North Country reaps benefits from MLF tournaments
The lake's biggest fishing tournament brings over 400 competitors to the region, boosting business
The lake's biggest fishing tournament brings over 400 competitors to the region, boosting business
The lake's biggest fishing tournament brings over 400 competitors to the region, boosting business
The area's biggest fishing tournament is wrapping up its three-day series in Plattsburgh. While the winners are trying to reel in a $85,000 cash prize, everyone wins when the pro circuit comes to the North Country.
"It's just a beautiful place, you can't beat a northern lake," said Timmy, the co-angler champion.
It's the last time that contestants in the pro and co-angler division headed out on the waters of Lake Champlain to see who could reel in the biggest haul of bass.
The event reels in over 400 contestants from all across the country, helping drive up business across the area.
"It's always wonderful to have the tournaments in the area, it brings this huge economic impact for the community," said Kristy Kennedy, the vice president of marketing and business development at the North Country City of Commerce. " Our local business, everything from hotels to campgrounds to our marinas to our convenience stores, even some of our boat repair stations as they need equipment and help as well."
The Toyota Series is the biggest fishing tournament on the lake and many anglers say it’s one of their favorite spots to compete.
"Just the amount of numbers and big fish, and you know it's an awesome view when you're out fishing, you've got the mountains and the big lake, just overall a great place," said Carter Wijangco, Co-Angler division.
"Plattsburgh did it well," said Timmy. "They have a great facility here, they've got the Naked Turtle here, it's just a beautiful place you can't beat it."
Some of the longtime contestants even bought property in the North Country.
"We have seen anglers buying property on the lake and wanting to be in the community," said Kennedy. "We've seen anglers rent campsites for the year and have seasonals and come year after year."