Note: The original date for the 3rd Catfish Tourney on the Banks was August 18th; however, due to the low number of participants 2 days prior to the event (9 individuals/teams), the new date for it is September 15th (Sunday).
The 3rd Catfish Tourney on the Banks will be held on the Schuylkill Banks (between Locust and Walnut) on September 15th, 2013. Rain date for it will be September 29th, 2013, since it's storm season in PA.
This will also be the LAST Catfish competition of this year; therefore, your last chance to claim a nice trophy home! =)
This will also be the LAST Catfish competition of this year; therefore, your last chance to claim a nice trophy home! =)
Since the 1st Catfish Tourney on the Banks, a lot of people have been asking me about "parking" around the area. Therefore, here's a link for parking spots that are close to the Schuylkill Banks. As you guys can see, there are plenty of parking spots close to the competition site, not to mention that it's FREE parking on Sundays!
The 1st Catfish Tourney on the Banks was a blast! Here's the link for the results of the first Catfish Tourney on the Banks. Below is the picture of the winners:
The Winners: 1st Place (center) - Kevin W. with a bag of 16.09lbs (4.12, 3.94, 3.46, 2.77, 1.80), 2nd Place (left) - Linda Z. with a bag of 12.98lbs (4.05, 2.61, 2.57, 2.30, 1.45), 3rd Place (right) - Don G. with a bag of 10.84lbs (3.32, 3.10, 1.96, 1.25, 1.21)
The 2nd Catfish Tourney on the Banks had even more participants!
Most of the participants of the 2nd Catfish Tourney on the Banks. Note: If you participated, and you are not in the picture above, don't forget to STAY after the competition for the awards ceremony! After all, a good picture brings good memories. =)
Click here for the results of the 2nd Catfish Tourney on the Banks. A photo of the winners is below:
1st Place + Big Fish: Center - Ronald L. J. - 21.75 (5.44, 4.56, 4.36, 3.85, 3.54)
2nd Place: Kevin W. - 14.65 (3.41, 3.10, 2.79, 2.75, 2.60)
3rd Place: Keith Jr - 11.90 (3.30, 2.51, 2.13, 2.05, 1.91)
2nd Place: Kevin W. - 14.65 (3.41, 3.10, 2.79, 2.75, 2.60)
3rd Place: Keith Jr - 11.90 (3.30, 2.51, 2.13, 2.05, 1.91)
Now, let's go for the rules and additional information regarding the 3rd Catfish Tourney on the Banks. Interested Readers and Future Participants - please read it carefully, since there have been a change in the rules!
1. The Event and the Rules (they may be subjected to changes at any given time).
A. The Event:
- The third official Catfish Tourney on the Banks will happen between the Locust and Chestnut Bridges on the Schuylkill Banks. The official date for it is September 15th, 2013 (Sunday). In case of rain or weather issues, the "Rain Date" is set to be two weeks after - September 29th, 2013. Registered participants will be contacted through e-mail/phone two days prior to the event in case of bad weather and/or cancellation.
- Contestants may enter the competition individually or as a "team" of 2. In the second case, the team will be treated as a single unit; therefore, the team is subjected to all the other rules as one unit (i.e. 2 rods per team; same bag per team; etc). The entry fee for the competition is $20 for single individuals (one person), and $30 dollars for a team (2 individuals) - cash only. The fee will be collected before the beginning of the competition, during the check in under the Walnut Street Bridge. Notice that this friendly tourney is profit-free. For more details, see the prize section; section 3.
- Public Transportation is available (Amtrak - Regional Rails, and Septa) through the 30th street station, and it's highly recommended. The distance between the site of the competition and the station is a 10 minutes walk. For cars, there's parking along the Walnut and Chestnut bridges, as well as parking around 26th and Locust and below. Here's a link for parking spots that are close to the Schuylkill Banks. Note that parking is free on Sundays!
- The minimum number of participants for this competition will be 15 individuals/teams. If there are not enough participants 2 days prior to the competition, all registered competitors will be contacted about its cancellation - either via e-mail or/and phone. Notice that a higher number of participants results in a higher amount for the cash prize (see prize section; section 3). Therefore, invite your buddies to come. =)
- Instead of the traditional format of 6 a.m.-3 p.m. (9 hours), the 3rd Catfish Tourney on the Banks will start at 9 a.m. sharp and end at 3 p.m. (6 hours). Therefore, it's highly recommended for people to show up 1 hour or half an hour prior to the beginning of the event for setting up a good spot on the banks! Late participants will not be disqualified; however, they will clearly have a disadvantage in terms of time and location. Therefore, plan your schedule carefully.
- Prizes will be awarded half an hour after the end of the competition, in situ. The winners - 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and "Big Fish" - will immediately walk out of the event with their prizes: cash and trophies. Notice that this friendly tourney is profit-free. For more details, see the prize section; section 3.
- Since this is a friendly competition, participants are free to leave the site at any given moment. There's a restroom and drinking fountain between Locust and Walnut on the Schuylkill Banks, and there is a Rite Aid on 23rd and Walnut in case anyone needs additional water or food. If there are small emergencies, participants may leave and come back, as far as they come back within the range of the competition (9-3p.m.).
- Kids (15 and below) are highly encouraged to participate in a team. According to the PA Fish and Boat Commission laws, they are not required to have a fishing license in order to fish. Note that the parent/adult is responsible for his/her child's safety in situ - there is a liability waiver in the e-mail registration form: section 2 (this document will be sent via e-mail once you contact me). The kid will be counted as part of its parent's "team," and the result of both will be summed as one.
B. The General Fishing Rules:
Important Note: All fishing participants will abide by all PA Boat and Commission regulations and safety guidelines.
- A PA fishing license is required for anyone older than the age of 15 (as the law states), and it must be shown at the check in - before the competition - and placed on an outer garment during the entire period of the tourney (9-3 p.m.). Participation without a license will not be permitted. The license can be purchased online or in certain local stores (i.e. Dicks Sporting goods, Walmart, Bait Shop - Brinkmans bait and Tackle, Bob's bait and Tackle; etc).
- Fishing spots will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, no right to complain if one comes late! You are being advised, and you should time yourself for the event. Also, for more comfort and better fishing, the spots were already divided in sections, so the anglers can stay at least 10 feet apart from each other. Chances are that there will be available spots for everyone.
- Although the PA law states that it's legal to fish 3 rods per session and 3 hooks per rod, the competition will work on the 2 rod per person/team and 2 hook per rod rule with the purpose of preserving space for all participants. Anyone disrespecting this rule will be given an initial warning and a penalty of 5lbs on the total poundage of the bag. A second time will result in disqualification.
- The third official Catfish Tourney on the Banks will happen between the Locust and Chestnut Bridges on the Schuylkill Banks. The official date for it is September 15th, 2013 (Sunday). In case of rain or weather issues, the "Rain Date" is set to be two weeks after - September 29th, 2013. Registered participants will be contacted through e-mail/phone two days prior to the event in case of bad weather and/or cancellation.
- Contestants may enter the competition individually or as a "team" of 2. In the second case, the team will be treated as a single unit; therefore, the team is subjected to all the other rules as one unit (i.e. 2 rods per team; same bag per team; etc). The entry fee for the competition is $20 for single individuals (one person), and $30 dollars for a team (2 individuals) - cash only. The fee will be collected before the beginning of the competition, during the check in under the Walnut Street Bridge. Notice that this friendly tourney is profit-free. For more details, see the prize section; section 3.
- Public Transportation is available (Amtrak - Regional Rails, and Septa) through the 30th street station, and it's highly recommended. The distance between the site of the competition and the station is a 10 minutes walk. For cars, there's parking along the Walnut and Chestnut bridges, as well as parking around 26th and Locust and below. Here's a link for parking spots that are close to the Schuylkill Banks. Note that parking is free on Sundays!
- The minimum number of participants for this competition will be 15 individuals/teams. If there are not enough participants 2 days prior to the competition, all registered competitors will be contacted about its cancellation - either via e-mail or/and phone. Notice that a higher number of participants results in a higher amount for the cash prize (see prize section; section 3). Therefore, invite your buddies to come. =)
- Instead of the traditional format of 6 a.m.-3 p.m. (9 hours), the 3rd Catfish Tourney on the Banks will start at 9 a.m. sharp and end at 3 p.m. (6 hours). Therefore, it's highly recommended for people to show up 1 hour or half an hour prior to the beginning of the event for setting up a good spot on the banks! Late participants will not be disqualified; however, they will clearly have a disadvantage in terms of time and location. Therefore, plan your schedule carefully.
