Third Annual MCAA Thanksgiving Challenge Results
November 28, 2009


Over 250 pounds of fish were caught at the MCAA's Third Annual Thanksgiving Challenge held on November 28, 2009 at Bicentennial Park in Joliet, Illinois. 58% of the participants (11 of 19 entrants) caught fish on a day that did not produce nearly as many fish and as much poundage as in the two previous Thanksgiving weekend events. The high sun and smooth waters may have been an issue for the fish. However, the weather certainly cooperated for the human participants with highs in the mid-50s during the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. event.

Placing third in 2007, second in 2008, and first in 2009, Frank Rink was fortunate to draw Peg #1 in this Third Annual MCAA Thanksgiving Challenge and took home not only the total weight (80 lbs., 8 oz.) prize money but also the winnings for the first angler to reach 50 pounds and for the big fish of the day at 15 pounds, 4 ounces.

Rob Gutierrez, fishing from Peg 20 at the other end of the tournament peg system, took second place with 31 pounds, 4 ounces, including a catch in the last half hour of the tournament that vaulted him into that second place slot.

2008 MCAA Thanksgving Tournament winner Mike Olinger, who drew Peg 19, rounded out the top three with 28 pounds, 10 ounces.


2009 Tournament winners
(l to r) Rob Gutierrez (2nd place), Mike Olinger (3rd place), Frank Rink (1st place)


Perhaps, the results lend further credence to the theory that at a featureless venue with a tightly bunched group of experienced anglers, the end pegs stand a better chance of producing. There have been exceptions to that contention, even at Joliet, but this tournament's results provided some compelling evidence: First place (highest total weight), the two biggest fish caught during the day, and the first to capture 50 pounds came from peg 1 (Frank R.). Second place (Rob. G.) came from the other end peg, peg 20. Third place (Mike O.) came from peg 19. Third biggest fish and in contention all day (Jim R.) was peg 2. Others who were "within striking distance" all day were peg 3 (Trevor B.) and peg 4 (Patrick M.). Some anglers in middle pegs had multiple catches (Larry S., Ioan J.), but it's fairly clear that those fortunate to draw pegs at or near either end had an advantage, at least on 11/28/09.

In addition to cash prizes, MCAA also provided olympic style medals to the winners.

World Classic Baits also awarded ground bait and boilies to the top 3 fishermen and big fish winner.

Lee Young of the Wisconsin Carp Championships gave the winner a $100 voucher toward the entry fee in the 2010 Championships at Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Ruby Bay, LLC donated a fruit and nut selection for a raffle won by Ioan Iacob.

$50 Bass Pro Shop gift cards were won via raffle by Gruia Oltean and Paul Wells.

Tournament organizer Sam Snow provided dried cranberries, nuts, beverages, muffins, slim jims, and hard boiled eggs for all 19 participants.

MCAA thanks our generous sponsors and is grateful to all who attended.

Here are some stats from the event:


Total weight caught: 250 lbs., 14 oz.

Total Number of carp caught: 34 (33 commons and 1 mirror)

Percentage of anglers who caught carp: 11 of 19 for 58%

Most fish caught by angler and average weight:
Frank Rink (10 fish; 8lbs., 1 oz. average)
Rob Gutierrez (5 fish; 6lbs., 4 oz. average)
Mike Olinger (5 fish; 5 lbs., 12 oz. average)



2009 MCAA Thanksgiving Tournament Photos
Click here for a gallery of nearly 60 photos from the event!
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