Federation Meeting Notes from March 12, 2000

• The launch point for the upcoming Central and Southern Qualifier Tournaments http://www.wvbass.com/tournament.html remains uncertain. There is concern about parking at the C&P Ramp in Saint Albans and ongoing work in the area. Fishermen are also concerned about being near a central point on the pool. The new Daniel Boone dock offers good access and logistics, but may be less than convenient. A final decision on those will be made at the August board meeting.
• The off-limits period is now official for the three qualifying tournaments and the state tournament. Off limits will begin on the Monday before the respective tournament. Competitors will not be allowed to pre-fish the competition waters or solicit information during the week. River tournament boundaries will include the pool on which the tournament is launched, plus one lock up and one lock down river. This will also include the pool of the Ohio River connected to the Kanawha River tournaments. Enforcement of this rule will be left to self-policing. Competitors can file protest. Accused violators must undergo a polygraph exam. Failure of the exam will be grounds for disqualification.
• The newly established regions for the Federation Board have been approved. There will be two representatives from each region; North, Central, and Southern. The board will also consist of four at-large members. Three at-large seats will be up for reelection this year. Nominations for those positions will be accepted at the August meeting.
• The old Federation tournament trailer has been sold for $525.00.
• The proposed Ohio River Black Bass plan is now open for comment. The regulatory agencies of the five-states lying along the river have formulated the plan aimed at improving black bass population and habitat. The plan can be viewed on the Federation website, http://www.wvbass.com/articles/0100h.html. Comments can be made to:

  Frank Jernejcic - jernef@mail.wvnet.edu
  WV DNR
  1304 Goose Run Road
  Fairmont, WV 26554

• Creel Census forms are needed this year. It is IMPERATIVE that clubs keep an accurate tally of all fish caught in each club tournament for the year. The information will include the length of the fish, tournament site; hours fished, species, and number of fish released alive. DNR officials use the information to make decisions on fund allocations of certain monies. A failure to adequately record this data could result in clubs being forced to obtain permits for sanctioned club tournaments. You'll find a copy of the official recording form in this edition of the newsletter.
• Six-man teams who'll be competing in their respective qualifiers need to have roster information into the federation NO LATER than the Monday before the qualifier. Registration forms are available and one is included in this issue of the newsletter. Boaters insurance must be included with registration forms. Registration by phone WILL NOT be accepted. Mail forms to:

  John Burdette
  P.O. Box 418
  Buckhannon, WV 26201
  
  or FAX at 304-472-3601.

• The company making the SOSpenders inflatable life jackets is making their products available to federation members at a special rate. Cost will be $75.00 if at least 15-pairs is ordered. Contact President John Burdette jburdette@neumedia.net about the program.
• National Federation Sponsor Berkeley is giving added incentive to anglers using FireLine products. This year any angler winning a Buddy Trail tournament, with 50-or more boats and at least a $50 entry fee, using Berkeley Fireline can win an extra $100. The State Tournament winner, or winner of the Eastern Divisional or National Championship can win an additional $1,000 if they were using FireLine. Those qualifying need to have a receipt for the purchase of FireLine dated prior to the date of the tournament. Details are available from President John Burdette.
• The second annual Jim Catherman Memorial Youth Tournament http://www.wvbass.com/youth.html is scheduled for June 24th at Sutton Lake. Entry fee will be $30.00. The Catherman family has made a sizeable donation to provide prizes and carry on this worthwhile event. Federation members wishing to help are urged to volunteer their time. You are also urged to bring your children or neighbor children as contestants.