The 2018 Montauk Canyon Challenge Tournament Dates: July 13th, through July 21st
The annual Montauk Canyon Challenge has continued to grow in number of boats and prize money over the last few years, but most importantly everyone is having a lot of fun. Held at the Montauk Yacht Club, the Montauk Canyon Challenge gives anglers a 9-day window to pick the best weather days to hit the water and give it their best shot. Participants are allowed to fish any 39 hour window which can be broken up into two 19 hour trips. This is especially important for captains that are bringing family and friends along and want to have the best possible experience along with the most optimal fishing conditions. Last year’s tournament included 45 boats and paid out a total of $250,000!
Staten Island Yacht Sales is proud to be a title sponsor for this charitable event that brings everyone together for a good cause while promoting the boating lifestyle. Tournament organizers Rich Lucas and Chris Squeri have continued to grow the MCC and expect more than 50 boats signed up this year. “Last year’s tournament was a huge success. We got lots of positive feedback from everyone that participated,” said Rich Lucas. “This year we’ve increased the prize money, including a $100,000 Top Tuna Payout, and added a big Awards Party on Saturday night with dinner, drinks, and dancing. Our goal is to continue the tournament in Dave’s vision which was for all of us to have a tournament in Montauk that we could call our own while supporting a good cause.” David O’Halloran, founder of the Montauk Canyon Challenge, passed away in 2017 and sought to make the MCC one of the top tournaments in the Northeast.
Tournament Details:
Go here to Register and contact Chris Squeri or Rich Lucas
$1,600 per boat now and $1,900 AFTER May 15th. Register today to save!
$25,000 goes to the First Place Top Tuna with $5,000 going to the First Place Yellowfin Tuna
For full list of Prices & Calcutta visit here: http://www.montaukcanyonchallenge.com/prizes—calcutta.html
Boats may depart from Montauk, Shinnecock Inlets, or other tournament approved inlets that don’t provide a competitive advantage.
For full list of tournament rules, visit here: http://www.montaukcanyonchallenge.com/rules.html
A Worthy Cause:
The Montauk Canyon Challenge chooses a new charitable organization each year to support. This year we have chosen Maggie’s Mission which raises awareness to rare pediatric cancers and grants funds to promising research endeavors to fight those cancers. Maggie Schmidt, who Maggie’s Mission was created on behalf of, was a healthy, vibrant and beautiful 16 year old girl when she was suddenly diagnosed in October 2016 with a very rare and aggressive cancer – Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors. Maggie, her family, her Oncologist and a team of Doctors and Nurses at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC worked together to battle the cancer with various chemotherapy treatments and surgeries but unfortunately, Maggie lost her battle on June 1, 2017. Cancer robbed her of a full life. This was a difficult and painful journey for such a young person, yet Maggie faced her situation with courage and dignity. Maggie asked us before she died to help other children and young adults dealing with this devastating disease. This has now become Maggie’s Mission.
Last Year's Tournament:
Last year’s tournament was wildly successful and the fishing had something to do with it. Anglers came to the weigh-in with Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Albacore, and a Marlin was even released. 1st place finish was heaviest Tuna went to Rebel with a 220.8 BE while the boat BlueWater brought in 1st place for heaving Yellowfin at 62.2.
Pictured below is the winning team Rebel with a Yellowfin:
The Montauk Canyon Challenge is a great opportunity to get the future generation on the water and enjoying our sport. The smile on his face below is priceless!
Check out all of the pictures from last year’s tournament by visiting the MCC Facebook page and then register before May 15th, to save money on the entry fee! Anglers can sign up anytime before the tournament start date.