The Michigan Spring Carp Classic
Gentlemen, continuing on from our success at Deep Creek and our smaller satellite events nationwide, we are very pleased to confirm a new MLC Main Event venue and tournament for 2009. The Michigan Spring Carp Classic will take place on the the Saginaw River, Michigan from 6pm on Friday May 1st to 9am Sunday May 3rd.
The Michigan Spring Carp Classic
The Saginaw river, Michigan
Venue overview from USA carp angling phenomenon Scott Osmond:
"Only fished it for the one day, but saw the long stretch of the river being pegged. Unlike many waters where pegging can be a problem, the continuous bank access for near 4 miles, along with the beautiful shore all over (no real mud on shore, no rock walls, few bothersome trees, lots of openness, etc), means this is, IMO, the very best venue I've seen to host such an event! Seriously!
There are LOADS of fish in the river, parking near all the pegs, plenty of room to fish/work/bivvy, few bugs that time of year (if any, I was there in mid May and no bugs)... This event should suit people who enjoy an event where action is good, access is good, every team should catch decent, and the winner(s) will be determined through hard work, bait, and attention to detail, instead of peg draw. I can honestly see 1,000lbs of fish being taken from any part of the river, which is pretty rare.
Most fish captured will be in the 7-14lb class, but seeing the Lake Huron is but a few miles away, big 30's and even a 40 wouldn't surprise me during the event. Big 20's are foregone, and good amount of mirrors live. Simple baits, or exotics, will all work, and generally the bottom consists of sand/hard-pack throughout. Besides the occasional large log near shore, I really didn't notice much in the way of bottom obstacles anywhere.
This venue may possibly be the fairest, best suited venue for such an event that I've seen in my travels! We fished there on an "off" day, and I had at least 15 fish to high teens, Vinny caught near 30 fish (maybe more??) to lower 20's, and Don with son caught at least 5-6 in the hour I was there! No effort given, either. I made half assed casts, and dozed. The bait that caught best, for Vinny and I, were the Triple-B maize from the 3 pack. Had larger baits been used, the size (they averaged about 11lbs for us) would have skyrocketed. So, it's safe to say I will be there! If there's one event to make during the spring, I'd have to say it will be this one."
Andy Sprinkle from The Baitstop with a 36lb 8oz Saginaw carp.
The Michigan Spring Carp Classic
Early bird*entry fee per team.
$400.00 for MLC Members*
$450.00 for non members
(includes 12 month MLC membership)
*$450.00/$500.00 for entries received after April 1st 2009.
80% payout
Projected prize list (subject to 20 team entry):
Michigan Spring Carp Classic Champions (Top four fish) $4000.00
Big fish $1000.00
This event will feature a walk off draw and it will not be pre-baited.
There will also be 4 section prizes. The overall winner will not be eligible for a section prize.
A $100.00 non refundable deposit reserves your spot.
Paypal: markreece@earthlink.net
Checks or Money Orders to:
MLC
1629 Sawyer Street
Suffield
Ohio 44260
$400.00 for MLC Members*
$450.00 for non members
(includes 12 month MLC membership)
*$450.00/$500.00 for entries received after April 1st 2009.
80% payout
Projected prize list (subject to 20 team entry):
Michigan Spring Carp Classic Champions (Top four fish) $4000.00
Big fish $1000.00
This event will feature a walk off draw and it will not be pre-baited.
There will also be 4 section prizes. The overall winner will not be eligible for a section prize.
A $100.00 non refundable deposit reserves your spot.
Paypal: markreece@earthlink.net
Checks or Money Orders to:
MLC
1629 Sawyer Street
Suffield
Ohio 44260
The pegs will be on the three and a half mile stretch of the Saginaw River between points A, Bay City Road/M-13, and point B, River Road /M-13. Saginaw. All pegs are convenient and accessible from the roadside for tackle drops, some pegs will require a short walk to a parking area.
Important Information
Warm clothing is essential, at this time of year temperatures can be in the 30's at night and in the 70's during the day.
Bivvies and fires are allowed.
Some swims can contain a lot of snags.
This is not a fast flowing River, in typical conditions 1-3oz leads are ample.
There are zebra mussels.
Barges occasionally navigate this stretch.
Water depth ranges to 18ft.
High knee boots/waders are highly recommended.
At least one Keep Sack is essential.
Warm clothing is essential, at this time of year temperatures can be in the 30's at night and in the 70's during the day.
Bivvies and fires are allowed.
Some swims can contain a lot of snags.
This is not a fast flowing River, in typical conditions 1-3oz leads are ample.
There are zebra mussels.
Barges occasionally navigate this stretch.
Water depth ranges to 18ft.
High knee boots/waders are highly recommended.
At least one Keep Sack is essential.
Rules for this event:
These rules are in place to make our events as fair as possible for all. They are to be interpreted as such.
1. All competitors must be pre-registered and be pre-paid for the draw.
2. There will be a random, fixed peg, walk off draw for pegs. Only one peg can be
drawn on the day.
3. Plumbing and pre-baiting can begin as soon as you arrive at the peg.
4. A 30 minute extension will be given for fish hooked prior to the finish.
5. If both competitors leave a pegged area all rods must be reeled in.
6. Any individual found fishing more than 3 rods during the competition, will be
disqualified.
7. Tackle: 1 single hook per rod, 3 rods per angler, spods and marker rods are allowed,
two additional spare rods are allowed per entry.
8. All fish must be alive and in good health to be weighed in.
9. It is preferred that fish friendly nets and unhooking mats be used.
10. All fish weighed must be a cyprinus carpio species (ie common, mirror, leather
carp)
11. The weight is determined by the weigh marshall and agreed upon by the competitor.
12. Any bait is allowed as long as it is not harmful to the fish or the environment.
13. Marshals shall be permitted to search a competitors swim, vehicle etc. if deemed
necessary.
14. A State fishing license is required for this event.
15. The winner will be decided by combined weight of their top four fish. In the
event of a tie, the tie will be broken by the top two biggest fish.
16. The winner of the top four fish is also eligible for the big fish prize/s.
17. In the event of only one fish being caught then that competitor wins all prizes.
18. Prizes will depend on entry numbers.
19. Competitors are encouraged to help each with the netting of fish and good sporting
behavior is expected.
20. All competitors will be required to have two way radios.
21. All State and Park regulations apply.
22. Any competitor breaking the rules and/or State park regulations will be disqualified.
23. Pre registered entries can nominate a proxy for the peg draw.
24. No refunds issued after the peg draw has taken place.
25.The organizers decisions are final.
26. Each team must have a set of scales.
27. Teams must fish within thirty feet of the peg marker.
28. Competitors can cast/fish to an imaginary line half way between them and the next peg.
29. In the event of an extreme water hazard or unforeseen circumstances competitors must consult the Marshalls and/or the organisers before moving.
30. All litter must be removed from a teams area.
