The World Junior Carp Fishing Championship.
 

The first ever USA World Juniors Carp Tournament is scheduled right here on the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River from August 19th - 23rd. Not only will it have a first place prize of $10,000 but $5,000, $2,500 and many other special category awards are up for grabs as well. These are huge figures for even the experienced angler yet this tournament will be fair game for each and every contestant between the ages of 11 and 18. There will be a school executed by experienced carp anglers from the area that is open to any age for two days prior to teach these techniques to anyone interested.

Details about registration and entry for the school and/or the competition can be obtained by calling American Carp Adventures at #315-769-9400 or by viewing this web-site: www.northcountryguide.com. The St. Lawrence County Chamber has organized many sponsors and volunteers over the past months creating a very unique competition. Registration can even be done on line!

This World Junior Carp Tournament will also be hosted by British teen actor, Tom Felton, known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series. Tom has always been an environmentalist with a flair for carp fishing. During the four-day event he will be on hand for a sub party and dance, a BBQ and the school sessions. I will be available at any time, along with other volunteers, to further assist anyone who needs instruction beyond the scheduled school time frames. American Carp Adventures is located right on the banks of the St. Lawrence and I am a licensed guide with over 30 years of experience on these waters. Therefore, I know what will work most effectively on these carp. You are welcome to visit our website at www.americancarp.com.

Typical responses to the initial sight of the St. Lawrence River by foreign anglers, do not vary much. Novice and professionals alike are taken aback by the vast expanse of this magnificent body of water. The St. Lawrence Seaway Chain covers some 2300 miles of shoreline, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. To add perspective to the volume of water contained herein, all reputable guides use solunar and tide tables to arrange fishing holidays for their clientele. Much of this area is not conducive to carp fishing, as the current can be very swift and the extreme depth of the tier at these sights makes it impossible to fish. Enter Lake St. Lawrence. This area was created when in 1954 the Robert Moses Power Project began. The plans called for the relocation of some 6500 people and 550 buildings above the projected flood plain. This rich basin area comprised of pasture and farmland covered over 100 square miles. The construction of the power dam slowed the once turbulent river channel and created a myriad of new islands, bays and eddies.

Of most significance to carp fishermen is the area created and located around the village of Massena, New York. Because the original soil composition was predominately gravel and blue clay, this area now contains some of the best carp-fishing habitat in the world. Literally hundreds of thousands of carp spawn and remain in this area for their lifetime. Natural feed is abundant which attributes to the very rapid and sustained weight gain of these fish. Mussels, clams, crayfish and a vast host of protein rich insect larvae provide more than ample nutrients for sustained growth, with plenty of long stemmed weed cover to protect fry and adolescent fish from predation. Over 40,000 acres were flooded here to produce a carp fishery unmatched anywhere.

Methods of fishing vary from spring to fall, as does bait selection. Water temperature and levels affect feeding frequency and duration. In my opinion for most times of the year “less is more”. What this translates to is, start by using the smallest hookbait you have available to you and the least amount of ground bait necessary to produce substantial runs and work up from there. Overbaiting may produce a larger quantity of fish but the larger carp can not and will not compete with a school of small doubles. They will simply move to deeper water until the frenzy is over, then run for leftovers.

Simple rigs are all that is required for these river carp. Remember that most of the carp here have never been hooked before. What follows is a list of essential equipment for fishing on the St. Lawrence and suggestions for producing fish:

1. 12 rod in 2 ½ to 3 lb. Test curve.

2. 20 lb low visibility monofiliment or equivalent diameter braided line. (mono is always preferred over braid due to the abundance of zebra mussels. These small mollusks have razor sharp edges that can compromise even the strongest braid in very little time.)

3. 25 to 30 lb shock leader (10-15 ft per application)

4. #4 or #2 short shank carp hooks

5. 3 to 5 oz. Leads

Baits:

1. Maize (very effective in early spring and late fall when carp feeding is at peak).

2. Boilies - 20 mm in summer months. (Best flavors are pineapple, banana, scopex, rosehip and tutti-frutti).

3. Trout pellets and dog biscuits (used for float fishing and stalking in shallows in the spring).

Locating Fish:

Spring – Carp are hesitant to feed in the cold spring waters. Fishing should be confined to very shallow bays and tributaries adjacent to deep channels. The fish will move to the warmer shallows to feed and soak up the sun to stimulate their metabolism. Float fishing can be effective this time of year, but only after the first insect hatch of the season.

Summer – Carp are actively feeding on mussels and crayfish. Confine daylight fishing activities to gravel shoals, backwashes, eddys and drop-offs. Daytime feeding can be sporadic and slow especially on clear, hot days. Night fishing usually provides anglers with all the carp they wish in a session and of significantly larger size than those feeding during daylight hours.

Autumn – Carp begin to shoal up for winter. Fish can be caught at varying depths and usually close to deep water. Fruit flavored baits work very well this time of year.

Suggestions:

1. Plan and reserve your fishing holiday well in advance. This includes the booking and confirmation of Air flights.

2. Always check and verify with your selected venue pertaining to equipment, travel, licensing and “added expenses”. Nothing will spoil a holiday faster than hidden surprises.

3. Never plan on renting a boat and ‘winging it’ yourself. The St. Lawrence can be a very dangerous body of water to navigate. Strong currents, sudden storms and international boating requirements can put even an experienced mariner in a bad situation.

4. Always seek a venue with an experienced guide (Charter Captains license required of guided off mainland). For more information call American Carp Adventures at 315-769-9400 or use our web site, www.americancarp.com.