BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Major League Fishing was in town once again, bringing with them over 300 anglers and fans from across the region.

Town officials say they hope the influx of tourism will be an economic booster, with competitors and fans staying in local hotels and Airbnbs, eating at local restaurants and hopefully visiting local businesses.

Town Council Member Adrian Taraska said it was his belief that area businesses could greatly benefit from participating in the tournaments. But it's up to them to reach out and let it be known they want to take part.

“There’s going to be 320 anglers out there that are going to be spending money somewhere. I really would like the businesses of Massena, if they want these guys to come to their business, to approach Don or me or Jason (Hendricks) to help them be successful in what they’re doing here,” Taraska said.

In the case of Fahrenheit Bar and Grill, the business has offered 300 free drink chips to be distributed to anglers.

Taraska said efforts like that are simple ways to drive business to local businesses.

“We’re doing everything we can to bring the people in. Now, we need help promoting your business, and it’s free. We’re not charging anything. So, if you want to get involved, call Jason or Don or me and let us know that you want to be involved, and we’ll see what we can do for you," Taraska said.

Town grant writer Linda McQuinn echoed the sentiment during her monthly report, telling board members that the tournaments bring in significant numbers of competitors and fans alike.  

For the Toyota Series tournament, 159 boats with 318 anglers began the tournament, competing to avoid elimination after day 2. Day three would be contested between the top 25 pro anglers and their co-anglers, McQuinn said.

Massena Sports-Fishing Promotion Director Don Meissner was unable to attend the meeting due to commitments related to the tournament registration meeting that occurred that evening.

Meissner told NCTW the event has grown even larger this year, with more anglers involved, more vendors and more local businesses offering support.

"It has really been incredible to see the whole community pull together for these tournaments and to see so many people coming to the intake to see if for themselves," he said.

Meissner said he heard from many anglers personally how much they enjoyed coming to Massena.

"It's not just about the area or the fishing. It's also about the local businesses, the people they meet. So many of them have told me they were shocked how nice everyone is and how helpful they have been. Everywhere they go they meet great people who are excited to have them here," he said.

Meissner said the event is an economic opportunity not just for the Massena, but for the North Country as a whole.

"They stay in surrounding towns too. They eat at local restaurants. They shop at local shops. It's just a great way to give the local economy a boost and bring some of the best bass fishermen in the world to the best bass fishery in the world," he said.