Snapper Derby days away: End-of-summer fun competition

The signs are up and the search is on for the snapper poles so carefully stored away at the end of last summer. 

Staving off thoughts that summer vacation is nearly at an end, it’s time to get ready for the annual Snapper Derby. The Derby will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5. Youngsters can fish all day, and bring their catch to the weigh-in at Town Hall Field at 4 p.m.

Sponsored by the Shelter Island Lions Club, the event raises money for the community programs that help Islanders throughout the year. Sponsors, including local businesses are recognized on T-shirts that are given out to all participants at the weigh-in.

Anglers must be 14 years of age and younger, and prizes are awarded in different categories, including biggest snapper, biggest bluefish and most caught and released (honor system).

There’s also a Logo Design poster competition, with the winning design chosen for next year’s T-shirt. Contestants can pick up a 4 x 4 board at Binder Pools to paint their own Snapper Derby Poster — no grownups helping, please. Some young artists already have their work on display around the Island.

In addition to the usual categories, a team competition has been added this year. Each team must consist of three anglers, one over 15 years of age and two age 14 and under. The team’s three snappers will be weighed together and the teams with the highest combined weights will win prizes.

Visit snapperderby.shelterislandlions.org for all the rules.