St. Lawrence River communities are continuing to ride the carp wave that reached new heights last year with the world championship. Robert Henwood's weeklong Specialist Tackle International Carp Challenge wrapped up Saturday. Though much smaller than the World Carp Championship hosted by Waddington in June 2005, the tournament is equally significant in terms of impact, said Mr. Henwood, owner of the Riverview on Route 37.
 

"There's a lot more local awareness," he said. "It's got a lot more positive. A lot of the local people thought carp was a garbage fish and now they're realizing it's bringing a lot money to the area."

The Specialist tournament lured 26 two-man teams from across the county, country and world, each paying a $1,000 entry fee. Fishing was set to end Saturday morning, but more than two tons of fish had been weighed within the first day of competition Wednesday.

"I'll tell you right now there's at least four tons of bait in the river," Mr. Henwood said.

The teams are scored based on the total weight of their catches with prizes ranging from $10,000 to $1,500.

"It's been very, very good. Everyone was very pleased with the way it was organized," Mr. Henwood said. "I think it's going to become an annual competition. I think we're going to be doing this for years to come."

The market continues to grow along the river. American Carp Adventures, Massena, plans to create carp fishing ponds on 70 recently purchased acres behind its property on Route 131 by next season. Jerry E. Laramay opened the business with his wife, Marcy A., in 2000.

"I really think any exposure that we can give the St. Lawrence is great," said Mr. Laramay, who had three teams entered in the Specialist tournament. "People are always amazed and pleased the caliber of fishing here."