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Finders Keepers

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  1. 2024 NYS Winter Classic Fishing Tournament The 2024 NYS Winter Classic (Jan. 1-Feb. 29) will once again draw in anglers from all over New England to compete in one of the largest winter tournaments that includes both open water fishing and ice fishing - so no matter what kind of winter we have the event will not be canceled and anglers can still compete! Operating on one of the most secure tournament platforms (Fish Donkey), fish are entered via pictures and videos at the time of the catch, fish place via length, and the online leaderboards update in real time notifying all anglers when new leaders are entered! This year's event has a heavy load of sponsors once again that includes all of the following amazing companies: Batavia Downs Casino * Aqua-Vu * Clam Outdoors * Gibbs Fishing * Busch Light * Frabill * Plano * FishUSA * Addicted Fishing * Hammer Built Homes * Kahtoola * Jiffy Ice Drills * Reel Cool Lures * Keepers Only Co. * Sullivan Tip-Downs * Prime Time Custom Baits * Ram's Off the hook Tackle Shop * Fish Hounds Outdoors * Fish Donkey * Koyote Ugly Spoons * Automatic Fisherman * Green Mt. Sporting Supplies * Walleye Freak * Makiplastic * BHammer Tackle * NYRA Awards * SOCO Baits * Keeper's Only* Vital Signs * Savage Gear * Lake Ontario United More yet to be announced! Over $20,000 in Cash & Prizes to be Won!! (Including at least one Lifetime Sportsman License Award sponsored by Hammer Built Homes for a top-placing youth angler) Early Bird Registration goes through Dec. 1st at Noon and will get you entered into the Early Bird Drawings (drawn during the Dec. 1st LIVE show) and the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways - done LIVE during our live shows on the tourney Facebook page at 7pm each night Dec. 1-12 as the prize packages grow each day! Here are the details for the 2024 Winter Classic: When: Jan. 1st through Feb. 29th Where: All waterways in NY state Registration Fee: $25/angler (both youth and adults) Where to Register: NYSwinterclassic.com or fishdonkey.com (adults and youth register the same, however make sure to add "youth" to any youth angler's profile in Fish Donkey to identify them as a youth angler to make them eligible for the Lifetime Sportsman License Award(s)) Prizes to Win: Over $20,000 in cash & prizes! Rules & Regs: Rules & Regs Awards Ceremony: March 9th at the Batavia Downs Casino (all 1st place and winning youth anglers must attend) If you have any questions please drop me a PM, give me a call at (585) 330-0494, or drop a comment on the tourney Facebook page! Follow the Tourney Facebook Page for the latest tourney news and announcements! Early Bird and Door Prize items TBA soon on Facebook! More updates to come - stay tuned!!
  2. Busch Light is running a sweepstakes this year during the month of May for the Summer Classic whereby you can get an entry every day by scanning the QR-code on one of the displays located in retail stores all across the state! There is a Grand Prize that includes a free entry into the Nearshore or Offshore event, plus 9 additional Free Entrees to win! The drawings will be held on June 1st along with the Early Bird Drawings for those who register before June 1st. Early Bird prizes to win include: Aqua-Vu Stealth Camera System Water Wolf Underwater Camera Package Walleye Freak Apparel Items Plano Edge Boxes Frabill Net $450 in FishUSA Gift Cards Koyote Ugly Flashers & Spoons Reel Cool Lures Lure Packs Amped Outdoors Batteries Prime Time Custom Baits Better for the fishery, easier to enter fish, more secure, and so much more fun!! Join today and experience the next generation of fishing tournaments this season!!
  3. If you haven't tried one of the online next generation tournament events yet, what are you waiting for? These events are more secure, fun, and offer many benefits for the anglers and solutions for problems that current traditional weight events suffer from: Problem: Holding fish over from previous days for entry. Next Gen Event: not an issue with real-time fish entry and photo evidence! Benefit: a more secure event! Problem: Soaking/adding weight to fish. Next Gen Event: not an issue in a length event! Benefit: a more secure event! Problem: Obscure start/end times. Next Gen Event: fish entry opens and closes at the exact same time for everyone! Benefit: a more secure event! Problem: All fish are kept (kill event). Next Gen Event: fish can be released once entered! Benefit: better for the fishery, no wasted fish! Problem: Gotta make it to weigh-in before they close. Next Gen Event: real-time fish entry at the time of the catch! Benefit: no extra travel necessary, anglers can fish the entire time of the event! Problem: Entry of undersized fish. Next Gen Event: photo evidence and real-time entry prevents fish from shrinking! Benefit: a more secure event! Problem: Fish must be transported to different locations to be entered into different events with potential discrepancies in weight measurements. Next Gen Events: fish can be entered into multiple events on the platform at the same time! Benefit: no extra travel necessary, a more secure event! Problem: Tourney information and results are often hard to find or not posted. Next Gen Events: all tourney information and real-time results are readily accessible online and viewable by everyone! Benefit: full transparency, easy to enter, participate, and follow events! Problem: Hard to enforce boundaries. Next Gen Event: all entrees are GPS encoded that can decoded by a 3rd party down to the foot! (NOTE: No location information is given to anyone including directors, only violation info) Benefit: a more secure event! Problem: Polygraphs often used to verify angler integrity. Next Gen Event: anti-cheating technology prevents most necessities for polygraph use! Benefit: decreased anxiety and a more secure event! And the list goes on! Join the Summer Classic and experience the fun of real-time fish entry and leaderboards! WARNING: these events will make you want to fish even more often than you do now!
  4. Early Bird Registration just opened for the 2023 NYS Summer Classic Fishing Tournament - register before June 1st to get in on the early bird drawings including an Aqua-Vu Camera System, Water Wolf Prize Pack, FishUSA gift cards and much more! Most of the giveaways will be front-loaded in this event so register early to have a shot at all the sponsored prizes! For tourney info & registration go to: NYSsummerclassic.com This year's tourney features two new big sponsors: Busch Light - Grand Prize Package and 10 Free Entrees Sweepstakes Florabelle Floral & Events - Two $350 Grand Slam Cash Awards There are 3 events to enter: Off-Shore Event (Salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead/Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike/Tiger Musky, Sheepshead) $25/angler entry Near-Shore Event (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Panfish, and Catfish) $25//angler entry Lake Ontario Boat Event (Salmon/Trout 5-Fish Stringer) $125/boat entry Follow the tourney on Facebook for more tourney updates and announcements: NYS Summer Classic
  5. 2023 Great Lakes Salmon Showdown The 2023 Great Lakes Salmon Showdown Events kick off May 1st and will run through the end of September. Keeping charter boats in mind, these events were created to offer the first tournament event involving all of the Great lakes, for both the USA and Canada, and allow charter boats to get involved without the need to have all of their clients agree to register. Registration is done via boat, rather than by angler. Any fish caught on the registered boat, no matter who catches it, is eligible for entry. That means friends, family, charter clients, or anyone else can help add to the boat's running total. In essence for charter boats, all of your clients are automatically entered, and they love helping you score higher and seeing their picture in your entry that they can show to others! National exposure is also a bonus as anyone on the Fish Donkey platform can see your entrees - so make sure to get your company and sponsoring company logos into the pictures! Placement is by the boat's Top-5 largest salmon throughout the entire season by length - these can be upsized all season long! As part of the Next Gen Tournaments, these events also offer the following benefits: *Cash Payout (no awards ceremony) *All fish can be released after entry (angler's choice). *All fish are entered using the Fish Donkey App. with a bump board or other approved measuring device, and is super quick and easy. *All entered fish include photo/video evidence including time/date/GPS encryption. *Fish can be easily entered into multiple events at the same time on the Fish Donkey App (including the NYS Summer Classic Lake Ontario Boat Event and Salmon Division, MMBB multi-species events, National Master Angler event, etc.). *Protocols are in place for boats fishing non-communication events, and for boats without a bump board. *Anglers can fish 24/7 without the need to stop early or have to make a weigh-in time. *No extra travel necessary to enter fish. *Leaderboards update in real-time as fish are entered and notify all anglers when a new leader is entered. *App works even when out of cell coverage. *Youth anglers are encouraged to join. *Unlike traditional weight/kill events, the GLSS Events prevent anglers from cheating via holding fish over from previous days (there's no advantage or reason to), adding weight to the fish (won't effect the length), entering fish someone else caught (everyone on the boat is already included), hiding observers in larger boats (observers are not needed with photo/video evidence of every fish), soaking fish to add weight, shaking or burning smaller fish off, being allowed to enter fish after a deadline (app closes for all participants at the same time), entering undersized fish (all fish can be entered and released), having to use multiple scales for multiple events resulting in discrepancies, etc. There are two divisional options for entry: Am Division = $125/boat Pro Division = $250/boat Cash payouts start at 80% and go up as more boats enter, plus a crystal trophy option for the top-placing teams. Current supporting sponsors include: Frabill, Okuma, Addicted Fishing, Koyote Ugly Spoons, FishUSA, Reel Cool Lures, Fish Donkey, Batavia Downs, Amped Outdoors, Grantley's Bait & Tackle, NYRA Awards, and Lake Ontario United. To get all the details, see past years' results, and enter, visit: GLSSevents.com Lake Ontario has dominated the boards the past couple years, we'll see if the upper Great Lakes can make a run for the title this year! Both Canadian and US boats can enter/compete. Drop me a PM with any questions. Good luck and tight lines to everyone competing in the events this year!
