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| FishTails |
President's Message
[March 19, 2003] - by John Burdette, President, West Virginia BASS Federation
It's been a long hard winter for me as I'm sure it has been for most everyone. The anticipated return of spring
and the sport we all hold so dear has made the cold snowy days of the last three months a lot more bearable. I
made this very comment to a non-fisherman a couple weeks ago and their response was that I was crazy and in need
of professional help. Well, they are probably right about the crazy part but the only therapy I need is getting
my TR21 back on the water and the feel of that all so familiar tic on the end of my line. I pray to be cured soon.
The West Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation held it's second annual Outdoor Expo in Clarksburg on February 15 & 16
during the largest snowfall of winter, at least so far. Although having to completely cancel Sunday's show, with
Saturday's attendance and vendor fees we will still realize enough profit to have made it worth all the effort.
All proceeds benefit our youth programs and the Hooked On Fishing Not Drugs program. Partnering with the Harrison
County School's Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs program was definitely the positive of this year's Outdoor Expo. We
plan to hold next year's show during the later part of March in anticipation of better weather. With favorable
weather and combining forces with Harrison County Schools I'm sure next year's Outdoor Expo will be a great success
for all participants. A special thank you to all that helped and supported this year's show.
On February 28, we held the second annual West Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation banquet at the Days Inn in Flatwoods.
West Virginia Governor Bob Wise, West Virginia DNR Director Ed Hamrick, several other DNR officials and U.S. Army
Corp of Engineers project managers from Sutton and Stonewall Jackson Lakes attended the event. The new B.A.S.S.
youth manager, Stacy Twiggs traveled from Montgomery, AL to attend the banquet as well. The whole evening was a
huge success as evidenced by great food, fabulous slideshow celebrating our 2002 events, prominent guests, special
awards and presentations, excellent door prizes and heartfelt fellowship. Without question all 200 attendees had
a most enjoyable evening.
As in the last two years, the West Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation will participate in the 3rd Annual Governor's Youth
Wild Turkey and Bass Challenge at Stonewall Jackson Lake during May 16 & 17, 2003. Ten essay winners between
the ages of 10 and 17 will be treated to morning turkey hunting guided by members of the WV Wild Turkey Federation
and bass fishing with WV Bass Federation guides in the afternoon followed by an evening cookout with Governor Wise.
The WV B.A.S.S. Federation, as last year, made a $1,500 cash donation to this year's event. For more information
about this very special event checkout our website at www.wvbass.com.
The West Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation will conduct the 20th Annual Bass Festival in St Marys, West Virginia on
June 7 & 8, 2003. Roland Martin The tournament waters will be all the Ohio River and tributaries to the first
lock or riffle. Other new rules for the tournament will be a six bass daily creel limit per team and an eight-ounce
penalty per dead bass. As in our past tournaments we expect in excess of ninety-five percent of the bass will be
returned alive to the mighty Ohio River. Assuming a full field of 150 teams, the first place team is guaranteed
to receive $10,000 and second place $5,000. Ninety percent of the entry fees will be repaid to contestants regardless
of number of entries. For more information about the Bass Festival tournament contact John Burdette at (304) 472-3600
during the day and (304) 472-6221 during the evening.
I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone at the first of six Federation Buddy Trail tournaments on April 12,
2003 at Burnsville Lake. For more information and printable entry forms for the WV B.A.S.S. Federation's Buddy
Trail tournaments see our website listed above. Until next time-good fishing and God bless.
- John |
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