The event will be held during the first 2 weeks of May which is traditionally known as being one of the best times to fish for flounder locally. This is a family oriented tournament which focuses on enjoying the outstanding flounder fishing opportunities that exist around Chincoteague Island.

The registration fee is $35.00 per angler. Deadline for online or mailed Registrations is 5PM, May 6th, 2010; walk-ins 7AM, May 7th, 2010. Participating boats may carry only registered anglers while fishing. Fishing is limited to creeks and coastal bays of the area with no ocean fishing during the tournament. Anglers may fish any number of days. An optional calcutta will be available, based on the heaviest 3 flounder weighed in per angler during 9 day period.

Weigh-ins for the event will occur daily at 4:00 PM at Capt. Bob’s Marina with the final weigh in on Sunday, May 16th, 2010 at 3:00 PM. Tournament winners will be determined by the total daily weight of three fish or less. Prize amounts are based on entry fees with cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place. Additional prizes include: 4th Place – a one year slip rental at Capt. Bob’s ($850.00 value), 5th Place – an Ugly Stik rod and reel Combo and a multi-fish payout for trout and croaker.

The tournament will feature several extras, including:

- Free boat launching and parking for paid participants, discounts on slip rentals, boat rentals and local lodging.

- Bait, ice, fuel, food, beverages and tackle will be available for sale at the shop.

- Free tournament t-shirt with each paid entry prior to April 7, 2010.

- Free waterway map

For details and official tournament rules, visit www.captbobs-marina.com or call 757-336-1010 or 757-824-5033.

Participating agencies and agency departments included U.S. Coast Guard Station Chincoteague, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Park Service (NWR), Virginia Marine Resources Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Commercial Fishing Safety Examiners.

The event received overwhelming response, attracting a large number of mariners and related stakeholders. In attendance were recreational anglers, charter boat operators, fishing guides, tour providers, local merchants and others.

The moderator introduced the panel of presenters and each representative was offered an opportunity to speak about issues that related to their respective fields. Some of the issues brought to attention included an explanation of jurisdictions, overviews of regulations, the new National Saltwater Angler Registry and safety-related information.

In terms of safety, information was provided to private boaters as well as professional vessel owners. Several speakers cited situations that frequently occur in the field as well as possible solutions. Inaccurate information on EPIRB registrations was noted as one problem that agencies are seeing. EPIRB devices, also known as rescue beacons are essential equipment on most of the sea going vessels that sail Virginia’s coastal waters. Each distress beacon must be registered and information updated whenever vessel changes occur. If registration information pertaining to the vessel and owner is outdated, rescue operations can be compromised.

Another issue cited by law enforcement personnel involved discrepancies in reporting. Coast guard officials estimated that a large percentage of merchant mariners credentials revocations were the result of failures in reporting as required by law.

As always, courtesy exams were suggested as a good practice. For commercial vessels, Coast Guard personnel are available to make inspections, provide training and offer other assistance. According to the Coast Guard, these services can usually be arranged to be held dockside. Similar services are available for private vessels, with inspections being completed by the local United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Both commercial and private vessel inspection programs offer stickers to owners of vessels that meet the necessary requirements. Several members of the Coast Guard made it clear to the audience that while displaying an inspection sticker will not eliminate boardings or safety inspections, it is a good step towards keeping those processes to a minimum.

Local charter boat operators provided important input and questions on a number of issues. Subjects included several questions that related to catch reporting. Captains stated that they are sometimes subjected to multiple catch reports for the same trip. The situation occurs as charter boat operators are subject to mandatory trip reports, random phone surveys and dockside surveys. Agency officials were unable to clarify if the data was being cross checked, or if in fact catches may sometimes counted multiple times, thereby skewing estimates.

As expected, much of the discussion related to the National Saltwater Angler Registry. Although no official was able to explain current enforcement of the law, it was noted that guidelines are being developed and enforcement of the new regulations could be possible in the coming months.

