Several hundred spectators gathered to watch the Bassmasters Elite tournament in Waddington get underway. North Country Now photo by Andy Gardner.

By ANDY GARDNER

WADDINGTON -- Anglers and spectators from near and far have descended on Waddington to try their luck for $100,000 in the Bassmaster Elite Evan Williams Bourbon Showdown.

“You can’t pass this up,” said Matt Greenblatt, a pro fisherman from Port St. Lucie, Fla. “This is one of the world’s most beautiful fisheries.”

Skeet Reese, one of Bassmaster’s top anglers, having earned over $2 million from fishing, said he thinks the derby will make the Waddington area a renowned fishing destination.

“I think we’re fixing to show the world what this place is capable of doing, I think there’s going to be a lot of big smallmouth caught,” Reese said shortly before launch time.

Many locals say they are thrilled that their hometown is hosting an event of such a magnitude, which Bassmaster Elite tournament director Chris Bose said was the largest of its kind to date.

“We’re really excited to see this thing come to Waddington, New York … we’re excited to see the town pick up,” said Michelle Weaver of Norwood. Her women’s a capella group opened the tourney by singing the American and Canadian national anthems.

Many, including Governor Andrew Cuomo, who made a quick speech in the morning before hitting the river to fish, say they think the event could be a big step in transforming the region. The event is being broadcast on ESPN 2 and the Outdoor Network.

“I just hope this year’s is successful and they’ll consider Waddington for next year’s,” Wayne Santamont of Waddington said.

The weekend is made possible by a large volunteer contingent, St. Lawrence County Emergency Services Director Joe Gilbert noted. They include fire police doing traffic control, setup crews, EMTs, firefighters, and the neon yellow-clad event staff.

“They volunteer their time … adjusting schedules, taking time off from work to come here for free and make sure everyone’s safe,” Gilbert said.

“Thank God for the volunteers,” Santamont added. “This has just been a dream come true for little old Waddington.”

“It looks like a professional spot … it’s really being done right,” Carl Burnham of Waddington said. “Tell them if they like what we did this time, we’ll do it better next year.”

Anglers fill the boat docks at Whittaker Park early Thursday morning waiting for the go-ahead to hit the river. North Country Now photo by Andy Gardner.