MILTON – For the second time in under a year, anglers vying for a title in the Bassmaster Kayak Series traveled to the Susquehanna River Valley for some quality time on the river. The Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau (SRVVB) was proud to sponsor and host the Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaser Kayak Series on July 27th and 28th.
Halfway through the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series held on the Susquehanna River in October of 2023, Kayak Tournament Director, Steve Owens announced that the competition would be returning to the “the smallmouth paradise that is the Susquehanna River” in July.
According to Owens, “There isn't another river in the country that can produce the level of fishing like the Susquehanna River does. It's such a beautiful place to spend time on.” Owens reported that 224 men and women from 32 different states were represented in the 2024 competition. During the two-day event, over 2,400 bass were submitted.
With a two-day total of 187.75 inches, Ewing Minor of Virginia won his first Kayak Series tournament. In Bassmaster post-competition press releases, he said that he believes the Susquehanna River is the best river in the country for fishing. Kristine Fischer of Nebraska reeled in a second-place finish with just a quarter inch shy of Minor’s total.
The event brought in competitors and their families from around the country and an estimated $100,000 in visitor spending to the regional economy. “We were thrilled to share the beauty and the bounty of the Susquehanna River with these fishing enthusiasts,” said SRVVB Member Services Director Judy Machesic. “I was excited to be part of the welcoming team at the tournament orientation. The atmosphere was fun and friendly, and you could tell how excited everyone was for a few great days on the river.”
Many of the competitors shared with the SRVVB team that they had been visiting the area for several days prior to the competition checking river conditions. Others mentioned that they visit the river valley four to five times a year to enjoy the fishing. “It really highlights how strong the Susquehanna River Valley is in outdoor recreation amenities,” Machesic commented. “We know how incredible our region is, but it is awesome to receive the validation of national recognition.”
