Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, August 25, 1994                   TAG: 9408250084
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ANGLERS ENJOYING THEIR OWN VERSION OF A GRAND SLAM

That's what anglers call catching and releasing a blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish on the same day.

It's a rare occurrence, and the fact that it has happened a number of times in August speaks elegantly of the quality of billfishing.

In fact, Clude Bain, director of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament, called one recent spurt of action "phenomenal."

As a rule, the best billfish action occurs along the coast of Virginia and North Carolina late August and early September in the wake of northeast blows. That means the top sport may be yet to occur.

The saltwater tournament in Virginia already has accounted for 152 white marlin and 93 blue marlin catch and releases. One of the white marlin releases was made by James Jordan of Goodview.

The dolphin action has been slower this year than last, but Ricky Terry of Vinton earned a citation with a 21-pound, 11-ounce trophy.

Big-game fish aren't the only attraction. The same early autumn influences that bring marlin to baits also favorably impact species at the other end of the angling scale, fish like spot and croaker.

Croaker fishing has been the best in recent memory.

"They're everywhere," said Capt. Otis Asal, who guides on the Chesapeake Bay out of Kings Creek Marina in Cape Charles.

The croaker appear to be moving down the bay, with the best concentrations in the lower Bay and seaside inlets. The top croaker in the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament is a 3-pound, 2-ounce catch taken in the lower James River.

BLOOD SEASON: If Charles Felton Jr. has his way, hunters won't be able to carry a rifle during the spring gobbler season in West Virginia. For good reason. The Mountain State has seen its gobbler season turn into a blood bath.

There have been 71 injuries and 11 fatalities since 1989. Nine of the 11 fatalities have involved rifles.

Felton, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, is recommending that the season be open only to bow and shotgun hunters.

"After months of research and study, and listening to the heartfelt arguments on both sides of the shotgun-only issue, I have decided that this is a safety issue that must be addressed," Felton said. "All the information points to the inescapable conclusion that spring turkey hunting is safer without rifles."

Felton also has proposed that legislation be passed to outlaw hunting deer over bait. Both of his proposals must be approved by West Virginia legislators.

In Virginia, it is legal to hunt turkeys with a rifle during the spring season; however, it is unlawful to hunt deer over bait.

BIG HEADS: Charles Nichols of Roanoke made an impressive showing in the recent Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show, sponsored by the Virginia Deer Hunters Association in Richmond.

Nichols placed first in the 9- to 11-point typical bow category and was third in the muzzleloading category for bucks he killed last season. He was first in the 9- to 11-point typical historical category for a deer he killed during the 1992 season.

A FISH CALLED CHARLIE: Next month there will be a fish finning about in Smith Mountain Lake worth $5,000. The tagged fish, called Chamber Charlie, is one of several worth cash prizes in a Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce/Partnership bass tournament. The competition will be Sept. 15-Oct.15. It takes a $10 ticket to participate. Tickets will be available Friday through Sept.14 at outlets that include Camper's Paradise, Crazy Horse Campground, Indian Point Marine, Bridgewater Marina and Sportsmens Inn.

MUSKIE DOUBLE: Catching two muskie in the same day is rare. Catching two the same day on a fly is unheard of, but that's what Rick Larkin of Fairfax did recently on the New River.

Fishing with Charlottesville guide Chuck Craft, Larkin landed a 14-pounder and and a 153/4-pounder. He was using a 9-inch black and silver streamer, called Wylie's Musky Master, tied by his fishing companion Richard Wylie of Atlanta.