Finders Keepers

Yes, It would be an option for those who want to release their fish (as opposed to being required to keep them as in the general tournament). The prize pool for those two divisions would be created from only those who enter and select that option.

You both are missing the larger picture for tournaments. Small tourneys may not have a positive impact, but larger tournaments not only draw anglers into the region supporting the local economy, but they also offer exposure to sponsoring companies that then can offer exposure for the tournament to create a bigger draw, and with a larger angler base monies can be put back into the fishery in such ways like restocking programs and youth fishing programs and events. The event will happen, so yes I am looking for suggestions on implementing a C&R aspect to the event.

I would like to open this discussion back up as we begin to prepare for next year's Winter Classic Tournament. Right now we are looking at the possibility of implementing a C&R Division/option for Pike and Steelhead. So here are my thoughts: Offer the option to enter the C&R Winter Classic, a tournament aside from the main event where anglers only target pike or steelhead, with a registration fee of $10/Division/Angler, and 80% payback. Registration before Jan. 1st would be required, and we would send a confirmation email containing an angler # embeded within a random fish picture. Anglers would be required to take and submit 2 pictures when entering a fish: one with the angler holding the fish with the waterway in the background and displaying the angler's unique picture ID, and one with the fish alongside a clearly visible measuring tape also with the angler's unique picture ID visible. Placement would be based upon length only, followed by time both pics are submitted. A ruleset would be made specifically for the C&R Classic, and would include such parameters as, “angler pictures must be submitted on the same day as the fish was caughtâ€, and “angler integrity surrounding the catch will be based on the honor system, however a lie detector test may be issued for any entry challenged by another angler who submits a protest form and required depositâ€. Anglers would not be allowed to enter fish in the general tournament for pike or steelhead if they wanted to enter the general tournament and fish for the other species. The general tournament would run as it did last year. I realize requiring all anglers to enter the C&R event would be ideal, but due to the number of anglers who do not own a cell phone capable of taking pics or who do not have internet access (as we have experienced in the IPA Series), this simply is not feasible. Thoughts? Again, I am open to options and suggestions, but keep in mind this must be manageable on our end when considering the possibility of including 1,000’s of anglers.

I worked for Sunglass Hut for quite a few years before the Greece store left, and got a lot of experience with many manufacturers and lens types. Costa, Maui Jim, Revo and Oakley all offer premium lenses/frames with excellent polarization. The new angling specific lenses from Oakley seem to have an edge on cutting glare and being able to see into the water based on my experience with the other lenses. However, I haven't kept up with the other brands (other than Oakley) so if they have come out with new lens technology it could rival the new Oakley lenses. As most have already stated, it really comes down to your budget, and seeing what frames and lens combination works best for you. Glass lenses will hold up to more abuse but can shatter and tend to be heavier. Poly lenses are lighter and most are shatter proof, but they can scratch easier.

NYS Ice Pro-Am Team-Only event this Saunday on Sodus Bay. NYS Full IPA Event on Sodus Bay Feb. 21st & 22nd. NYS Winter Classic continually running on all NYS waterways until Feb. 22nd.

We did practice C&R releasing pike, pickerel and a few walleye. Most anglers wanted to keep their fish, which we do allow. The largest fish in each category is typically kept in our livewells and displayed at the awards ceremony. With the brutally cold temps the 3 largest walleye did not fair well and all anglers took them after the awards ceremony. All others were released or kept by the anglers. All pike at this weekend's event on Sodus will be C&R.

NYS Ice Pro-Am Event on Chaumont Bay. Oneida Lake event is this weekend followed by the large Sodus Bay Event on the 21st and 22nd.