05/26/2026
Part 3 and final post remembering Green Water Wizard Peter Yurkenas. The 1985 NY Invitational 1000 Islands Clayton NY was Pete's last B.A.S.S. National event. Although he finished 179th out of 300 anglers, he still represented well. Jimmy Houston won this event, with Mickey Bruce in 2nd, Cliff Craft in 3rd, Roland Martin in 4th, and Harold Allen in 5th. Other notables were Denny Brauer in 7th and New York and Alexandria Bay legend Dick Garlock in 8th. I had the opportunity myself to fish with Jimmy Houston and Harold Allen over the years. Allen, from TX, finished as Classic runner up a couple of times. Other notable anglers included Herb Reed of CT in 13th and fellow Green Water Wizard great, John Greska, who finished just ahead of Pete in 171st, and Fellow MA great Larry Allard.
More important than Pete's tournament exploits was his love of fishing passed down to his family and the youth anglers of the day.
Peter proudly served his country in the US Coast Guard and was recognized throughout his service. He was also commended by the Massachusetts House of representatives for single-handedly saving four youths on Lake Quinsigamond, earning the Treasury Department’s highest lifesaving award and bronze medals from the Humane Society of Massachusetts. Pete certainly left his mark on society and may he rest in peace. Again, our condolences to his family.
