The Rochester Bassmasters Angler Of the Year race kicked off on June 22nd, 2019 on Lake Erie, out of Small Boat Harbor in Buffalo, NY. Despite average weights being down from the 2018 season opener, the fishery still proved its quality. Over the course of two tournament days, the Rochester Bassmaster anglers dropped over 1,300 pounds of fish on the scales, with the average 5 fish limit being just shy of 17 pounds. There were 15 limits exceeding the 20 pound mark.
On day one, the 3rd place spot was occupied by Will Rogers, who weighed in a 5 fish limit of Lake Erie smallmouth that was good for 22.05 pounds. Doing one better, Tyler Muhs amassed a total weight of 22.49 pounds from the back of the boat to claim second place honors. Taking the top spot for day one was Chris O’Brien, who managed a 5 fish limit that weighed in at 22.76 pounds. Weights were tight with less than one pound separating the top 3 anglers. Lunker honors for day one went to Mark Harold with a beautiful 5.64 pound smallmouth.
Following up his 3rd place finish on day one, Will Rogers bested the field on day two, taking 1st place with a huge weight of 24.33 pounds. Runner up on day two was Jim Bianchi who caught 23.31 pounds of Lake Erie smallmouth. Rounding out the top 3 for day two was Rochester Bassmaster rookie Dan Patane, who weighed a 5 fish limit going 23.16 pounds. Day two lunker honors went to winning Will Rogers with a 5.71 pound smallmouth.
Congratulations to Tige Noni and the rest of the tournament committee for a smooth, and successful two days on Lake Erie to start the 2019 season.