Saturday, June 2, 2007 –
The One Lure Challenge
On June 2, 2007, ShenandoahRiverRat and I (with l1ranger from another board) are hosting an all-species, for-fun, catch-and-immediate release, honor-system open tournament on the Shenandoah River. The catch is that you may only use one lure. You may present that lure however you like, but only fish caught on that one lure count. In the presentations you choose, the lure must be the primary attractant. For instance, if you pick a 3” white grub as your “one lure”, you may only use 3” white grubs. You may Carolina rig them, Texas rig them, toss them weightless, put them on jigheads, whatever. But you may not use them as a trailer on a spinner-bait. In that case, the spinner-bait is the primary attractant and not the 3” white grub. If you lose a lure, or wear it out, you may replace it with the same type, color, and size lure. The judges/sponsors reserve the right to modify the rules as we see fit. At random. And to our own benefit. Pretty much like a game of quarters except that participants don’t get a vote.
We have some categories thought out, and some we’ll make up some on the spot for purposes of equity, fairness, humor, and random harassment.
To participate, notify ShenandoahRiverRat or me by Saturday, May 26. Then come to the VDGIF landing by the low-water bridge in Bentonville, VA (if you need directions, let us know when you notify us of your interest) by 8:00AM to register. Jeff Kelble (God willing and the creek don’t rise) will provide a talk about activities of the Shenandoah RiverKeeper and how fishermen can help that effort. Participating fishermen will be given a log sheet to record information about their catch. We’ll ask you to assure us that you have some reasonable means to measure your catch, and then you go fish whatever section of the Shenandoah you like with whomever you like. We’ll presume that whomever you choose to fish with is in agreement with that arrangement, but really that’s up to you. The ramp would make a convenient put-in or take-out spot, but there are a number of other floats within an easy drive from that location.
There will be an over-blown faux weigh-in spectacle back at the VDGIF ramp at 6:00PM where fishermen will turn over their log sheets. Prizes will be awarded for winning in any of the various categories which you may or may not know existed, or for whatever reason the judges deem appropriate.
If you are interested in donating a prize, please contact Big D or ShenandoahRiverRat or l1ranger if you know him – please remember that if the prizes are of good quality that l1ranger is a pirate and DoahRiverRat is verging on senility. All the really good donations should go to Big D, who will conveniently be unable to provide a receipt.
There will be an after-party and barbeque at l1ranger’s house, which is pretty much casting distance from the VDGIF ramp. Directions will be provided at the faux weigh-in spectacle (You see that house over there where all the people are drinkin’? That’s it!). We’ll have some burgers, chips, and drinks available, but you are welcome to bring your own meat or whatever else you want (except hookers) (or mimes) (or drugs that l1ranger doesn’t like) to supplement. There is a fire ring, so guitars and/or talent will be especially appreciated.
This tournament is not an official function of anything. Not of the Shenandoah RiverKeeper, not of this web site, not of anybody or anything. It’s just some folks getting together for fun. Participation is at your own pleasure and your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety, sanity, and compliance or complications for non-compliance with laws or rules of the tournament. Decisions of the judges are final, or at least valid until we change our minds.
At this time, we are not planning to have an entry fee. If there is an entry fee, it will be marginal and will be intended to cover expenses and nothing more. More information on that closer to the date. We will be passing the hat at the after-party to benefit the Shenandoah RiverKeeper.
In the highly unlikely event that the Shenandoah is blown out or that the low-water bridge is submerged in early June, we’ll look to the Potomac – particular location to be identified later. If both the Shenandoah and Potomac are both blown out or if we have to delay for weather, the rain-date is Saturday, June 9.
- Big D
Thanks.