Waddington Chamber Hails State Law Allowing Anglers Three Rods
WADDINGTON - The small St. Lawrence riverfront community of Waddington NY - known as the place "Where the World Comes to Fish" - is rejoicing the news that New York State legislation affords recreational freshwater fishermen the ability to fish with an additional line on inland waters. The regulation which increased the line allowance from two to three was signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in mid-August and was implemented without delay.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the law will not change any fishing limits, including bag limits and size restrictions. Seasons and regulations related to ice fishing remain unchanged. Overall, this is great news for this fishing village which hosts a number of bass, walleye and carp tournaments throughout the year. This range of events from small derbies to global junior and pro-level competitions keeps the spotlight on the fishing friendly town year round.
"This is amazing news for Waddington," says Alicia Murphy Waddington Chamber of Commerce president. "We understand the spirit of the change will not to alter the fishery but could enhance the fishing experience by the anglers."
"Giving fishermen the advantage to catch fish, we hope will increase their satisfaction with the St. Lawrence River and our local fresh waters. In fact, all of St. Lawrence County should benefit with longer stays by those out-of-staters and their return trips in the future. This only benefits our restaurants, motels, stores, state parks and other businesses. We hope they catch their limit in Waddington and tell all of their friends back home."
New Jersey and Michigan have similar rod rules which are proving popular among leisure fishermen. In Canada, the Province of Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is more restrictive with a one-line regulation in most fishing scenarios.
Earlier this year, Waddington was the runner-up in the national World Fishing Network (WFN) Ultimate Fishing Town USA contest which heightened greatly the awareness of this community of less than one-thousand residents.
The village and township both have miles of waterfront with abundant fish of many species as well as quaint shops, quality restaurants, beautiful Coles Creek State Park and the friendliest people you'd ever want to meet.
