NEWSLETTER
Waddington, NY. - The 20th Annual St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament will be held August 3 – 5, 2023. To commemorate this milestone, organizers are planning additional highlights; to include inviting all Grand Champions to return, along with many others who were instrumental in its popularity and success throughout the years, beginning in 2003. The tournament takes place on the banks of the St. Lawrence River along a 30 miles stretch of New York’s northern border, stretching from Massena to Ogdensburg, testing the skill and techniques of young carp anglers over two days.
Long-time organizer of the tournament, Jo Ann Roberts, said “we’re very proud of this milestone anniversary, but even more excited to celebrate those years by highlighting the people, experiences and memorable moments that span 20 years”.
Carp are the St. Lawrence River's “BIG FISH,” and the St. Lawrence River offers world-class angling with catches weighing in at 30 and 40 pounds. Anglers who pursue carp refer to this species as the “queen of the river.” Carp are a powerful fish whose fighting ability pushes any angler's skill and tackle to the limit. With deep-surging runs and arm-wrenching power, carp provide a fight that has to be experienced to be believed.
The St. Lawrence River hosted the Carp Fishing World Championship in 2005 and has seen participants travel to compete in the worlds, such as Tanner J. Smith from St. Lawrence County, NY who competed in Hungary in 2022 for Team USA.
The catch and release tournament was started in 2003 by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and is now hosted by the Carp Anglers Group of North America; a national organization with many of their members volunteering during the event. Families with children ages 11-18 are encouraged to register as individuals or teams. Registration packets and more details can be found at www.fishcap.net or by contacting Jo Ann Roberts at 315 244-1909 or by email to jrcarptournament@gmail.com.
Photo: Tanner J. Smith with his St. Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament team before heading to compete in the Carp Fishing World Championship in Hungary in 2022.
Contacts
Jo Ann Roberts
Event Coordinator
St. Lawrence International Junior. Carp Tournament
(315) 244-1909
Brooke Rouse
Director of Tourism
St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
315-386-4000