BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. -- It is only in its second year, but the Northeast Regional Carp tournament draws hundreds of people. And local business owners couldn't be happier.
"No one ever thought of carp as being a money maker for local tourists, but it really is," said John Sunderhaft, the owner of Lock 24 Restaurant.
Wednesday was just the opening ceremony for the event, but the owner of Lock 24, which sits on the Seneca River, is already seeing an increase in visitors from last year. And he expects to be busy over the next three days as anglers fish non-stop for 50 consecutive hours to reel in the largest and as many carp as they can.
A great start to the summer fishing season.
"It's a very good economic boost for the time of year," said Sunderhaft.
Carp are known for living at the bottom of water, but they are bringing businesses to the top as hundreds of fishermen head to Baldwinsville for a carp fishing tournament. Our Nneka Nwosu has more.
Lock 24 is just one example of the economic impact this tournament has on the village. In fact, the mayor said the total impact is in the tens of thousands of dollars.
"The Red Mill Inn is booked solid for the next three days. All these folks come in a couple days early to eat dinner at our pubs and our restaurants. And it really exposes the village of Baldwinsville all over the globe, actually," said Baldwinsville Mayor Joe Saraceni.
The Seneca River is known for its abundant supply of carp, a bottom feeding fish. The mayor said Baldwinsville is now known as a "carp capital," a title the village wears proudly.
"With 32 teams last year, we caught over 25,000 pounds. There's articles all over the globe about Baldwinsville carp. So with 42 teams this year we're really looking forward to upping that catch," said Saraceni.
And of course, upping visitors and boosting business.
The tournament officially begins at 8:00 a.m. Thursday and 43 two-person teams from all over the world will compete for $10,000 to $15,000 in prize money.