ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, June 10, 1996 TAG: 9606100068
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Q&A - the inside on the outside
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
Q. I see the state has ended its trout stocking until fall, even though it calls its program a year-round season. Just how popular is the new season? P.R.
A. It depends on whom you ask. Officials of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will tell you the acceptance has been gratifying. A department survey before opening day was abolished showed that just over 70 percent of the license-buying anglers preferred a year-round season. If the survey were done today, the favorable response would be even higher, believes Larry Mohn, a research biologist for the department.
Yet, if you ask the fishermen at Jellystone Park in Botetourt County, where opening day was a celebration, you'd be hard-pressed to find a 5 percent favorable response.
We asked some tackle shops what they were hearing from their customers.
``I'd probably say 65 percent against and 35 percent for a year-round season,'' said Charlie Cline of Cline's Bait and Tackle in Cloverdale. Derrick Hines, manager of the All Huntin-N-Fishin Store in Salem, puts it 60 percent opposed; 40 percent in favor. Robert Bryant of Orvis in Roanoke estimates 50-50. Wayne Gentry of 7-Day Market in Pearisburg says 80 percent for and 20 percent opposed.
One thing is certain: There is no serious movement to make a change in the season as fish officials head toward an August game department meeting when new fishing regulations will be proposed.
Woodpeckers and more
Q. I've heard that Woodpecker Ridge Nature Center is a good place to go bird watching. How can I find it? J.S
A. You are talking about the 65 acres in Botetourt County that owner Barry Kinzie and friends have turned into a model nature area that is attractive to birds, wildflowers, butterflies and other wildlife - not to mention people who enjoy viewing these blessings of nature.
When heading north on U.S. 11 in Troutville, turn right (between a funeral home and bank) on Stoney Battery Road, then go one mile and turn left onto a gravel road that leads to the center. Park at the picnic area and pick up a self-guiding brochure that will take you along several trails.
Help for new anglers
Q. I read about the state providing free fishing days this month to introduce newcomers to fishing. But what good are free fishing days if you don't know how to fish? How can I learn? A.L.
A. The best way is to ask an angling friend to help you get started. If your friend is smart, he or she probably will take you to a bluegill pond.
Lacking that kind of assistance, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has a new Beginning Angler Education Kit that sells for $15. It comes with a video, instruction book, fish identification poster, even a children's work book. You can receive one from Anne Skalski, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4010 W. Broad Street, Richmond 23230. Make the check payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.
Would-be and beginner fly anglers can receive instruction through two-day Orvis schools. Several for women only are scheduled June through September. Contact Robert Bryant, 345-3635. There's also the new Riverbend Farm fly-fishing school mentioned elsewhere on this page.
Have a question on the outdoors? Contact Bill Cochran, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010; 540-981-3395.
LENGTH: Medium: 68 linesby CNB