Local fishermen win charity tourney

Victory in Saturday’s March of Dimes charity bass fishing tournament came to Suffolk’s Kitt Moger and Michael Reish with a five-fish haul at Lone Star Lakes Park that weighed in at 12.56 pounds.

Moger brought experience with him, having fished at Lone Star Lakes for five to six years.

“This is 10 minutes from my house, so it’s a good place to sneak out to,” he said.

He and Reish are part of a fishing club called the Hawg Wild Bass Anglers, which had further representation in second place on Saturday. John Blankenship of Hampton was runner-up with five fish that weighed a total of 9.66 pounds. It was his first time fishing at Lone Star Lakes.

Corey Sherlock of Suffolk caught the biggest fish of the day – a 4.27-pounder out of Crystal Lake.

A total of seven boats took part in the 10th annual edition of the March of Dimes tourney, started by J.R. Ruggiero, park ranger sergeant of Suffolk Parks and Recreation.

Ten years ago, Ruggiero’s daughter, Ava, was born prematurely at two pounds, two ounces. He said March of Dimes “really helped us out,” aiding in the treatment of his baby for the first month of her life.

“She was in the (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for 25 days until she had enough weight to go home,” he said.

He noted most babies weigh at least five pounds when they are released, but Ava was three pounds, five ounces.

“She was perfectly healthy, just small,” Ruggiero said.

Fast forward to today, and “she’s doing wonderful,” he said. “She’s 10 years old, healthy as a beast.”

Since he started it, the bass fishing tournament has been Ruggiero’s way of giving back. Ten dollars of the entry fee for each boat goes to the March of Dimes.

“It’s not a lot of money, but every little bit helps,” Ruggiero said.

Moger and Reish won $50 for taking first place overall, Sherlock won $30 for catching the biggest fish and Blankenship won $25 for taking second place overall.

Following are the top finishers from the tourney:

1st-Kitt Moger (Suffolk) and Michael Reish (Suffolk) – five fish weighing 12.56 pounds; 2nd-John Blankenship (Hampton) – five fish weighing 9.66 pounds; 3rd-Andrew Bass (Suffolk) and Corey Sherlock (Suffolk) – four fish weighing 7.56 pounds; 4th-Chase Cleary (Smithfield) and Mike Sastram (Smithfield) – five fish weighing 6.03 pounds