Finders Keepers

The largest fish entered in the main event each month that was caught on an Automatic Fisherman unit (video of the catch or picture of the catch with the AF unit will be required) will receive $250, and the largest fish each month in the Catch & Release event caught using an AF unit will receive $100 (picture or video required).

The NYS Winter Classic Tournament will be offering $700 in cash awards this year plus additional product awards for fish caught on Automatic Units - picture and/or video required. By far the most effective unit for the ice - there is a reason why many tournament anglers are using them!

This year's event is really coming together!! Early Bird Registration is currently underway at all registration locations (see website for map of locations across the state) where the first 12 anglers to register at each location will receive an Early Bird sign-up bonus item valued up to $100. Registration is only $25 for this 8-week long (Jan. 1 - Feb. 28), statewide, all waterways (ice, open water, streams & rivers, tributaries, etc.) event - visit your local shop and register today!! Here are many of the details for the 2017 NYS Winter Classic Tournament: 1. Prizes to be won: Grand Prize = $2500 Cash (sponsored by Clam Corp) given to one of the 1st Place Fish by random draw Overall Largest Fish = Graphics Wrapped Case Canoe (approx. value $5,000+) Largest Steelhead = Stainless Steel Trout Sculpture by Steve Nielsen Art (approx. value $1000+) General Placements (up to Top 20 in each division) = cash payout based on # of anglers Lunker Pool = Top 3 in each division place in a breakdown of 50%/30%/20% (100% cash payout based on number of anglers entered) Weekly Awards = 7 cash and/or prize awards every week for the largest of each species Monthly Awards = several monthly cash and/or prize awards for the largest fish each month (4) $250 Automatic Fisherman Awards (general tournament) = Largest Pike/Walleye/Pickerel/Trout caught on an Automatic Fisherman unit (photo or video required) (2) $100 Automatic Fisherman Awards (C&R Divisions) = Largest Pike and Trout caught using an Automatic Fisherman unit (picture or video required) (3) $50 Maki Plastic Awards = Largest Crappie/Perch/Panfish caught using a Maki Plastic bait Angler Achievement Awards: Any angler who catches and enters any of the following: -Pike greater than 20 lbs -Trout greater than 20 lbs -Pickerel greater than 6 lbs -Walleye greater than 15 lbs -Crappie greater than 2.50 lbs -Perch greater than 2.25 lbs -Panfish greater than 1.50 lbs Free Fish Mount: Hirsch Taxidermy will be mounting one of the 1st place fish (chosen by random draw at the awards ceremony). Early Bird Promotion: -Every weigh station will be outfitted with 12 or more items valued from $5 to $100. The first 12 or more anglers to register in September will be allowed to pull an envelop and receive the item listed inside. First come get first dibs until all prizes have been drawn at each location. Local Shanty/Shelter Contests: -All weigh-in locations will be outfitted with a shanty or shelter to give away in a local contest as they see fit (largest fish weighed in, drawing from those who enter the Winter Classic at their location, etc.). Shanty/shelter values will range based on model and manufacturer. In total over $60,000 in sponsored cash and prizes to be awarded (not counting the general payouts or Lunker Pool). 2. New Catch & Release Division -For Pike and Trout only, anglers submit entries via pictures. Cash payout similar in structure to the main event but with its own prize pool funds based on participation. Registration options will be available online and at specific weigh-in locations. Full details disclosed in the 2017 Rules & Regs. 3. For those who fish in the evening or at night, we are now allowing those entries to be entered using following protocol: a. If caught between 4pm and 11:59pm, angler must take a photo at the time the fish is caught and immediately send to headquarters via cell phone to (585) 330-0494 and include angler’s name, time and location of catch, and approximate weight. The fish must then be weighed in by 7am (or as soon as the nearest weigh-in opens) the following morning at an official NYS Winter Classic weigh-in location. b. Angler must let the weigh-in know the fish was caught the previous evening to be paired with the photo information sent. Feel free to ask questions - it's time to put NY on the map with a major wintertime tournament! More information can be found at: www.NYSwinterclassic.com

Well done fellas! Both days we did well over 100-135 fow early, then sliding out deeper 160-230 later (going 5 for 25 on Sat, 12 for 17 Sun). We targeted 80-100 ft both days with spoons and FF both producing. A top 10 finish is awesome!! Good luck the rest of the season!!

Nice! What were the kings coming on?