  6. **Tourney Update - Week 8** Congrats to the Week 7 winners: Largest Pike: Josh Ladd - 43.50" Largest Walleye: Dominic Sergi - 26.50" Largest Trout: Jordan Gilbert - 35.00" Largest Pickerel: Paul Evanek - 27.50" Largest Crappie: Leeland Miller - 14.25" Largest Perch: Tim Bohlayer - 14.75" Largest Panfish: Chris Campbell - 10.25" Here are the current leaders for Week #8: Largest Pike: Alex Fuelleman - 36.25" Largest Walleye: Michael Prevost - 26.75" Largest Trout: Lucas Palmer - 32.25" Largest Pickerel: Lucas Muhlberger - 25.75" Largest Crappie: Richard Rupert - 14.75" Largest Perch: Dominic Sergi - 13.50" Largest Panfish: Jason Stevens - 10.50" **ALL ANGLERS** 1) Please check the Weekly & Other Awards Leaderboard on the website to see if there are any mistakes (missing fish/placements, correct youth male/female listings, etc.). http://www.nyswinterclassic.com/2023/weeklyleaderboard.html 2) All the rooms at Batavia Downs have been booked, however if there are any additional anglers that would like to reserve a room(s), please let us know ASAP and we will see if we can add some additional rooms to our block at the discounted rate - drop Director Tim Thomas a text at (585)-330-0494 with your name and how many rooms you would like by March 3rd. 3) If you plan to attend the Awards Dinner Banquet, you must register before March 19th. See all the details and register using the link on the website: http://www.nyswinterclassic.com/2023/2023DinnerRes.html 4) Just a reminder that the Awards Ceremony will be April 1st at the Batavia Downs Casino (timeline TBA). We will have several vendors there, raffles/door prizes/giveaways, additional giveaways/games at the dinner banquet, a meeting prior to the dinner with those looking to plan a 2024 season Pro-Am style event, after party in the casino, and much more!! All Top-3 anglers (excluding Bass), all Top-Placing Youth anglers, and all Grand Slam Winners are required to attend the Awards Ceremony to accept their awards. Best of luck to everyone through the end of the 2023 event - Feb 28th at midnight!! It's a race to the finish as mother nature throws some us some wintry weather!!
  7. **Tourney Update - Week #7** We would like to congratulate the Week #6 winners: Largest Pike: Nate Fuelleman - 43.00" Largest Walleye: Kyle Blackmer - 31.00" Largest Trout: Jason Hornbeck - 34.50" Largest Pickerel: Paul Flayter - 26.00" Largest Crappie: Jason Stevens - 14.50" Largest Perch: Dan White - 15.75" Largest Panfish: Charles Hodencamp - 10.25" Here are the current Week 7 leaders: Largest Pike: Josh Ladd - 43.50" Largest Walleye: Dominic Sergi - 26.50" Largest Trout: Clarence Chamberlain - 29.25" Largest Pickerel: Paul Evanek - 27.50" Largest Crappie: Leeland Miller - 14.25" Largest Perch: Kaylynn Klehamer - 14.50" Largest Panfish: Chris Campbell - 10.25" For the Main Event we have a new leader in the race for the Florabelle Floral & Events Grand Slam: Cameron Hasner - 165.50" In the Youth Grand Slam races here are the current leaders: Grantley’s bait and tackle Youth Grand Slam: Leeland Miller - 76.25" Florabelle Floral & Events Youth Grand Slam: Shelby Hunt - 113.00" Here are the Top-3 leaders for each of the 7 Main Species Categories: Northern Pike: 1st Place: Josh Ladd - 43.50" 2nd Place: Nate Fuelleman - 43.00" 3rd Place: Justin Zeigler - 41.75" Pickerel: 1st Place: Paul Evanek - 27.50" 2nd Place: Lucas Palmer - 27.00" 3rd Place: Frank Hornbeck - 27.00" Crappie: 1st Place: Lucas Palmer - 15.25" 2nd Place: Jeremy Cook - 15.00" 3rd Place: Daniel Hargrave - 14.75" Panfish: 1st Place: Jeramy Eckman - 11.00" 2nd Place: Jason Stevens - 10.50" 3rd Place: Frank Luta Jr. - 10.25" Trout: 1st Place: Cameron Hasner - 36.50" 2nd Place: Jason Hornbeck - 34.50" 3rd Place: Paul Evanek - 33.00" Walleye: 1st Place: Thomas Van Deusen - 32.00" 2nd Place: Kyle Blackmer - 31.00" 3rd Place: Cameron Hasner - 30.50" Yellow Perch: 1st Place: Dan White - 15.75" 2nd Place: Joe Klehamer - 15.50" 3rd Place: Chris Fisher - 14.75" Top-3 Bass Leaders: 1st Place: Zack Malagisi - 21.50" 2nd Place: Andrew Ladd - 20.75" 3rd Place: Josh Ladd - 20.25" ~~Apparel Update~~ We now have LST's, SST's, and hoodies available on our online store site - check them out here: Tourney Apparel Store ~~Awards Update~~ There are still some rooms available in our