St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament Grand Marshal Announcement!

Celebrating 20 years! The 20th Annual St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament will be held on August 3 – 5, 2023, along the shores of the St. Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Massena.

To commemorate this milestone, organizers are planning some fun things; to include inviting all Grand Champions to return, along with many others who were instrumental in its popularity and success throughout the years, beginning in 2003.

To kick things off, we’re pleased to announce this year’s Grand Marshals. And, because of the milestone anniversary, there are four in honor of the ‘future and the past’!

Honoring the ‘Future’, will be Potsdam resident, Kaylee Green, and Norwood resident, Jaron Belmore!

Both participated in the tournament as soon as they were eligible, and fished each year afterwards until they aged out at 18. They each won numerous awards over the years, but most notably Jaron was named Grand Champion in 2019, and Kaylee took 2nd place in her division during her first (2015) and last (2022) years in the tournament! When asked to share their experience while in the tournament, they had similar responses.

Kaylee said, “my favorite part is the family atmosphere”, and “catching a big fish is the best but you don’t have to win to have a great time”. Jaron stated it “helped him get outside his comfort zone, while meeting new people and building new relationships” and “reeling in a Carp is exhilarating”!

They will visit each of the fishing sites throughout the tournament to mentor and assist the kids.

Honoring the ‘Past’, will be Potsdam resident, Abby McNamara, and Clarksville, NY resident, Austin Delosh.

These two favorites have been regulars at the annual tournament, with Abby planning, organizing and stepping in as Weigh Master, when needed, and Austin with participating himself for 8 years, and then marshaling and mentoring.

Long-time organizer of the tournament, Jo Ann Roberts, said “we’re very proud of this milestone anniversary, but even more excited to celebrate those years by highlighting the people, experiences and memorable moments that span 20 years”.

The tournament was started in 2003 by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, and is now hosted by the Carp Anglers Group; a national organization with many of their members volunteering during the event.

We’d like to encourage anyone who loves fishing, the outdoors and a family-friendly event to join us this year! Equipment and sponsorships are limited but available, and the experts will teach you the rest!

Those interested in sponsoring or donating toward the event, or to receive a Registration packet, contact Jo Ann Roberts at 315 244-1909 or by email to jrcarptournament@gmail.com

Kids 11 – 18 years of age are eligible to participate, as well as adults who would like to fish with their kids. Deadline for registration is July 31st.

All those ‘from the past’ are invited and welcome. Please contact tournament organizers with your contact information.

Further details: https://www.fishcap.net/events/2023-junior-international-junior-carp-tournament