THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 21, 1994 TAG: 9408210174
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BOB HUTCHINSON, OUTDOORS EDITOR
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
A $75,000 white marlin and a $10,000 flounder will be swimming in Virginia waters this September.
Dr. Jim Wright, who came up with the idea of offering cash for the recapture of the tagged fish, hopes they will provide incentive for anglers to register for a series of Hampton Roads fishing tournaments next month.
The marlin and flounder will be caught and tagged within the next few days, said Wright, an eye surgeon who also is the host of the cable television show ``Salt Water Fishing With Dr. Jim.'' The cash will be paid to any registered contestant who catches them during tournament competition.
The competition is being underwritten by the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, among others, he said.
Wright also has announced that the angler who amasses the most points during the series of tournaments will be crowned champion of the Virginia Super September Fishing Tournament. The winner will also receive a trophy.
Wright said his plan was to promote the great saltwater fishing available in Hampton Roads.
``I think this thing has the potential to do for Hampton Roads what the White Marlin Open does for Ocean City, Md., and what the Big Rock (fishing tournament) does for Morehead City, N.C. Each of those contests generates more than $1 million for the area's economy.''
Wright said that it could take five years for his tournament to reach that point, but that he hoped to offer cash awards in 1995.
All anglers who enter any of the five local contests will be eligible for the championship, with no additional registration or fee.
The events include:
Virginia Beach Marlin Tournament, Sept. 1-5. Contact Larry Davenport, 426-7642.
Cobb's Marina Flounder Tournament, Sept. 17-25. Contact Nancy Cobb, 588-5401.
Virginia Beach Anglers King Mackerel Tournament, Sept. 16-18. Contact Jim Ingham, 422-0085.
Marina Shores Open, Sept. 24. Contact Rusty Malbon, 496-7000.
Fisherman's Wharf Tuna Tournament, Sept. 24-25. Contact Charlie Hays, 428-2111.
The winner of each tournament will receive 10 points toward the Super September title, with eight points for second, six for third, four for fourth and two for fifth. The title will go to the angler with the greatest number of points. by CNB