Illinois Carp Fishing NEWS!

Countdown to "Saturday in the Park" Tournament:

"Saturday in the Park" All Species Fishing Tournament
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Allen Park, Illinois River, Ottawa, Illinois
Peg Draw at 7:00 a.m.; Fishing from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

What: "Saturday in the Park" All Species Fishing Tournament.
This is a catch and release, all species, total weight event.
Thee will be no walk-on attendees. You must register by Friday, July 27, 2012 to participate.
Attendees to date:
Frank Rink

When: Saturday, July 28th, 2012.
Peg draw at 7:00 AM; sign in starts at 6:00 AM.
Fishing from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Where: Allen Park, Ottawa, IL. This is an easily accessible venue with shade, plenty of bank space, washrooms, and parking very close to your rig. Allen Park is on the Illinois River in Ottawa, Illinois, Exit #90 off I-80. Click here for a map.

Who: Join us if you are interested in fishing at a pleasant venue with an eclectic variety of fish. Simply pay your entry at the venue, sign a waiver of liability, and enjoy. All species will count. In the past, we have caught drum, buffalo, common carp, grass carp, suckers, catfish, bass, and bluegill. More than likely, those targeting carp will have an advantage due to size and numbers.

How: There is a $20.00 entry fee and an optional $10.00 pot for the big common/mirror carp. (Others may opt to conduct other species big fish pots.)

Anglers are limited to two poles, two lines, and single, non-treble hooks on each line. However, artificial baits with treble hooks are allowed for those targeting bass, but any snagged fish will be disallowed.

This will be a pegged event with a random drawing for fishing positions. Last year's non-pegged format resulted in some fish being sacked too long, transported too far, and then released in poor condition, so we will return to the random draw format.

The peg draw format will have the first angler whose name is drawn taking peg 1, the second name drawn will take peg 2, and so on. Should anglers wish to be pegged together, the peg draw form will allow more than one name. Should such a form be drawn first, two anglers on the sheet would be assigned pegs 1 and 2.

Anglers are to keep rigs/pods/poles within five feet of each side of their peg flag. The fishing area for each peg is the peg flag to halfway to the next peg flag (left and right). If you have an end peg (peg 17 (or last peg on right side of venue) or peg 1), you may fish 10 yards to the right of peg 17 (or right end peg) or 10 yards to the left of peg 1.

Chumming/groundbaiting is not allowed until 8:00 a.m.

Anglers are asked to bring a scale and tripod so fish may be weighed at the location of capture. A witness is required to sign-off on the time weighed and weight of each fish. If you do not have a scale, please take your fish immediately to the closest available scale. All fish must be released in good shape (able to swim strongly away) or they will not count.

Anglers must handle all fish, no matter what species, with proper care. Bring unhooking mats and weigh-slings.

Anglers must play their own fish, but they may have assistance in netting it.

Fish must be hooked by the 5:00 p.m. ending whistle. An angler will have until 5:10 p.m. to land the fish (must be in the net).

Make sure you have a valid Illinois Fishing License.

Prizes: The awards ceremony will be at the organizer's peg immediately after tally sheets are submitted, weights are totaled, and prize winners are determined.

There will be a 100% payout of the entry fees in a 50%-35%-15% split for the top three finishers. Winners will be determined by the total weight of all their fish weighed and released in good condition.

There will be a 100% payout of the big common/mirror carp pot (optional - $10 to enter) in a 60%-40% split for the top two finishers.

Pegs:

Peg 1--just right of bench and 13 yards to left of totem.