Bringing Maine’s Fishing Community Together

Twenty years ago, a local Trout Unlimited group started a fly-fishing tournament to raise money and bring attention to the Androscoggin River. The event was a huge success, but eventually, the tournament was canceled. I’m not sure why, but by then, it had become much more than just a fishing tournament for me.

I would keep my boys out of school on Friday, and we would make a whole weekend out of it. We would either camp in a gravel pit or stay at the Bethel Inn. The entry fee was $500 per boat, and I would ask local businesses to sponsor my boat. Eldredge Bros. Fly Shop sponsored one of our boats, and my boys would get rowed around by Jim, the manager of Eldredge Bros.

The event became one of our favorite things to do every year. It was a great way to spend time with friends, meet new people, and, of course, fish.

Six years ago, I decided the Bangor area needed an event that could bring the fishing community together in much the same way. That’s how MaineFlyFish.com started the 2 Fly Bug Bumper.

The concept is simple: It’s a fly-fishing tournament where anglers are allowed to use only two flies for the entire day. It’s a catch-and-release event, and every angler receives a ruler. Each angler’s five longest fish count toward their total, and fish are measured from the nose to the tip of the tail.

If you lose both flies, you can continue fishing, but you can no longer count any additional fish. So, you need to choose your flies carefully and make them last.

We also award Chub Trophies to the anglers who catch the largest chubs.

Anyone can participate as long as they are fly fishing. You can fish from any type of boat, wade, or hire a guide. Anglers come from all over New England and beyond. This year, we had participants travel from New York, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Around 70 people entered this year, and for the first time, we added a kids division.

One of the things that makes this event special is that it isn’t just about the fishing. We work hard to involve local businesses and make it a true community event.

On Friday night, we gather at Marsh Island Brewing to go over the rules, hand out measuring rulers, and get everyone ready for the next day. After a full day of fishing, everyone comes together at Orono Brewing Company for the awards, prizes, food, drinks, and plenty of stories about the one that got away.

The event has grown so much that the good news—and the bad news—is that we may need to find a new venue to accommodate everyone.

A Community-Supported Event

Every prize in the tournament is donated. This year, we were incredibly fortunate to have an amazing group of businesses and individuals step up to support the event.

Echo donated a 6-weight fly rod, and Redington donated a 5-weight fly rod. Alex Poland donated artwork. Annika Fly Shop donated a gift certificate and supported the Chub Trophy. Mark Usyk donated the largest-bass trophy. Trident Fly Fishing donated a waterproof pack. Bear’s Den Fly Shop donated nets, Mayfly Nets donated three nets, Rainy’s Flies donated flies, Twelve Weight donated fishing clothing, and Airflo donated fly lines.

And then there is my wife, Stac, who makes all of our Chub Trophies.

Without these businesses and individuals donating their time, products, and money, this event simply would not be possible.

Giving Back to Maine’s Youth

Over the years, MaineFlyFish.com has donated the money raised by the event to Maine Trout Unlimited’s Kids Camp. This year, we decided to keep the money local and will be donating $2,500 to the Maine Youth Fish and Game Association.

Their mission is something we strongly believe in: getting young people outside, teaching them about wildlife and conservation, and helping them understand the importance of protecting Maine’s natural resources.

Maine Youth Fish and Game will use the donation to establish a scholarship for their summer camps.

That means the money raised by a group of people spending a weekend fishing will help give Maine kids an opportunity to experience the outdoors. To me, that is what this event is really all about.

The 2026 Winners

This year’s event was the biggest and best one yet. We had many new faces, along with anglers who have been part of the 2 Fly Bug Bumper since the very beginning.

Because of the incredible donations from our sponsors, we were able to award prizes to the top 10 anglers this year.

One of my favorite things about this tournament is that we have a different winner almost every year. No one dominates the event year after year. That’s what makes it fun.

It’s fishing. Anyone has a chance to win.

Top 10

1. Tom Moss — 84 inches

2. Mark Rancourt — 82.25 inches

3. Stac McKay — 80.75 inches

4. Dominic Piccuito — 80 inches

5. Zach Holt — 79.5 inches

6. Tim Murphy — 78.25 inches

7. Tobi Cyr — 78.25 inches

8. Roman Bryan — 77.75 inches

9. Matt Titus — 77.5 inches

10. Roman Gorman — 77.5 inches

Largest Bass

● Tobi Cyr — 22 inches

● Henry Newton — 21 inches

Biggest Chub

● Maria Geoly — 15.5 inches

● John Moore — 15.5 inches

● Tim Murphy — 14.5 inches

Kids Division

● Beckette FitzPatrick — 65.25 inches

● Henry Newton — 47 inches

More Than a Fishing Tournament

The thing I enjoy most about the 2 Fly Bug Bumper has nothing to do with who wins.

It’s seeing friends and families spending the day together, fishing, laughing, and having a good time.

Even at the awards ceremony, there are wives, kids, friends, and family members who weren’t entered in the tournament. They come down to hang out, support their family and friends, and be part of the day.

That’s exactly what I hoped this event would become six years ago.

What started as an idea to bring the fishing community together has grown into something that Stac and I look forward to every year. We get to see old friends, meet new ones, introduce kids to the fishing community, and raise money for a good cause along the way.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who fishes the event, sponsors it, donates prizes, volunteers, brings their families, and helps make it what it has become.

The 2026 2 Fly Bug Bumper was the biggest and best one yet.

Now it’s time to start planning for 2027.

Mark your calendars: August 21, 2027.

I hope to see you there.