Rowdy Montaukers

[TailhookTom]

Can't you boys just get along?

I wonder if it was in the script?

Fight Erupts After Cheating Accusations At Fishing Competition in Montauk
Publication: The East Hampton Press
By Erica Thompson Jul 29, 2014 3:05 PM
Jul 29, 2014 3:46 PM
Big fish, big money and big discrepancies led to a fight—and two arrests—at the awards dinner for the Montauk Canyon Challenge on Sunday night at the Montauk Yacht Club.

The fight began when members of the boat Fish On, led by Peter “Pete” Brancaleone of the NBCSN network TV show “Shark Hunters,” failed a polygraph test about his boat’s involvement in the heaviest yellowfin competition, according to event organizer David O’Halloran in a phone interview on Monday. Fish On was in the running to win $5,000 for the largest yellowfin, but was later disqualified from the entire competition because of the polygraph, said Mr. O’Halloran.

“There was a lot of pushing and shoving, but I don’t know if there were any actual punches thrown,” said Mr. O’Halloran.

East Hampton Town Police said they responded to a call for assistance at 7:22 p.m. from security at the yacht club and arrested two people—one for disorderly conduct and one on a bench warrant, according to Captain Chris Anderson. He said he could not provide details about the fight or the names of the people arrested, and the arrest reports were not ready on Tuesday.

“Having to take a polygraph is part of the standard rules,” Mr. O’Halloran explained about the tournament’s policies. “They felt like the questions were unfair, everybody probably had a little too much to drink, and things got out of hand.”

Mr. O’Halloran said he couldn’t comment on what questions were asked.

“The yacht club really handled it beautifully,” he said. “They responded right away, made sure everyone was safe—they did a great job.”

The competition also gives out awards for boats with the largest tuna and mako, among others. The total payout by the organization is more than $200,000, according to its website.

[Bruce]

The only crime at Montauk yacht club is what they charge for a meal.