AnglerCatch To Run 2024 RI Tog Classic

AnglerCatch, the fishing app called, “a fisheries logbook with a purpose,” has announced it is hosting the 2024 RI Tog Classic tournament date. The creation of Crafty One Customs owner Ralph Craft, the Tog Classic has grown to be one of the most anticipated and celebrated fishing tournaments in the East. Ralph will be the Tournament Director while AnglerCatch works with RI Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association to continue the tradition. Everyone behind the scenes is working to make this year the best Tourney ever and are proud to announce the date: Sunday, October 13, 2024.

A wide and toothy ‘tog grin

Ralph created the fishing tournament with a conscience to share his love of fishing, to bring people together and, most significantly, to promote the conservation of tautog. Rhode Island is blessed to have a healthy blackfish population suppported by a large group of anglers who understand their importance to fishers, the overall ecology, and the economies who depend of healthy recreational and commercial stocks. What Ralph has done for years, as he does in his proudly Veteran owned and operated Portsmouth, RI store, was remind us that money isn’t the driver, that long visions are the clearest and that we can all have fun while respecting the natural world. The RI Tog Classic is all that and with the addition of AnglerCatch, a brillilant opportunity to gain information, in real time, about these important fishes.

Conservation, AnglerCatch,Tautog and A Big Party

AnglerCatch is the creation of Bill Spain and Fran Karp, founders of Harbor Light Software. Over different platforms and technologies, Harbor Light facilitates the collection of fisheries data, much of which can be used by regulators to create or amend fisheries regulations. In their words, “AnglerCatch is the ultimate mobile app for anglers, designed to enhance your fishing experience while contributing to the greater good of fisheries management. By logging your catches with AnglerCatch, you’re helping scientists and managers make informed decisions to protect and sustain fish populations for future generations.” Pencil and paper are fine for some but this app is a tool for recreational anglers interested in sharing information about catches, releases and harvests. The app turns a fun day on the water into a “Smart Fishing Experience.”

Rosie and Hugh, weighing a tog in 2022

In classic Ralph style, the Tournament is followed by a big party at the Portuguese American Club, 35 Power Street in Portsmouth. Anglers have travelled from as far away as California and ten other states to fish Rhode Island waters. Last year, over $50,000 in raffle prizes were given away and cash prizes totaling over $25,000 were distributed to the more than 800 participants. The Club’s upstairs was stuffed with prizes including rods, reels, coolers, and charter trips.  This year, AnglerCatch is promising plenty of prizes for categories including largest tautog and most creative selfie. Because Ralph is the man, the whole deal is family friendly. You may recall the 2022 tourney when an eight year old girl named Rosie walked across the stage with a hefty blackfish in her hands. The more young anglers get introduced to fishing and conservation, the better we and our waters will be.

Crafty One Customs

2024 Tog Classic

Plans are in motion for another solid day and more details are being added every week. The updated website,  www.ritogclassic.com will be live shortly, registration will open soon and hundreds of people of all ages will start making plans and bets on catches for the 2024 Rhode Island Tog Classic. It’s time to make your plans. 

For more information, visit www.ritogclassic.com or contact AnglerCatch at 1-800-548-0670.