The State needs to take advantage of economic opportunities. Up until the Wilder Administration, the State funded (general funds) the Governor's Cup Fishing Tournament.  This program was eliminated due to budget cuts.  In 1991-92, the General Assembly created the Recreational Fishing License. Revenue collected is deposited in the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Fund under the management of the Marine Resources Commission.  Recreational license sales currently generate approximately $2 million dollars annually. The bulk of this money is used for special projects such as research, access projects (piers and ramps), and educational projects (kids fishing clinics). Groups/Indiciduals must apply to the Marine Resources Commission for funding considerations.  

My idea would be for the State, educational institutions, local governments and Virginia businesses to partner together to host an annual state-wide saltwater fishing tournament. The tournament would be managed by the MRC with an advisory board established by the Commissioner. MRC would partner with the VA Tourism Corporation and the tourism departments of the local goverments to effectively promote the tournament.  Local governments wouldn't have to necessarily commit funds to the tournament, but could assist MRC Police and Game Wardens with their marine patrol divisions.

In an effort to minimize cost and create opportunities for our students, I would invite Virginia's colleges and universities to participate in a competition to develop a first class marketing/promotional plan. The college or university with the best plan would receive some monetary compensation and special award from the Governor.

I would have a Virginia business such as a Wal-Mart, Pro Bass, Anhesuer Busch, Norfolk Souther etc... as the major sponsor helping to offset costs.

In a recent news release by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries it was stated that "Fishing alone is responsible for more than $1.3 billion in economic impact in the state."

Virginia has the best striped bass fishing in the world. We need to work together to advantage of this wonderful opportunity. This idea not only helps the State but it will directly impact our local governments.

Lastly, this idea only mentions a saltwater fishing tournament. The same could be done for fresh water (inland) tournaments.

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News Release

For less than the cost of a full tank of gas, a family of four can fish for a year.

Richmond, VA — With the weather warming up, people are thinking about getting outdoors and spending time with family and friends. However, with rising fuel costs, many people are looking to stay closer to home. Fortunately for Virginians, there's a lake, river or stream within an hour's drive from any location in the state, making it easy and economical to get away from it all for a day on the water boating, fishing and relaxing.

While many Virginian's benefit from the recreational aspect, all Virginians benefit from the conservation and economic activity generated by boaters and anglers. Recent studies show that recreational boaters and anglers are major powers when it comes to the strength of the economy. Virginia is home to or a destination for more than 800,000 anglers each year. Fishing alone is responsible for more than $1.3 billion in economic impact in the state.

"With the Chesapeake Bay, our coastal waters, our rivers and lakes, and our trout streams of the Blue Ridge, Virginia is a destination for boaters and anglers. These recreational sports are tremendously important to the strength of our state's economy," said Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Executive Director Bob Duncan. "The funds generated by boating and fishing are crucial to keeping Virginia's waterways and lands in good condition and managing the state's fresh and saltwater fisheries."

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, fishing outranks football, baseball and tennis as one of America's favorite outdoor pastimes. Nationally, in one year, anglers spent nearly $19 billion on bait, boat rentals, and other equipment, $18 billion on food and lodging during fishing trips and $5.5 billion on licenses, memberships and other resources according to the U S Fish and Wildlife Service......