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Carp Day at River Bend Farm Visitor Center

10:32 AM Mon, Aug 24, 2009 | Permalink
By Tom Meade

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Erik Grubb 17.JPG

Erik Grubb releases a 17-pounder

For the past seven years, River Bend Farm Visitor Center in Uxbridge has been the site of the Annual Carp Fish and Fun Day. This year's event will take place on Sunday, Sept.13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to anglers of all ages and experience.

According to Erik Grubb, volunteer with the National Park Service VIP Program and founder of Blackstone Carp, "Carp fishing is more challenging than you may think. It is beginning to gain popularity in the US, and is really big in Europe. Many first time carp anglers are surprised by the size and power of these fish, being that the smallest ones caught are often over 4 pounds, and fish in the 8-20 pound range are common in the Blackstone. Our state record right now sits at just over 44 pounds. If that doesn't get you excited I don't know what will."

Grubb said, "A limited number of rental (at no cost) poles will be available, [but] we suggest bringing your own if you can. Materials and instructions to make special bait rigs will be provided. A variety of standard baits will be on hand as well, but you can always bring a secret recipe along. Experienced anglers will be on hand to assist and demonstrate techniques. An award certificate will be given to each person who catches a carp."

Prizes will be awarded at the end of the event in a variety of categories, including largest carp caught, most carp caught, oldest person to catch a carp, youngest person to catch a carp, and the staff favorite, Ranger's Choice Award. "Above all, this is a fun and friendly derby where all peoples interested in fishing can get together and catch some good fish."

To get there from Rte. 146, take the Uxbridge exit for Rte. 16. Turn onto Rte. 16 east. Drive two miles to the traffic lights, and turn left on Rte. 122 north. Drive 1.25 miles, and turn right at the traffic light onto Hartford Ave. In one mile, turn right on Oak Street at the UMass Memorial Tri-River Family Health Center. The visitor center is just down the road in the red barn on the left.