A program called the Virginia Saltwater Tournament has been in place since 1958. The program awards anglers who catch fish of a certain size and promotes the saltwater fishery in Virginia. It also generates vital fishing data and records catches of species not otherwise available.
However, in the Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal 2018, the program would be cancelled.
But wait a minute! We pay for the Virginia Saltwater Tournament exclusively with license dollars! How can the Governor cancel something the state doesn’t fund?
Years back, as an outdoor writer, I objected when the saltwater license was proposed in Virginia. Most anglers thought it a good idea, that this special fund would do special things, like build more artificial reefs, create more boat access and fund special studies. This fund was to be “in addition to” what we were currently spending as a state for our saltwater fishery. My argument was that the state would use the new saltwater license funds to replace current spending and then spend that money on more bridges to nowhere. Which is exactly what they have done. Now, the state wants to confiscate the money for our tournament and use it for other causes.
If you have time, contact your delegate and express your opinion about this pending injustice.
