Bill Cochran is a Roanoke Times outdoors columnist.

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A bill that could have upset the balance of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission -- stacking it in favor of commercial fishermen -- has been struck down in the General Assembly. Elated recreational saltwater anglers are calling its defeat “One of the most stunning turnarounds in Virginia legislative history.”

SB 1087 would have mandated that two additional seats on the commission go to well-established commercial fishing interests, assuring commercial fishermen three seats to one for recreational fishermen (see last week’s Cochran column).

The bill sailed through the Senate on a 40-0 vote, then recreational anglers launched a campaign to head it off in the House. In the end, the measure even was opposed by its sponsor, Sen. John Miller, D-Newport News. VMRC also was in opposition.

The bill was tabled in the Chesapeake Subcommittee of the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee following a 9-1 vote. Only Lynwood Lewis, D-Accomack, voted to advance it.

The opposition charge was lead by the Coastal Conservation Association of Virginia and the Peninsula Salt Water Sports Fishing Association, along with other recreational groups and individual anglers.

The CCA, which called it a “stunning” turnaround, told its supporters: “Groups interested in the preservation of Virginia’s marine and aquatic resources flooded delegates with calls, e-mail, faxes and letters” protesting the bill. The issue was about fairness and balance and the well being of natural resources that are vital not just to commercial interest, but to all people of the commonwealth.

“As our campaign to sound the alarm gained momentum, influential legislative and administration figures worked behind the scenes to help to defeat the bill,” CCA said.

Although the CCA of Virginia has suffered some hard knocks in recent years, this battle was a test to see if the organization and other sport groups could rally a charge against a major concern. It could, and did.

In this period of economic challenges, sportsmen can be tempted to cut back on memberships in outdoor organizations. This is not the time.

DGIF TO PROPOSE HUNTING REGULATIONS

The wildlife staff of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is scheduled to present its proposals for hunting and trapping regulation changes at the agency’s board meeting 9 a.m. Feb. 27 in Richmond. During an October meeting, the staff presented regulatory issues, and that was followed by public input from November to early January.

The proposals adopted by the board next week will be posted on dgif.virginia.gov and will be open to public comment March 11-May 11. The board will adopt or reject the proposals June 2 and the ones approved will become effective during the 2009 to 2011 hunting/trapping period.

The board also is expected to receive a staff presentation on the DGIF Quail Action Plan at its February meeting.

“I think it will be a positive day for hunters,” said Sherry Crumley, board member from Botetourt County.

Earlier I posted the wrong date for this meeting, which will be held at DGIF headquarters, 4000 W. Broad St.

BOAT SHOW ROLLING OUT DEALS

Forget about the bad economy. Now is an excellent time to buy a boat. That’s the message you are going to hear at the Feb. 27-March 1 Southwest Virginia Boat Show at the Roanoke Civic Center. It’s not just talk this time. Examples:

• In the past, the Southwest Virginia Boat Dealers Association, sponsor of the show, has mandated that no less than three out of four boats must be current year models. This time dealers can have up to 50 percent 2008 models in their display. This is designed to help dealers move inventory from their lots and showrooms, but it also means potential good deals for boat buyers since new boats, like cars, depreciate quickly on the front end.
• Numerous boat/motor manufactures are offering incentives, and some go well beyond gimmicks. They come in the form of rebates of up to 30 percent; warranties extended up to five years; free service such as oil changes and winterization for up to three years; accessories packages; zero down and competitive loan rates.
• With more exhibit space, thanks to the completion of the Civic Center’s Special Events Center, the show is able to accommodate manufacturers and businesses that offer products that accommodate boating. An example, this year’s show will feature a national Lowrance display of electronics that include fish finders, GPS units and radar equipment. Show visitors will be able to talk to experts from this Oklahoma-based manufacturer.

Show hours are 1-8 p.m. Feb. 27; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1. Admission is $7.50 for adults; children under 12 free.

