No Fish Story: Portsmouth, Middletown & Barrington Anglers Win Tournament

By Matthew Blanchette

BARRINGTON, RI — Anglers from Portsmouth, Middletown, Barrington and Warwick made Rhode Island's presence known at a charity tournament last month. Joe Bahena, of Barrington, Steve Bakios, of Middletown, and Jack Sprengel, of Warwick, caught the big fish. So did Dan Abraham, Mike Marcello, and Brian Combra, all of Portsmouth. The 7th annual Fishing for A Cause tournament, fundraiser and dinner raised nearly $200,000 to benefit children and families of Meeting Street. The sold-out annual event featured more than 100 anglers and over 350 guests at the seaside dinner, making it once again the largest annual fundraiser for The Schwartz Center. Fishing for a Cause has raised more than $1 million in its seven-year history.

Our 7th Tournament and Seaside Dinner surpassed all expectations thanks to our incredible supporters and our Fishing Committee,” said Meeting Street President John M. Kelly. “The incredible spirit of giving and dedication to our work and to our children is truly humbling.”

Fishermen and women hit the waters of Buzzards Bay on June 23rd and 24th for a two-day catch and release tournament. Upon the culmination of the tournament participants enjoyed a seaside dinner emceed by comedian Lenny Clarke. The dinner celebrated tournament participants, dedicated supporters and the children and families that will benefit from the proceeds.

This year’s winning anglers were:

STRIPED BASS

1st - Mike Marcello: 48.00" – Portsmouth, RI

2nd - Brian Combra: 46.00" – Portsmouth, RI

3rd – Steve Bakios: 45.50" – Middletown, RI

BLUEFISH

1st – Richard Bellizzi: 31.50" – Dartmouth, MA

2nd – Tony Sapienza: 28.00" – South Dartmouth, MA

3rd – Joe Bahena: 26.00" – Barrington, RI

FLUKE

1st – Dan Abraham: 22.25” – Portsmouth, RI

2nd - Jack Sprengel: 22.00" – Warwick, RI

3rd – Bill Mandly: 21.88" – Westport, MA

For more information about this year’s event please visit http://www.meetingstreet.org/FFAC17 or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FishingForACause/

Photo Caption:Bass: Fishermen Mike Marcello, leftmost, Captain Brian Combra and Steve Bakios show off their winning striped bass during the 7th Annual Fishing for a Cause Tournament hosted by The Schwartz Center at Meeting Street.

Cover Photo Caption: (From left to right) Fishermen Jim Madly, Bill Mandly, Dan Abraham and Jack Sprengel show off their winning fluke. The tournament raised $200,000 to support the children and families of Meeting Street.