Special kayak fishing tournament to benefit Riverkeeper's HERYN youth fishing and kayaking program

John Oast of Fishyaker.com, Brian Swingle of Five Mountain Outfitters and the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (MSRKA) have teamed up to host a charity kayak fishing tournament on Saturday, June 12, 2021.

Proceeds from the tournament will go directly to cover the cost of new kayaks for the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's HERYN (Helping Engage our River's Youth with Nature) Program, a series of program days where young people are introduced to kayaking and fishing skills with a goal of inspiring a lifelong passion for our outdoor resources.

"There are so many educational, recreational and therapeutic benefits for kids who spend time outdoors -- and so many who go on to have careers in outdoor-related fields start with a cherished childhood memory of being out on the water," said John Zaktansky, who will be at the tournament to answer any questions about the MSRKA or its HERYN program. "We hope, through the HERYN Program, to provide those sort of memorable moments as catalysts for the next generation of river-based stewards."

Photos compliments of Joe Mulqueen

​Cost of the tournament is $40, and the event kicks off at 6:30 a.m. at the Shickshinny access along the North Branch of the Susquehanna so anglers can receive identifiers before fishing. The tournament is a Catch-Photo-Release (CPR) event. Submitted fish must be on an approved Hawg Trough or Ketch Board, with closed mouth and natural tail lay. Photographs to be reviewed at a 2 p.m. weigh-in.

"It's a single-longest-fish-wins tournament that's bass specific and must be from the river," said John Oast, one of the organizers. "Since it is a Catch-Photo-Release tournament, participants must have a cell phone or digital camera."

Local businesses and individuals that would like to get involved by donating prizes for this tournament, please contact Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky by email (midsusriver@gmail.com) or calling 570-768-6300.

For more details and updates, visit the tournament's Facebook event page.