Meet the Winner of Our “Best of 2017” Photo Contest!

Two weeks ago, as a way to soften the blow caused by the end of the Vermont trout season, we launched the “Best of 2017” Photo Contest on Instagram. We asked you to post your favorite images from this season, and there were almost 2,000 entries. We whittled the field down to ten finalists and then asked you to pick a winner.

After more than 3,200 folks have voted, just 68 votes separated the top two. But the clear winner was Esopus Creel, a.k.a. Todd Spire of Phoenicia, New York. I asked Todd for a short fly-fishing bio, and here’s what he sent:

I am a guide and owner of Esopus Creel, a company devoted to fly fishing in the Catskill Mountains, where I’ve lived since 2008. I am on the board of my local Trout Unlimited chapter, which helps to protect a watershed (Esopus Creek) that provides drinking water to 40% of New York City residents. I am also an avid tier, and one of my fly patterns, The New American, is included alongside several classic Catskill patterns in the Jerry Bartlett Angling Collection in Phoenica. For me, fishing is church, the one thing that makes time stop, and reminds me about what’s important.

By taking top spot in our contest, Todd will receive a new 6-weight Helios 3 fly rod.

The randomly selected commenter, who takes home a Battenkill Disc reel, is Brandon Ferko of Anchorage, Alaska. He chose a size V reel with a left-hand retrieve.

Thanks to all everyone who entered the contest. If you didn’t win this one, then stay tuned for more contests to come.