New York governor stops by Elite event

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stopped by the Bassmaster weigh-in stage in Waddington, N.Y., to talk about the important economic impact fishing has on his state's economy.

This morning at 10:00 a.m. ET, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stopped by the Bassmaster weigh-in stage in Waddington, N.Y., to talk about the important economic impact fishing has on his state's economy. And he brought along daughter Mariah who he referred to as his "special fishing consultant." 

 

Cuomo, the governor of New York since January 2011, said fishing is a $1.8 billion a year industry in New York state. "Waddington and St. Lawrence county reeled in the big one," said Cuomo, referring to the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on the St. Lawrence River.

 

Cuomo is an avid angler and spoke of the joys of fishing with his daughters. "The electronics get turned off, and we can talk," he said. 

 

Cuomo was excited to announce that the Elite Series will be back in New York in 2014 with a tournament on one of the Finger Lakes. "I'm going to challenge some of my colleagues to see who can catch the biggest fish there," he said. Holding the Bassmaster trophy, he said with a smile, "I think I have a shot at winning this thing."

 

Cuomo and his daughter then headed out for some quality fishing time on the St. Lawrence River. 

 

New York native and B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Chris Bowes introduced Cuomo to the crowd.