tourney block at the discounted rate with upgraded FREE PLAY - use code: FISH2023 when booking. Registration for the awards dinner banquet is also available for $40/adult and $20/youth: Banquet Dinner Registration Just a reminder that the last week of the event runs all the way until the 28th and is longer than the previous standard weeks in the event. Like the others, there will be a minimum 48-hr hold until all placements are verified once the event concludes. All Top-3 placement anglers in the 7 main species categories and all Top-Placing Youth are required to attend the award ceremony to acquire your awards. Best of luck to everyone as we approach the end of Week #7 and the final leg of the 2023 Winter Classic event!!
  8. Yeah, it takes a lot of patience and persistence, that's for sure!! Makes you appreciate the good days all the more!!
  9. I do for most, however these two were needed for a landscape fish scene that I am having put together. The first picture with my daughter's PB perch from last year was released. For the tourney, it's angler's choice, but the fish can be released. It also depends on the depth from which they are caught - fizzing them sometimes works but not always...
  10. Only a few weeks away - gotta be in it to win it! Break the state record and get a $250 cash bonus!
  11. Someone I previously respected in the NY fishery for being one of the "best" perch anglers once said that 15" perch are extremely rare and that he had seen very few true 15"ers from NY. So, after learning the fishery the last couple years, I thought I would start a gallery for the 15"+ jumbos to hit the deck this year and we'll see just how amazing our fishery is here in NY. Here's the first one for 2023!
  12. 2023 USA Spring Yellow Perch Showdown The 2023 USA Spring Yellow Perch Showdown starts March 1st and will run through April 30th! What state will claim the title for the largest 10-fish average in the nation?? NY claimed the titles for both the spring and fall events last year, let's see who can claim the title this spring!! Registration is $50/angler, you can fish any waterway in the USA (ice or open water), and the event runs on the Fish Donkey online platform. Fish length gets entered via pictures/videos and the app automatically combines your Top-10 perch together for placement. Leaderboards update in real time as fish are entered, with a notification to all anglers when a new leader takes over! Fish can be released or kept - angler's choice. The event will pay-out cash according to the number of anglers entered, plus sponsored goods! Get all the details at: USA Spring Yellow Perch Showdown Any questions can be sent to me or in a comment below. Are you in yet??
  13. **Tourney Update - Week #6** Here are the winners from Weeks 3-5: Week #3: Largest Pike: Ronald Parker - 38.00" Largest Walleye: Thomas Van Deusen - 32.00" Largest Trout: Kevin Zuniga - 31.75" Largest Pickerel: Justin Kelley - 25.75" Largest Crappie: James Rupert - 14.50" Largest Perch: Brad Rutherford - 14.50" Largest Panfish: Donald Roberts - 9.00" Week #4: Largest Pike: Ryan Scofield - 40.00" Largest Walleye: Nick Ramsey - 29.25" Largest Trout: Kelsey Alvarez - 33.00" Largest Pickerel: Lucas Palmer - 27.00" Largest Crappie: Leeland Miller - 12.00" Largest Perch: John Kitay - 13.75" Largest Panfish: Tony Sergi - 10.00" Week #5: Largest Pike: Michael Kunath - 33.50" Largest Walleye: Cullen Fennessy - 28.50" Largest Trout: Paul Evanek - 29.50" Largest Pickerel: Shelby Hunt - 25.75" Largest Crappie: Savannah Hornbeck - 14.00" Largest Perch: Frank Hornbeck - 14.75" Largest Panfish: Shelby Hunt - 9.00" Week #6 (Current Leaders): Largest Pike: Nate Fuelleman - 43.00" Largest Walleye: Kyle Blackmer - 31.00" Largest Trout: Jason Hornbeck - 34.50" Largest Pickerel: Jeremy Cook - 25.50" Largest Crappie: Shelby hunt - 14.00" Largest Perch: Leeland Miller - 14.75" Largest Panfish: Dominic Sergi - 9.75" With over 2.5 weeks left, anglers can still get in on the action and join in the fun!! The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 1st at the Batavia Downs Casino where we will be awarding over $10,000 in cash and giving away over $5,000 in prizes in raffles, door prizes, and other giveaways! Follow the event on Facebook for all the latest tourney news and updates!
