Notes from The General Meeting of The West Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation meeting 2-6-00, Braxton County Middle School.

• Old business: A vote on the motion from the floor during the last meeting on whether or not to reinstate the "off-limits" period for all state tournament qualifiers and State Tournament was held. The vote of 24 "Yes," and 18 "No" votes will reinstate the off-limits period for this year's State Tournament and qualifying events. (Buddy Trail Tournaments will not have the "Off-limits" period.) This will be Monday through Friday the week before the tournament. Also new this year will be a one lock up - one lock down rule for river tournaments. Anglers are not permitted on the water, nor are they permitted to solicit or accept information regarding the "Off-limits" pools.
• Russ Smarr received a $1,000 check for expenses to practice in Knoxville, TN for the National tournament.
• Federation president John Burdette led a discussion on the new prizes to be awarded during Buddy trail tournaments and all qualifiers and State Tournament. Included are nice packages from sponsors Berkley, Flowmaster, Humminbird/Zercom, 500 tackle packs from Catchum lures and the chance for Federation members have the opportunity to buy two Mercury motors at discounted prices. Stay tuned for details.
• Sealed bids are still being accepted on the old Federation trailer. Bids will be opened during the next Meeting 3/12/00.
• WV BASS FED has $27,000 to start year 2000. 2000 club dues are due 3/12/00. John Burdette also announced that the WVBF Buddy Trail is self-supporting with more than $6,000.00 in the fund. There will be $200.00 each tournament this year for door prizes, etc.
• Burdette also stressed the importance of each club completing the annual creel census due 11/5/99 to the WV BASS Federation. These study data sheets are used in formulating budget allocations for fisheries.
• A new Full-time fisheries biologist has been hired for the Ohio River by the WV DNR.
• The WVBF new Newsletter will be going to press shortly. Look for it in your mailbox soon!
• John Burdette made several acknowledgments regarding the WVBF Web Site.
• State Tournament Note: ALL Club Top Six lists are due the Monday before the State Qualifier. No exceptions!
• MD Note: Deep Creek Lake was recently sold to the state of Maryland for $17.6 million.
• John Burdette announced that the WVBF Board of Directors is considering moving representation to three regions (from current 5). These new regions would coincide with the new Northern, Central and Southern, divisions established last year for the State Qualifying Tournaments. Two members from each region would be elected. There will also be 4 general board seats along with the 6 from the divisions. This must be presented before two meetings and will be voted on during the August 6th meeting.