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State tourney ready for its 67th year
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Tidioute is the birthplace for the Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament since 1959 and in its 67 years, has grown to become one of the largest multi-species fishing contests in the northwest portion of Pennsylvania. The tournament offers fun for the family from parades, various vendors, live music, bingo, and door prizes.
Always held on the last full weekend in September, this year's tournament begins on Saturday at 12:01 a.m. and continues until 8 p.m.
All fish must be registered at Tournament Headquarters between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday fishing hours will begin at 5 a.m. and will end at 2:30 p.m. All fish must be registered by 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Top prizes will be a trophy designating the King or Queen of Pennsylvania Anglers and $1,000.
Online registrations are accepted until Friday at 10 p.m. The online registration form can be found on the Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament, Inc. Facebook page.
Open to the general public without a fee, this championship tournament includes 60 miles of the beautiful Allegheny River, as well as the waters of the Kinzua and Tionesta Dams. These extended boundaries give optimum versatility to every angler as all types of fishing are welcomed in this tournament. Anglers who prefer trolling can fish the dams, bait fishermen can drift the river, bank fishermen have more than 100 miles of shoreline to choose from and fly fishermen can flog some of the best trout waters in Pennsylvania.
In addition, the Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament is proud to announce for the 38th year, the return of the Catch and Release Program. Registered fish are kept in oxygenated tanks on the Fishing Tournament grounds for spectators to enjoy and released back to the river throughout the day. Any registered fish showing signs of distress are released back to the river immediately. Those interested can find the regulations on the Facebook page or printed in the registration pamphlets located at all local and surrounding businesses throughout the county.
The weekend kicks off on Friday with grounds opening at 6 p.m. followed by The Sounds of Elvis with Jim Felix to perform at 7 on 90 Main St. in Tidioute.
The Kids Fishing Derby is for ages 3-10 and will be Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Benner Park, behind the recycling center on Tidioute Creek Road. There is no participation fee, and registration will take place on site. Small raffles, baked goods and warm beverages available for purchase on site, to raise funds for next year's event.
On Saturday, grounds open at noon with the parade and organizers point out that in addition to the tournament always occurring on the last full weekend in September, the parade day and time is always Saturday at 1 p.m. sharp, with the parade route through Main Street. This year's theme is "Once Upon a Time." Electronic registration is most appreciated to help with the organization of the line up but is not required. On site registration can also take place upon arrival for line up at the Tidioute Volunteer Fire Department starting at 10 a.m. and ending at noon. Floats are asked to line up on McGuire Street as they are judged and awarded around noon, prior to the start of the parade.
Select craft vendors will be located at the grounds all day on Saturday only. Additional food and novelty vendors are available all weekend as always, but the focus of the tournament will always prioritize the fishing competition. Tournament grounds will always be at 90 Main St.
Saturday evening the door prize announcements will start at 8 followed by the announcement of the Sunday qualifiers and junior angler at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks will be at 9:45 p.m.
On Sunday, Sept. 27, the champion will be announced at 3 p.m. with closing ceremonies at 3:30 p.m.
Awards and prizes are sponsored by the Tidioute Trading Post, Avid Exchange-Tidioute Towers, Moore's Garden Shoppe, United Refining Co.-Kwik Fill, Elzie E. Lynch American Legion 334, King Building Supply, High Quality Lawn Care, Clair and Julie McAdams, Hollow Hill Outdoors, Warren County Visitors Bureau, Presbyterian Women's Association, Tidioute Community Charter School, Kelletville Sportsman's Club, John Huber of Warren, and Kathryn Lowndes.
Last year's stats included nearly 740 total pounds of fish and 276 total fish, with 63 walleye, 16 trout, 179 bass, three musky, 10 pike and five catfish.
For more information, contact the Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament business office at 814-484-3585, or by email: pascft1959@gmail.com or message the Facebook Group at Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament, Inc.