Only 4 Days to the 2009 WI CC

The last few days leading up to a Tournament are always a little stressful, no matter how prepared you are as an organizer. There's always a last-minute hitch or unforseen crisis that occurs.

This year, the trophies are built, the anglers are signed up, the after-hours dining is lined up... I even have some of the media coverage organized! So, I'm thinking that something is bound to go wrong, and it will almost certainly be something I haven't anticipated. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to react quickly and do the best I can.

The weather and the fish seem to be cooperating this year, and hopefully there will be no major changes over the next 4 days. We are due a little rain, but this won't do any harm to the West & East Twin Rivers. They are both well up to usual level, but it would have to rain a heck of a lot more to get either of them to flood! The forecast gives around an inch or so of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, then fine weather with low 70's during the daytime and 50's at night... perfect for the Thursday and Friday. Forecast currently is some light showers on Saturday and cloudy on Sunday.

The carp have certainly been active for Paul Sander and Andy Burnagiel, two of the Polish Carp Stars from the Chicago area. They caught a lot of fish in the high teens to just over 30lb this weekend, while practising for the Tournament. Here's a few pics of some of their fish; I'll leave it to the guys to post the pics of their biggest fish on the Carp Anglers Group Forum.

If you are in the Two Rivers area on Saturday or Sunday, come on down to Vet's Park, Washington Park and Paddlers Park and meet the Anglers; the 2009 Wisconsin Carp Championship should be one of the most interesting tournaments you will ever see. Here's wishing the Anglers lots of fish and hopefully some of them will break their big fish records. For more information on the Tournament, please check out this link.

Introducing the Wisconsin Carp Championship Website!

In response to popular demand, I have created a website for the upcoming Wisconsin Carp Championship. So, here's the link: http://sites.google.com/site/wicarpchamps/

I've tried to include everything that a visiting angler will need to know, to get prepared for the Big Event; there's information on the various sections, and local sponsor details for lodging and food, etc. Of course, I keep thinking of ideas I've missed (e.g. how to get a WI fishing license?), so expect the site to keep growing over the next few weeks!

If you want to stop by at Two Rivers to see the action, please just come on down! Most of the sections will be based in the Vet's Park, Washington Park, and Paddlers Park, so there's parking available and spectators can get to see all the action for free. Whether you are an experienced angler who wants to see what all the catch & release carp fishing stars can show you, or you're just looking for an unusual day out for the family, the 2009 WI Carp Championship is an event worth visiting. The fans in the know from the '07 and '08 Championships will arrive with a lawn chair and set up behind their favorite anglers; watching lots of big fish being caught can be a little addictive!

There will be a Carp and Bank Fishing Gear Swap Meet on Friday 29th in the afternoon at Vet's Park, followed by the Championships fishing throughout both days on the 30th and 31st. The Two Rivers Parks & Rec Department is also working with a local charity to organize some food and drink for the spectators, so everything is set for a great weekend for anyone watching. Finally, some of the local businesses and the Sponsors are working on some family-friendly carp trivia events, complete with a few prizes for the kids.

All we need now is some good weather for the spectators and plenty of fish for the anglers!

Sponsor Spotlight - Village Inn on the Lake, Two Rivers

The Village Inn on the Lake has kindly agreed to offer a discount on both their Rooms and their RV Park, for all WI Carp Championship attendees. They have 28 Rooms and 28 RV Sites (all with full hook-ups), and I expect these will fill up fast for the May 30-31 weekend, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Call the Village Inn on (001 for International callers) 920-794-8818, and please be sure to ask for the "Wisconsin Carp Championships Discount". Here's the link to their website.