  14. For the 2023 open water season there will be 3 tournament events that will offer anglers the exclusive option of catch & release for their fish entrees. These include: Great Lakes Salmon Showdown (Pro Division / Am Division) (May 1 - Sept. 30) NYS Summer Classic (Registration opens in March) (July 1 - Aug. 31) NYS Summer Classic Lake Ontario Boat Event (Registration opens in March) (July 1 - Aug. 31) These events are hosted on the Fish Donkey online platform where fish are entered in real time, at the time of the catch via length using pictures and/or videos and a bump board. In addition to the benefit of C&R, these events also feature/offer: *Live leaderboards that update in real time and notify all participants when a new leader in entered! *The ability to see all entrees as they are entered! *24/7 fishing within tourney hours without the need for extra travel to weigh-ins! *Photo and/or video evidence of every fish entered to protect the integrity of the angler's catch! *GPS/date/time info encrypted into every picture/video to ensure authenticity and prevent boundary violations! (GPS info can be decoded by a third party for yes or no questions only - no spots/exact coordinates given out to anyone) *App works even without cell coverage! (live update features will not be possible until back into coverage zone) *Exact start/end times - no race to get back for weigh-in or questionable entry into the pierheads! *Secure measurement protocols eliminate foul play opportunities - weighting the fish, holding fish over from previous days, etc. are not possible or simply won't matter! *Anglers-first mentality with full transparency! *Websites, weekly updates, and a huge online presence make finding tourney info easy to find! *Heavily sponsored/supported by local, regional, national, and international companies offering a wide selection of prizes! (varies from year to year) *Ability to enter the same fish in multiple events on the Fish Donkey platform within seconds! *Ability to participate and enter fish by yourself! *Full angler support from both tourney personnel and Fish Donkey! *Ability to practice entering fish before the main event! *Fish when you want / anglers do not have to fish on the foul weather days! *All anglers on the boat do not have to be entered - in the case of the LO Boat Event, everyone on board already IS entered with the boat! *Youth anglers are encouraged to participate and can place same as adults, plus go for youth specific awards (like a lifetime NYS Sportsman License)! We're gathering lots of new energy coming into these events via new sponsors, new awards to go after, and lots of fun!! Stay tuned for updates this spring and tight lines to all who enter this year!! Feel free to drop me a PM with any questions or give me a call direct at (585) 330-0494. Experience the next generation of fishing tournaments and bring the FUN back into tournament fishing!