- Prizes will be awarded half an hour after the end of the competition, in situ. The winners - 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and "Big Fish" - will immediately walk out of the event with their prizes: cash and trophies. Notice that this friendly tourney is profit-free. For more details, see the prize section; section 3.
- Since this is a friendly competition, participants are free to leave the site at any given moment. There's a restroom and drinking fountain between Locust and Walnut on the Schuylkill Banks, and there is a Rite Aid on 23rd and Walnut in case anyone needs additional water or food. If there are small emergencies, participants may leave and come back, as far as they come back within the range of the competition (9-3p.m.).
- Kids (15 and below) are highly encouraged to participate in a team. According to the PA Fish and Boat Commission laws, they are not required to have a fishing license in order to fish. Note that the parent/adult is responsible for his/her child's safety in situ - there is a liability waiver in the e-mail registration form: section 2 (this document will be sent via e-mail once you contact me). The kid will be counted as part of its parent's "team," and the result of both will be summed as one.
B. The General Fishing Rules:
Important Note: All fishing participants will abide by all PA Boat and Commission regulations and safety guidelines.
- A PA fishing license is required for anyone older than the age of 15 (as the law states), and it must be shown at the check in - before the competition - and placed on an outer garment during the entire period of the tourney (9-3 p.m.). Participation without a license will not be permitted. The license can be purchased online or in certain local stores (i.e. Dicks Sporting goods, Walmart, Bait Shop - Brinkmans bait and Tackle, Bob's bait and Tackle; etc).
- Fishing spots will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, no right to complain if one comes late! You are being advised, and you should time yourself for the event. Also, for more comfort and better fishing, the spots were already divided in sections, so the anglers can stay at least 10 feet apart from each other. Chances are that there will be available spots for everyone.
- Although the PA law states that it's legal to fish 3 rods per session and 3 hooks per rod, the competition will work on the 2 rod per person/team and 2 hook per rod rule with the purpose of preserving space for all participants. Anyone disrespecting this rule will be given an initial warning and a penalty of 5lbs on the total poundage of the bag. A second time will result in disqualification.
- For weight-in: there will be a fixed weight in station at the Walnut Street Bridge! Instead of the traditional weight-in system, which happens at the end of the competition, the weight-in for this specific competition will happen just after successfully landing the fish. After properly unhooking a fish, the participant should walk towards the Walnut Street Bridge. I'll eventually be on "lookout" as well. If not, wait a minute or so and I'll eventually be there to properly measure and record the fish.
- There will be a penalty for mishandling fish. Every fish should be perfectly caught and released. In case the fish swallows the hook, the line should be cut. In case a fish is heavily injured and dies, there will be a severe penalty of 5lbs per incident. Catfish are tough fish; therefore, there shouldn't be any incidents! Follow the guidelines for safely practicing CPR - "Catch, Photo Release."
- There will be a penalty for mishandling fish. Every fish should be perfectly caught and released. In case the fish swallows the hook, the line should be cut. In case a fish is heavily injured and dies, there will be a severe penalty of 5lbs per incident. Catfish are tough fish; therefore, there shouldn't be any incidents! Follow the guidelines for safely practicing CPR - "Catch, Photo Release."
- A net is highly recommended for landing big fish (drop net or 8-feet long net). A Balzer fishing net is highly recommended. Believe me - you do not want to take your chances by pulling a big fish by the line. Again, a drop net or 8-feet long net is highly recommended.
- Only Catfish will be counted as part of the tourney. That includes: Channel, White, Flathead, and Bullhead. Each participant can (and should) weight-in as many Catfish as possible from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The five biggest ones (in terms of lbs) will determine the final bag/result for given participant.
2. Registration
In order to register, send an e-mail to "sheng12182527@gmail.com" with the subject "3rd Catfish Tourney on the Banks" or something similar. Also, write in the e-mail if you are registering yourself as solo ($20) or team ($30).
After receiving the e-mail, I'll e-mail the person back with a formal Microsoft Word registration file (.docx) and liability waiver, requesting additional information and a digital signature. Once the person fills up the registration file and e-mail it back to me, the same will be officially registered in the tourney.
