Tournament, generally held in mid-July with more than 45 boats, 300 guests, a live auction and band, looked a lot different this year, but still made a big impact for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program on the Cape & Islands.
Due to the pandemic, the annual tournament pivoted to become the “Big 3 Challenge,” a fund-raising call to action and an honor system tournament aligned with the state’s guidelines surrounding group size and recreational fishing. In lieu of in person weigh-ins, anglers engaged on social media measuring the size of their catches in different categories. With a sensitivity to the current state of the Cape’s fisheries, this year’s tournament was a catch and release for all species.
More than 20 boats headed out for a day of fishing throughout the Cape & Islands. With the encouraged catch and release, scoring was based off a point system. In the tuna category, first place, with 1,500 points, went to Jay Goodwin & the team from Eagle Investments aboard the Gina Marie. Second Place, with 1,200 points, went to Shawn DeLude & crew aboard Trashy Thoughts. In Third Place, with 900 points, was Sam Jaxtimer & crew aboard Thresher. Striped Bass saw FishAye, with John Doherty take first place, and the first place black sea bass category was awarded to CC N Water, with Chris Cooney and team. Three Big and Little matches also enjoyed a day of fishing while practicing social distancing in the “Little 3” as their first in-person outing together since March.
“This is the largest fundraiser for our agency” said JR Mell, regional director of BBBS of Cape Cod & the Islands. “In the most challenging year many have experienced our Big 3 Committee went above and beyond, ensuring this event raised the necessary funding to continue our mission for the kids of the Cape & Islands. I am so thankful to the Big 3 committee, co-chaired by E.J. & Terry Jaxtimer and Jeff Leerink, and led by our Senior Philanthropy Officer Christa Danilowicz, for their hard work to make this such a success.”
Over the past 7 years the Big 3 Fishing Tournament has generated more than $2 million dollars and led to the creation of over 850 mentoring matches through the agency. The tournament plans to be back safely next year on July 9, 2021.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering for BBBS of Cape Cod & the Islands, or making a donation in honor of the “Big 3 Challenge”, visit www.capebigs.org
