It would make sense to assume I’m an avid carp angler; but in reality, I’m an event organizer that was asked to organize a kid’s carp tournament when I began working for the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce in 2007.
As an annual event since 2003, I had no choice but to learn all about it very quickly! Because kids are eligible to participate from 11 - 18 years of age, many fish all 8 of those years, and become more like family than participants.
I immediately fell in love with the kids and their families; and the camaraderie I’ve witnessed year after year on the riverbank of the St. Lawrence River shows strangers becoming friends who look forward to seeing one another the following summer.
Junior Tournament Director Jo Ann Roberts
Over our 21 years, we’ve hosted hundreds of kids from across the US and overseas. Hopefully, our efforts in ‘spreading the word’ through marketing and advertising will not only boost registrations and participation, but keep the tournament going for many future generations.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me by phone at 315 244-1909, or by email to: jrcarptournament@gmail.com
The St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament is one of my favorite things to talk about, so I look forward to hearing from you.
President Address
The Carp Anglers Group and its members have been involved in the St Lawrence International Junior Carp tournament since it was started over 21 years ago by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.
In 2016 CAG took over the running of the tournament together with Jo Ann Roberts as tournament director continuing very much at the helm.
There is no doubt that the tournament continues to flourish simply because of the leadership and dedication of Jo Ann, her daughter Abby together with the many volunteers, marshals and key sponsors who give up so much of their time.
I would like to take the opportunity to dedicate this special issue of the NACA magazine to everyone who has helped make the St Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament such a success over the years. Long may it continue!
Iain Sorrell CAG President
email: iain@carpanglersgroup.com
Where it all started! Where it all started!
By Karen St Hilaire
The tournament began when I got a visit to my Chamber office from a crusty old fisherman telling me that I “was missing the whole picture of tourism promotion” - one of the St Lawrence County Chamber’s main missions.
Joe Babbitt – Owner of the The St Lawrence Experience – Hunting & Fishing!
Joe Babbitt told me we should be focusing on carp fishing. I looked at him wondering just where that conversation was going as the only thing I knew about carp was that annually a group would gather in the St Lawrence River and go out with bows and arrows and shoot them, bring them ashore and throw them in a pit and burn them as garbage fish. Their idea was to clean up the river of these nuisance fish so the desired fish would thrive.
Joe proceeded to explain that in other places, like the UK, people actually paid good sums of money to stand along ponds and fish for carp, then throw them back to catch them another day.”
I listened but was skeptical when he suggested we should use carp fishing as a tourism attraction. He invited me to have lunch at his camp, the St. Lawrence Experience, and talk to a few of his guests.
I joined him shortly after that and he introduced me to two young Englishmen - Tom Felton and his brother, Chris. Tom was a 13–14-year-old actor who had just finished filming a Harry Potter movie where he played the not so nice character Draco Malfoy.
As a reward, his mother promised him a trip anywhere he wanted to go. He chose “carp fishing” with his brother Chris when he saw an ad for the St Lawrence Experience. The two of them rented a cabin for a week along the river to try their luck.
When I met them about four days into their trip, they had moved to the river bank with a tent so they could fish all day and into the night. They were so excited because they had caught over 2,000 pounds (a ton) of fish.
We all gathered around Joe’s picnic table and talked about carp fishing in the UK as Tom and Chris talked about how many people engaged in this activity and how they thought they would love to come to the St Lawrence.
They also told me that there were tournaments where people traveled from around the world to do this kind of fishing. I asked them if they had ever been in one and they answered no because you had to be an adult. My next question was were there any tournaments for youths and again they said no.
So my response was “that’s too bad- there should be.” And Tom said- “why don’t you start one?” to which I replied “I will if you do it with me.” He agreed and the St Lawrence International Junior Carp tournament” was born.
All that remained were a thousand details. And then came Kathy Kelly-Ori who I hired to help “make it happen”.
Kathy had tremendous skills in organizing and researching so she began learning everything we needed to know about carp.
Tom agreed to be a cohost and at that time he was the #1 teenage heart throb in the world.
When we announced the tournament for those age 11-18 we were flooded with requests for info and applications from young girls from not only the US, but also Italy, Japan and beyond. This was not our expected target audience, but it took off. Most of them wanted to meet and spend time with Tom but were told only if they fished.
That was okay for them. We soon realized we needed to do things like have a fishing school with lessons on how to fish. We also had to have dances and social activities with Tom.
