Albany, NY - August 11, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the #IFISHNY Challenge, a Statewide fishing contest that calls upon anglers to show off their prize largemouth and striped bass catches by using the New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife app. The Challenge runs August 11 through Labor Day, September 1, and winners will be announced during the first week of September.
“The #IFISHNY Challenge is a great way to showcase some of the best fishing in the country – right here in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “The New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App immerses nature-lovers in all-things-outdoors, inviting anglers of all ages and skill levels to enter the Challenge. Once you fish in New York, you’ll be hooked.”
DEC will provide one free lifetime fishing license to be awarded for the longest largemouth bass and one for the longest striped bass caught and properly submitted to the Challenge. Runners-up in each of DEC’s seven Watchable Wildlife Regions throughout the State (Long Island, New York City, Catskills, Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Central New York and Western New York) will be awarded other prizes, including a B.A.S.S. Gift Basket with a year’s subscription to Bassmaster Magazine, Taste NY Gift Baskets, DEC Watchable Wildlife Guides and Conservationist magazine subscriptions, lift tickets valid at Gore, Whiteface or Belleayre Mountains and even more prizes to be announced. All prizes are subject to the terms, conditions, and procedures in the Official Rules found here.
“Largemouth and striped bass are two of New York’s most popular game fish,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “Using the Trophy Case feature in our New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App, we invite anglers to help us showcase the world-class game fishing available in New York State and have some fast-paced fun in the process.”
Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S., said, “The #IFISHNY Challenge is an innovative contest, and B.A.S.S. applauds this initiative to combine social media and fishing as a way of introducing new anglers to a sport so many of us have come to enjoy. New York has some of the richest lakes and streams for fishing in the Northeast, and we are proud to support Governor Cuomo’s efforts to illuminate them this summer.”
Jason Kemper, Chairman of the Conversation Fund Advisory Board, said, “This Challenge is a perfect way to encourage responsible fishing and engage anglers in all parts of New York in learning more about the State’s expansive natural beauty. I thank Governor Cuomo and the Department of Environmental Conversation for hosting the Challenge, and wish all of the participants good luck.”
DEC developed the free New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife mobile app in partnership with Parks By Nature Network at no cost to the State. The app provides up-to-date information on fishing, hunting, wildlife watching and other outdoor adventure opportunities in New York State and gives both novice and seasoned outdoorsmen and women essential information in the palm of their hand. The app was released in May and is available for use on iOS and Android devices; users can download it from the State’s mobile app webpage here.
Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative works to improve recreational activities for resident and visiting sportsmen and sportswomen and boosts tourism throughout the State. This initiative includes streamlining fishing and hunting licensing, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing at various sites across the State, stocking as much as 900,000 pounds of fish, providing free fishing events and enabling many more New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time. The initiative also increases hunting and other activities across the State by providing funding to support land and water access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing State and easement lands that have not reached their full potential. Through these efforts, New York has become a premier destination for bass fishing tournaments at the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, Lake Champlain and Oneida Lake.