The 5th annual Two-Fly Bug Bumper fly-fishing tournament was held Aug. 23.
A “Two-Fly Bug Bumper” is exactly what it sounds like — you’re only allowed to use two flies of your choice for the entire event. Anglers are allowed to fish the Penobscot River from the dam above Winn boat launch down to Old Town.
Six years ago, maineflyfish.com and mainefishingadventures.com started this gathering because between guiding and work, we didn’t have much time to hang out with friends or fish together.
North of Portland, the fly-fishing community doesn’t come together often, and we wanted to create a fun way to change that.
The very first year, we charged a $50 entry fee, rented cabins, hosted a big cookout and donated what was left over to charity. Since then, the event has grown steadily, attracting anglers from across New England and New York, and artist Mark Usyk comes every year and presents a piece of art for one of the trophies.
Each year we award prizes for first, second and third place. Each contestant’s five largest smallmouth (nose-to-tail) are measured, and the top three combined lengths determine the winners. We also offer a prize for the longest smallmouth and chub.
Thanks to generous sponsors, prizes are always incredible: fly rods from Redington and Echo, gear from Yeti, Rainey’s Flies, Annika Fly Shop, Twelve Weight Apparel, Airflo Fly Lines and Mayfly Nets. This year alone, the prize table totaled thousands of dollars. We also try to include local businesses whenever possible.
There are no off limits for technique — wading, fishing from a boat, kayaking or even hiring a guide (which I highly recommend). A couple of years ago, the group voted that I could guide during the event, which means my clients sometimes end up on the leaderboard.
Going into this year’s Bug Bumper, my goal was simple: win first and second place, and the chub trophy. A week prior, I found a stretch of the river holding big smallmouth, though with the low flows, I wasn’t sure we’d get there. Thankfully, we made it.
Right away, my clients Jack and Brent Hoots hooked into some big fish, but they didn’t stick. I was nervous we wouldn’t place, but soon things turned around. I’ve always said five fish at 15 inches or better can land you in the top three. By late morning, both Brent and Jack had their five and started culling for bigger upgrades.
The father-son competition heated up when Jack spotted a huge bass after I released a pickerel. He hesitated, but his dad, Brent, made the perfect cast, landing a 20 ¾-inch smallmouth. That fish propelled Brent ahead with three over 16” and two solid 13-inchers. Jack wasn’t out of the competition yet, though.
At lunch, I set them up at a spot where Jack had lost a monster the year before. I tossed pebbles to stir things up, and though small fish appeared, I had Jack cast into the deeper water. As his fly sank, I saw a mouth open and yelled, “Set!” This time, Jack held his nerve, fought the fish clear of submerged timber, and landed a beauty. By 1:30 p.m., Jack totaled 79 inches and Brent 83 inches — both strong numbers, but anything could happen.
Meanwhile, my son Tait and his buddy had their own drama. Struggling against wind while rafting, they decided to wade, only to have a woman send her pitbull at them and harass them with loud music. I rushed down to check on them and calm things down. Later, other anglers told me they’d had the same problem with her. For the record — it’s illegal in Maine to harass sportsmen on the water.
At Orono Brewing Company, we gathered for food, beer and prizes while Stac tallied scores. The event was another huge success — we raised $3,000 for Maine TU Trout Camp, which helps kids ages 13 to 17 learn every aspect of fly fishing.
My clients Brent and Jack claimed first and second place respectively, with totals of 83.25 and 78.5 inches. Zach Glidden finished third with 77.75 inches. Brent also landed the tournament’s largest smallmouth bass at 20 3⁄4 inches. Tim Murphy won the chub trophy, edging out Megan Hess and Colby Frenette in a three-way tie at 15 inches that was decided by submission timestamps.
The Two-fly Bug Bumper has become more than just a fishing competition — it’s a community. Every year, we get to fish, laugh and connect with incredible people from all over New England. The camaraderie, the stories, and the good we’re able to do for kids through Trout Camp make it something I look forward to more than anything else.
