Obsession Sportsfishing Charters is run by Captain Dave Pecci, a native of Bath, who was born and raised right there. He has fished the Kennebec River almost his entire life and has an intimate knowledge of the river system and the coastal waters in this area.

Captain Dave operates out of the Kennebec Tavern Marina in Bath Maine, just upstream from the Rt. 1 bridge. He is a Registered Maine Guide and USCG Licensed Captain. Dave is also involved with numerous organizations. He is the current President of the Maine Association of Charterboat Captains, an Orvis Endorsed Guide and a member of the Yamaha National Fishing Team.

OSC specializes in light tackle spinning gear and fly fishing charters. They run two boats, dependent on the weather and the number of clients in a party. Obsession is a 22′ Cuddy Cabin with a 150 HP Yamaha. This boat can handle up to four clients and is set up with some interesting electronics. Obsession II, an 18′ Hewes Redfish with a 115 HP Yamaha is set up as a flats boat which can handle up to two clients.

Give Captain Dave a call to schedule your guided tournament trip. He’s an amicable person who really knows how to get his sports onto nice fish.

Marsh River Charters is owned and operated by Captain Hank DeRuiter, a Registered Maine Master Guide and USCG Licensed Captain. Hank has been guiding fishermen in the coastal waters of mid-coast Maine for 17 + years and has an intimate knowledge of the Kennebec, Sheepscot, New Meadows and Damariscotta Rivers.

Marsh River Charters uses a 24 ft. Grady White Offshore powered by a 2006, 250 HP Yamaha four stroke. This set up is quiet and safe! The boat is equipped with live-wells, Raymarine and Lowrance electronics and GPS color plotters. This gear comes in handy when trying to locate fish and find your way on those foggy mornings.

Captain Hank can accommodate up to six anglers, but only recommends a maximum of four when fishing.

Captain Hank also provides the gear and uses Loomis and St. Crois rods with Shimano and Penn spinning reels. These outfits are selected by Captain Hank for the fish he targets. His tactics include drifting the tidal rips for striper and blue fish using live mackerel, which he catches for the trips. If mackerel can’t be found, he will troll tube-rigs or drift live eels. If fish are showing on the surface, he’ll encourage the use of  soft rubber jigs or top-water poppers. All these tactics work well and produce results.

Captain Hank, operates from the dock at the Kennebec Tavern Marina located in Bath, Maine, the “Official Host City” of the 17 Rivers Striper Tournament.

Marsh River Charters offers 1/2 day trips of up to 6 hrs for $300.00 and full day trips of up to 8 hours for $400.00.

Book your tournament trips early!

At the heart of many coastal communities is the local family-owned convenience store. In Phippsburg, Bisson’s Center Store is where all the action is.

On most early mornings, the “regulars” gather for a cup of coffee and the proverbial “bull” session. And, we can attest, it gets pretty deep on some mornings, so be sure to wear a pair of boots.

Bisson’s is a great local resource run by store owner’s Roland and Dianne. Whether you’re looking to stock the cupboards of the cottage you rented or just pick up some supplies for the beach, you can most certainly get the majority of the items on your list there. The store stocks a good supply of essentials like sun block, bug spray, soda, sandwiches, chips, beer, wine, liquor, fishing tackle… etc. and the pizza by the slice is great.

Bisson’s Center Store will be an “Official Registration Site” for the tournament and anglers will be able to pick up registration forms at the cash register.

So, stop by and check out the local flavor of Phippsburg and recognize that this community was the site of the 1607 Popham Colony. That predates Jamestown!

We are very excited to announce that LL Bean will be affiliated with the 17 Rivers Striper Tournament.

Those of us whole live in Maine recognize LL Bean as a retail giant in the outdoor gear and apparel industry. This company has left an indelible mark on Freeport and this State. They are a leader and strong supporter of many activities and worthy causes throughout the area.

We are excited about partnering with the LL Bean Hunt - Fish Store. This store represents a major point of contact for fishermen seeking gear, tackle and information; and those that work there, live the life.

LL Bean Hunt- Fish Store will be an “Official Registration Site” for the tournament.

All you anglers in Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Biddeford are probably aware of Saco Bay Tackle Company. In case you’re not familar, this store is worth a visit. You’ll find them directly opposite the water slides and located on Rt 1 between Saco and Dunstan’s Corner. 

 Pete Mouras is the store owner. He has assembled a fine staff, who can help you get geared up to catch fish. They carry a variety of gear with an emphasis on spinning tackle. We were impressed by the large selection of lures they have in stock.

Those of you in southern Maine wanting to register for the tournament will be able to swing by the store and pick up an Angler Registration Form while you’re sourcing the hot lure for 2007.

We are proud to announce, the City of Bath will be the “Official Host City” of the 2007 17 Rivers Striper Tournament. We are very excited about forming this strategic partnership.

The tournament organizers and the City of Bath recognize the value of this resource to the region and the community.

Whether you are a serious fisherman or just want to take the kid’s out for a day on the water, the tournament promises to be fun for all. Activities such as striper fishing and boating illustrate the importance rivers and related recreational activities play in our daily lives.

For the City of Bath, the waterfront is at the center of it’s long term economic development plans and overall vision. It is a significant element shaping the future of the community. The City is participating in the tournament and supporting related activities which utilize this great resource and create favorable business activities along the waterfront and within the City of Bath.

In the City of Bath, Maine, located just upriver from the Route 1 bridge and situated on the river front, is a great tackle shop called the Kennebec Angler. The shop has a focus on saltwater fishing and carries a broad selection of spinning and fly fishing tackle, including rods, reels, lures, bait and also fly tying supplies. If you’re fishing on the Kennebec River and happened to forget your rod in your hast to get out the door, just pull your boat up to the City dock and the staff at Kennebec Angler will set you up in fine fashion.

When I first started my dialogs about organizing a fall striper tournament, Chris the store owner, was one of the first people I talked to. He was enthusiastic about the prospects of such an event and recognized the potential a fall tournament held. He jumped onboard as a business sponsor and offered some great advice. He knows fishing on the Kennebec River “improves the deeper you get into September and the chance of catching a really big fish this time of year is great”.

The fall fishery also lands during a shoulder season for the tourism market. Activity in Maine typically slows after Labor Day and “fishermen often have the river to themselves in September.  It’s a great time of year for fisherman to get out for one last hurrah, before putting their tackle away for the winter”.

It’s also worth noting, the picture used for the poster and on the website,… the one with the guy grinning ear-to-ear and holding a 46″ striper; that’s Chris with Seguin in the backdrop. Thanks for providing that really great photo!