Southern Tier Bassmaster, Wade McClurg, was honored at the club’s annual banquet Saturday February 5, 2011 as the 2010 Angler of the Year. This was his second time winning this award, the first coming in 2001. The amazing part, as you will see, are the facts that follow.

Known as a very knowledgeable, patience, and efficient competitor he has quietly compiled quite a club resume. Since 1999 Wade has finished no lower than 8th in the final standings, having the afore mentioned 8thplace, one 7th place, one 6th place, four 4th place, three 2nd places coming in consecutive years 06-08, and the two AOY. Always the sportsman, Wade will share information about techniques, baits, and equipment. Oh, did I leave out fish location…ehhhhhhhhhh, well good luck with that, sometimes.

With a resume such as this, most fishermen would be letting you know just how good they are. I’m sure you know at least one such person. Wade McClurg’s name would NOT be on anyone’s list. Humility oozes from this person. He will never “toot his own horn” sort of speak. He simply quietly and without fan fair consistently beats the fish. This is how he did in 2010.

June 26, 2010 Conesus Lake, sight of the opening points tournament. Wade brought 15.71 pounds of bass to the scales to take first place by a little over 2 ½ pounds over second place finisher Brad Brodnicki.

July 10, 2010 Lake Erie, Small Boat Harbor, here Wade had a 14.96 pound 5 fish limit after a .50 pound dead fish penalty. This dropped him into a 7th place finish and temporarily out of the lead.

August 4, 2010 Upper Niagara River, Isle View Park, another 7 place finish with an 11.29 pound limit left him still in contention needing at least a 5 point spread between himself and leader Brad Brodnicki to overtake him for the AOY award.

September 4, 2010 Lower Niagara River, Fort Erie, down to the wire and needing a good finish Wade came to the scales with a limit weighing 11.53 pounds good for 3rd place and got exactly the 5 point spread he needed as leader Brad Brodnicki finished with a 9.81 pound limit putting him in 8th place for the tournament and one total point 386 to 385 behind Wade for the AOY title.

As he has so often done he quietly and efficiently completed the 2010 season with just what he needed to. He will never point this out himself, but he is in a zone of his own. Congratulations on a great season and a well deserved AOY Award.

Bob Green