  15. **Tourney Update - Week #3** If you are not entered into the NYS Winter Classic Fishing Tournament yet, now is the time to join and get in on the fun and excitement! Not only is the ice starting to build across the state on more waterways, but the next round of drawings is coming up on the 31st!! Get in on the drawings simply by registering here: Tourney Registration Lots of updates in today's post! Let's start with congratulating our Week #2 winners: Largest Pike: Kevin MacGonegal - 34.50" Largest Walleye: Dan Newstead - 22.75" Largest Trout: Chris Fisher - 26.00" Largest Pickerel: Daniel Hargrave - 25.50" Largest Crappie: Daniel Hargrave - 13.75" Largest Perch: Chris Fisher - 14.75" Largest Panfish: Frank Luta Jr. - 10.00" Here are the current Week #3 leaders: Largest Pike: Dominic Sergi - 36.50" Largest Walleye: Steven Rubyor - 28.75" Largest Trout: Kevin Zuniga - 31.75" Largest Pickerel: Justin Kelley - 25.75" Largest Crappie: Daniel Newstead - 12.25" Largest Perch: Brad Rutherford - 14.50" Largest Panfish: Donald Roberts - 9.00" The overall number of anglers is now up to 455 which has the payouts for all 7 main species up to: 1st Place = $500 2nd Place = $305 3rd Place = $185 4th Place = $25 FishUSA Gift Card (Note: in line with angler input, we will be holding 1st Place at $500 and boosting 2nd place until it reaches $400, then boosting 3rd place until it reaches $300, then we will add in 4th and 5th place payouts) Other current award leaders: Florabelle Floral & Events Grand Slam: Daniel Newstead- 140.00" Grantley’s bait and tackle Youth Grand Slam: Ryan Denton - 35.50" Florabelle Floral & Events Youth Grand Slam: Savannah Hornbeck - 56.50" Youth Achievement Award Leaders: Top Youth Female: Top Youth Male: Northern Pike: TBD Ryan Denton Walleye: Savannah Hornbeck Cullen Fennessy Pickerel: Savannah Hornbeck Leeland Miller Trout: TBD TBD Crappie: TBD Leeland Miller Perch: Kaylynn Klehamer Tony Sergi Panfish: Shelby Hunt Connor Peck **Get those youth anglers entered and out there!! Check out some of the top placing youth entrees so far!! Congrats on some great catches!! Bass Cash Awards: 1st Place ($150): Zack Malagisi - 21.50" 2nd Place ($100): Justin Kelly - 19.25" 3rd Place ($50): William Winn - 18.75" So much to go after in this year's event!! If you have not tried fishing an event on the FishDonkey platform, you are really missing out on some of the most fun events going on right now - live leaderboards, C&R option, easy fish entry, most secure platform, and the benefits go on and on!! Join NY's largest winter tournament today and help bring the FUN back into tournament fishing events!!
  16. **Tourney Update - Day 3** Current angler count: 424 Current Cash Payouts for all 7 Main Species: 1st Place = $480 2nd Place = $260 3rd Place = $175 4th Place = $25 FishUSA eCard Weekly Cash Awards = $25/species/wk Bass Cash Awards: 1st Place = $150 2nd Place = $100 3rd Place = $50 Florabelle Classic Grand Slam Cash Award = $500 Youth Awards: Florabelle Youth Grand Slam NYS Lifetime Sportsman License Grantley's B&T Youth Grand Slam NYS Lifetime Sportsman License Screamin Eagle Sport Fishing Charter (14) Crystal Angler Achievement Awards Coupled with the door prizes and giveaways, that's a pretty good deal for a $25 entry!! The next round of door prizes will be drawn on January 31st! Anglers can still get in on the action but must register the day before they wish to start entering fish: http://www.nyswinterclassic.com/ LIVE Leaderboards can be found at: LIVE Leaderboards Current Grand Slam results show the Top-3 anglers in a very close race: Daniel Hargrave - 57.25" Lucas Palmer - 56.25" Adam Costich - 53.25" The winner of the Florabelle Floral & Events Grand Slam Award will receive $500 cash and a crystal trophy. They must have the largest total combined length of their top fish in each of the 7 species (all 7 species do not have to be caught, but will likely be needed to win). The end of Week #1 will be Saturday at midnight. Just a reminder that verifications can take up to 48 hrs or longer, and the Week #1 winners will not be confirmed until all fish have been verified. Best of luck to everyone for the remainder of Week #1 - tight lines!!
  17. **Pre-Tourney Update** Current angler count = 357 Current Payout for all 7 species: 1st Place = $400 2nd Place = $210 3rd Place = $140 PLUS Weekly Cash Awards = $25/species/week for the largest of each species each week. PLUS the Top-3 Bass Cash Awards: 1st Place: $150 Cash 2nd Place: $100 Cash 3rd Place: $50 Cash PLUS the Grantley's Bait & Tackle Youth Lifetime Sportsman Award PLUS Two salmon trips from Screaming Eagle Sportsfishing (one for youth, one for veterans) PLUS 14 Youth Angler Achievement Awards (Crystal Trophy Award for the top male & Female Youth Anglers in each species division) PLUS 3 rounds of door prizes, 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, raffles, youth angler prize table (at awards ceremony), and more giveaways!! Additional sponsors added: * Jammin Jigs * Florabelle Floral & Events * Screamin' Eagle Sport Fishing * Rocky Mt. Custom Jigs * Prime Time Custom Baits Register before NOON on Dec. 31st to get in on the next round of door prize drawings during our Kick-Off LIVE Show on the Tourney Facebook Page! Stay tuned for more updates!!
