It seems you hear two words more in our conversations around the bass fishing world more and more. Those words are "conservation" and "youth". Lately, it seems B.A.S.S. has focused its’ attention more on these two topics than almost any other. Our state has evolved a large youth program, our Governor has made new plans to help with our environment and it has become common practice to relay both of these subjects in our fishing knowledge. Ten years ago, these two words would barely be uttered around any bass tournament, but things have changed. It was unfortunate therefore to not be able to award the Virginia B.A.S.S. Conservation Award to a deserving club this year, as I received no entries. I know that many of our clubs have been working on conservation projects throughout the year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all of their efforts and hope they submit an entry for this year’s award.

In an effort to bring more involvement to the conservation award, I would like to ask you, the members for help. I have tried to find sponsors for this award to no avail. It could be that I’m not much of a salesman or that I haven’t asked the right people, but I’m not going to stop trying to give this award to those who deserve it the most. I therefore need you guys and gals to help me find sponsors for this award. What I would like to do is set up the award to where each winning club receives enough money to cover expenses in the Six Man and Mr. Bass tournaments. I figure $500 per award will be sufficient (one for a youth club and one for adult clubs), but the sky is the limit. I want this award to be the award that all clubs, both youth and adult, shoot for throughout the season. Keep in mind though, that many clubs already contribute to conservation every year because they know it’s the right thing to do, and I appreciate that. I would like to set the standard for conservation in B.A.S.S., but I can’t do it without your help. If you know of a potential sponsor, please have them email me or call me, or you may give me their information. My contact information is on the VA BASS (www.vabass.com) website. The guidelines for the conservation award are on there as well, just click on the Conservation Issues link. On another note, if your club has completed a conservation project and would like it to be featured in the next issue of "Tight Lines", email me with the specifics and some pictures. I look forward to hearing from you and let’s keep those lunkers alive out there. See you on the water.

Tad Phipps

State Conservation Director

VA BASS