Point Breeze basks in winning ‘Ultimate Fishing Town’

Photos by Tom Rivers – Orleans County Legislature Chairman David Callard gives Narby’s Superette and Tackle owner Sharon Narburgh a hug today following a ceremony when the Point Breeze community received a trophy and check for $25,000 after winning the “Ultimate Fishing Town” competition.

POINT BREEZE – When Orleans County tourism promoters go to trade shows, trying to hook anglers into coming to the county, Orleans can now boast something few have achieved: The title of “Ultimate Fishing Town.”

Point Breeze won the fourth annual title after nearly two months of voting on-line through the World Fishing Network. Point Breeze topped 700 other fishing communities in the U.S. and Canada for the crown.

Representatives from the WFN are in the county today. They presented a trophy and a $25,000 check to Carlton town officials to promote the fishery.

“This can help us to stand out,” said Sharon Narburgh, owner of Narby’s Superette and Tackle.

A boater travels up the mouth of the Oak Orchard Harbor earlier today.

She has been in business for 48 years at the Point, and traveled to numerous fishing and trade shows. The lake and tributary fishing in Orleans is already popular, and a key economic stimulator for the community, Narburgh said.

But she believes the area and the fishery can be better utilized, to boost the economy for the community.

She is on a committee that will decide how to spend the $25,000 in prize money. The money will be in a Carlton town account and won’t be touched for any other purpose besides the fishery, town officials said. The victory also includes promotional videos and other free publicity about the area from the World Fishing Network.

WFN airs throughout North America. The Ultimate Fishing Town host Mariko Izumi said Point Breeze will be heavily promoted to fishing enthusiasts. She presented the trophy and check to local officials after going a charter boat with Buc-A-Roo Charters this morning. She and a film crew are also visiting Brown’s Berry Patch, The Bridges, the Waterport Dam, the Archer’s Club and Albion’s historic downtown and Courthouse Square.

The World Fishing Network presented a $25,000 grand prize to promote the fishery at Point Breeze. Pictured, from left: Carlton Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery, Narby’s Superette and Tackle owner Sharon Narburgh, and Carlton Town Board member Joyce Harris.

“I am just beaming with pride,” State Sen. George Maziarz said during a celebration at Gene and Joette Haines’ lakeside home next to the lighthouse. “It takes a combined effort. You did a great job, Point Breeze.”

The local victory followed last year’s winning effort by Olcott, giving two southshore Lake Ontario communities the honor. Maziarz believes the two victories will draw more attention to the Lake Ontario fishery.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the “Ultimate Fishing Town” is good news for the community that has been stung by a struggling economy. Last week Worthington Cylinders said it would close next year in medina, eliminating 174 jobs in Medina. JP Morgan Chase also is closing its Albion mortgage servicing unit, cutting 400 positions in September.

A look at the Oak Orchard Harbor from the top of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse.

Hawley presented a citation to Carlton town officials for the win in the fishing contest. County Legislature Chairman David Callard and Legislator Ken Rush also presented a proclamation to Carlton and Point Breeze leaders, praising their “pride, passion and enthusiasm.” Callard said the county will keep working to promote the fishery.

The Point Breeze win was aided by fishing enthusiasts from Olcott. Three of them attended today’s celebration.

Margaret Murray of Olcott said Point Breeze’s win will shine more light on the south shore fishery.

“The neighbors on the southern shore are working together to grow economically as a tourist area,” she said. “We have wonderful fishing opportunities here.”