  18. **Pre-Tourney Update** Current angler count = 321 Current Payout for all 7 species: 1st Place = $355 2nd Place = $180 3rd Place = $125 PLUS Weekly Cash Awards = $25/species/week for the largest of each species each week. PLUS the Top-3 Bass Cash Awards: 1st Place: $150 Cash 2nd Place: $100 Cash 3rd Place: $50 Cash PLUS the Grantley's Bait & Tackle Youth Lifetime Sportsman Award PLUS Two salmon trips from Screaming Eagle Sportsfishing (one for youth, one for veterans) PLUS 14 Youth Angler Achievement Awards (Crystal Trophy Award for the top male & Female Youth Anglers in each species division) PLUS 3 rounds of door prizes, 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, raffles, youth angler prize table (at awards ceremony), and more giveaways!! Stay tuned for more updates!!
  19. **Pre-Tourney Update** 1st draft of the tourney flier is out sporting all of our current amazing sponsors! Now over $30,000 in cash and prizes to win, and the Early Bird Registration prizes announced yesterday: *Aqua-Vu AV722 Underwater Camera *(2) Frabill 48" Benchmark Bump Boards *Frabill Ice Tackle Bag *$50 FishUSA Gift Card *Reel Cool Lures Lure Pack *(2) Kahtoola Prize Packs (Microspikes, Socks, Hat, Hoodie) *Addicted Fishing Prize Pack (Hat, Shirt, Baits) *Automatic Fisherman Snapper PLUS the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway starting this Thursday that includes two Frabill hub shelters and another Aqua-Vu camera system! Get registered by Dec. 1st to get in on the drawings and join us each night at 7pm EST on the tourney Facebook page for updates, singing, and fun times as more anglers win new gear from the Winter Classic!! Get all the details and registration info at: NYSwinterclassic.com Current angler count = 164 Current Payout for all 7 species: 1st Place = $200 2nd Place = $95 3rd Place = $65 PLUS Weekly Cash Awards = $12/species/week for the largest of each species each week. PLUS the Top-3 Bass Cash Awards: 1st Place: $150 Cash 2nd Place: $100 Cash 3rd Place: $50 Cash PLUS the Grantley's Bait & Tackle Youth Lifetime Sportsman Award PLUS 14 Youth Angler Achievement Awards (Crystal Trophy Award for the top male & Female Youth Anglers in each species division) PLUS 3 rounds of door prizes, 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, raffles, youth angler prize table (at awards ceremony), and more giveaways!! Main Payout and Weekly Awards will continue to increase as more anglers enter. Like and follow the tourney Facebook Page for updates, announcements, LIVE shows, sponsor and new prize announcements, and the latest tourney news! Join the fun this winter for only $25/angler!! More to come - stay tuned!!
  20. 2023 NYS Winter Classic Fishing Tournament The 2023 NYS Winter Classic (Jan. 1-Feb. 28) will once again draw in anglers from all over New England to compete in one of the largest winter tournaments that includes both open water fishing and ice fishing - so no matter what kind of winter we have the event will not be canceled and anglers can still compete! Operating on one of the most secure tournament platforms (Fish Donkey), fish are entered via pictures and videos at the time of the catch, fish place via length, and the online leaderboards update in real time notifying all anglers when new leaders are entered! This year's event has a heavy load of sponsors once again that includes all of the following amazing companies: Batavia Downs Casino * Aqua-Vu * Frabill * Plano * FishUSA * Okuma * Addicted Fishing * Hammer Built Homes * Grantley's Bait & Tackle * Kahtoola * Jiffy Ice Drills * Reel Cool Lures * Keepers Only Co. * Sullivan Tip-Downs * Amped Outdoors * Fish Hounds Outdoors * Fish Donkey * Deep Freeze * Nautic Sport * Koyote Ugly Spoons * Automatic Fisherman * Green Mt. Sporting Supplies * Celox * Makiplastic * BHammer Tackle * NYRA Awards * Vital Signs * Savage Gear * Lake Ontario United More yet to be announced! Over $20,000 in Cash & Prizes to be Won!! (Including at least one Lifetime Sportsman License Award sponsored by Grantley's B&T for a top-placing youth angler) Early Bird Registration goes through Dec. 1st at Noon and will get you entered into the Early Bird Drawings (drawn during the Dec. 1st LIVE show) and the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways - done LIVE during our live shows on the tourney Facebook page at 7pm each night Dec. 1-12 as the prize packages grow each day! Here are the details for the 2023 Winter Classic: When: Jan. 1st through Feb. 28th Where: All waterways in NY state Registration Fee: $25/angler (both youth and adults) Where to Register: NYSwinterclassic.com or fishdonkey.com (adults and youth register the same, however make sure to add "youth" to any youth angler's profile in Fish Donkey to identify them as a youth angler to make them eligible for the Lifetime Sportsman License Award(s)) Prizes to Win: Over $20,000 in cash & prizes! Rules & Regs: Rules & Regs Awards Ceremony: April 1st at the Batavia Downs Casino (all Top-3 placing anglers must attend) If you have any questions please drop me a PM, give me a call at (585) 330-0494, or drop a comment on the tourney Facebook page! Follow the Tourney Facebook Page for the latest tourney news and announcements! More updates to come - stay tuned!!
