2023 Lake Ontario Catch & Release Events

[Finders Keepers]

For the 2023 open water season there will be 3 tournament events that will offer anglers the exclusive option of catch & release for their fish entrees. These include:

Great Lakes Salmon Showdown (Pro Division / Am Division)

(May 1 - Sept. 30)

NYS Summer Classic (Registration opens in March)

(July 1 - Aug. 31)

NYS Summer Classic Lake Ontario Boat Event (Registration opens in March)

(July 1 - Aug. 31)

 

These events are hosted on the Fish Donkey online platform where fish are entered in real time, at the time of the catch via length using pictures and/or videos and a bump board. In addition to the benefit of C&R, these events also feature/offer:

*Live leaderboards that update in real time and notify all participants when a new leader in entered!

*The ability to see all entrees as they are entered!

*24/7 fishing within tourney hours without the need for extra travel to weigh-ins!

*Photo and/or video evidence of every fish entered to protect the integrity of the angler's catch!

*GPS/date/time info encrypted into every picture/video to ensure authenticity and prevent boundary violations! (GPS info can be decoded by a third party for yes or no questions only - no spots/exact coordinates given out to anyone)

*App works even without cell coverage! (live update features will not be possible until back into coverage zone)

*Exact start/end times - no race to get back for weigh-in or questionable entry into the pierheads!

*Secure measurement protocols eliminate foul play opportunities - weighting the fish, holding fish over from previous days, etc. are not possible or simply won't matter!

*Anglers-first mentality with full transparency!

*Websites, weekly updates, and a huge online presence make finding tourney info easy to find!

*Heavily sponsored/supported by local, regional, national, and international companies offering a wide selection of prizes! (varies from year to year)

*Ability to enter the same fish in multiple events on the Fish Donkey platform within seconds!

*Ability to participate and enter fish by yourself!

*Full angler support from both tourney personnel and Fish Donkey!

*Ability to practice entering fish before the main event!

*Fish when you want / anglers do not have to fish on the foul weather days!

*All anglers on the boat do not have to be entered - in the case of the LO Boat Event, everyone on board already IS entered with the boat!

*Youth anglers are encouraged to participate and can place same as adults, plus go for youth specific awards (like a lifetime NYS Sportsman License)!

 

We're gathering lots of new energy coming into these events via new sponsors, new awards to go after, and lots of fun!! Stay tuned for updates this spring and tight lines to all who enter this year!! Feel free to drop me a PM with any questions or give me a call direct at (585) 330-0494. 

 

Experience the next generation of fishing tournaments and bring the FUN back into tournament fishing!