It is a well-known fact that the Finger Lakes region is a fisherman’s paradise. Despite the endless lakes and streams, it’s somewhat rare for a local angler to receive national attention. A Pittsford-Mendon High School senior is changing that.

For Rein Golub, every day on the water is a good day.

“It’s just crawling with fish here,” Golub said on a recent afternoon on Conesus Lake. “I see them scooting all around down there.”

Fishing, for Golub is fun — even when the bass aren’t always biting. He has had a lot of great days on the water. He’s really good at it.

“There are infinite factors behind catching fish,” he explains. “Like, for example, moon phase. Whether it’s like overcast versus sunny days.“

Not to mention, what kind of bait you use. Golub started fishing at 5. He competes in tournaments with his dad, Ken. When the Pittsford-Mendon senior was a freshman, he started a school fishing club.

“I started the fishing club because in order to fish the high school tournaments, ou needed to be affiliated with a high school,” he said.

“So that's the main reason I started it.”

It’s a decision that’s taking him places. Golub was recently named one of just 12 BASSMASTER High School All-Americans. It’s a rare feat for any kid from New York.

“It means a lot because it's a really prestigious title to have,” he said. “And I'm just honored to be an All-American.”

The 12 All-Americans were invited to compete in a tournament in Texas last weekend where they were honored. Each was paired up with a pro bass fisherman.

Rein will attend the University of Alabama to study engineering. And of course, he’ll have a spot on the fishing team, too. 

“It's not only catching the fish,” he said. “It's the social aspect, when my friends and I always go together.”

It’s been said that a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of, well, just about anything.

“If every day was a good day, the good days wouldn’t be that fun,” said Golub.

There are no worries about that, in a place where every day — is a good day.

“You make a lot of good friends while fishing, and that's what I like about it,” he said. “The community is just really great.”