After a record number of votes were cast, Olcott Beach, New York topped the U.S. leader board, and Hastings, Ontario the Canadian Leader board, in WFN: World Fishing Network's Ultimate Fishing Town contest. Both towns will receive a $25,000 community donation to be used toward a fishing-related project, plus a fully produced feature story to be aired on WFN, the world's only television channel dedicated to fishing programming.
During the competition this spring, now in its third year, 505 towns in the U.S., and 261 in Caanda. Anglers from every state and province showed the world why their community is a great place to fish, creating a town wall where they could upload pictures, videos and tell great fishing tales to support their nomination. The hard work began May 1st, when the nomination phase came to a close, and the public voting phase began. For the entire month, the communities behind each nomination used all their resources with local news and social media to gain the support needed to drive them to the top. A total of 588,319 votes were cast.
"The enthusiasm and pride exhibited by anglers all across the U.S. and Canada has been phenomenal," said Mark Rubinstein, President and CEO of WFN. "Providing a platform to share community spirit and personal stories is what WFN's Ultimate Fishing Town 2012 was all about. We hope anglers all over the world discovered new fishing destinations to put on their travel list."
About Olcott Beach, NY
The hamlet of Olcott Beach, NY, situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, is in an enviable position in the fishing world. The port carries an excellent reputation for trout and salmon fishing - in the lake, off the piers and up 18 Mile Creek to Burt Dam, one of the top fishing destinations in the state. Burt Dam attracts up to 50,000 anglers each fall. Located just a half-hour from Niagara Falls, this is truly an ultimate fishing town year-round.
"Winning this contest means the world to us," said Timothy Horanburg, Supervisor for the Town of Newfane. "We know we have a world-class freshwater fishery, right here in our small community on Lake Ontario, and now, that word will spread with much more credibility coming from WFN. This contest has brought together local folks, charter fishermen from all across the nation, residents that have long since left the area, and a regional effort by our local schools, civic organizations, USA Niagara Tourism and many others, all for a common cause - pride in our community and region." Plans for the donation include maximizing the enhancement of their fisheries. They will be taking suggestions from some of the sportfishing professionals that they have in the region.
The leader board for the U.S. rounded out with Waddington, NY taking second place, and Cape Hatteras, NC coming in third.
About Hastings, ON
Hastings is a pretty village on the Trent River, close to the east end of Rice Lake, which boasts more fish per acre than any other lake in Ontario. Fishing is excellent for walleye, muskie, pike, catfish and pan fish. It is also home of the only road bridge in Canada from which anglers can cast a line.
"Winning WFN's Ultimate Fishing Town contest in Canada has meant so much to Hastings to promote fishing economic tourism, gain recognition of our small town, and has brought the community together more than any other initiative ever taken on by the Hastings community," said Hector Macmillan, Mayor for neighboring Trent Hills, ON. "Community members stood united along with our new friends in Olcott Beach, NY, the winners of Ultimate Fishing Town U.S., which has blossomed into a wonderful new relationship that will surely bring even more fruitful partnerships, and cross-border tourism. On behalf of Hastings, ON, I would like to personally thank WFN for this fantastic opportunity and venue that has brought our communities together, and solidified so much enthusiasm." The Mayor reported that a public consultation with the local angling community will be held to determine how the donation will be used, with some current suggestions being to make improvements to spawning beds, interpretive signage, shoreline enhancements, and sanctuary protection.
The leader board for the Canadian nominations rounded out with Port Colborne, ON came away with second, and Temagami, ON in third place.
Read more about WFN's 2012 Ultimate Fishing Town Competition