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Bassmaster Elite Series returns to Waddington in 2017

Posted 6/26/16

WADDINGTON -- The Bassmaster Elite Series will return to one of its most popular venues in history, Waddington, in 2017. Elite Series tournaments at Waddington in 2013 and 2015 drew the largest …

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Bassmaster Elite Series returns to Waddington in 2017

Posted

WADDINGTON -- The Bassmaster Elite Series will return to one of its most popular venues in history, Waddington, in 2017.

Elite Series tournaments at Waddington in 2013 and 2015 drew the largest crowds in Elite Series history, with attendance exceeding 30,000 both years to the St. Lawrence River village, which has a permanent population of 996.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul made the announcement during a lunch following the “Governor’s Challenge” fishing tournament Saturday in Union Springs, in which she, other elected officials from New York and some of the biggest names in professional fishing participated.

“New York is proud to once again be hosting this premier tournament, telegraphing the world-class fishing opportunities available across our state,” said Hochul. “Year after year, Governor Cuomo has grown tourism to record levels, proving that the Empire State is second to none for year-round recreation.”

“New York State is proud to continue our partnership with B.A.S.S. and ensure this elite fishing tournament series remains in our waters,” Cuomo said. “From Lake Placid's fresh water, to the great St. Lawrence River and down to the Long Island coast, New York boasts world-class fishing experiences like none other, which makes this partnership a perfect fit. I encourage both New Yorkers and visitors to come and join the thousands of people who flock to Empire State waters every year and experience the 2017 Bassmasters first-hand.”

The Bassmaster Elite at Waddington will again feature a Governor’s Challenge, which is held annually to focus attention on the importance of fishing to New York’s tourism industry.

Elite Series tournaments have been alternating between Waddington and Union Springs since 2013, when Cuomo and I Love New York began recruiting the prestigious fishing events to highlight and promote the state’s many fishing and vacation opportunities.

“The support from Governor Cuomo and our partnership with I Love New York have enabled us to conduct some of our most successful and exciting Elite Series tournaments the past several years,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “In turn, through our media, including The Bassmasters TV program on ESPN2, we have been able to show the nation’s bass anglers the world-class fisheries available to them in New York. It is great to see a state that recognizes the value of sportfishing to its economy.

“We are thrilled that we will be able to take an Elite event back to Waddington, which is one of the most engaged and enthusiastic host communities we have ever had the fortune to work with. I know the Elite Series anglers will be especially glad to know that we’re going back to the St. Lawrence River.”

Reigning GEICO Bassmaster Classic champions Edwin Evers, who won the 2015 Bassmaster Elite at Waddington, and Brandon Palaniuk, the popular pro from Idaho who won in 2013.

Dates of the four-day tournament next year will be announced later, in conjunction with the full Bassmaster Elite Series schedule, Akin said.