Virginia game officials announced a new initiative last weekend.
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ Fish Virginia First campaign will be a Web -based product. That differentiates it from the Birding and Wildlife Trail information, which is contained in slick, magazine-style publications. Game officials announced the fishing venture at the Bassmaster Elite Series stop on Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke. The initial Web site is open for business at but features only waters in the western and central portions of the state. WIN A BOAT The Virginia Aquarium is selling raffle tickets to raise money for the Stranding and Response Program, which helps sea turtles, whales, dolphins, seals and other marine animals.
They’re selling 249 tickets for a chance to win a new 17-foot Carolina Skiff fishing boat powered by a 60-horsepower Yamaha outboard motor. The boat’s valued at about $16,000.