For Immediate Release
October 28, 2005

Saltwater Fishing Tournament Committee Meeting Announced

A meeting of the Tournament Committee of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2005 in the meeting room at Oceans East Tackle Shop in Virginia Beach. The meeting will start at 6:45 pm. 

The Committee, which sets policy for the saltwater Citation program, will be discussing potential rules changes for participation in the Tournament's programs at the meeting. In addition, the minimum requirements to earn a Citation for spot will be considered. A copy of the tentative agenda for the meeting is attached.

The public is invited to attend the meeting. Time will be reserved for public comment on agenda items and any other matters pertaining to the program at the start of the meeting. Oceans East Tackle Shop is located at 5785 Northampton Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

For more information or a meeting agenda, contact Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament, 968 S. Oriole Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, (757) 491-5160 (phone) or mrcswt@visi.net (e-mail). Information and a meeting agenda are available on the Virginia Marine Resources Commission website at www.mrc.virginia.gov

.

VIRGINIA SALTWATER FISHING TOURNAMENT
AGENDA FOR TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
November 30th, 2005
Oceans East Tackle Shop
5785 Northampton Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
6:45 pm

I. VSWFT Participation -       Review participation in all VSWFT programs (Citation, 
                                             state record , master/expert angler, and annual awards) to 
                                             determine appropriate level of participations: specifically 
                                             what persons and/or groups of persons should qualify to 
                                              participate and what persons or groups should be 
                                              excluded from participation and under what circumstances 
                                              these rules should apply; currently holders of commercial 
                                              hook-and-line licenses are excluded from program; and 
                                              commercial hook-and-line crew members, charterboat 
                                              captains and guides are excluded when commercial fishing
                                              or under charter. This will be an all-encompassing review 
                                              of participation rules with any and all possibilities for 
                                              inclusion or exclusion to be considered.

II. Spot -                                Review impact of raising minimum to 1 lb., 2oz. (tabled 
                                              from meeting October 17th); consider possible changes to minimum 

III. Public Comment Period - Public comment invited on these issues at 6:45 pm. 
                                             meeting will start at end of public comment period.