SCRIP Sponsors Fishing Tournament July 10 To Highlight Improved Water Quality

The Stonycreek Conemaugh River Improvement Project is hosting the Fifth Annual Quemahoning Classic Fishing Tournament on July 10 at the Quemahoning Reservoir. 
            SCRIP organizes the Quemahoning Classic Fishing Tournament to highlight the improved water quality that is benefiting fisheries across the Alleghenies and to raise funds that SCRIP invests in remediation and environmental education projects.
            SCRIP is an all-volunteer organization working with numerous partners to restore water quality and habitat in local streams and watersheds. 
            The Quemahoning Classic is a catch-and-release tournament.  Judges will measure fish as they are caught.  All winners are determined by total inches in each species, while the grand-prize winner will be determined by total species caught and released, with any tiebreakers decided by total inches.  Species judged include largemouth and smallmouth bass, all species of trout, pike, muskellunge, carp and walleye.  
            Prizes will be awarded to men, women, and children in each category.  Live bait and artificial lures may be used, but all must have barbless hooks or the hooks pinched down.  Absolutely no gasoline engines will be permitted in accordance with reservoir regulations and no more than four contestants may be in a boat.  Shore fishing is permitted within marked zones, with a limit of two rods per participant.  
            Melissa Reckner, SCRIP Secretary, said last year 44 participants caught 52 eligible fish, which was down slightly from the year before when 82 fish were measured, but the weather was more challenging.  She said a lot of bass have been caught over the years, although anglers have landed walleye and pike too.
            Check-in for the Quemahoning Classic Fishing Tournament starts at 6:00 a.m. at the Public Recreation Area, while competitive fishing is from 7:00 a.m. – Noon.  A catered lunch will be provided while winners are determined.  All participants must be back at the launch site by 1:00 p.m. for prize eligibility, while all in attendance will be eligible for door prizes.
            All participants must pre-register by calling Reckner at 814-444-2669 who will share a complete list of rules.  Suggested donation for registration is $25 for SCRIP members, $35 for non-members, and $10 for youth (15 and under).  
            Sponsorships and volunteers to serve as judges are also needed.  Major sponsors to date include: Jenner Rod and Gun Club, Gander Mountain, and American Eagle Screen Print and Embroidery. 


5/31/2010

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