The Lake Champlain International (LCI) recently concluded its 28th annual Father’s Day Fishing Tournament. More than 5500 anglers from Vermont and around the country participated in the event that awarded prizes in the thousands of dollars. Once again, the LCI reinforced Lake Champlain as one of the best Bass fisheries in the country and, this year, heralded its re-emergence as a premier cold water fishery thanks to our successful treatment for sea lamprey. Lake Champlain is being written up in national magazines and angler blogs across the country.

It has been well documented that anglers spend the most per capita while visiting Vermont. Importantly, they spend their money across all sectors of our economy and in places where other tourists often miss. Just travel through the Champlain Islands, along Route 7, through Addison County, or along West Lakeshore Drive in Malletts Bay and check out the small motels, ‘mom and pop’ restaurants, and bait and tackle shops. There you’ll see the boats and trailers and family entourages that make up the folks who come to fish in the Father’s Day tournament.

While it is true that we cannot expect fishing and other outdoor sports to fully support Vermont’s need for tax revenue, it is a source that is fairly consistent and one that needs to be better marketed. For one, I am surprised that Vermont’s flagship publication has never done a story about the LCI Derby. Twenty-eight years and a quintessential Vermont pastime that rings that state cash register surely warrant a story. As we look to grow and shore up our tourism base we need to recognize the gems that already exist and promote them more widely. Establishments need to be open during the ‘shoulder seasons’ to accommodate not only anglers but duck hunters and ice fishermen. These are clean and green opportunities that need focus and attention from business owners, tourism promoters and the state.