12th Annual Benjamin "Benny" Lupia Memorial Fluke Tourney Coming Soon

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A popular event organized to honor a pillar in the Hampton Bays Fire Department is coming soon: The Hampton Bays Fire Department's 12th Annual Benjamin "Benny" Lupia Memorial Fluke Tournament will be on July 13, with a rain date of July 14.

Benjamin Lupia died in 2010 at 96 years old, after faithfully serving the Hampton Bays Fire Department for 73 years.

The cost of the tournament is $70 per entrant for those 16 and older; for kids 6 to 15, the tournament cost $25, with entrants in the "juniors" category.

Admission is due at the captains' meeting, which takes place on July 12 at the firehouse on Montauk Highway beginning at 7 p.m. Entrants can also sign up at the captains' meeting.

In addition, entrants can save with early registration by purchasing tickets at the East End Bait and Tackle on Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays. Cost for early registration is $60 per entrant 16 years and older; $20 for ages 6 to 15. Anyone 5 and under is free.

Prizes include $500 for first place winner, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place, with the newest category the "Sea Robin." In that category, the winner will receive a trophy and $100, for the heaviest fish.

Three calucuttas will also be taking place.

Each entrant will receive a bracelet that allows them to come back after the tournament, enjoy a BBQ with refreshments, listen to music, and participate in a Chinese auction and raffles.

Fishing time takes place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weigh-in takes place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hampton Bays Fire Department, located at 69 W. Montauk Highway.

The weigh-in is sponsored by East End Bait and Tackle.

Anyone wishing to attend just the BBQ, which starts at 3:30 p.m., or participate in the Chinese auctions and raffles, can pay a fee of $30 for 21+, $15 for ages 6 to 20 — 5 and under are free.