Fishing Contest 

Contest Rules

The PRSC fishing contest is a pretty simple affair, operating completely on the honor system. Awards are presented for the following categories:

  • Largest fish overall
  • Largest fish caught on the Potomac
  • Largest fish caught on the Shenandoah
  • Largest fish caught on the Rappahannock
  • Largest fish caught by a new member
  • Largest fish on a fly rod

Fish size is determined by length. You simply measure your fish before releasing it. Round measurements up to the nearest 1/2 inch based on 1/4 inch increments. For example, a fish measuring 19 1/4 inches should be reported as 19 1/2. A 19 1/8 inch fish would be 19.

  • Only PRSC members are eligible.
  • Only smallmouth bass are eligible.
  • Fish must be released to be eligible.
  • Contest begins Jan. 1 and ends Oct. 31.
  • Fish must be reported within one month of being caught.

Procedures for reporting fish are provided in The Buzz, the Club's newsletter. Winners are announced at the annual Club Night event, held in November.

Previous Year Contests and Results

Before 2008, the contest included awards for different sections of the river and also was based on total length of the best five fish caught in a single day.

2009 Results

Overall Biggest Fish: Jack Cook (James) - 22"
Biggest Fish on the Potomac: Randy Chandler - 20.5"
Biggest Fish on the Shenandoah: Josh Turner - 18.5"
Biggest Fish on the Rappahannock: Peter Pfotenhauer - 20"
Biggest Fish, Other River: Bill Pearl, Susquehanna - 21"
Biggest Fish Fly Fishing: Wayne Tate - 19.5"
Biggest Fish by a New Member: Wayne Grange - 17"

2008 Results

Overall Biggest Fish (tie): Fran Steinbouer and Bill Pearl: 22"
Biggest Fish on the Potomac (tie): Chris Looker and Jim Bullard - 21.5"
Biggest Fish on the Shenandoah: Boyd Post - 20"
Biggest Fish on the Rappahannock: Peter Pfotenhauer - 20"
Biggest Fish Fly Fishing: Harry Schiavone - 20.5"
Biggest Fish by a New Member: Wayne Tate - 19.5" (also taken on the fly)

2007 Results

Big Fish

Fly Fishing: Harry Schiavone 19.5”
Section I: Terry Cooney 19”
Section II: George Thurston 17.5”
Section III: Harry Schiavone 19.5”, Andrew Dickie, & Jack Cook 19.5”

Best 5 totals

Fly Fishing: Harry Schiavone 55”
Section I: Peter Pfotenhauer 75”
Section II: Jeff Kelble and 84”, George Thurston 84”
Section III: Jack Cook 81”

William Shriver Winner

Peter Pfotenhauer (two section total) 155”

Grover Cleveland Winner

George Thurston 21”