Thursday, June 27, 2013

Tournament Update #3

Whereas it looks as though we will have scattered showers over the weekend, the t-storm threat is minimal at this point.  We will be receiving an updated, detailed forecast tomorrow morning from our friend at NOAA so keep an eye on this site for the updated forecast!
MNWR Headquarters (Official check-in site)
Check-in 6/29
Check-in will open at 9am on Saturday morning (6/29) and will continue until 12pm.  Our check-in site is the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, located on Tabor Rd. in Swanton.  For directions, CLICK HERE
There is plenty of room for trailer parking at check-in
 
Photo Devices
One of the biggest challenges of a catch-photo-release format is getting pics from angler's cameras to our laptop for scoring purposes.  *****CAMERAS WITH REMOVABLE MEMORY CARDS ARE PREFERRED*****
If you are using an iPhone, Android or other smart phone for taking pics, please bring a USB cord for your device!
The quicker you get off the water on Sunday and back to log in your photos, the happier we'll be!
 
Weather
As mentioned above, we're keeping a close eye on the weather.  Please keep in mind that the Ditch Pickle Classic goes off RAIN OR SHINE! 
****BE SMART ON THE WATER AND DON'T TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS****
We are getting serious rains over today and tomorrow so all of our rivers and streams will be at flood levels.  We have plenty of fishing hours in the DPC, so plan your days carefully so you can maximize fishing time when the weather's at it's best. 
 
Fishing Vessels
Whether you're fishing from a yak, canoe or fancy bass boat, make sure your vessel is prepared for Lake Champlain!  For boating laws, CLICK HERE!
- Lifejackets and throwable PFD
- Proper lighting
- Fire Extinguisher
- Boater Card (if born after '74)
- Boat registration
******************DON'T GO BOATING WHILE INTOXICATED****************
 
Launching Your Boat
Larry Greene Access looking NW at Mississquoi Bay
Our designated tournament launch site is the Larry Greene Access on Rte 78 in Swanton.  For directions to this access, CLICK HERE
You are not required to use this launch.  Other nearby launches include Tabor Point, Rock River, Campbells Bay Campground(fee), Louie's Landing. 
**NOTE: some of these access points are only suitable for smaller vessels.  Please do your homework to eliminate any surprises on tourney day!
 
Registration Fees
If you haven't yet paid a registration fee, we know who you are!  Cash is king, checks will work and don't even think about using a credit card!
BIG PICKLE - Don't forget about the "Big Pickle Pool."  This is a $10 buy-in and whoever catches the largest (smallmouth or largemouth) bass of the tourney, takes the cake!  To put it in perspective, this could be over $900 to the "Big Pickle" if all participate!
 
Camping/Lodging
There are 2 campgrounds nearby that offer tent camping and some sites with hookups.  Campbells Bay Campground has a grass field for tenting and they also have a boat launch.  If you are not camping there, the launch fee is $5/day.  Lakewood Campground (802-868-7270) is a larger facility with tenting sites and rv sites with hookups.  Most VRBO rentals are weekly minimums, but you might get lucky on a last minute rental.
 
Tournament Boundaries
All Lake Champlain waters are permitted as well as lake tributaries up to the first impass (dam)
****NO WAKE ZONE IN ALL RIVERS AND WITHIN 200' OF SHORELINE****