THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 26, 1994 TAG: 9406240204
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 32 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY GARY EDWARDS, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: 940626 LENGTH: Long
Natalie held on and brought in a largemouth bass, bringing a smile to her face and those of her parents, Robert and Regina Gaines.
{REST} ``I thought it went under and escaped,'' the 9-year-old John B. Dey Elementary School fourth-grader said. ``Then I got it.''
Natalie has been fishing twice in her life. Her second outing netted - actually hooked - ``three fish and an eel,'' she said.
She was one of about 120 children who spent about four hours the morning of June 4 at Munden Point Park participating in the Parks and Recreation Department's Family Fishing Clinic. The clinic was sponsored by fishing equipment manufacturers, such as Abu Garcia and Stren. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries donated tackle boxes, and members from 19 bass fishing clubs from the Hampton Roads area acted as instructors to the young anglers.
Natalie was assisted in her big day of fishing by John Harvey and Jim Hansen of the Virginia Beach Bass Busters.
``All they (the kids and parents) had to do today was show up,'' said Keith Ellen of Parks and Recreation. ``And they did.''
Ellen said about 70 children were on a waiting list.
``We're thinking about doing a second one this year. There were lots of calls,'' he said.
The fisherboys and girls caught bream, croakers, catfish, white perch and, of course, bass. Paul Whitehurst, Region 7 bass club director, watched the fishing for a change and commented on the popularity of the fish he's usually busy catching.
``Bass fishing is popular because of the national organization started by Ray Scoot in about 1962 (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society),'' said Whitehurst. There are 3.5 million bass club members nationwide. Local clubs hold tournaments once a month for nine months. Local winners go on to state, regional and national tournaments, and maybe a shot at participating in the BASS Master Classic - the Super Bowl of bass fishing.
The clubs maintain environmental awareness in pursuing their favorite pastime. All tournaments are conducted on a ``catch and release'' basis.
``Ninety-five percent of the fish are released still alive,'' said Whitehurst. Fishing boats now have aerated live wells which contain water and chemicals to keep the fish alive while in captivity.
``Fishermen are penalized for dead fish in tournaments,'' he said.
Just around the inlet from Natalie, first-grader Kevin Mooney, 7, reeled in a bream. He stood speechless while Bassackwards club member Rick Gould helped him free the fish and have a picture taken.
All the catches were photographed. Children received the Polaroid picture and a certificate at a ceremony and cookout at the end of the day.
``Kevin fished some last summer,'' said his mother, Sue Mooney.
Alicia Porter, 8, and Bethany Monnier, 7, found a cozy cove at the mouth of the inlet to spend their day fishing.
Alicia caught a catfish of about 2 1/2 pounds and Bethany landed a bluegill early in the day.
``I've been fishing three times,'' Alicia said.
The Creeds Rescue Squad gave a talk on safety and the instructors talked to the attendees about types of fish, baits to use and general information.
Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base hosted the first clinic five years ago. Another was held at Mt. Trashmore.
Munden Point Park has provided a scenic setting for the clinic since 1992. The park is in rural southern Virginia Beach about two miles from the North Carolina line. The North Landing River stretches almost a mile across at the park. Wooded points of land jut out into the brown waters on both banks as far as the eye can see.
But Matthew Lipscomb's eyes were looking only as far as the end of his fishing line. The Baylake Pines kindergartener knew that time was running out on him as he cast the line once more.
Richard Lipscomb encouraged his son and offered to help him put more bait on the line and cast.
``No, I want to do it myself,'' said Matthew.
``He has caught a crab and a little fish,'' said his mother, Marti.
Nicholas Mills and Shannon May didn't catch many fish, but they were smiling at the picnic and awards presentation.
Nicholas, a first-grader at Holland Elementary School, reeled in a croaker, according to his father, Albert.
Sean and Lisa May, Shannon's parents, sat in beach chairs and watched the fishing from the point. They reported ``no catches'' but found the fishing to be a hit with the family.
Roger Fitchett, Virginia State BASS Federation president, looked out at the bright, breezy, 70-degree day and declared the day a success.
``Makes you feel real lucky to be in Virginia Beach, doesn't it?'' he asked.
by CNB