June 2000
Greetings Angler,
This is your official invitation to the 3rd Annual River Romp and the Western Pennsylvania CAG 2000 Fish-In. If you were at River Romp either of the past two years, then you have a pretty good idea what goes on but for 2000 there have been some changes. And if you have not been here before, then you'll want all the details. So here goes
River Romp is a festival celebrating the Allegheny River in the historic Oil Heritage Region of Pennsylvania (roughly Oil City to Emlenton). Things start happening Friday evening and continue through Sunday afternoon, including concerts, a triathlon, canoe races, historic re-enactors, Family Day activities, Frog Jumping, State Championship Stone Skipping Contest, jet boat rides, and Art/Music Festival. The complete brochure of events will be out soon. Bring your family and tell your friends about it.
But equally importantly for you is the angling. The 24-hour Mr. Whiskers Derby and the 7-hour Bankfishing Carp Tournament will return for 2000. Plus, this year, PA Carp Anglers Group Chairman John McKean has named River Romp the official Western PA CAG Fish-In. This is all blended together in one of the largest and most exciting weekends of fishing you can find anywhere. You can come just for the Fish-In. Or, if you choose, participate in one of the angling contests. The application and complete rules for the angling contests are included in this package.
This year the city of Oil City has granted approval for use of the "Beach" area starting Friday night. This means the gate will be open and you may drive vehicles right down to the Beach area. Sleeping in cars or in slumber chairs will be permitted through the night. Small cooking fires or Coleman stoves will be permitted. However, the city does not want this area to become a campground with tents pitched. Umbrellas and lean-to shelters along the shore are okay -- just no tents or formal campsites. (Campgrounds and hotels are nearby see the contest brochure or check www.riverromp.com. By the way, the Regi Motel on Rt. 62 is now a Super 8)
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Marina and Beach area by city ordinance. Any one violating this places our continued use of the site in jeopardy. City police routinely patrol this area.
The city also has acquired more river shoreline so more anglers can be accommodated for Fish-In and Bankfishing Tournament. Be prepared for areas of weedy water near shore again this year, as well as "floaters". The additional city shoreline will likely have even thicker aquatic weeds.
The Fish-In is a very informal get together. Arrive when you are able and depart when you wish. The headquarters will be the "Beach" area of the Oil City Marina. You can fish the Oil City Marina and Beach area, or you can explore other river sites. However, we do ask that you register at the Beach whenever you arrive. If you would like to keep a running list of the carp you catch during the weekend and then turn in the list by 2 PM on Sunday, at 3 PM we will have a special prize to the individual catching the most carp. (This is simply an informal "count" and is different from the official fishing contests which have entry fees and provide cash awards.)
Check the enclosed flyer for contest information. Here is the schedule of events for the Fish-In:
Friday, September 15
5:00 PM Gate to Beach Area will be opened. Arrive at leisure. If you wish, sign up for Mr. Whiskers Derby by 8 PM. Usually a good carp bite in evening.
8:00 PM Hog Dog Roast and Corn Boil. Oil Heritage Region will furnish hot dogs, buns and beverage. Fish all night if you wish.
Saturday, September 16
7:00 AM Usually a good morning bite this time of year short but intense.
9:00 AM Informal "how-to" & "what's new" clinic; anyone can contribute.
Continue fishing, or enjoy other River Romp activities down river at Franklin.
7:00 PM Last chance to have catfish or carp measured for Mr. Whiskers Derby.
8:00 PM Informal dinner at Hoss' Steak House. Dutch treat.
Fish through the night if you wish.
Sunday, September 17
7:00 AM to 2:00 PM Exclusive use of "Beach" area shoreline for Bankfishing Carp Tournament. If not in tournament, you may continue fishing elsewhere.
3:00 PM Awards given out for Mr. Whiskers Derby, Bankfishing Carp Tournament and Fish-In King or Queen crowned.
For map of area and schedule, check web site at www.riverromp.com. For question on fishing specifics, call Darl Black at 814-425-8011. For lodging list, contest applications, or other River Romp info, call Oil Heritage Region, Inc, Phone 800-483-6264, ext. 21; or email request to oilheritage@usachoice.net. River Romp is coordinated by Oil Heritage Region, POB 128, Oil City, PA 16301-0128.
P.S. River Romp will hold a two-person bass tournament on the Allegheny River, Saturday, September 2, 2000. Call for an application.
