Guth & Soule Lead The Tournament Registering Monster Stripers

(Phippsburg, ME - September 14, 2007) 

The 17 Rivers Striper Tournament is well underway and some really big stripers have been landed. Two BIW employees, Tom Guth and Dan Soule, are leading the tournament having registered several stripers each, measuring from 34 inches to 41 inches in length. These are some really huge stripers! Interested persons can view photos posted on the tournament website.

The fall weather pattern, recently produced the first fall rains and now alewives are beginning to drop out of the rivers on their migration to the ocean. This bait, along with eels, green crabs and peanut bunker, all in abundance, is creating some hot fishing action. Many anglers are reporting multiple fish catches and increasing surface action as we transition into the middle of September.

With the fall striper migration just beginning the fishing action will only improve throughout the month of September. Anglers should take this opportunity to test their tackle over the next couple weeks.

Traditionally, September is the time of year is when anglers catch the biggest stripers of the season and for those participating in the tournament, that could result in big prizes! Anglers not yet participating in the tournament may still register, but the tourney ends September 30th, 2007. Angler Registration Forms are available online at the tournament website or at an Official Registration Site. 

Photos available upon request. Contact Robert Fernald - Event Organizer.  

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Striper Fishery of Significant Economic Value

(Phippsburg, ME - August 20, 2007) 

The organizers of the 17 Rivers Striper Tournament recognize that saltwater striper fishing here in Maine is “world class” and the economic impact it imparts on the local economy is “significant”.

Fishing is one of America’s favorite past-times. A Harris poll conducted in 2001 found “recreational fishing was America’s top outdoor leisure activity”. According to U.S. Fish & Wildlife, “more than 50 million children and adults enjoy the sport of fishing in America” and the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association claim “almost 2 times more people fish than play golf”.

Fishing and related activities have a significant impact on our economy. Data collected by the US Bureau of Census show “13% of the U.S. population ages 16 and older spent an average of 17 days per year fishing”. Nationally, this translates to “over $41 billion dollars spent on fishing”.

In the northeast, U.S. Fish & Wildlife estimate “11% (1.25 million) of the regional population fish” and in Maine “354,000 pursue such activities”. In aggregate “fishermen spending an estimated $256 million pursuing fishing activities in Maine” and saltwater fishing makes up nearly 26% of that total.

Tournament organizers recognize this tournament will be a fun regional fishing competition and anticipate a good deal of media visibility will result. We hope such visibility will raise the publics awareness to the value of this fishery and lend perspective to its impact on the local economy.

For additional information or for a Tournament Fact sheet (MS Word), please contact Mr. Robert Fernald - Event Organizer.

Youth & Fishing

(Phippsburg, ME - August 12, 2007) 

The organizers of the 17 Rivers Striper Tournament are promoting youth and family involvement in this years September striper tournament. To encourage family and youth participation in outdoor activities and in particular fishing, a special discount offer applies for parents and mentors. When adults register for the tournament, the parent / mentor can also register a child in the junior division for FREE. Your child will get plenty of fresh air and exercise while learning about nature, boating and fishing. It’s a fun family oriented activity that promises great memories.

According to U S Fish & Wildlife, “more than 50 million children and adults enjoy the sport of fishing in America”. Fishing represents a great opportunity to get kid’s off the couch or away from a computer screen and actively participating in a fun outdoor family activity.

CDC research indicates “nearly 1 in 10 children living in Maine have not participated in a vigorous or moderately physical activity in the last 7 days”. The health of our children suffer due to such inactivity. Research by Stanford University shows “13% of children ages 6-11, and 14% of children ages 12 -19 are over weight. Fishing is a recreational activity that represents a healthy form of exercise which tournament organizers are promoting.

Engaging children in outdoor activities like fishing is a great way for families to spend time together and learn about the environment, nature and boating. Maine’s IF&W program Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs  espouses the benefits of these types of activities which “create fun memories that will last a life-time”.

For additional information or for a Tournament Fact sheet (MS Word), please contact Mr. Robert Fernald - Event Organizer.

EVENT: 17 RIVERS STRIPER TOURNAMENT ( September 1^st - 30^th

(Phippsburg, ME - July 10, 2007)

A month-long catch & release saltwater fishing tournament called the 17 Rivers Striper Tournament is planned for the month of September, 2007. The tournament will be held in the coastal waters of Maine from Eagle Island (Harpswell) to Metinic Island (Owls Head) which includes the tidal estuaries of the 17 Rivers (Androscoggin, Muddy, Cathance, Abbagadasset, Kennebec, Eastern, Sasanoa, Back, Sheepscot, Cross, Marsh, Damariscotta, Johns, Pemaquid, Meduncook,  St. George and Weskeag Rivers).

Maine Striper September LLC is organizing this event which will provide sportsmen the opportunity to experience a world-class striper fishery and explore the scenic beauty of coastal Maine during the best part of the year, September. 

World Class Fishing
This coastal region is comprised of rivers, flats, tidal flows and miles of rocky shoreline and beaches. The habitat found here is a significant factor why these waters offer world class fishing; it represents ideal habitat for striped bass.

In September, striped bass begin their fall migration south. During this time of year the fish are aggressively feeding to bulk up for their migration. The fishing action can be incredible. For fishermen in-the-know, this is when you’re likely to catch a trophy fish. Protecting this fishery is of critical importance to sports fishermen. The catch and release format of the tournament is intended to preserve the large brood stock that have the valuable genetics and egg production capacity.

Great Tourism Potential
This fall striper fishery offers great tourism potential. The tournament seeks to raise the awareness of the value of this fishery resource as an important element of adventure / eco-tourism and emphasize the importance of conservation. Since land use practices have a literal trickle-down effect on the resource, we endorse;  Conserve the land - Protect the watersheds - Preserve the resource.

For additional information please contact Mr.Robert Fernald - Event Organizer.