40th Fishing Classic

40th Plattsburgh Rotary International Fishing Classic A Success

Top Five Anglers & Teams Receive Cash Prizes Totaling $13,000.00

PLATTSBURGH, NY __ The highly anticipated annual Plattsburgh Rotary International Fishing Classic on Lake Champlain is now in the books for the 40th year.  Nearly 390 anglers, from 11 states and one Canadian province reeled in salmon, lake trout and walleye up and down the lake during the three-day tournament for cash prizes totaling more than $13,000.

While the weather was not the best during the three-day competition, Robert Swem, co-chair of the tournament, said the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh looks forward to seeing the anglers during this annual event.

“We always have a decent number of anglers from Vermont, New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts,” said Swem.” This year we even had participants from Georgia, Mississippi, and the Province of Quebec. The Rotary club thanks all of the anglers who come to fish and make this tournament possible.”

Top Results
In the Individual Competition, the first place fish in the Salmon division was caught by Maverick Payne of Bridport, VT 6 lb., 9.5 oz. It was weighed in Friday afternoon at the Essex Marina weigh station.

In the Lake Trout division, Peru, NY angler Dennis Mason took first place with his fish weighing in at 13 lb., 11.5 oz.. It was weighed in Friday morning at the Plattsburgh City Marina weigh station. Interestingly, Logan Heald of St. Albans, VT, took second and third place with his two trout weighing in at 13 lb., 0.0 oz. (Saturday a.m.) and 11 lb., 9.0 oz. (Sunday a.m.)

In the Walleye division, Jason Hutchins of Milton, VT, took first place with a 10 lb., 9.0 oz. fish weighed Friday morning at Apple Island Marina.

In the Team competition, team Last Place (composed of members Isaac Hutchins, Jason Hutchins, and Abigail Collins of Milton, VT), reeled in first place with 398.5313 points because of their combined 10 lb., 3.5 oz lake trout and 10 lb., 9.0 oz. walleye. There were 91 teams competing during the weekend competition.

In the Individual Competition, first-place fish netted anglers $1,1612.50 followed by $645.00 (second), $483.75 (third), $322.50 (fourth, and $161.25 (fifth). In the Team Competition, the first-place team received $2,350.00, second place ($705.00) and third ($470.00).

Thanks to Anglers, Rotarians, Businesses and Marinas
"It’s wonderful to see so many communities surrounding Lake Champlain supporting this event,” said Amanda Prescott, tournament co-chair. “Anglers, our Rotary volunteers, local businesses, and the staff at our fabulous marinas all band together to create a fun weekend of fishing across the Lake Champlain region. After 40 years, we’re grateful for everyone who helps keep this tradition going.”  

Swem said he received feedback from a number of anglers during the weekend about the tournament. “While we receive both negative and positive comments, we look forward to anglers’ observations so we can make this a successful tournament.” Swem said the committee will be emailing a survey about this year’s fishing classic to all anglers in the near future.

The Rotary Club of Plattsburgh would like to thank the following marinas for their continued support of the lake’s oldest fishing event and the earliest major local tournament of the season: Ferry Dock Marina (Burlington, VT), Apple Island Marina (Grand Isle, VT),  Plattsburgh City Marina (Plattsburgh, NY), Essex Marina (Essex NY), Indian Bay Marina (Willsboro PT, NY), and Bridgeview Harbour Marina (Port Henry, NY).

Supporters of the tournament include: 

The Rotary Club of Plattsburgh is dedicated to serving the local community through service projects, fundraising efforts, and events that support regional initiatives. Through longstanding traditions like the Plattsburgh Rotary International Fishing Classic, the organization continues to make a meaningful impact across the North Country.