A field of thirty competitors challenged their patience and angling skills to catch the largest shark from the beach during the 2005 Chappy Shark Tournament sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters Association. Joseph A. Gubitose captured first honors by beaching and releasing unharmed a 5 foot 9 inch Brown shark estimated to weigh in at 90 lbs. He is a regular visitor to the island and stays on Chappaquiddick. A resident of Sturbridge, MA Joe is an avid fisherman when not helping to engineer the spacesuits and many other systems that fly into space aboard the Shuttle.

The annual event was held over a two week period from Saturday, July 23 through Sunday August 7 for members of the association. Proceeds from the entrance fees are used to support the club’s introductory fishing programs for children such as the Boys and Girls Club fishing trips onboard the Skipper. Captain Russ Lawrence, Chairman of this year’s shark fishing tournament commented: "The shark tourney attracted the most participants we have ever had. Although fewer sharks were caught than last year, all the participants enjoyed the event and were very glad to help raise more than double what we did last year for our clubs charitable programs". The tournament is based on the honor system and encourages anglers to release sharks unharmed after taking measurements.

The purpose of the Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters Association is to encourage the sport of surfcasting and interest in sport fishing; to gather for entertainment and good fellowship; to promote and uphold sound conservation practices and laws, and to see that these laws are properly enforced and carried out by members; to further good sportsmanship; and to seek and protect public access to fishing areas on Martha’s Vineyard. Membership in the non-profit group is open to all and information about joining is contained within the website. For information about the MVSA please call Jeff Sayre at (508) 693-4841, email info@mvsurfcasters.org, or visit the website at http://www.mvsurfcasters.org.