Tournament Name:17 Rivers Striper Tournament

Event Organizer:Maine Striper September LLC

Maine Striper September LLC was formed in June of 2007 solely for the purpose of organizing and promoting a catch and release striper tournament in the coastal waters of mid-coast Maine.

Geographic Boundaries: Harpswell (Eagle Island) - Owls Head (Metinic Island)

These boundaries include the tidal waters and bays of the 17 Rivers - Androscoggin, Muddy, Cathance, Abbagadasset, Kennebec, Eastern, Sasanoa, Back, Sheepscot, Cross, Marsh, Damariscotta, Johns, Pemaquid, Meduncook,  St. George and Weskeag Rivers. Also included in this region are other rivers of less notable stature.

Duration: Month long tournament; September 1 (12:01 AM) - 30 (4:00 PM))

Format: Catch & Release; Photo submission

Adult Division: Ages 17 and up; 30 inch minimum striper size; Cash prizes awarded based on a scoring system; Fly rod outfit awarded to the largest striper by length caught using a fly; Two photos are required for a fish entry to qualify for prizes (see photo requirements); Fish entries must be submitted or post-marked no later than Oct. 2nd, 2007 to qualify for prizes (this allows for 48 hours for film development and fish submission by mail). .

Junior Division: Ages 16 and younger; 24 inch minimum striper size; Prizes awarded based on length only; Two photos are required for a fish entry to qualify for prizes (see photo requirements); Fish entries must be submitted or post-marked no later than Oct. 2nd, 2007 to qualify for prizes (this allows for 48 hours for film development and fish submission by mail).

Fish Scoring: A scoring system will apply to the Adult Division that utilizes a mathematical formula of Length X Method X Style to arrive at an overall score. This overall score will determine prize winners in  the adult divisions.

Fish Length: Adult Division:  A striper must meet a minimum length requirement of 30 inches to qualify for prizes.

Weighting factors, designed to level the playing field for all participants, represent numeric values assigned to differing variables relating to method and style.

Method: How you fish.

     Weighting factors - Boat (.85) or Shore (1.0).

Style: The way by which you fish.

     Weighting factors - Bait (.75), Artificial lures(spin) (.90) or Fly (1.0).

Photo Requirements: To qualify for prizes, anglers must submit two photos of a striper that meets the minimum length requirements.

Photo I. A picture of the angler proudly displaying their catch

Photo II. A picture of the striper laid out on a flat surface. This picture must include the Angler ID Card and a tape measure clearly showing the fishes length.

Angler ID Card: Each angler participating in the tournament will be issuesd an Angler ID Card. The card will be used to validate the fish being caught during the duration of the tournament. Also, special promotional discounts are availble from local merchants when the Angler ID Card is presented. Angler ID Cards will be in circulation as of August 25th, 2007.

Purpose:

1. Big Fun - Big Fish - Big Prizes

2. Promote striper fishing in Maine as a world class sports fishery.

3. Promote catch & release as a tournament format.

4. Recognition of the value of this striper fishery with respect to eco-tourism and recreation.

5. Promote fisheries sustainability and the direct relationship land use and water quality have on the health of this fishery.

6. Promote family involvement in outdoor activities. It’s healthy exercise and exposes youth to nature and fishing. These activities form positive lasting impressions for life.

Registration Fees:    

Adult Division - $50.00

Junior Division - $20.00

Parent/Child: Special Discount - For adults registering for the tournament a child may also participate for FREE. This offer applies to Mentor/Child participation.

Prizes:

Adult Division
1^st Place           $2,500.00
2^nd Place          $500.00
Largest Striper by Fly (length) - L.L. Bean Orion Fly Fishing Outfit
*Adults participants must be in attendance at the Awards Ceremony to claim prizes.*

Junior Division (Age 16 or younger)
1^st Place           Tackle & Gear             $150.00 Retail Value
2^nd Place          Tackle & Gear             $100.00 Retail Value
3^rd Place           Tackle & Gear             $50.00 Retail Value
4^th Place           Tackle & Gear             $25.00 Retail Value

*Additional tackle and gear will be awarded to those in the youth division who participated in the tournament and are in attendance at the Awards Ceremony.*

Official Registration Sites: L.L. Bean Hunt- Fish Store, Saco Bay Tackle Company, The Tackle Shop, Johnson’s Sporting Goods (Rockland, Brunswick and Portland) Kennebec Angler, Bisson’s Center Store - Phippsburg, White Anchor Bait & Tackle Shop and Tightlines Tackle Company.

Official Host City: Bath, Maine

Official Tournament Guides: Obsession Sportsfishing Charters, Coastal Fly Angler, North Creek Guide Service, Goosebay Guide Services LLC and Marsh River Charters.

Business Affiliates - Sponsors: Maine Striper September LLC, City of Bath, L.L. Bean, Saco Bay Tackle Company, The Tackle Shop, Johnson’s Sporting Goods, Kennebec Angler, Bisson’s Center Store, White Anchor Bait & Tackle Shop, Tightlines Tackle Company, Casco Bay Boatyard, Obsession Sportsfishing Charters, Coastal Fly Angler, North Creek Guide Service, Goosebay Guide Services LLC, Marsh River Charters.

Supporting Organizations (Non-Profits): Stripers Forever, Maine Coastal Conservation Association, Maine Association of Charterboat Captains, Friends of Merrymeeting Bay, Phippsburg Sportsman’s Association, Maine Professional Guides Association, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, Georges River Land Trust, Pemaquid Watershed Association, Chewonki Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters (Southern Maine, Brunswick and Mid-Coast Chapters) and IF&W (Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs).