For the fifteenth consecutive year, the Brett T. Bailey Foundation raised money for various local charities including Team Red White and Blue. Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity and this year several members of Team RWB were hosted by local fisherman and enjoyed a beautiful day on the water.

Thirty Six boats participated in the tournament along with hundreds of other supporters who attended the dinner and on shore activities at Hoffman’s West and Waypoint 622 on Saturday afternoon/evening. The weather was ideal but the conditions for shark fishing were far from perfect. Overall the fishing was slow but for the sixth time in tournament history a mako over 300lbs takes home the purse. The winning Mako was almost a new tournament record and at 430lbs and it paid out $19,400 and was boated by angler Chris Minetta the crew of the ‘TraSea Ann’ out of Hoffmans in Brielle.

The Foundation paid out over $30,000 in prize money including $6,000 to the winner of the Thresher Calcutta the crew of ‘Miss Mikayla Ann’ out of Pt. Pleasant who landed a 301lb Thresher. The under 30’ boat Calcutta was captured by Anthony Pennimpede and his crew out of Atlantic Highlands who boated a 176lb mako aboard his 25’ Contender.

The Foundation would like to thank the Grafas Family and everyone at Hoffman’s Marina and Waypoint 622 for their efforts, hospitality and support as well as all the people that participated in this weekend’s festivities. Our signature sponsors, Gosling’s Rum, Foley/Caterpillar, Hoffmans Ice Cream, Jimmy’s in Brielle, Enzo’s Trattoria in Short Hills, Lexus of Route 10 and our countless number of volunteers. The money raised will hopefully make a difference in the lives of many of our veterans who have served our country so admirably. For information on next year’s tournament or how you can help the Brett T. Bailey Foundation, please contact Art DellaSalla at 212.945.8704.