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Islanders of all ages celebrated the life of beloved community member Luke Gurney for the fourth year this past weekend, as hundreds of anglers turned up for a commemorative fishing tournament dedicated to him and his heritage.
In 2016, Gurney died in a fishing accident aboard his boat, No Regrets. Now, the entire Martha’s Vineyard fishing community celebrates Gurney, his fishing skills and the impact he made on the island throughout his life and beyond. The tournament also raises funds for Gurney’s family.
This year’s Fluke for Luke Weekend Tournament saw 328 participants and 29 teams from across the island and around the world, and there was fierce competition.
At the awards ceremony on Sunday, the stroke of luck arrived – freshly caught from trucks still full of fishing gear.
Anglers of all kinds took part in the competition this year, and Sunday’s ceremony showed just how wide Gurney’s circle of influence was and how much he meant to the island.
Before handing out the prizes, which included specialty plaques, competition reels and rods, and even handmade equipment, longtime Vineyard marine biologist and shark expert Greg Skomal said a few words about his time with Gurney.
“In the mid-90s a guy named Luke Gurney came into my office and told me he had just graduated from the University of New England and would love to work with me… The only reason I got to where I am today is because of guys like Luke, â€Skomal said.
Several years ago, Skomal tagged a great white shark and named it Luke, in honor of his colleague and longtime friend.
Each year as the Fluke for Luke tournament takes place, the shark returns to Cape Town and swims around the vineyard for a while.
Every once in a while, Skomal will spot the shark and reflect on Gurney and his life.
“I see the white shark Luke and I reflect on the free spirit and wildness of Luke Gurney, and that’s what really brings us together here every year,†Skomal said.
Joe El-Diery, Vice President of Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, kicked off the awards ceremony by informing the public that Gurney’s son Jacob has graduated from school high school this year and will be attending the University of Rhode Island in the fall where he plans to study marine science and biology.
El-Deiry said the Fluke for Luke is a great opportunity for Islanders to remember Gurney, who was a friend to many, especially within the fishing community.
“We spend time thinking about him and remembering his great life,†El-Deiry said. “He would be really happy to know that we all go out and do something he loved – do something that we all love and can remember him as.” The fact that I can go out and fish with his boys, his wife and siblings, and all of his nieces and nephews is so special, and I’m so grateful.
Here are the winners of this year’s tournament:
Individual winners based on the weight of a single fish. Team winners according to the total weight of the fish caught.
Adult Fluke:
3. Geoff Rushing – 5.8 pounds
2. Jena Beaureguard – 5.96 pounds
- Josh Kresel – 6.15 lbs
Adult bar:
3. Julian Pepper – 3.65 pounds
2. Martha Montesion – 3.83 pounds
- Sam Gurney – 3.89 pounds
Teams:
- Dukes of Fluke – 23.15 lbs total
2. Two buoys and a seagull – 17.99 pounds total
3. Portuguese Bald Eagle – 14.46 pounds total
Junior stroke of luck:
2. Ethan Rivers – 6.10 pounds
- Dylan Cafferty – 6.36 lbs
Junior bar:
3. Ethan Rivers – 2.56 pounds
2. Levi Kochin – 3.88 pounds
- Dylan Cafferty – 4.42 lbs
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