  21. **FINAL RESULTS** Congratulations to our 2022 GLSS 1st Place winners: David Urban and Manny Medeiros! Each will receive the GLSS Crystal Trophy along with their prize packages. Here are the final Top-3 standings: Pro Division Leaders: 1st Place: David Urban / My Way Charters- 196.50" 2nd Place: Nate Stephenson - 195.25" 3rd Place: Two Tails - 177.50" Am Division Leaders: 1st Place: Manny Medeiros - 187.75" 2nd Place: Jason Barra / Team It'll Do - 180.25" 3rd Place: Cameron Simpson - 179.25" As a Next Gen Tourney, the GLSS offers anglers the following benefits: *LIVE leaderboards that update in real time as fish hare entered w/ new leader notification. *No time restrictions or extra travel to weigh-ins. *Entry is by boat - any fish caught aboard the registered boat (no matter who catches it) is eligible - no worry about who is or isn't entered, everyone aboard is automatically in!! *C&R option for fish that can be released and that anglers do not want to keep. *Date/Time/GPS info encrypted into every picture and video (GPS location is NOT given out to anyone, including the director of the event - only answers to potential boundary violations are given). *App works even with no cell phone signal. *All fish are entered with picture/video evidence for verification, dispute resolution, ability to reinspect, and for all participating anglers to see. *Exact start and end times for fish entry. *Youth are encouraged to participate. *Easy and quick guidelines for fish entry - literally takes less than a minute to enter a fish! *Eliminates many issues encountered in kill/weight events by limiting opportunities for foul play - everything is done in real time, when the fish are caught, on the water, and by length. *Fully transparent platform - everything is visible and upfront. Join the 2023 GLSS next year - experience the difference and why so many events are making the switch to this style platform! Not sure if you would like the format? Ask one of this year's teams what they thought and/or join in the upcoming Winter Classic to get a taste! Need a bump board? Stay tuned for opportunities to score one for next year's events! The more teams/boats in, the bigger the payouts! Feel free to drop me a line or PM with any questions or concerns (585) 330-0494.
  22. until
    Statewide event featuring 7 species categories (Pike, Trout, Walleye, Pickerel, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Panfish) hosted on the Fish Donkey online platform. When: Jan. 1-Feb. 28 Where: All NYS waterways Who: All anglers, youth included Cost: $25/angler 80+% payout based on number of anglers, premium trophies, youth awards, plus weekly cash awards for the largest fish entered each week in every species category. Benefits include optional C&R, live leaderboards, secure platform, even playing field, and culminates with a formal awards ceremony at the Batavia Downs Casino in March. Get all the details at: NYSwinterclassic.com
  23. LOL!! Meaning they could leave right after the awards and head back home to hunt in the morning...smh.....
  24. Only Sat this fall that worked for the casino and hotel with rooms available for anglers to stay over. With anglers coming in from all over the state (and out of state in some cases) we have to have rooms available to make the event feasible. Not ideal by any means, but having no event poses many more issues... Optional dinner banquet is at 5pm, awards 7-9pm, so those who want to hunt could go in the morning, attend the awards that night, and then head out right after the awards - again, not ideal but doable.
  25. **FINAL STANDINGS** The 2022 winning anglers/fish can be found at the following links: Small Species Division Event Large Species Division Event Lake Ontario Boat Event I would like to thank all of the 2022 sponsors: Batavia Downs Casino, Frabill, Plano, Okuma, Aqua-Vu, Addicted Fishing, Fillet Away Fish Mats, Koyote Ugly Spoons, Reel Cool Lures, Savage Gear, Automatic Fisherman, Northland Tackle, Nautic Sport, Clingerman Taxidermy, GMSS, Celox, FishUSA, Makiplastic, Fish Donkey, SOCO Baits, BHammer Tackle, Vital Signs, and LOU. NOTICE: The Summer Classic Awards Ceremony has been scheduled for November 19th at the Batavia Downs Casino. Full details, dinner banquet reservations, and timeline of events to come!
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