WADDINGTON – The president of the Waddington Chamber of Commerce is disappointed that her community is now competing with Ogdensburg for the title of the World Fishing Network’s “Ultimate Fishing Town.”

“The sad thing is, we were really hoping for a regional approach,’ said Alicia Murphy.

The winning community will receive $25,000 and have a half-hour television show dedicated entirely to fishing in the town.

The nominations with photos and supporting entries, along with contest details, can be seen at www.wfnfishingtown.com/home.php. Nominations conclude April 8 and voting by viewers for the top fishing community begins April 12.

Locally, Waddington was the first nominated by the Waddington Chamber about ten days ago.

“Our intention, should we win, is not only to promote Waddington’s own abundant fishing opportunities, but to support the area, as a whole, by making donations to the various, area sportsmen’s clubs, as well as contributing funds to the county chamber’s FISHCAP project,” said Murphy. “We feel that the St. Lawrence River -- and our many smaller, local rivers, streams and tributaries -- offers unparallel, world-class fishing. But it’s Waddington that is the center-point for a vast number of our region’s tournaments and fishing events.”

Sen. Patty Ritchie even jumped on the bandwagon last weekend, urging her constituents to help Waddington “win the crown” by submitting additional photos, videos and essays from friends, family, co-workers, townspeople and fishing buddies. Those submissions are important to gaining votes, according to the contest rules.

Then, earlier this week, the City of Ogdensburg joined the fray after Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Curatolo nominated the city.

“Just a hundred yards off the Greenbelt you can catch a 40-pound muskie, a five pound bass or a 10-pound walleye. There are not too many places in the world where those kind of fishing conditions exist. We have that here in Ogdensburg,” said Curatolo. “We hope that the city and the surrounding area will come out in force to back our nomination as the ‘Ultimate Fishing Town USA.’”

As of 2 p.m. today, a total of 106 photos, 41 supporting entries and one video have been posted in support of Waddington’s nomination. Ogdensburg has three supporting entries, 11 photos and non videos posted. Massena has also been nominated, but it only has one supporting entry and one photo submitted.

“I was very much hoping for regional support for Waddington’s bid,” said Murphy

“People cross oceans and continents to come to Waddington to fish our waters. We boast more accessible, St. Lawrence River frontage than any community in St. Lawrence County; we have 10+ miles on the St. Lawrence, as well as another 25+ in smaller waterways,” she continued.

“In addition, we have five boat launches, handicapped access, and, of course, Coles Creek State Park. In the carp industry, Waddington has made a name for itself… particularly in Europe. Articles about Waddington pepper the many trade publications, and pictures of our ‘Welcome’ sign are popping up all over the Internet, with smiling anglers standing next to it.”

Here is Waddington’s nomination submitted to the WFN Ultimate Fishing Town contest:

WADDINGTON, NEW YORK…. WHERE THE WORLD COMES TO FISH.

WHERE IS WADDINGTON?

Situated in Northern New York, on the shores of the mighty St. Lawrence River, lies the sleepy little town of Waddington. Waddington is centrally located to many, major, international cities such as Syracuse, Albany, Burlington, Ottawa, and Montreal, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts for hundreds of miles around! The St. Lawrence River is often called “America’s Fourth Coast.” Within the St. Lawrence River lies a man-made lake (about 25 miles in length) called “Lake St. Lawrence.” Here, the waters are deep and the fish are plentiful. Waddington is considered, by most, to be the “crown jewel” of Lake St. Lawrence.

WATERS and FACILITIES.

Sharing an international border with Canada, Waddington boasts 10+ miles of accessible, St. Lawrence River frontage. Local streams and tributaries offer an additional 25+ miles of accessible fishing. In addition to its pristine waters, Waddington offers full facilities and amenities to its fishing community. From bait shops to restaurants, every angler’s needs may be met. Waddington is home to Cole’s Creek State Park and Coles Creek Marina, as well as five boat launches and handicapped fishing access, making its beautiful waterways convenient and accessible to everyone.

MULTI-SPECIES. EVERY SEASON.

Waddington is an angler’s paradise! Its waters are rich with species of all kinds, including: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Carp, Catfish, Bullhead, Perch, Sturgeon, Bluegill, Freshwater Drum, Sunfish, and Rock Bass. There are numerous, protected spawning grounds located within local waters. What’s more, the fishing in Waddington is four-season. There are tournaments nearly every month of the calendar. Tournaments in Waddington are always well-attended and are always rewarding for the angler!

CARP.

In the last ten years, the St. Lawrence River has become world renowned for its superior carp angling. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the St. Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament. Young anglers from across the map travel to the shores of the St. Lawrence River to learn the art of carp angling, and to compete for cash prizes; Waddington is its host community. In 2005, Waddington hosted the first ever North American locale for the World Carp Championship. Hundreds of anglers crossed oceans and continents to participate in this prestigious, global competition. And the world will come to Waddington to fish again this September, as Waddington plays host to the 2011 Carp Angling World Championship. Waddington is fast becoming recognized, world-wide, as the “World Carp Capital.”

WADDINGTON. THE ULTIMATE FISHING TOWN.

With its many miles of pristine waterfront, its vast array of species, its four-season fishing opportunities, and it’s growing, global recognition as an angler’s paradise, Waddington, New York is, without a doubt, The Ultimate Fishing Town. How would your town benefit from a $25,000 donation? What cause(s) do you think the money should go towards? Should Waddington win WFN’s “Ultimate Fishing Town” competition, funds would be used to further promote its fishing industry. The donation would go the Waddington Chamber of Commerce, which would then utilize and disseminated as equitably as possible for this purpose. Donations would be made to many, local sportsmen’s clubs that hold tournaments and events in Waddington, as well as to a growing, county-wide initiative called FishCap, whose purpose is to promote the local fishing industry. The Waddington Chamber of Commerce is the entity making this nomination.

HOW WOULD YOUR TOWN BENEFIT FROM A $25,000 DONATION? WHAT CAUSE(S) DO YOU THINK THE MONEY SHOULD GO TOWARDS?

Should Waddington win WFN’s “Ultimate Fishing Town” competition, funds would be used to further promote its fishing industry. The donation would go the Waddington Chamber of Commerce, which would then utilize and disseminated as equitably as possible for this purpose. Donations would be made to many, local sportsmen’s clubs that hold tournaments and events in Waddington, as well as to a growing, county-wide initiative called FishCap, whose purpose is to promote the local fishing industry. The Waddington Chamber of Commerce is the entity making this nomination.