Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Unique Tournament Encourages Stewardship

Anglers can compete for a broad variety of high-end fishing tackle and at the same time take an active role in cleaning up the banks of the Salmon River in a unique " Catch and Clean" tournament sponsored by the Lake Ontario Tributary Anglers Council (LOTAC) Saturday, Nov. 13.

Hosted by Fox Hollow Lodge at 2740 NYS Route 13, Altmar, the event combines competitive fishing with a clean-up of the river bank.

" This tournament gives anglers the opportunity to have a competitive tournament for steelhead while giving back to the habitat at the same time," said LOTAC president Jim Kirtland.

The tournament begins at 7 a.m. at Fox Hollow. Anglers will pick up trash along the river bank while fishing. Teams can consist of one to three anglers. Winners will be based on length of fish entered. Prizes include a 50/50 cash payback to winners, with several competition categories in play. Fishing ends at 3 p.m. with an awards ceremony to follow. Dinner will be available at Fox Hollow Lodge for $5.95 after the tournament.

" We' ve received donated prizes from more than 30 tackle manufacturers," said Kirtland. " There will be a broad range of high-end fishing tackle given away." LOTAC was formed three years ago by a group of anglers intent on encouraging conservation and ethical fishing on the Lake Ontario tributaries.

Their mission statement requires members " to be stewards of the environment and fishery and to appreciate and have utmost respect for the Lake Ontario Tributary fish they pursue, the state land they fish on, their co-anglers, and private property owners." Members are expected to adhere to a code of ethics and follow all state Department of Environmental Conservation fishing regulations. The tournament is one of several activities sponsored by the group to " get people in the habit of cleaning up at the same time as enjoying the river. That' s our goal," said Kirtland.

Dave Turner, director of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning, said the Salmon River supports a world-class, year- round fishery that is unmatched for quality and diversity of species. Maintaining its pristine quality and balancing recreational use of the river is critical to the integrity of the Salmon River corridor.

" Anglers spend hundreds of thousands of hours fishing the Salmon River every year," said Turner. " Unfortunately, there are bound to be stresses on the environment, such as littering or disruption of spawning areas. We very much appreciate the efforts of LOTAC members, who have taken on the role of stewards of the Lake Ontario tributary streams. They are setting a great example by combining the thrill of fishing the Salmon River with cleanup activities."

Rules and agenda
Registration starts at 7:00am @ Fox Hollow (Membership Drive, as well) www.foxhollowsalmonriverlodge.com
$20.00 Registration Non‐Members, and $15.00 Member
Pair off into teams of two (angler's choice)
Fish by boat or bank…any legal angling techniques allowed
Brief meeting at 7:30am, Hand out garbage bags, tape measures, and banners
Tourney begins at 8:00am and ends at 4:00pm
Meet at Route 2A Compactor Pool Parking Lot at 4:00PM for garbage collection
Meet back at Fox Hollow at 5:00pm (meeting/food/drink/prizes/raffles)
Each Angler HAS to fill at least one 30 gallon garbage bag to enter fish, and to partake in prizes.
Catching a fish is NOT a requirement for raffle entry.
Dinner Provided by Fox Hollow for $5.95/per person
Non‐Anglers can participate in food, festivities, and raffles.
For more information
For information on the tournament visit www.foxhollowsalmonriverlodge.com or e-mail jkirtland@stny.rr.com.
For more information on LOTAC, visit www.lotac.org.
Current Oswego County fishing conditions and visitor information can be found at www.visitoswegocounty.com or by calling 800-248-4FUN.
Prizes
Longest Trout (measured/pics/bannered)
Grand Slam Award(s) 1 Steel, 1 Brown, 1 Salmon
Limited Award(s) 3 Trout (mixed), and 3 garbage bags filled
LOTAC Pride Award (excellence in trash clean‐up and angling. Displaying exceptional motivation and attitude)
LOTAC Directors present, act as judges

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