With due respects to Ecclesiastes, there is something new under the sun: The inaugural Maine Saltwater Kayak Fishing Tournament is scheduled for this weekend on the New Meadows, Kennebec and Sheepscot rivers.

It's strictly catch-and-release, and prizes will be awarded for stripers, bluefish and mackerel. Verification is via tape measure and photos.

Scott Shea, owner of Seaspray Kayaking in West Bath, is the founding fisherman behind the inaugural Maine Saltwater Kayak Fishing Tournament, scheduled for this weekend. Scott is shown here at last April's Maine Sportsman's Show.
ALL PHOTOS SCOTT ANDREWS

The driving force is Scott Shea, owner of Seaspray Kayaking. Captains meet Friday evening and the actual competitive fishing takes place Saturday and Sunday.

Click here to visit the tournament's own website. It's got the rules, registratation forms etc.

Seaspray is located on the New Meadows itself, and Scott has rental boats available at minimal cost to tournament participants. His shop can also outfit boats for fishing, with rod holders etc. Call 888-349-7772.

The New Meadows is very well sheltered and boasts numerous attractive islands. It's definitely one of my favorite places to kayak. Here are two photos I took on a paddle-and-picnic outing last summer.

Nadya Pearson of Portland paddles in the New Meadows River last summer.

The New Meadows River boasts many attractive islands. Nadya prepares to land on one last summer.

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