In addition to fishing issues, there were several boating-related questions to be addressed. Charter boat operators, tour guides and other attendees asked several questions related to vessel operation. One of the most complex issues involved beaching of boats along local shorelines. Because of the unique make up of the local waterways, boaters may be subject to regulations and enforcement for a variety of agencies. These include Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge, Assateague National Seashore, the United States Coast Guard, Virginia Marine Police and possibly other entities.

In addition to complexity that relates to location, regulations may also vary with vessel type. Regulations may also be seasonal in nature, especially within the wildlife refuge and along areas of the national seashore. Another unique situation for Chincoteague Island involves the pony swim, when special regulations are in effect.

After the open session, attendees were given opportunities to meet one on one with presenters and ask questions. A range of brochures, maps and other materials were made available to the public at the event. Several of the attendees made note of the courtesy and professionalism of the local law enforcement personnel during encounters on the water and there appeared to be considerable interest in having events like this in the future.

SB668 has been amended to create a state-level angler identification system, similar to the Hunter Identification Program run by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

This solution will allow Virginia to maintain the recreational boat license, as well as the license exemptions for piers, rental boats, senior citizens, and private shoreline. The state program will be administered through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and will be paid for through increases of up to $5 on individual licenses, and up to $10 on boat licenses.

Instead of paying the Federal government to register, anglers with a Virginia license will be registered automatically, and anglers exempted from Virginia licensing requirements will only have to call in and obtain an identification number free of charge.

“As is the norm with compromises, this one is not perfect,” said Northam. “However, it does accomplish the goals of exempting Virginians from Federal fees and fines, and also allows us to keep the boat license, as well as all existing license exemptions.”

The legislation was introduced in response to a VMRC study that provided options on how Virginia could comply with the Federal mandate.

The data collected from the new system will improve the quantity and quality of data available to manage fisheries sustainably, and will help prevent the kind of stock collapses that have led to massive job losses, regional economic depressions, and serious environmental effects in the past.

The bill was reported from a conference committee and passed the Senate and House of Delegates. It will now go to Governor McDonnell for his signature.

The event will provide an opportunity for mariners to meet some of their local enforcement officers, ask questions and learn about new and existing regulations.

Regardless of whether mariners operate a commercial, charter, or recreational vessel; subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about recreational and commercial fishing, or questions about laws pertaining to safety gear.

Boaters without specific questions are invited to come and listen to the discussion or pick up information on Boating Safety, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety, Fishing Regulations, or to come and schedule a Courtesy Marine Examination.

The following are participating agencies and agency departments:

* U.S. Coast Guard Station Chincoteague

* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

* U.S. Park Service (NWR)

* Virginia Marine Resources Commission

* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

* U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Instructors and Courtesy Marine Examiners

* U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Commercial Fishing Safety Examiners

The session will be held at Tarr Hall, in the Galley Facility, located on the base.

source: USCG press release

The anticipated coverage of Chincoteague is estimated to be seen by nearly 5 million people and has an advertising value of approximately $ 225,194 according to Virginia Tourism Corporation’s 2009 data.

The Eastern Shore Tourism Commission recently teamed up with the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Public Relations Director Richard Lewis, to provide the show video, still shots and information on the islands.

“We so often pitch ESVA stories and I would surely not have the necessary knowledge without the efforts of the Eastern Shore Tourism Director, “said Lewis. “In fact my most recent pitch to a freelancer writing for Southern Living included story ideas in Cape Charles, Onancock and Assateague Island.”

source: Eastern Shore Tourism Commission press release

The Seafood Festival will be held at Tom’s Cove Campground on Chincoteague Island, Va. Food for the event is to include steamed clams, clams and oysters on the half shell, single-fried oysters, oyster fritters, clam fritters, clam chowder, clam strips, grilled chicken tenders, French-fried sweet potatoes, boardwalk fries, hush puppies, spoon bread, bottled water, soda and more.

