FUDR One Bug Continues to Shine in its 12th Year

The annual FUDR One Bug once again kicked off the Upper Delaware River fishing and recreational season in grand style last weekend in Hancock, NY. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Russell and Lynn Bass for lending us the “old Louisville Slugger Bat Factory” on the west end of the village. Like they did last year, Dan and his hard-working crew transformed the classic old building into a warm and festive plastic-free gala.

There were many highlights throughout the evening – here are just a few:

• Rep. Antonio Delgado, our new NY Congressman and recent fly fishing convert, shared some of his thoughts on angling, river protection, and his commitment to helping the communities and people of NY’s Upper Delaware River region.
• Dan Plummer, long-time Chairman of the FUDR Board of Directors, received two standing ovations for his stalwart service and skillful leadership over the years as he prepares to hand over the organizational reins.
• Al Caucci, one of the most important pioneers of the Upper Delaware River fly fishing community and author of two seminal books on river insects was awarded the Anthony Resti “Best Friend” award for a lifetime of achievement dedicated to the protection and restoration of the river.

Other special guests in the room included Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited, Steve Hurst, NYSDEC Fisheries Chief, Jennifer Garigliano and Ira Stern from the NYCDEP, Jerry Vernold, Hancock Town Supervisor, Carol McGrath, Hancock Village Mayor, Laurie Ramie, Executive Director of the Upper Delaware Council, Sandra Meola, Director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, and Joy Oakes, Mid-Atlantic Director of the National Parks Conservation Association. 

To nobody’s surprise, our weekend anglers faced harsh weather conditions including snow and high water. Tough fishing has become one of the hallmarks of the One Bug weekend and we once again marveled at the optimism, heartiness, and “can-do” attitude of the guides and anglers that participated in the two-day event. Due to safety reasons, the main stem of the river below Hancock was not floatable so all One Bug anglers received “beats” in the East and West Branches. As always, skillful guides and experienced anglers made it work despite the multiple challenges of weather, river conditions, and tight spaces. 

So…drum roll please…here are the 2019 One Bug winners! 

“Big Fish” Award: 

Dan Plummer for his 23 1/4 inch Brown Trout caught on the Lower East Branch 

Top Guides:  1st Ryan Furtak
2nd Paul Kanaskie and Rick Watson (tie)
3rd Sam Decker

Top Individuals:
1st Dan Plummer
2nd Travis Conley
3rd Craig Bouslough

Top Teams:
1st Place tie – Caped Crusaders (Travis Conley and Alex Smith Constantine) and Team Mama Luke (Dan Plummer and JC Clark)
2nd Delaware Belles – Hyun Kounne and Kitty Stanton
3rd Featherchuckers – Tom Swavely and Paul Robino

“Squirrel” Award – (bestowed upon the guide who makes the most heroic rescue of a fly in peril) Anita Coulton

Hyde Drift Boat Winner – Bert Darrow!

There are just too many “thank you’s” and not enough space to name everybody who made this event so successful – from the advertisers in the program, the event sponsors, to the businesses that donate product for the event – none of it would be possible without all of you.

Also, a shout out to FUDR’s Sherri Resti Thomas who covers every detail, douses brush fires before they flare up, and makes everybody feel at home.

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