CONTACT: Jay Geer/James Chisum Tom Raftican
MGA, Inc. The Sportsfishing Conservancy
(562) 467-2020 (805) 895-3000




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANNUAL “HUMAN-POWERED”
FISHING TOURNAMENT ROUSING SUCCESS SAY ORGANIZERS

More Than 100 Anglers Participate In 1st
No Motor Fishing Tournament


CARPINTERIA, Calif. – Competition in California’s first “No-Motor” fishing tournament Saturday, September 26, came to a rousing conclusion on the county beach adjacent to Santa Claus Lane with a surf fisherman bringing in the winning score. Local angler Travis Magana, fishing from the beach tallied a winning combination of surfperch and corbina, beating out the kayak crew for first place and taking away a brand new Ocean Kayak. While “No Motor” participants enjoyed a hot dog and hamburger BBQ on the county beach, tournament director Pete Lapidus and California Fish and Game Commission vice-president Richard Rogers gave the more than 100 people present a pep talk, then handed out prizes to winners.
“I am a local resident and want to say that this “No Motor” event shows how fishing and conservation are compatible,” said Commissioner Rogers. Noting that proceeds from the event will go to local steelhead habitat restoration in addition to helping out the Carpinteria Salt Marsh, he added “ This is the an excellent example of fishermen taking care of our resources.” Rogers, an avid fisherman, then relayed a story about how recently he had caught an 8-pound corbina not far down the beach from the BBQ site.
“What made this so successful was everyone pulling together,” said tournament director and Carpinteria Sportfishing Club vice-president Pete Lapidus. He then added, “A special thanks goes to the Carpinteria Club along with Eric Rangel, owner of the Artful Angler for his awesome help making the event possible.” Pete also singled out Mark Olson of Ocean Kayaks, the Abel Reels team and PaddleSports for their help and support. Kudos were also given to Whitney Uyeda, the Santa Barbara Sportfishing Club, the Santa Barbara Fly Fishers and the Santa Barbara Bass Club.
“The No-Motor concept gets fishing back to basics and demonstrates the light impact that marine sportfishing can achieve,” said tournament organizer Tom Raftican. “It just goes to show that recreational anglers can enjoy an awesome day fishing and at the same time have a positive effect on the local habitat. The No-Motor Tournament is a big win for everyone.” He added, “We would be remiss not mentioning the incredible job that April Wakeman, Program Director for The Sportfishing Conservancy and Conservation Officer Jenny Armstrong did to make this event a success. They, along with SportCon’s “senior deputy” Bob Olinskas were key to putting this event on.”



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