When one thinks of Cochrane, there are a few things that come to mind: MacKay’s Ice Cream, perhaps; or Marathon Man Martin Parnell.
And now, Cochrane is vying for recognition for its fishing, thanks to a nomination for the World Fishing Network.com’s (WFN) Ultimate Fishing Town contest.
Inspired by the success of the Kraft Celebration Tour, the town was nominated for the competition by Gaynor and Dave Levisky, who have their eyes on the prize: a cool $25,000 for both the top fishing town in Canada and the U.S.
“Cochrane is a great launching point for some of the best fishing in southern Alberta,” said Dave Levisky, a local fly fisherman. “There are about 15 lakes and 20 rivers, all within about a 45 minute drive from Cochrane.”
Of course, we can’t forget the top-notch fishing nooks in our own backyard: the Bow River and Jumpingpound creek.
“Quite a number of people are surprised that the fishing is so good in this area,” he added. “(This contest) can allow people to appreciate the Bow River and Jumpingpound, and their thriving ecosystems.”
Aside from the grand prize, an additional $25,000 will be divided among three regional winners and four affiliate towns.
The $25,000 top prize will be given to a local community organization or the municipality of the winning town, to be put back into the community within the spirit of the contest.
A feature production on the winning town will be aired on WFN, and the town will play host to an official cheque presentation and media event.
If Cochrane is named the ultimate fishing town, Levisky said he’d like to see the money go to support infrastructure to Mitford Park, adding on to the developments initiated by the Kimmett’s and the contributions from the Kraft Celebration Tour.
The upside, added Levisky, is that even if Cochrane doesn’t take a spot on the podium, the nomination will alert fishing aficionados to the activity in the community.
“The big spin off is that win, lose or draw, tourism in Cochrane will get a big boost,” he added.
As of April 8, 218 Canadian towns have been nominated for the prize.
Now that Cochrane has been nominated for the prize, Levisky said it’s time for the community to band together.
The winner will be chosen based on votes, with online polls opening for the first round of public voting at noon on April 15, ending at 11:59 a.m. on May 3.
The second round of voting begins at noon May 3, ending at 11:59 a.m. on May 24.
For more information on voting — or to post your own stories and images of fishing in the Cochrane area — visit worldfishingnetwork.com/uft/home.php.
To learn more about Cochrane’s involvement in the contest, connect with Levisky via their Facebook page entitled: Cochrane, AB Ultimate Fishing Town Contest — World Fishing Network.
You can also keep up to date on competition information through Twitter under the handle @DaveandGaynor.