2. Registration
In order to register, send an e-mail to "sheng12182527@gmail.com" with the subject "3rd Catfish Tourney on the Banks" or something similar. Also, write in the e-mail if you are registering yourself as solo ($20) or team ($30).
After receiving the e-mail, I'll e-mail the person back with a formal Microsoft Word registration file (.docx) and liability waiver, requesting additional information and a digital signature. Once the person fills up the registration file and e-mail it back to me, the same will be officially registered in the tourney.
On site registration will be available on Sunday, September 15th, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. I'll be under the Walnut Street Bridge with printed registration forms. However, I would prefer everyone to sign in in advance, since the event will not happen if there are less than 15 participants, 2 days prior to the event!
3. Results and Prizes
The prizes will be distributed for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, as well as the "Big Fish" (biggest Catfish of the day).
3. Results and Prizes
The prizes will be distributed for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, as well as the "Big Fish" (biggest Catfish of the day).
Note that the Catfish Tourney on the Banks is a non-profit competition. In other words, Extreme Philly Fishing is absolutely making no money out of these events. 20% of the total cash amount is donated to the Recycled Fish non-profit organization, which focuses on environmental conservation and aquatic sustainability. Read more about it here.
In other words, $4 dollars of your registration fee will go directly to a national level non-profit organization, and it will be focused on the well-being of the country. The other $16 dollars are pulled together for the remaining cash prizes.
The prizes will be distributed as it follows (in cash, at the end of the event):
- 20% of all proceeds gathered in the tourney will go to the Recycled Fish non-profit organization, which focuses on environmental conservation and aquatic sustainability. Therefore, as mentioned above, the "Catfish Tourney on the Banks." is a profit-free event.
After subtracting 20% from the final amount of cash gathered, the prizes will be distributed as it follows:
1st place: 40% of remaining cash + 1st place Trophy
2nd place: 30% of remaining cash + 2nd place Trophy
3rd place: 20% of remaining cash + 3rd place Trophy
Big Catfish: 10% of remaining cash + Big Fish Trophy
Therefore, the minimum prize amount (based on 15 participants) for the 2nd Catfish Tourney on the Banks will be:
The prizes will be distributed as it follows (in cash, at the end of the event):
- 20% of all proceeds gathered in the tourney will go to the Recycled Fish non-profit organization, which focuses on environmental conservation and aquatic sustainability. Therefore, as mentioned above, the "Catfish Tourney on the Banks." is a profit-free event.
After subtracting 20% from the final amount of cash gathered, the prizes will be distributed as it follows:
1st place: 40% of remaining cash + 1st place Trophy
2nd place: 30% of remaining cash + 2nd place Trophy
3rd place: 20% of remaining cash + 3rd place Trophy
Big Catfish: 10% of remaining cash + Big Fish Trophy
Therefore, the minimum prize amount (based on 15 participants) for the 2nd Catfish Tourney on the Banks will be:
15 participants = $300
20% of 300 will go to a non-profit organization: $60
The remaining $240 will be distributed as it follows:
1st place: 40% --> $96
2nd place: 30% --> $72
3rd place: 20% --> $48
Big Catfish: 10% --> $24
Note: if, for example, the first place is accounted for the biggest Catfish of the day, that person will be taking $96+24, and he/she will be receiving both trophies.
If the number of participants are actually 25 instead of 15: 20*25= $500. The same calculation is performed. Therefore, the higher the number of participants, the higher the amount of money distributed.
I'll request a formal e-mail from the non-profit to every participant after the donation is in, as a gesture of gratitude.
20% of 300 will go to a non-profit organization: $60
The remaining $240 will be distributed as it follows:
1st place: 40% --> $96
2nd place: 30% --> $72
3rd place: 20% --> $48
Big Catfish: 10% --> $24
Note: if, for example, the first place is accounted for the biggest Catfish of the day, that person will be taking $96+24, and he/she will be receiving both trophies.
If the number of participants are actually 25 instead of 15: 20*25= $500. The same calculation is performed. Therefore, the higher the number of participants, the higher the amount of money distributed.
I'll request a formal e-mail from the non-profit to every participant after the donation is in, as a gesture of gratitude.
I'll see all participants next month. For those who are planning to participate - best of luck for you guys!
Long Days and Pleasant Nights,
Sincerely,
Leo S.