He was gracious enough to agree to it all. Then came the parents who watched their kids having a great time. Some even asked if they could also fish.
In subsequent years we added a parents division with minor prizes compared to the kids prizes.
When this started, I never would have imagined that 20 plus years later it would still be going strong!
It warms my heart as I drive along the river during the tournaments and see parents and kids having fun and enjoying the River.
I’ve also learned that a crusty old fishermen can teach you a thing or two if you just listen.
The St. Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament began in 2003, after Tom Felton and his brother Chris visited the St. Lawrence River for a carp fishing holiday.
Memories from Kathy Kelly-Ori
In the winter of 2002, the Chamber’s Karen St Hilaire and I were having a casual conversation about marketing the river. Forever the visionary, she said it was her dream to find a fishing event that would capture the world - especially something unique. And, with that in mind, she tasked me to do some research about what might become the event she envisioned.
I set my sights on talking to the fishing charters, fishing specific accommodations and well known fishermen in the region. I interviewed such notables as Bernie Haynes (a local carp fishing guide) of Massena, Joe Babbitt in Lisbon, Tim Damon of Potsdam, Bob and Linda Jones of Waddington and others for their input.
One in particular, Joe Babbitt and I met on a very snowy winter day. It was blustery and my car could not navigate the rough road to his cabins on the banks of the St Lawrence. He met me at the road in his old pick-up truck and drove up to his personal cabin.
Joe talked very little about bass, walleye or the elusive muskie but honed in on the “underground” carp anglers that came from England to fish the virgin and strong common carp on the St Lawrence. He said the reputation among carp anglers of this river was among the best in the world but not embraced by the locals. I told him that in my research, the others had mentioned carp as well. We shook hands and he drove me back to my car over the rough icy road at his St Lawrence Experience lodging and fishing encampment.
Fast forward to late summer 2002 when my phone rang. It was Joe. He said he remembered our conversation and had “this kid from England who says he’s famous” staying in one of his cabins on a carp fishing getaway with this brother. Joe had shared my conversation and the reason being Karen’s mission.
I drove right over and met Tom Felton. Then, I phoned Karen, and we set up a meeting with Tom and Chris Felton. Tom said, if we do a carp tournament for kids, he’d put his name on it and help launch the event.
Karen and I went to “the bowling alley” to strategize. She said to me that since I had all the research, knowledge and events background that she wanted me to coordinate the tournament with the Chamber and the Feltons and Joe Babbitt, of course. It was a go!!!! It was time to find sponsors, volunteers, locations and arrange food, communications, logistics, etc.
Not knowing anything about competitive fishing, let alone carp fishing, I Googled “carp expert” and the name David Moore kept coming up in the search. David, at the time, was president of the Carp Anglers Group (CAG) and graciously accepted my phone call. He offered to fly from his base in Oklahoma to the St Lawrence.
In May 2003, the wheels were rolling in our planning, and David spent a week on the river with Karen and me showing us not only how to fish but the topography of the river banks from Ogdensburg to Massena and his suggested areas for good fishing that was safe for kids. He became technical advisor for the first several years.
Why Waddington? We needed a location to hold a large number of kids, displays and vendors. The Massena and Ogdensburg arenas did not work out. However, another forward thinker - Nancy Putney of the Waddington Chamber asked what we needed, and the Waddington community was there to help in any way possible.Waddington was chosen as the headquarters for the 1st Annual St Lawrence Junior Carp Tournament.
Nancy can be credited for the moniker the “Carp Capital of the World”.
It was the combination of Karen’s vision, Joe Babbitt’s love of the river, David’s technical expertise, Nancy’s shared vision, the Feltons’ partnership, numerous sponsors and many volunteers over the years that the legacy continues in this 22nd year.
The First St Lawrence Junior International Carp Tournament took place in 2003
The event was formally opened by Karen St. Hilaire of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, who worked tirelessly to make this inaugural event a huge success.
The first day saw over 100 kids turn up for the fishing school, with instruction being given on tying rigs, baits, casting and fish care. Each instructor took a group of 25 kids together with adults who had also shown an interest in catching carp. Pete and Darren Henwood of Specialist Tackle, Essex put on a full tackle display and assisted Jerry Laramy, Martin James, Terry Fishlock and Joe Babbitt with the fishing classes.
- By the end of the first day, the excitement and anticipation from the entrants was at fever pitch, and they could not wait to try out their new found skills. -
At 7 am the following morning the entrants drew their swims and began to make their way to their designated areas, some having to travel up to 5 miles, the whole stretch had been pre-baited with over 3000 lb of corn by Jerry Laramy, and the expectation was high.
