A season of excitement and broken records

As the 2005 tournament season came to a close on Chautauqua Lake, September 17, 2005, for the Southern Tier Bassmasters a new and different Angler of the Year was crowned. Noel Good became the eighth member to claim the illusive title. By doing so, Noel continues the streak of no one being able to repeat as AOY in the club’s short eight year history.

The quest began on Canandaigua Lake, June 25, 2005. Looking at this tournament one would think that the final outcome would not come to pass. Noel’s four fish weighed only 8.08 pounds and gave him a 5th place finish. From there the pieces seemed to begin to fall into place and along the way records fell.

The next stop was Silver Lake, known to many to be a season breaker, sending many anglers home shaking their heads wondering what went wrong. To the contrary, the fish cooperated. So much so that Noel’s winning catch of 21.34 pounds shattered the old single tournament 5 fish limit of 18.80 pounds that stood for three years. The total field averaged 2.44 pounds per fish also setting a new club record.

The Lower River was the next obstacle to conquer. This added a new twist to the season as it contributed to Noel becoming the first expectant father to win the AOY title. The arrival of his son Nevin was a special blessing but this added an extra pressure as his wife Robyn was set to deliver during the August 6, 2005 tournament on the Lower Niagara River. Going in with the idea that if the phone rings he leaves, Noel and partner Aaron Jahnke took to the water. Lucky for him, mother and son-to-be held out and they finished the tournament, Aaron 1st place and Noel 3rd with 10.30 pounds.

The final leg of the tournament season would only add to the excitement and intrigue of the AOY contest. Finishing up on Chautauqua Lake, September 17, 2005, the eight hour tournament came down to a tie at 14.91 pounds between Noel and Ron Hill for first place. A one hour fish-off, the first in club history, only added to the final suspense. In the end Noel prevailed and the AOY title was his!

Congratulations to Noel, Robyn and Nevin for making this 2005 season one for the record books and fondest of memories.