Iconic 13-foot fish gets a new look

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 December 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

GAINES – A 13-foot-long fiberglass fish has been a local landmark for nearly 25 years at Al Capurso’s front yard on Route 279 in Gaines.

Capurso used to run the Bait Barn at the location, and bought the fish in 1990 from the Albion and Medina Rotary Clubs, which used it in the 1980s to promote the Orleans County Trout and Salmon Derby.

The Rotary Clubs sold it in 1990 to Capurso. The fish was targeted with graffiti a few years ago as part of a Albion High School class prank. The fish had a Purple Eagle theme until Capurso painted it recently with a message: “Go Fish.” He plans to add yellow spots to the fish once the weather permits.

Capurso said the fish needs some repairs and the trailer holding it is shot. He would be interested in donating it to a new owner if it was used to promote the local fishery.

I’d like to see something like this down at Point Breeze. This is something people would get their picture taken with and could add to charm of the area.

Carlton has $25,000 to spend as part of Point Breeze’s prize for winning the Ultimate Fishing Town. That money needs to be used to promote the fishery and a nice public art project could make the area more distinctive.

I wonder how much it would cost for a 20-foot-long fish?