Eighth Annual Chicago Carp Classic

September 28-30, 2001

 

Mark your calendar and start saving your pennies for gas money because the Big Event is coming soon. The Chicago Carp Classic will attract the top carp anglers from across North America and a few of the best from overseas. This is your chance to meet with and compete against some of the finest carpers in the world.

 

There has been one very major change for this year; we have moved the competition fishing from the Chicago River to the Des Plaines River in Joliet, Illinois. The demolition and reconstruction of Wacker Drive, the double-decker roadway along the Chicago River, has forced the relocation of tour boats into the stretch of the river we have fished in the past. This has greatly reduced the available space and, rather than reduce the number of anglers, we have moved to Joliet.

 

The City of Joliet is providing a fabulous venue. We will have the use of both sides of the big river (2-3 times as wide as the Chicago River), free and abundant parking is available within a few yards of the river, there are few obstructions – only a low chain fence along the bank, Joliet is providing many Porta-Potties, boat traffic is very light and the size distribution of fish is about the same as the Chicago River. All in all, it is a top quality site, less than an hour from Chicago but a much different atmosphere. Plus, there is a Riverboat Casino right across the river.

 

The events comprising the Classic will run over three days. We start with a Welcome Party and Maize Boil hosted by Wacker Baits on Thursday (Sept. 27) evening. Friday will be demonstrations and recreational fishing on the Chicago River at Ping Tom Park near Chicago’s Chinatown. Friday evening will be the CAG Annual Meeting and sale of new and used carp tackle and bait. Saturday, we will travel to Joliet for the competition that will run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Sunday we return to Chicago for the Lake Michigan Carp Challenge.

 

There are a good number of modestly priced motels in the Joliet area but there is a race the same weekend as the Classic and rooms will fill up fast. You are urged to make reservations immediately. A few phone calls or a search on the Internet will turn up many more possibilities but here are a couple along with estimated rates:

Holiday Inn Express, 411 S Larkin, Joliet, 815-729-2000 (under $70)

Fairfield Inn, 3239 Norman Ave., Joliet, 815-436-6577 (under $70)

Comfort Inn, 135 S Larkin Ave., Joliet, 815-744-1770 (under $90)

Bel-Air Motel, 1103 Plainfield Road, Joliet, 815-723-8340 (under $50).

 

Registration for the Classic is $30, payable to CAG at P.O. Box 69, Groveland, IL 61535. Register early and get a motel room reserved at once. We will have great prizes, great anglers and an all around rockin’ good time. Any questions, ask Paul Pezalla at 708-386-0603 or paul@wackerbaits.com.