MOVE OVER: MAKE ROOM FOR KIM BAIN-MOORE

You might expect Kevin VanDam’s picture to grace the cover of the 2009 Pro Guide issue of Bassmaster Magazine; after all, he is Angler of the Year for the fourth time. No picture there, however. To find a report on VanDam you must turn to page 30.

The Bassmaster cover belongs to Kim Bain-Moore, the first woman to qualify for the Classic in its 39-year history. So does all the hype.

Kevin VanDam isn’t likely to be interviewed by CBS Evening News. Nor is Rick Clunn, who will be fishing in his 32nd Classic, a record, having won four of them, also a record, two of the wins back to back, still another record.

But Bain-Moore already has been in the national news, and no matter how she does in the Classic, or who wins, she will get the most attention. Fact is, she may be the salvation of the classic, which has been losing its glitter along with outdoor media attention.

Ray Scott, the founder of BASS, wouldn’t let women fish in his tournaments. Now, media-driven ESPN, the more recent owner of BASS, may depend on a woman to hold the show together during uncertain economic times.

You might think Bain-Moore is nervous over all of this. Maybe so, but think about the 50 male contenders in the Classic whose nerves must be balled up like a backlash. For a bunch of them, there is a good chance it will be the time they got whipped by a woman.

Here’s a look at the big bash:

DATE: Feb. 20-22.

PLACE: Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

PRIZE: $500,000 for first place, not to mention endorsement money.

VIRGINIA ENTRY: Only veteran tournament fishermen Rick Morris, who recently changed his address from Virginia Beach to Gaston Lake. He finished second in the 2006 Classic, earning $45,000.

DEFENDING CHAMP: Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, but the title doesn’t have that much meaning considering there’s only been one back-to-back Classic win, Clunn in 1976 and 1977.

COVERAGE: Check ESPN for TV coverage and Bassmaster.com for blogs, standings and stories.

OUTDOOR BRIEFS

• President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package includes $3 billion for agencies and programs that will directly impact natural resource conservation, according to the Wildlife Management Institute. Much of the funding is directed toward conservation is for construction, repairs and maintenance or habitat restoration on federal land.
• Word is that the Virginia Marine Resources Commission likely will choose a 19-inch minimum size limit for flounder with a five-per day limit and no closed season. That would be the same as last season with the exception it had a brief closed period. The commission is scheduled to meet Feb. 24 to make its decision. The demanding 19-inch limit is disliked by many anglers, and while there are other options offering an 18.5 limit, VMRC must be careful not to exceed its 2009 quota of 345,000 fish.

>>Bill Shufflebarger had a passion for teaching hunter safety courses to thousands of people, but the Roanoker always was humble and never pushy when it came to getting the job done. He worked with a small group of sportsmen who were members of the Roanoke Valley chapter of the Izaak Walton League. Shufflebarger died a few days ago at age 84.

>>Valentine’s Day is a time for roses, or make that rosefish if you are Capt. Jim Brincefield. The captain was deep-drop fishing along Norfolk Canyon off Virginia Beach when one in his party, Jes Cadwallender of Richmond, landed a 5 pound, 3 ounce rosefish. That is 2 pounds, 1 ounce heavier than the world record, according to Dr. Julie Ball, the International Game Fish Association contact for the area.

>>Melvin Crewson, 67, is back in the business of dipping minnows and dispersing information for anglers heading to Smith Mountain Lake. He recently reopened his The Minnow Pond tackle shop following a fire that destroyed it in October. The business is located at 9th and Bullitt Avenue in Southeast Roanoke.

>>Decent numbers of crappie are being caught from Kerr Lake, Virginia’s top crappie hole. While major attention is directed to this species in April and May, many big-fish experts go after citation-size fish in February and March. Fish currently are being caught on a 1/16 ounce jig tipped with a minnow, according to Bob Cat’s Lake Country Store.

>>What do you do when you win $200,000 in a bass tournament? Stop on the way home and buy a new Chevy pickup is what David Fritts of Lexington, N.C., said he would be doing. Fritts won the Walmart FLW Tour Chevy Open on Lake Gunersville, Ala., posting a final-day catch of eight bass that weighed 38 pounds, 1 ounce. Second was Sam Newby of Pocola, Okla. and third was David Dudley of Lynchburg.

>>Some of the earliest fishing of the year can be found in ponds because they can warm up quicker than large bodies of water. One angler in Central Virginia recently caught 29 crappie, three bluegill and one largemouth bass during a pond-fishing outing.

>>Mike Smith of Willis, who operates Grassy Creek Outfitters, a fishing guide service for trout, smallmouth bass and walleye, has a new and snazzier Web site: www.greasycreekoutfitters.com.

MEETINGS/EVENTS/SEASONS

Greater Virginia Sports and Big Game Show, Feb. 20-22, Rockingham County, details from vasportsshow.com.

Richmond Boat Show, Feb. 20-22, Richmond Raceway Complex.

Hunters for the Hungry Open Turkey Calling Competition, noon Feb. 21 in conjunction with the Feb. 20-22 Greater Virginia Sports & Big Game Show at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds near Harrisonburg from vasportsshow.com. Competition for senior open, friction open, intermediate open and youth open. Nearly $2,000 in prize money plus a chance for an exotic spring hunt. The sponsor is the Sportsman’s Warehouse. Entry fees range from $15 to $25. Additional information from Gary Arrington.

Fredericksburg Outdoor Show, Feb. 20-22, Fredericksburg, Va., $6.

Saltwater Sportsman 2009 National Seminar Series, six hours of fishing instruction from the pros, Feb. 21, Virginia Beach Convention Center, $55, nationalseminarseries.com.

Board meeting of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to consider hunting/trapping regulations and other matters, 9 a.m., Feb. 27, DGIF headquarters, 4000 W. Broad St., Richmond.

Southwest Virginia Boat Show, Feb. 27-Mach 1, Roanoke Civic Center.

Western Virginia Sports Show, Augusta Expoland, Fisherville, Feb. 27-March 1.

Virginia’s rabbit season closes Feb. 28.

Bedford Outdoor Show, Feb. 28, Bedford Armory, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $3, seminars by nationally-known deer biologist Dr. James Kroll, information from Conservation Police Officer Lt. Tony Fisher.

Hooked for Life silent auction, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 28 Colonial Avenue Baptist Church.

Smith River Trout Unlimited chapter meeting, 6:30 p.m., March 5, Rania’s Restaurant, 147 E. Main Street, Martinsville, information form B. J. Walker.

Smith Mountain Striper Club swap meet, March 6, 7 p.m., Moneta Community Center.

National Capital Boat Show, March 13-15, Chantilly.

Third annual Mid-Atlantic Kayak Fishing Symposium, Wild River Outfitters, Virginia Beach, March 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Appalachian Highlands Chapter Ruffed Grouse Society Sportsmen’s Banquet, March 28, Holiday Inn, Johnson City, Tenn., information from Donna Vance.

Smith Mountain Striper Club meeting, Aril 3, 7 p.m. Moneta Community Center, program on rod building by Paul Craven.

Tidewater Boat Show, April 3-5, Hampton.

Youth spring turkey hunting day, April 4, 2009.

Smith Mountain Striper Club Spring Striper Tournament, April 4, 5 a.m.-4 p.m., weigh-in at Captain’s Quarters, tournament chairman is Frank Skillman, 540-721-1220.

2009 spring gobbler season, April 11-May 16.

Ninth Virginia Fly Fishing Festival, April 18 and 19, on the banks of the South River in Waynesboro, $15.

North Carolina State University Sport Fishing School, May 31-June 4, Hatteras, N.C., $1,445, limited to 45 participants.

Board meeting of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to finalize hunting/trapping regulations, 9 a.m., June 2, DGIF headquarters, 4000 W. Broad St., Richmond.

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