Team Canada, who knew the river well, were pleased with their draw.
Team Carpworld – Ronan Buczynski and Ashley Robertson, and Team Specialist Tackle – Warren Dolan and Elliot Scott, looked at the huge expanse of water and must have thought where on earth do we start. Other entrants from Spain, Italy and America made the event truly international. One family from North Carolina had a 23 hour drive across America to get to the event and have vowed to return next year.
Soon it was 9 am and the baited lines went in. Within 30 minutes Warren Dolan of Specialist Tackle was on the leader board, followed closely by Specialist Tackle’s Elliot Scott. Fish were being caught and lost along most of the 15 mile stretch, and by 2pm Elliot had dropped to 3rd place and Brandon Elliot of Canada had moved into 2nd place. With only 2 oz. separating 1st and 2nd place and $10,000 dollars at stake, the tension was high. Warren held his nerve and fished his heart out taking further fish to again increase his lead by a comfortable margin.
Meanwhile the instructors – David Moore of the CAG, Pete and Darren Henwood, Terry Fishlock, Jerry Laramy and Martin James were busy
covering the 15 mile stretch, making sure the kids were ok. By the end of the first day, Warren had built a substantial lead and it was back to the town’s arena for a feast of food and drink provided by Jreck Subs and Pepsi, followed by an autograph session with the tournaments co-host and avid carp angler Tom Felton aka Draco Malfoy of the Harry Potter film. Tom spent a lot of time with the kids and visited every entrants’ swim, offering words of advice and encouragement along the way.
9 am on the second and last day of the tournament saw a huge change in conditions. A strong wind whipped up the vast river into almost sea like conditions, with a 5 oz lead being needed in some areas to hold bottom.
The fishing was hard, and loose feeding virtually impossible, with the strong wind blowing straight into most competitors faces. Then came news on the radio a 25 lb fish had been taken by local lad Conner Loomis and was the biggest fish of the tournament so far. A huge splash made everyone turn around and to their amazement a 16 year old girl competitor, who forgot to put on her baitrunner, saw her rod and reel fly into the river, the girl followed headlong into the river and surfaced with the rod, reel, and an ear to ear smile, but sadly lost the fish. Further along the river fish were being caught, but Warren Dolan was fishless but still hanging on to 1st place. Elliot Scott had dropped to 5th place and Brandon Elliot was still in second place.
Fox news and CNN news cameramen were moving up and down the river and captured some excellent footage, which was shown on national TV,
and reporters from several major newspapers were on hand to cover the event in great detail. The interest and curiosity generated by this event drew more spectators to the area and with an hour to go, news came on the radio that Ovid Reichelt, fishing 15 miles upriver, had caught a 31 lb 4 oz fish, putting him in line for biggest fish, Ovid then took another fish of 23 lb followed immediately by a 19 lb fish, putting him in 2nd place, with only 2 lb separating Warren Dolan and Ovid Reichelt.
The last half hour was very tense, one fish would do it. Brandon Elliot from Canada took another fish to increase his weight in 3rd place, being only 11 lbs behind the leader. With 15 minutes left it was wide open, with any of the top 5 needing only 1 good fish to take the title.
The winning weight was to be made up from the 4 biggest fish caught by each angler. You could feel the tension as news was relayed up and down the bank and just as the final whistle went, news reached us that 2 more fish had been caught, but the anglers names were unclear, so the journey back to the arena was nail-biting.
Had Warren hung on or had one of the others in the top 5 clinched it?
Once everyone had assembled at the arena, the weights were checked by the marshals and it was confirmed that Warren Dolan, from Specialist Tackle, had held on and won the first ever junior carp tournament on the St. Lawrence river and along with the $10,000 dollar prize, with his best 4 fish totalling 75 lb 13 oz. Ovid Reichelt from New York was second with 73 lb 4 oz and Brandon Elliot from Canada came in 3rd with 64 lb 3 oz.
The prizes were presented by Tom Felton at the ‘after event’ party. $10,000 dollars to Warren Dolan, 5,000 dollars to Ovid Reichelt, who also received an additional prize for the biggest fish at 31 lb 4 oz.
Brandon Elliot’s 3rd place prize was $200 dollars in vouchers and $100 dollar cheque.
