The catch, measure, and release tournament will pit members of the house against members of the senate. At stake is $1,000.00, which will go to the winning team's choice of charity. Last year, the victorious senate donated their proceeds to the "Hooked on Fishing" program. Presently, the series is tied 3-3.

The day will begin at 7:30 with a continental breakfast shoreside at the Birches Family Campground on Lake Cobbossee. The Birches Family Campground is located in Litchfield, just south of Augusta on Hardscrabble Road, just off of Route 126. Shortly thereafter, legislators will take to the waters in a boat with a captain provided by the Maine State Bass Federation.

Teams will fish through the morning, rain or shine, from 9:30 - 1:00 p.m. and once the fishing is complete, there will be a lunch, followed by an awards ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Governor Baldacci will present at the Birches from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. and will send out the boats and start the tournament at 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Martin will present the Governor's Cup trophy to the winners as soon as the scoring is completed. The cup currently resides outside the senate chamber in the state house.

The tournament is open to all in the legislature. While many of those participating have fished before, for some it is their first time.