Halesite, NY – Councilwoman Susan A. Berland wished the Town’s newest “fishermen” and “fisherwomen” well before their day-trip on the James Joseph II. The group departed from the dock in Halesite and enjoyed lunch, courtesy of Junior’s Pizza on Wall Street and Pro Huntington, the Pub and Restaurant owners of Huntington Hospitality Association, on their way out to the harbor.
In May, Councilwoman Berland sponsored an essay contest for Town of Huntington residents aged 7-13 to find the “catches” that would be “Fishermen for a Day.” Contestants had to submit an essay describing why they wanted to spend the day on the water and why it’s important to protect the fish and their habitat. Councilwoman Berland partnered with the James Joseph II, the Imperial Sportsmen and the Suffolk County Senior Citizen’s Fishing Club.
The winners spent the day learning about marine fishing, the thrill of catching a salt water fish and why it is important to comply with fishing regulations under the tutelage of the Imperial Sportsmen and the Suffolk County Senior Citizen’s Fishing Club.
“This is the third year I’ve sponsored ‘Fisherman for a Day’ and it is a pleasure each time,” commented Councilwoman Berland. "I am so grateful to the James Joseph II and her Captain James, Jr. and his dad James for their generosity in donating free fishing trips to our children who want to learn the art of fishing. It is great to see that they care so much about the future of this wonderful sport and pastime. The Imperial Sportsmen and the Suffolk County Senior Citizen’s Fishing Club also have a passion for teaching the sport of safe fishing to our youth and I thank them for taking part in this special day. I also thank Junior’s Pizza on Wall Street and Pro Huntington for their generous donation of lunch for the fisherpeople.”
The Imperial Sportsmen meet twice a month and sponsor 10 charter trips a year for members, mostly out of Orient Point, which feature two fall Bass trips out of Montauk. Members, and spouses, enjoy an annual Spring Brunch and Christmas Party. For membership information, please contact John Schoenig at (631) 261-7105.
The Suffolk County Senior Citizen’s Fishing Club meets once a month at the Senior Beach House at Centerport Beach. There are two seasonal picnics a year, one featuring a casting contest and another featuring a snapper contest and a Christmas Party. For membership information, please contact Loris Arnold at (631) 793-6598.
The James Joseph II is a 144-passenger Yank-build fiberglass-over-wood construction with all of the latest electronics and safety equipment. The James Joseph II has a full galley providing rods, bait, and tackle. All mates are experienced professionals. The James Joseph II is Coast Guard certified and all necessary equipment is on board.