Anglers, both locally and from across Canada, love to fish in Port Hope, said the municipality’s tourism co-ordinator Andrea Patterson.

So it should be no surprise Port Hope is in the running to be named Canada’s Ultimate Fishing Town, a contest by World Fishing Network (WFN) TV.

Patterson said the municipality still needs help as the first of two public votes is underway at WFN TV’s website ( www.wfn.tv/ultimate-fishing-town/contest) and runs until Sept. 1.

The top two entries from three respective regions (Ontario, West and Atlantic) that garner the most votes advance to the final round of voting.

WFN TV will also select four wildcard entries from any region to round out the Top 10 based on originality, persuasiveness, energy, the nature of the community organization or cause identified and the number of online votes received by the entry.

Voting for the 10 finalists runs from Sept. 7 to 28 and the winning community will receive $25,000 toward a community project.

“(Fishing in Port Hope) is very well known,” Patterson said on Monday.

“We do get fisherman from all across the country. So I know we are the ultimate fishing town. We just need everyone to vote and help us win the money.”

Patterson said the cash prize would be directed to aid the Eastside Ganaraska River Development program, which includes the renovation of three adjacent parklands along the Ganaraska River and connects downtown with the waterfront and marina. Upgrades will include new sitting areas, trails, trees, shrubbery and gardens.

While there is funding in place, “we certainly need additional funding and this would just top it up,” Patterson noted. “It will give other people even more of a reason to come and watch the fish and the fisherman.”

Port Hope offers some of the most diverse year-round fishing opportunities in Ontario, stated a press release from the Municipality of Port Hope. “Anglers can fly fish in the quiet, clean, cold waters of the Ganaraska River that runs through the heart of town, emptying into Lake Ontario. This majestic river offers some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the province and draws not only our residents but visitors from great distances to fish the spectacular trout and salmon runs that occur in the spring and fall,” the release added.

Make no mistake, Patterson said the municipality wants to win, while adding “it’s good publicity for Port Hope” as well.

“We are certainly a tourist destination and certainly a fishing destination,” she said. “It’s World Fishing Network, so it’s a perfect place to get promoted.”

via Port Hope in running to be named Canada’s Ultimate Fishing Town – Northumberland Today – Ontario, CA.