Posted on May 04 2021
The FUDR One Bug fly fishing event is a much-anticipated rite of spring each year on the UDR tailwaters. Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, 23 teams and guides expertly navigated the high waters of the West Branch and the Main Stem this weekend and another successful One Bug is in the books!
The One Bug is the symbolic launch of the UDR fishing season, it reunites old friends, fosters new comradery on the river, raises conservation awareness, and helps support the local economy.
Many One Bug participants and interested observers are unaware of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the One Bug. Our One Bug Committee comprised of staff, Board members, and a supporting cast of UDR angling veterans begins its planning work in earnest almost immediately following the prior year’s event.
As always, my deepest appreciation is extended to Sherri Resti-Thomas who carefully knits together all of the One Bug detail work that always makes the event a shining success. This year she got some stellar support from Molly Oliver and Richelle Dufton who is FUDR’s newest employee.
As FUDR Chairman Craig Bouslough noted in his comments at Sunday night’s awards dinner held at the West Branch Angler, the 2021 event was bittersweet because it was Dan Plummer’s last One Bug as an FUDR Board member. After 15 years, Dan will be stepping down from the board this spring. As many of you know, Dan served for many years as Board Chairman and is widely recognized as the heart and soul of the organization in its formative years and a powerful force in making the organization what it is today. Thank you, Dan! We know you will remain close to the organization and hope to see your team entered in all future One Bugs!
There are so many people I wish I could single out for their invaluable contributions to the success of the 2021 One Bug. Of significant note are our local Hancock businesses that go out of their way to make special preparations for the guides and anglers. They include the Camptons, Circle E Diner, Little Italy, West Branch Angler/River Run Restaurant, Signs, Inc., Hancock House Hotel, and Riverside Café. We also want to thank our awesome guides – we couldn’t do it with out them!
We also had five alumni from our FUDR/Canfield kids fly fishing camp participate in the One Bug this year! Congratulations to Grant, Cole, Steven, Ricky, and Jack – our next generation of river stewards and expert anglers!
And finally, a drumroll please for the 2021 One Bug Award Winners. Congratulations to all!
Top Teams:
1st Simms/Costa: Rex Messing and Steven Spurgeon, 1010 points
2nd Currently Sober – Joe Cusato and Eric Hirschberg, 930 points
3rd Kyped Crusaders – Travis Conley and Alex Smith Constantine, 830 points
Top Individuals:
1st Steve Spurgeon 580
2nd Travis Conley 550
3rd Joe Cusato 510
Top Guides:
1st Darren Rist
2nd Luc Genovese
3rd Ryan Furtak
Squirrel Award (most heroic rescue of a fly in peril) : Jared Mink
Biggest Fish: Jiri Hill 22” Brown on a streamer
For all scores – click this link
Early Holiday Shopping Alert! Mark your calendars for our One Bug virtual auction September 6-20!
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