This event, the first of it’s kind in the States, was deemed an overwhelming success by all concerned, with many entrants already asking about next year’s dates. Work will start shortly on details for next year’s event, which is certain to become an annual event with carp fever catching on in the States – big time.
Several UK tackle companies supported this event – Fox, Kryston, Korda, Daiwa, Free Spirit Rods, Mainline Baits, Garnder Tackle, Mitchell, CJT Tackle and Specialist Tackle.
Warren’s winning set up was 12ft 3 lbs Free Spirit rod, Daiwa Emblem reel loaded with 18 lb Daiwa Sensor line, Kryston Snake Bite 25 lb, Korda leadclip and lead, Fox series 1 hook, Mainline essential opal bait.
The Top 5
Warren Dolan – UK
Ovid Reicdhelt – USA
Brandon Elliot – Canada
Stuart Saunders – USA
Elliot Scott – UK
Largest Fish caught by a boy – Ovid Reichelt, 31 lb 4 oz
Largest fish caught by a girl – Angela Patterson, 17 lb 6 oz
Baits for Anglers By Anglers
Early Junior Tournament Photos
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The Honor Roll of Junior Champions
2003, 1st Annual - Warren Dolan, UK
2004, 2nd Annual - Connor Loomis
2005, 3rd Annual - Andy Rickett
2006, 4th Annual
- Jared Smythe
2007, 5th Annual
- Kevin Sharlow
2008, 6th Annual
- Ian Hawkins
2009, 7th Annual - Dale Vallance
2010, 8th Annual - Dale Vallance
2011, 9th Annual - Michael Cummings
2012, 10th Annual
- Bryuanna Murray
2013, 11th Annual
- Michael Cummings
2014, 12th Annual - Joey Greene
2015, 13th Annual
- Matt Delosh
2016, 14th Annual
- Tanner Smith
2017, 15th Annual
- Nick Beldock
2018, 16th Annual
- Jacob Dufore
2019, 17th Annual
- Jaron Belmore
2020 – No Tournament due to Covid Restrictions
2021, 18th Annual - PJ Payne
2022, 19th Annual
- Cameron Fuller
2023, 20th Annual
- Connor Wright
2024, 21st Annual
- Ahna Martinez
Grand Marshall
Each year the tournament announces a Grand Marshall.
For the 21st Annual St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament
we were pleased to announce that recent Madrid-Waddington graduate, Tanner Smith, would be this year’s Grand Marshal!
Tanner joined the Jr. Carp family in 2016, and took home the Grand Champion title that same year! Since then he has won several individual and team awards in the event, with last year’s event being his last due to age requirements.
Despite now living in Georgia while attending linemen school, his response when invited to be Grand Marshal was, “now that’s an offer I can’t refuse!”, said Jo Ann Roberts, who organizes the tournament alongside daughter, Abby McNamara.
His participation in the Jr. Carp tournament introduced him to a larger ‘Carp audience’, and was asked to join Team USA in the World Championship events in Hungary in 2022, and in France in 2023. When asked about his time in the tournament, Tanner said “this event is an opportunity to enjoy a great day on the riverbank with awesome people. I’ve experienced more opportunities because of it than I could have ever imagined, creating wonderful memories.”
Carp School
Every year the tournament hosts a Carp School for all newcomers to the tournament. This is not only mandatory for newcomers to the tournament but also open to anyone who wants to learn more about catch and release carp fishing.
The Junior Carp School takes place on the Thursday afternoon following the welcome ceremony and is supported by members of the Carp Anglers Group and Marshals. For 2024 we had 31 newcomers enrolled.
As in previous year The Carp School helped newcomers learn about:
• Safe Handling of Carp
• Catch and Release
• How to Play and Land a Carp
• Casting Lessons & Safety
• Hooks, Knots & Rigs
8-10 AGE GROUP
This year we were excited to host a new event for 8-10 year olds, sponsored by The 5th Annual Alex Memorial Ride. A total of 11 kids with their parents lined up at 8am on the bank at Brandy Brook to fish a special 4 hour tournament.
All the kids had been given a ‘welcome’ pack that included carp rigs, baits and other key essentials along with a rod and a reel for those without suitable carp gear and were supported by several Carp Anglers Group members.
Enthusiasm ran high especially with a couple of carp jumping just outside the pegged area.
Just before 9:15 am Aiden Porter caught the first fish, a bullhead, rather than the hoped for carp.
Everyone’s hopes continued to run high but with no carp caught after two hours you could feel a sense of frustration beginning to set in.
Aiden Porter was awarded third place with this bullhead.
Then a bite alarm rang out and line screamed from the reel. Tyler Kross was hooked into a nice carp that he played with great skill.
After a few tense minutes a nice common was soon in the net. Everyone gathered around to see it weighed in at 10lb 13 oz.
Second place went to Tyler Kross with 10lb 13oz
All the kids were excited to see such a stunning fish and they now sat eagerly by their rods each one hoping for another big fish to take their bait. Not long after Tyler’s fish another bite alarm sounded. This time it was Rowen McHenry. He quickly grabbed his rod and a fierce battle commenced.
This was an even bigger fish and with everyone watching Rowen was clearly delighted when it finally went into the waiting net. After being carefully weighed at 24 lbs 13 oz the carp was safely released.
Rowen McHenry with his 24lb 13oz winning fish
Sadly for the other kids Tyler and Rowen’s captures would be the only two carp caught in the tournament.
Everyone had a great time and there was wonderful camaraderie among the kids, friends and family.
A big shout out to Tyler Kross who very generously gave a rod and reel outfit to one of the other kids.
The 21st Annual St. Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament.
Tournament Co-Organizer, Abby McNamara; Grand Champion; and Grand Marshal, Tanner Smith the top spot in its 21 year history - the first being Bryaunna Murray at the 10th Annual in 2012. Martinez edged out 13 year old Grant Clayton from West Alexander, PA, by only 1 lb. 5 oz., after catching three late in the day on Saturday afternoon.
In 2024 we welcomed 86 Junior Anglers who took part in age groups 8-10, 11-14 & 15-18
Seventeen year-old Ahna Martinez, from Heuvelton, was crowned ‘Grand Champion’ at the 21st Annual Junior Carp Tournament, held July 18 - 20, 2024. With a total of 75 lbs. 3 oz. for her heaviest four carp, she’s only the 2nd female to garner
The biggest carp of the tournament weighed in at 26 lb. 8 oz., with two participants landing a carp of this weight; 18 year old Nicholas Ott from Greencastle, PA and 12 year old August Rush of Massena. ‘Ralphie’s Rascals’ took home the 1st Place Team award, with 168 lbs. 9 oz., which included siblings Ahna Martinez, Alex & Ayden Shepard.
At the end of Day One of the tournament the standings were as follows:
• Boys 15-18: 1st Place: Kipling Korba-Davis - 53 lbs. 11 oz.
2nd Place: Connor Moore - 47 lbs. 10 oz.
3rd Place: Nicholas Ott - 43 lbs. 3 oz.
• Team Competition: 1st Place: Ralphie’s Rascals - 83 lbs. 10 oz.
2nd Place: The Babson Boys - 72 lbs. 11 oz.
3rd Place: Chum Chasers - 70 lbs. 13 oz.
• Overall Big Fish: Nicholas Ott, 26 lbs. 8 oz. caught at ACCO
Carp Caught & Released Day One: 62
Total Weight of fish caught on Day One: 1024 lbs. 12 oz.
This year’s competition had 75 competitors in the 11-14 & 15-18 age groups. Participants included those from St. Lawrence County, from NYS outside of St. Lawrence County, and several from Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
The tournament took place at several locations along the banks of the St Lawrence River: Ogdensburg: ACCO & Franklin Street; Lisbon: The Pile and Waddington: Iroquois Dam, Whitaker
Park, McGinnis Road, Little Sucker Brook & Coles Creek State Park.
Everyone was up bright and early for the second day of the tournament. As always a new peg draw took place to give everyone a chance to fish a new swim and location.
Final Results:
GIRLS 11-14 GIRLS 11-14
1st Place:
Briley Cota, 65 lbs. 9 oz. (Rensselaer Falls)
2nd Place:
Chloe Caster, 42 lbs. 1 oz. (Red Creek)
3rd Place:
Mylene Gurrola, 24 lbs. 1 oz. (Massena)
BOYS 11-14 BOYS 11-14
1st Place:
Grant Clayton, 73 lbs. 14 oz. (West Alexander, PA)
2nd Place:
Ayden Shepard, 63 lbs. 11 oz (Heuvelton)
3rd Place:
Thomas Babson, 57 lbs. 2 oz (Warners, NY)
BOYS 11-14 GIRLS 15-18
1st Place & Grand Champion:
Ahna Martinez, 75 lbs. 3 oz. (Heuvelton)
2nd Place:
Olivia Caldwell, 64 lbs. 11 oz. (Massena)
3rd Place:
Taylor Bailey, 59 lbs. 5 oz (Red Creek, NY)
1st Place:
Nicholas Ott, 68 lbs. 15 oz.. (Greencastle, PA)
BOYS
11-14 BOYS 15-18
2nd Place:
Kipling Korba-Davis, 66 lbs. 5 oz. (Syracuse)
3rd Place: Ryan Moore, 55 lbs. 7 oz. (Canton)
BOYS 11-14 TEAM COMPETITION
1st Place:
Ralphie’s Rascals, 168 lbs. 9oz
2nd Place:
Cornerstone Services, 132 lbs. 8 oz.
3rd Place:
Ralphie’s Reelers, 125 lbs. 5 oz.
A new 8 - 10 year age Division, sponsored by The 5th Annual Alex Memorial Ride, had (11) participants. They learned about Catch & Release Carp fishing, the equipment and bait used and participated in a 4-hour tournament on Friday, July 19th. Experienced CAG (Carp Anglers Group) members and local anglers were on hand to assist them throughout the 4 hours.
1st Place: Rowen McHenry, 24 lbs. 13 oz. (Canton)
2nd Place: Tyler Kross, 10 lbs. 13 oz (Staten Island)
3rd Place: Aiden Porter, (Potsdam)
The tournament which began in 2003 and is now organized by the Carp Anglers Group, a national not-for-profit association dedicated to catch and release carp fishing.
This year’s Grand Marshal was Tanner Smith from Waddington, who participated for several years before aging out in 2023.
“Of the 86 participants, we had a total of 32 first time participants, which is exciting and will keep this tournament going. With the addition of the 8 - 10 division, we’re now seeing younger siblings able to participate, and the families are thrilled about that!”
noted Jo Ann Roberts, tournament organizer.
“The camaraderie and friendships made on the riverbank is wonderful to see, and some of my best friends are those I, myself met at this event. Families are already talking about returning in 2025 for the 22nd Annual”, added Abby McNamara, also tournament organizer.
The 2024 event was hosted by the Carp Angler Group, and sponsored by countless, dedicated individuals and organizations who truly help make this event possible.
2024 TOURNAMENT STATS
MORE WINNERS !
FIRST FISH FIRST FISH
Girls, 11 - 14:
Briley Cota, 7:55 a.m.
25 lbs. 2 oz.
Girls, 15 - 18:
Mya Green, 7:14 a.m.
17 lbs. 2 oz.
Boys, 11 - 14:
Ayden Shepard, 8 a.m.
1 lbs. 5 oz.
Boys, 15 - 18:
Nicholas Ott, 7:10 a.m.
16 lbs. 11 oz.
FIRST FISH LAST FISH
Girls, 11 - 14:
Natalie French, 4:26 p.m.
14 lbs. 10 oz
Girls, 15 - 18:
Ahna Martines, 4:52 p.m.
18 lbs. 10 oz.
Boys, 11 - 14:
Quint Brothers, 4:59 p.m.
25 lbs. 14 oz.
Boys, 15 - 18:
Ryan Moore, 5:03 p.m.
18 lbs. 2 oz.
FIRST SMALLESTFISHFISH
Girls, 11 - 14:
Girls, 15 - 18:
Boys, 11 - 14:
Boys, 15 - 18:
Aleah LaPage
12 lbs.
Thomas Babson, 10 lbs. 7 oz.
Olivia Caldwell, 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Weston Kitzman, 8 lbs. 2 oz.
FIRST BIGGESTFISHFISH
Girls, 11 - 14:
Briley Cota, 25 lbs. 2 oz.
Girls, 15 - 18:
Danika Sheffield, 24 lbs. 8 oz.
Boys, 11 - 14: August Rush, 26 lbs. 8 oz
Boys, 15 - 18: Nicholas Ott, 26 lbs. 8 oz.
(also overall big fish. Yes, tied with Boys, 11 - 14, but Nicholas caught his on Friday, so took the overall big fish award)
MOST FISH:
Grant Clayton (6)
Special Catch:
- fishing pole that was lost in the river the day before!
