| 2011 winner ANGELO CONTI |
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2nd Annual NJ FLY FISHERMAN of the YEAR and New Jersey Trout Unlimited 40th Anniversary was held on November 12th. 10 T.U. Chapters and two watershed associations were represented. The contestants
were:
Fredy DeLeon - Ridge and Valley Chapter
Jeff Kurt - Raritan Valley
Paul Reithmeir
- East Jersey T.U.
Warren Weglinski - Northern T.U.
Bob Powel - Ray Nearly T.U.
Bill Silva -
Ken Lockwood T.U.
Bill Kibler - Upper Raritan Watershed Association
Bob Simpson - Jersey Shore T.U.
Angelo
Conti - Ernest Schweibert T.U.
Lou Digena - Central Jersey T.U.
Mike Appello - Rahway River T.U.
Stewart
Shafron - Musconetcong Watershed Association
The crisp day began in the morning mists
with check-in, hot coffee, and some rules orientation. The morning rounds consisted of two fishing sessions and two
bye's cutting the contestants to three for the afternoon finals. Angelo Conti, Warren Weglinski, and Lou Degena battled
it out until a few minutes before the bell with ANGELO CONTI taking top honors. There was a serious amount of talent
in the waters of the South Branch for this event. Thoughtful fly selections, multiple styles and plenty of river stewardship was
evident all day long. The fellowship grew into the eventings banquet and celebration of NJ TU's 40th Anniversary.
Check out the video of the day at:
Check out NJ Trout Unlimited here:
The 2010 Flyfisherman of the Year ~ Bill Silvia-
Representing the Ken Lockwood Chapter of Trout Unlimited
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| Bill Silvia recieves a HARDY fly reel from Jim Holland of Shannons Fly and Tackle |
New Jersey’s first Annual NJ Fly Fisherman of the Year contest.
The One-Fly contest took place on November 6, 2010 at the Raritan Inn Bed & Breakfast, Califon, NJ. The Inn showcases nearly a mile of private
waters on the South Branch of the Raritan River. A fully restored 1850’s barn housed the Traditional
Angler Day and a presentation dinner.
Each NJ Trout Unlimited chapter and three Watershed
Associations - Upper Raritan, Musconetcong and So. Branch - were invited to select one member each to participate.
The 13 participants had a beautiful day on the river. A tough battle in the qualifying rounds identified three finalists
for the afternoon. Bart Lombardo of Central Jersey was the most exciting fisherman of the day working a crayfish pattern with
lots of fish on and garnered a slot in the finals. Keith Bologno representing the Uppper Raritan Watershed was a focused and
skilled vaccum in the waters catching lots with a crafty selection of an emerger fly pattern. Bill Silvia landed
in the finals with an 18" rainbow in the final minutes. After a hearty lunch the three hit the waters with
a fanfare and audience on the banks. As the finals wound down Keith Bologno was a clear leader. With one minute
to go Bill Silvia tied into a 21" bright rainbow streaming down the river. Bill landed him to lead to an unanticipated
and dramatic tie. After consultation of the judges / guides of Jim Holland, Brian Cowden, and Don
Tredski a one-fly, first fish final was set and the two leading sportsman headed back to the waters. An epic 2
1/4 hour stretch of catch, hook, land (nearly) drama closed out the afternoon with BILL SILVIA landing an
18" rainbow to capture the honors of 2010 NJ Flyfisherman of the Year. Many thanks to all who supported their contestant, attended Traditional
Angler Day, enjoyed the dinner presentations, or plan to attend next year !
We encourage each organization to be creative in selection
of the fisherman (woman) representing the club for next year. You might auction the slot, hold it for an
honored member, or host your own event for a qualifier.
2010 Contestants
Hacklebarney Chapter - Rich Tullo
East Jersey Chapter - Bruce Seiden
Fred Boroughs Chapter
- Susan Reed
Ridge and Valley - Tim Johnston
Ken Lockwood - Bill Silvia
Central Jersey - Bart
Lombardo
Ray Neirle Chapter - Steve Moody
Jersey Shore John Clark
Rahway River - Chris
Martino
Ernest Schwiebert Chapter - Angelo Conti
Upper Raritan Watershed - Keith Bologno
South Branch Watershed
- Fred Puelle
Musconetcong Watershed - Stewart Shafran
NJ TU State Council - August Gudmundsson
Traditional Angler
Day sponsored by Hardy North America
Celebrating the heritage of traditional fly fishing featuring the split cane bamboo fly rod and supports public awareness
and enjoyment of fly fishing.
Schedule:
7:00 a.m.
Registration opens for tournament nominees
7:45 a.m.
Orientation
8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Opening round
10:00-5:00
Vendor showcase opens
11:00 Demos
and presentations begin
11:30-1:00 Cookout
lunch available
12:30-2:00 Tourney finals;
contestants cut to 3
5:00-6:00
Cocktails (cash bar)
6:00
Dinner ($50/pp), Keynote and Awards presentation
All evening Silent
auction to benefit Trout Unlimited
All contestants received this custom-designed, 100%
embroidered commemorative patch. A few additional are available at Shannons Fly and Tackle for $10.00 as souvenirs of
the day
