BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The recent Major League Fishing Toyota Series tournament held at the Massena Intake generated an economic impact of over $1 million, according to an economic impact analysis by MLF officials. 

Town of Massena grant writer Linda McQuinn provided an update on the analysis during the August board meeting, telling board members the most recent tournament had one of the largest impacts to date. With 150 boaters and 150 co-anglers, the recent Toyota Series had one of the largest turnouts of any event, with 325 family members, special guests and press members attending the event, according to the MLF report. A total of 689 people attended the event, not including spectators. 

Accommodation expenditures came in at $107,015, with over $186,000 spent on food locally, the report states. 

"When these tournaments come to Massena, they stay in the local community, they shop locally and they support our businesses," McQuinn told board members. 

With anglers spending an average of six days on the water, fuel expenses hit $137,500, with total miscellaneous expenses reaching $218,300, according to the report. 

Total economic impact with a 1.5 time turnover led to a $973,268 economic impact, buoyed by $192,000 in total media value, bringing the total economic impact to $1,165,268. 

McQuinn told board members that MLF staff have said the St. Lawrence River and events held in Massena are "the darling of places to fish around the country." 

"Given the impressive weights that were brought into the Massena Intake during these events, MLF staff have indicated that they will most likely grow their membership numbers by at least 20% over the next year," she said. 

She said anglers want to visit Massena to "fish the best fishery that has been proven to attract great numbers" due to the size of the fish. 

Sport fishing director Don Meissner said in many cases anglers stay for weeks before and after tournaments. 

"We've seen a number of anglers come and stay the summer. They bring their families and will stay for weeks. Some have even purchased property or are looking at properties. Massena has a huge impact on them when they come here," Meissner said. 

McQuinn said the town will be able to carry the momentum into 2026, with a full slate of tournaments already in the works. 

"We have already begun scheduling with the BFL event, the Toyota Series, the Cashion Rods tour and with the National Professional Fishing League coming back. We also will host our own Big Bass Blowout, which was a huge success thanks to our sponsors and the local organizations that participated," she said. 

Meissner and McQuinn alike praised the volunteers for their efforts in pulling off the numerous events, saying the donation of time and their efforts shutting anglers, staff and families with golf carts was a significant help. 

"Without their help, this isn't remotely possible. They are dedicated to what we have done and these events only run as smoothly as they do because of their help," Meissner said. 

Help St. Lawrence County Stay Connected!

We’re glad you read this article reported by the staff of NorthCountryNow.com.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider subscribing to ensure you have full access to all the news and info about St. Lawrence County.

Your subscriptions make it possible for us to provide trustworthy local news, promote our many community events, and encourage community dialogue.

Please click here to subscribe today!