VSSA Update December 2024
VSSA Membership continues to grow but more is needed. Our voice with regulators and politicians is stronger when we have a large member base. We are the only volunteer organization that consistently advocates for healthy saltwater fisheries in Virginia. As an incentive to join, we now are able to offer discounts through a couple local tackle shops and are working to add others to the list. So far, Oceans East and Tacklecove.com (enter code: VSSA25) both offer 10% discounts to our members. Just show your member ID card.
This season we participated in the ODU Monarch Cobia classic by offering a VSSA Calcutta of $250 to the angler who brought in the biggest Cobia that is ALSO a VSSA Member! We hope to participate on more tournaments in 2025 to give members more opportunities and encourage more people to join!
Make sure you let your friends know and encourage them to join VSSA Join – Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association (still only $25) if they want to make a difference in the quality of our fishing and the health of our bay as well an enjoy discounts at local businesses! (Get them a VSSA membership for Christmas!)
Menhaden Update: The war rages on and both the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club have joined in the battle to protect the bay. VSSA recently sent a letter to all State Delegates and Senators to update them on Menhaden and provide access to the menhaden documentary which is now free on our website at http://www.joinvssa.org. We are asking them to support sensible regulation including a menhaden study bill which will likely come before the General Assembly again in January. We are working with other partners like CBF and TRCP to share our side of the story. If you want to help, contact your state Delegate and Senator and ask them to support the VIMS menhaden study bill. You can also help by signing the TRCP petition at: Demand Better Science for Better Management of Chesapeake Bay Menhaden | Theodore Roosevelt Demand Better Science for Better Management of Chesapeake Bay Menhaden | Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
VSSA continues to speak with media outlets and politicians to raise awareness on these matters. Sadly, It is abundantly clear that the Youngkin administration will take no action on menhaden… Perhaps the next
governor will care more about the bay and Virginia’s 320,000 saltwater anglers.
From rockfish and menhaden to red drum and crabs, there’s no shortage of Chesapeake Bay fishery news. VSSA has been busy tracking the sportfishing issues that are important to you. Read on here: News – Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association
Best wishes for a happy holiday season…tight lines and plentiful fish in 2025!
To read our December Newsletter please click below: