Department Announces New Angler Recognition Award

As the 2000 fishing year draws to a close, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) will be ringing in a new award for the Commonwealth's freshwater anglers. The Department has expanded the Angler Recognition Program to include an opportunity for freshwater anglers to earn a Creel of the Year Award.

This award will recognize the angler who accounts for the most trophy-size fish caught and registered in the Angler Recognition Program from January 1 through December 31, annually. The first award will be presented to the angler that has recorded the most trophy-sized creels between the dates of January l, 2000 and December 31, 2000.

The Virginia Angler Recognition Program already provides a variety of awards for the state's anglers including trophy fish awards, Angler of the Month and Year Awards, and Master and Expert Angler Awards. "Recognizing outstanding anglers is what this program is all about," said Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Director Bill Woodfin. "With the addition of the Creel of the Year Award we will be able to highlight the accomplishments of another of Virginia's finest anglers. We're very pleased and honored to do so."

For trophy fish to be counted toward the Creel of the Year and Angler of the Year Awards the fish must be registered in the program within 60 days from the date of catch. Registration forms are available at bait and tackle shops and most sporting good stores and at all VDGIF offices.

For more information on this or other freshwater angling awards, contact the Virginia Angler Recognition Program at 804-367-8916.

Posted: 12-21-2000