Natick Man is Top Saltwater Angler

NATICK, MA — State fisheries officials presented 26 trophies to winners of the 2015 Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Derby at a ceremony at the New England Boat Show in Boston on Saturday including one to a Natick man.

At the weigh-in derby, Michael Singer from Natick pulled in a five-pound, six-ounce bonito to win in the men’s division.

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Deputy Commissioner Mary-Lee King, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Director David Pierce, and DMF Assistant Director for Recreational Fisheries Mike Armstrong presented the awards.

“Saltwater fishing is a valued part of Massachusetts’ heritage, culture and economy, and saltwater fishing permits help pay for the important management and conservation of our marine resources,” said Governor Charlie Baker in a statement. “The annual Saltwater Fishing Derby is a fun and exciting way to honor the Commonwealth’s saltwater anglers and encourage people to take advantage of the recreational opportunities available on the beautiful Massachusetts coast.”

“These awards remind us that incredible saltwater fishing opportunities are just a few months away for the more than 160,000 licensed salt water recreational anglers in the Commonwealth,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton in a statement. “As an avid fisherman myself, I’m pleased to recognize these exceptional anglers for their fishing skills and outstanding catches.”

DMF’s Saltwater Fishing Derby awards pins to all qualifying entries in 21 species categories and presents trophies to anglers who landed the heaviest fish in each species category. Winners are chosen in three divisions: men, women and juniors (age 15 and younger). There were a total of 75 entries from anglers living in seven states in 2015.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons