Kids sort out the carp on the St Lawrence River

130 happy children between the ages of 11 and 18 years competed in the 2nd St Lawrence Junior Carp tournament on the St Lawrence river at Waddington near Ogdensburg in upstate New York. It was a pleasure to help all these boys and girls. The only bitching was from one of the adults about his draw.

During the first day of the two-day event there were more carp caught than over 2 days in last year’s event. What was so pleasing was the number of girls who attended the event. 14 year Millie Mason of New Jersey weighing in at less than 100lbs caught the biggest carp in the tournament of 44lbs on a six foot white fibre glass rod

12 year old Connor Loomis of Waddington who was sponsored by the New York power authority weighed in 4 carp for a total of 107lbs 12 ounces winning $14,500. When asked what he would do with his prize winnings he said “I plan to buy a new rod and reel for carp fishing then put the rest in the bank” Another Waddington boy Kody Sharlow finished in second spot with 78lbs 15 ounces

In the girls event 11- 14 years event 14 year old Ashley Beldock of Lisbon won $2,000 with 4 carp weighing 101lbs 8ounces Millie Mason of New Jersey was runner up with 93lbs 15 ounces

In the 15 to 18 year old section Essex UK youth Warren Dolan was the winner with 93lbs 12 ounces followed Andrew Peters of Ontario Canada was runner up with 74lb 9 ounces. 17 year old Angela Peterson of Chicago was a very popular winner with everyone. Angela caught 4 carp for 70lb 8 ounces in second spot was Angela’s friend Colleen Gorecki also from Chicago with a 4 fish total of 58lbs 2 ounces