Pounding on the Pocomoke Fishing Tournament

Snakehead Fish and Blue Cat are killing and displacing our native species! To educate the public on these invasive species and help get some out of the Pocomoke River, we are hosting a fishing tournament targeting these bad guys. Back at the weigh in, we will have music, food, beverages, and many local fisheries experts with all the scoop. Public is welcome to the weigh in! DEADLINE to register for tournament is Noon on June 21. CASH PRIZES for heaviest individual fish as well as total weight of haul. Calcuttas are for blue cat only!!!

***TO PURCHASE CALCUTTAS: Select "ADD ATTENDEE" 
***Total weight calcuttas require all anglers on the boat to purchase that calcutta***

Thank you to Coastal Home Care for being an Eradicator Sponsor and Dawn Accounting Services for being an Educator Sponsor.  Your support is appreciated.

SEEKING MORE SPONSORS!!

$500 - The Eradicator.  Logo included in all marketing and promos.  Table at weigh in party. Largest logo on gift dry bag for anglers.  Two promotional eblasts to use within the year.  One year ad space in our monthly e-newsletter. 4 angler registrations.
$400 - Bar Sponsor.  Logo included in all marketing and promos.  Logo on bar. Logo on gift dry bag for anglers.  Two promotional eblasts to use within the year.  4 angler registrations.
$300 - The Eliminator.  Logo included in all marketing and promos.  Table at weigh in party. Logo on gift dry bag for anglers.  One promotional eblast to use within the year.  3 angler registrations
$200 - The Educator.  Logo included in all marketing and promos.  Table at weigh in party.  Logo on gift dry bag for anglers. 2 angler registrations.


TOURNAMENT RULES

Registration & Eligibility:  You must register for the tournament no later than Friday, June 21, 2024 at 12 Noon.  All fees must accompany registration form.  Eligibility includes fishing from boat, surf, pier or bridge, see below for specific details.  Participants can register online at www.WorcesterCountyChamber.org or
registration forms can be obtained from the Worcester County Chamber office located at 11047 Racetrack Road in Ocean Pines. Forms mailed to same.
Targeted Species: Only Northern Snakehead Fish and Blue Catfish will be eligible for this event.  NOTE: while the Pocomoke River is full of blue catfish, there is debate as to whether or not snakehead fish currently exist in this river.  We include it for educational purposes but also to encourage targeting, should they be there.
Tackle Requirements: All fish must be landed using rod, and reel, hook and line ONLY. You must hook, fight, and land your own fish.
Where to Fish: Fish must be caught in the Pocomoke River.  You may fish from the shore, a pier, a kayak/canoe, or boat. You may launch from anywhere but weigh in is only at Byrd Park in Snow Hill no later than 4:00pm.  Please only use public areas or your own private property.  You are responsible for your own MD Fishing License and safty. 
Fishing Date and Time: Head out on your own, no captains meeting, no official start time or location other than lines not in water any earlier than 7am.  Lines out of the water no later than 3:00pm on Saturday, June 22, 2024.  Entries must be in weigh in line or weighed in no later than 4pm at Byrd Park in Snow Hill.
Weigh-In: Weigh-In will be from 12:00pm until 4:00pm in Byrd Park in Snow Hill.  Prizes will be awarded
immediately following the last weigh in.  In the case of a tie in weight of an individual fish, the length will determine the winner.  Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for heaviest fish and 1st place for most poundage minus heaviest fish entry.  Separate prize category for junior angler (13 and under) for heaviest individual fish.
Small samples may be taken from fish (after weighing) for research purposes and you will be asked location of catch.  However, fishing spot locations will not be shared with the public.
Calcuttas: Calcuttas are NOT included in any sponsorships or registration.  Three calcuttas are available, combined weight of snakehead fish, combined weight of blue catfish, and heaviest blue catfish. The heaviest individual bluecat calcutta is for it’s catcher.  The string weight calcuttas can be per boat.  In the event that no snakehead fish are weighed in, the unwon calcutta entry money will be evenly distributed among the other calcuttas. 
Regulations: Anglers must comply with all Federal and State of Maryland laws concerning boating,
trespassing, safety, etc. Any size northern snakehead fish or blue catfish are acceptable, no catch limit.
NOTE:
1) All fish will be subject to any examination judges feel appropriate for the integrity of the tournament.
2) Violations of the tournament rules shall constitute grounds for disqualification.
3) Judges shall rule on any violations.  The decision of the judges shall be final.
4) ENTRY FEE AND CALCUTTA BUY IN ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
5) Tournament is rain or shine (exception: may be rescheduled if Hurricane forecasted)