Thursday, August 23, 2007
Thoughts on sportman's show, hybrids
Bill Cochran
Recent mail
BILL: I read both your review and Mark Taylor's on the [Virginia Outdoor Sportsmen's Classic] show [at the Roanoke Civic Center.] You both considered it a success based on the number of tickets sold.
I also attended the show and came away with a different perspective. I thought that for $11 there was very little show. Bear in mind that the Shot Show in Vegas, which requires only $15 to pursue one square mile of sportsman show. I saw a few venders and a few outfitters in Roanoke, but nothing that would make me want to spend the money for that ticket again. I wonder how many others of the 6,000 felt the same way.
MILLER WILLIAMS
BILL: Thanks for the great article on hybrids. I do have high hopes that the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will consider establishing a citation for the species. My best hybrid was 18 pounds out of Boone Lake, and it fought harder than a 42-pound striper. It took me at least 10 minutes to land him, and several trips around the boat. They are amazing how when they hit they will head to the bank then turn and come right at you. If you don't know it's coming, they are under the boat and gone -- either a broken line or hang-up. They are one tough fish and anyone who catches one over 10 pounds deserves recognition.
MIKE SMITH
Boones Mill
BILL: I wish writers at the Virginian-Pilot did half the job of covering the hunting issues that you folks do at The Roanoke Times/roanoke.com.
TERESA PRESTON
Ivor