Reece Belmore
2024 Tournament Photos 2024 Tournament Photos
2024 Sponsors & Supporters
21st Annual St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament The Riley Basford Jr. Carp School July 18 - 20, 2024 A Special ‘Thank You’ to our Sponsors:
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Donaldson Funeral Home & Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home
5TH ANNUAL ALEX MEMORIAL RIDE - BAITBASE - BENTLEY BOING - BIG CARP TACKLE
- ED SHEFFIELD, IN MEMORY OF FREDRICK SHEFFIELD, SR. - GREAT NORTHERN PRINTING
- JC’S RIVER RUN - JENNIFER PETERSEN - LINDSEY BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY - MICHELS, INC. - MADRID-WADDINGTON CENTRAL SCHOOL - MIKE’S TROPHIES - MILLS COUNTRY STORE - MURRAY’S PROPERTY SERVICES - NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY - NORTH AMERICAN FORESTRY - NORTH COUNTRY SAVINGS BANK - NYS PARKS & RECREATION - OGDENSBURG MOOSE LODGE 814
- ONE ON BAITS - PAM & DAN MILLS - PARKWAY EXPRESS IGA - PEPSI-COLA OGDENSBURG BOTTLERS
- POLONIA CARP TEAM - RILEY BASFORD LEGACY FUND - ROBIDEAU’S MAHOGANY RIDGE
- RUBBER DUCK TRUCKING - SEACOMM FCU - SHAWN RAFTER, TIM LAGO, BOB GIORDANO - RITA
BROWN, PHIL SAUNDERS - STELIAN BOGDAN - ST LAWRENCE COUNTY ARES/RACES - STRIKE FEAR BAITS
- THE MADRID HOTEL - TIM PHILLIPS - TOWN OF LOUISVILLE - TOWN AND VILLAGE OF WADDINGTON
After the Junior Tournament we invite all the marshals & volunteers to take part in a friendly carp fishing tournament.
This year it took place at Whitaker Park, Waddington
Bob Giodarno getting in on the fish!
Abby McNamara and Rita Brown showing the gentlemen how its done!
2024 winner Kris Green with the Marshal Tournament Trophy
The Riley K. Basford Memorial Sportsmanship Award
The Riley K. Basford Memorial Sportsmanship Award is ‘Given in appreciation of being helpful, kind & fun bringing joy to all those around you during the Annual St Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament.’
Devin Green (center) winner of The Riley Basford Memorial Sportsmanship Award
This year it was presented to Devin Green of Potsdam. After learning that a family from Syracuse didn’t have enough bait for the 2nd day of competition, he and event marshal, Kris Green, cooked corn until the early morning hours, to ensure they had what they needed.
While doing so, Devin and Kris also shared their knowledge and passion for the sport with the kid’s father, as they were new to carp angling.
“My favorite place to fish is the St Lawrence River and my favorite catch is a carp”
The Riley Basford Legacy Fund has been established at the Northern New York Community Foundation to honor the life of the 15-year-old Potsdam Central School student. The charitable mission and purpose of the fund is to support youth in their pursuit of safe and meaningful experiences throughout their lives and in the community.
“Our hope for Riley’s legacy fund and its outreach is to help us heal by supporting the community that supported us in our darkest days and continues to want to honor and remember Riley with us,” said Mary Rodee, Riley’s mother, and Darren Basford, Riley’s father.
The Riley Basford Legacy Fund supports three important focus areas. A top priority is to provide funding for education, training, and awareness to St. Lawrence County schools for programs and projects centered on cyberbullying and cyber safety, anti-bullying, and character education.
“We believe the best way to remember Riley is to foster strong relationships with youth and educate all community members about the hazards of social media,” Mrs. Rodee and Mr. Basford said.
You can learn more about the fund here : https://nnycf.org/riley-basford-legacy/
Riley with an 18lb common carp caught during the 2019 tournament
Ham Radio Specialists
Every year communications form a key part of a successful Junior Tournament. We are indebted to our dedicated Ham Radio specialists who provide a base at headquarters together with outposts at the fishing locations along the river.
This ensures that fish captures can be reported back to headquarters almost immediately. This continuous live update along with a written confirmation & back up process is critical. It serves to ensure we have timely and accurate information especially when finalizing results the end of the tournament.
The Ham Radio network also provides security and safety for everyone involved as some of the fishing areas have limited cellular service.
Marshals
Every year our dedicated team of Marshals is on hand to land and weigh fish. Their experience and dedication is built upon many years of catching fish, including carp, in the St Lawrence River. Each marshal ensures weights are carefully
and accurately recorded and the fish handled correctly before being promptly released back into the water. Our thanks to all the marshals who have supported the tournament year in year out!
Phil Saunders with another fish safely in the net!
Some of the swims make landing fish tricky! Matt Delosh has it safely in the net!
Marshals carefully checking the weight!
