Fishing News - 6/12/00
Allen Leeson wins first STS New York Qualifier and sets 'All-Time' Record
Despite pouring rain, contestants of the first Hoyt Lake Shorefishing Tournament Event persisted to set a new STS record of 42.59 kg for largest single catch in an STS event. This smashed the old record of 27.56 kg set by Karl Firstenhaupt on the Welland Canal last year.
The man responsible for rewriting the record was none other than Allen Leeson, from Lewiston New York, a member of the Niagara Fishing Tours Agency Team, and regular on the STS circuit. 'I had no idea just how productive this body of water was' stated Leeson, as he picked up his check and a handful of prizes including the SPIDERLINE Big Fish award for a 6.21 kg carp.
Amazingly enough Allen actually landed two more carp, one a 22 lder, only to have to release them because they had foul hooked themselves. It was a truly eye opening experience for all the competitors as the whole field literally watched an endless parade cruising the shallows all day long. 'It is almost unnatural to have such a huge concentration of fish in one spot' proclaimed tournament organizer Lonnie King.. 'As I walked the grounds throughout the day, I literally could not count of 20 paces without spotting a fish cruising within a few feet of the shoreline.
The main species were carp, goldfish, catfish and sunfish but had it been a little later in the season, Largemouth bass would have factored into the equation as well. More than just the wealth of fish was the beautiful setting and convenient access. Hoyt Lake is a beautiful area for shorefishing and there is little question that this will become a regular on the STS circuit.
There are still two more New York Qualifying Events this summer. July 16, 2000 - Hyde Park August 19, 2000 - Erie Canal (Tonawanda Creek) Regardless of the turnouts, 3 of the top contenders will be chosen to advance to the final.
For more information visit the Official STS Website at www.iaw.on.ca/~fishing or call 716-754-1606 for more details.
The STS Series is brought to you in part by Spiderline, Lindy Little Joe (the maker of Thill Floats), D&M Rods, Cory Trepanier's Line of Caught on Canvas Originals, and Shadowear Professional Rainwear.
