35 Pound Fish Tops Leo Almeida Tournament

Richard DeLong of Gloucester won first place in the boat division with a fish of 35.3 pounds and 45.5 inches in the past weekend’s Leo Almeida Memorial Fishing Tournament.

The tournament is in its 10th year and members the former Danvers town official.

More than 225 people participated in the tournament, which raised over $9,000 that will go toward local anti-hunger organizations. The tournament took place across Essex County.

“The beautiful weather lead to successful fishing with over 20 fished weighed in,” said organizer Amy Almeida.

Victor Manon of Lynn was second in the boat division with a fish of 34.813 pounds and 46 inches that was weighed in at Bridge Street Bait and Tackle in Salem. Erick Attridge of Ipswich was third in the boat division with a fish of 33.75 pounds and 48.5 inches. It was also weighed in at Bridge Street Bait and Tackle.

In the surf division, Josh Clogston of Billerica became a three-time Tournament champion with a fish of 31.44 pounds and 45 inches.

Ted Loughman of Woburn was second in the surf division with a fish of 31.15 pounds and 43 inches. It was weighed in at Winchester Fishing.

Mike Ludlow of Wakefield finished in third place in the surf division with a fish of 30.0 pounds and 43 inches. It was weighed in at Surfland.  Both Clogston and Ludlow have finished in the top three in the Almeida tournament six times each.

In its 10 years, the fishing tournament has raised more than $53,000 for anti-hunger organizations across Essex County.