Governor Jim Gilmore has announced that the second annual statewide Governor's Angling Extravaganza will take place June 1-3. "Fishing offers extensive environmental, educational, recreational and social values," said Governor Gilmore. "I invite all Virginians, as well as visitors to our great state, to find a fishing spot for the weekend or to take part in one of the special programs that will be offered. I am pleased to proclaim the first weekend in June the Governor's Angling Extravaganza."
Whether people are new to fishing or want to get re-acquainted, the June 1-3 Extravaganza weekend will be an ideal time for parents to spend time with their kids, for grandparents to enjoy their grandchildren, for friends to get together to have fun and relax. Various agencies, organizations, companies and businesses will be presenting fishing opportunities and educational programs, tournaments, equipment promotions and more. The program offers a chance for people of all ages to get involved in fishing and to become aware of the many benefits of fishing.
Last year thousands of people across Virginia participated in more than 60 Governor's Angling Extravaganza events, many at State Parks. This year, coordinators are expanding fishing opportunities to include corporate fishing events for employees. Companies are encouraged to host employee events on Friday, June 1, with "Drop a Line at Lunch" programs and after work fishing socials.
Said Secretary of Natural Resources John Paul Woodley, Jr., "Surveys indicate that the number one reason people fish is to enjoy the outdoors. The Governor's Angling Extravaganza, with its three free fishing days, provides an excellent opportunity for Virginians to do that and to share the experience with others. A day bank fishing or out on the waters of the Commonwealth can strengthen the bonds of families, friends and fellow sportsmen, and just as important, build an appreciation for our precious water resources."
The Governor's Angling Extravaganza is part of Virginia Naturally, Governor Gilmore's environmental education initiative. Everyone who attends a registered program will receive a memento of participation from Governor Gilmore. In addition, the Governor will be awarding special recognition lapel pins to anyone who catches and registers a trophy fish, from either freshwater or saltwater, during the Extravaganza.
For years, the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries has designated two free fishing days when no freshwater fishing license was needed, except in stocked trout water. During the 2000 General Assembly Session, the free fishing days tradition was extended to Virginia's saltwater anglers and a third day was added to provide additional time for free fishing events and workshops. During the Governor's Angling Extravaganza no saltwater recreational license will be required, although it does not apply to headboats, charterboats, or rental boats.
For additional information on the Governor's Angling Extravaganza visit the program web site at www.getfishing.state.va.us or call the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at 804-367-6778. The web site includes details of scheduled events across Virginia, as well as details of how to include an event in the Extravaganza program.
Posted: 4-26-2001
