When it comes to rods and reels, Roscoe, N.Y. is the place to be.
At least that's the way online voters cast their ballots in World Fishing Network's contest to determine the top fishing spot in the U.S.
After anglers cast more than 1 million online votes at www.wfnfishingtown.com, Roscoe was picked as the "2011 WFN: World Fishing Network's Ultimate Fishing Town USA." Presented by Eagle Claw, the contest benefited from promotional support by Charter Communications, Knology and AT&T U-verse in select markets.
After more than 300 towns all across the country were nominated in March, a preliminary round of voting in April narrowed the field to 20 finalists. The competition quickly became a two-town tussle as Roscoe and Waddington, N.Y. traded places atop the leader board. In the end, Roscoe edged Waddington by a small margin.
Representatives from The Roscoe - Rockland Chamber of Commerce will receive a $25,000 donation to be used towards a fishing-related cause and 10 WaveSpin Reels at a local ceremony emceed by Mariko Izumi, host of WFN's popular travel show Hookin' Up. The town will also receive national recognition from the honor and have a feature produced about fishing in Roscoe to air on WFN.
"We are so proud and thrilled to receive the title of WFN Ultimate Fishing Town USA," said Elaine Fettig of The Roscoe - Rockland Chamber of Commerce, the group who spearheaded the town's efforts, in a statement. "This experience brought our community and the surrounding areas together -- from folks spreading the word about the contest; to the media speaking about it frequently; to business owners allowing staff to vote during the business day. We look forward to the opportunities this award will provide to Roscoe, and we thank WFN for bringing our community together in support of a common goal."
Roscoe, N.Y., also known as "Trout Town USA", is a small hamlet of about 600 people with a strong fishing history. Its choice natural setting, offers anglers five of America's top trout streams and numerous reservoirs and lakes. It is located approximately two hours from New York City, Connecticut and New Jersey at the gateway to the Catskill Park and surrounded by over 20,000 acres of State Forest Preserve.
"We commend all of the towns for their enthusiasm, passion and pride and wanting to invite anglers all across the U.S.A. to experience everything their town has to offer," noted Mark Rubinstein, president and CEO of World Fishing Network, "WFN's search for Ultimate Fishing Town was not just about finding the place to catch the most fish. As any angler will tell you, and as Roscoe proved, the people are just as important a factor. Roscoe's passionate angling community stepped-up to prove that their pride, passion and fishing are second to none."
As the runner-up, Waddington, N.Y. will be awarded $5,000 while the third place finisher, Baudette, MN will receive $2,500.
The Top 20 finalists in order of finish were:
Roscoe, NY
Waddington, NY
Baudette, MN
Gladstone, MI
Winthrop Harbor, IL
Seward, AK
Destin, FL
Kissimmee, FL
Homer, AK
Florence, AL
Boulder Junction, WI
Hartsel, CO
Annapolis, MD
Richmond Hill, GA
Bradford, PA
Bainbridge, GA
Gold Beach, OR
Zapata, TX
Denver, CO
Grand Isle, LA