Joel Hockey has been one of our longest serving marshals.
Volunteers
Over the years we have been very fortunate to have so many people help make the Junior Tournament a huge success. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, services, expertise and enthusiasm these past 21 years. We could not have done this without you!
Austin and Abby updating the catch reports!
The late Ralph Miller who had three teams named after him in 2024!
Jen Terriah has been one of the long time team coaches.
2025 / Pre-Registration & How to Enter
2025 Tournament Schedule!
Thursday July 31st
2-3pm Registration (Pick Up T-Shirts, Wrist Band etc) & Opening Ceremonies
4:30 pm – 6pm Riley Basford Jr. Carp School
Friday August 1st Tournament Day 1
• 6am – 7am Pick Up Peg Assignments
• 7am -12pm Fishing for 11-14 & 15-18 year olds
• 12pm -1pm Lunch Break – Lines-Out (No Fishing)
• 1pm – 8pm Fishing!
*** 8am – 12pm Special 8-10 Year Old event ***
Saturday August 2nd Tournament Day 2
• 6am – 7am Peg Draw
• 7am -12pm Fishing for 11-14 & 15-18 year olds
• 12pm -1pm Lunch Break – Lines-Out (No Fishing)
• 1pm – 5pm Fishing!
• 6pm – 8:30pm: Pizza Party & Closing Awards Ceremony
Trophies, Prizes and Cash Awards!
Overall Grand Champion – Heaviest 4 Carp
First, Second and Third Placed Winners:
- 11-14 Boy
- 11-14 Girls
- 15-18 Boy
- 15-18 Girl
Team Award:
First, Second & Third Places for Total Weight
Trophies & Prizes for the following:
First, Second and Third Placed Winners 8-10 Year Old:
- First Fish,
- Last Fish
- Smallest Fish
Overall Biggest Fish and Big Fish in each age group:
- 11-14 Boy
- 11-14 Girls
- 15-18 Boy
- 15-18 Girl.
Also Individual recognition:
- Most Fish
- Special Catch
- Good Effort
Riley Basford Sportsman Award:
Given in his memory and in recognition of helping others during the tournament.
Here’s how you can take part!
Age eligibility: If you are 11 – 18 years of age on the first day of the tournament, (July 31st 2025), you are eligible to participate. However, you also qualify:
If you turn 11 years of age between July 31st and August 31st
Or, if you turn 19 years of age between July 1st and July 31st.
For the 8-10 Year Old Fishing Event you must be 8 years old on or before the 1st day of the ‘fishing’ portion of the event; August 1, 2025
All participants compete as individuals, but may also be part of a team of 2, 3 or 4 to also qualify for team prizes. If part of a team, please make sure to fill out that section on the registration form!
Download the 2025 Registration Form Here: https://www.carpanglersgroup.com/forum/index. php?/topic/70804-2025-st-lawrence-internationaljunior-carp-tournament/
We have sponsorships available to those who really need it. These are limited and only available on a first-come basis. We also have equipment for first time participants who would like to ‘give carp fishing a try’ before renting or buying your own. These loaner outfits are also limited and also available on a ‘first come’ basis.
The tournament’s success is due to so many people! We are very fortunate to receive financial and in-kind support from many local and regional businesses, generous individuals, numerous bait and tackle companies and of course our incredible volunteers! So many key individuals dedicate their time over the 3-day event to support the tournament and share their expertise with our kids. Thank you - We could not do it without you!
The 2025 dates are July 31st - August 2nd, and there’s a spot waiting for you to join the fun!
North America’s Longest Running Carp Organisation with a Dedicated Mission:
• To gain acceptance of the carp as an exciting and challenging sport-fish.
• To become better carp anglers, assist others and encourage them to join us.
• To treat the carp with respect, promote the release of trophy-size carp & encourage others to do the same.
• Most of all: Go fishing, Share with others, and have Fun.
As a member you will also be adding your voice & support to help CAG continue its efforts to work with State & other organizations to increase the recognition for carp as a sport fish to benefit the angling community
Member Benefits Include:
• Full CAG Forum Community Access
• Quartely NACA Magazine*
• Member Benefits
• CAG Apparel & Merchandise
• Fish-Ins, Events & Competitions
• New Member Tackle Pack *inc Printed Full Color Special Edition Membership is only $20 / Year (+ a one time $5 joining fee) which includes you, your spouse & any children under 18 living in the same household
The Carp Anglers Group is a non-profit organisation