Adult beverages are available for purchase, and there will be live entertainment from the band Midnight Country Express. Hospitality tent sites and radio advertising sponsorships are available to Chamber members, and VIP Tent ticket sales are open to the public.

The ticket price is $40 and tickets can be purchased at www.esvachamber.org or by calling (757) 787-2460.

Each course is six weeks in length held on Thursdays starting March 25. Tai Chi will be offered at two different time slots: 3:30-4:30pm or 6:30-7:30pm.

Tai Chi boasts benefits of reduced stress, increased flexibility, improved muscle strength, improved stamina, energy, and more! Cost of course will be non-member $85 and YMCA member $75. Self Defense class will be 5-6pm and welcomes people of all ages.

Cost of course will be non-member $75 and YMCA member $65. Both classes are being held at the Chincoteague Senior Center located on Church St. To register and find out more information call 757 336-6266. Or stop by the local YMCA at 6446 Maddox Blvd.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Northland received a distress call from the crew of the fishing vessel Travis & Natalie stating they were taking on water and needed assistance.

The Northland’s crew set a course for the sinking boat, and it took them approximately two hours to reach its position. In the meantime, Coast Guard watchstanders at the 5th Coast Guard District headquarters in Portsmouth, Va., directed Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., to launch and assist.

Air Station Elizabeth City launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and crew, equipped with dewatering pumps, to assist. They contacted the Navy’s Fleet Forces Atlantic Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility Virginia Capes to request that the air space surrounding the Travis & Natalie’s position was clear to prevent the risk of collision, according to Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Michael Miller, the watchstander on duty at the air station.

After that, Miller said he received a call from the Navy Second Fleet, and they were very eager to volunteer their services.

“The Second Fleet informed us that there was a U.S. warship in the area and they were willing to have an aircraft launch and fly over to put eyes on scene until the Coast Guard helicopter could arrive,” said Lt. Donald Flusche, a 5th District watchstander.

A Second Fleet airplane launched and located the distraught vessel and remained until the helicopter arrived to transfer dewatering pumps to the crew of the Travis & Natalie.

Upon the Northland’s arrival, a small boat crew from the cutter boarded the fishing boat to investigate the source of flooding and assist with dewatering efforts. They discovered that a net float had broken the rudder packing, causing the water to enter. They have stopped the flooding.

“This is just another example of how the Coast Guard and the Navy are always working together,” Flusche said.

source: USCG press release

Thousands of daffodil bulbs have been planted in the past two years to enhance the mood of rebirth that signals the arrival of spring on the beautiful Chincoteague Island. Springtime is the ideal time of the year for a Chincoteague Island vacation.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is an event for all of the Eastern Shore of Virginia residents and guests alike and features a stunning array of plants, flowers, garden art, unique products for the home and hearth, garden equipment, pools and spas, expert gardeners and landscapers to offer their advice and demonstrations. The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival combines fun with education and entertainment.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is held at the beautiful Chincoteague Community Center, 6155 Community Drive, Chincoteague Island, 23336.

The event is held both indoors and outdoors on the spacious grounds bursting in springtime bloom. The Fine Art and Craft Marketplace is held indoors and features a fabulous presentation by some of the finest Artists and Crafters both local and regional.

Back by Popular demand will be Pepper Jack Grille who will be preparing their wonderful Breakfast and Lunch offerings under the guidance of Chef Annie. Come Hungry! Leave Happy! Pepper Jack Grille’s menu is available for viewing at www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com

Additionally, there will be fun activities for the kids, and non-stop Live Music by Local and Regional musicians. The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is still seeking quality exhibitors in all categories. Interested parties should visit www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com for an application.

It is here that you can also view the music video of the 2009 Chincoteague Festival and pick up discount coupons. The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is proud to announce our Top Sponsors for 2010; Maplewood Gardens and Prism Pools & Spas.

Both will be presenting impressive displays and offering professional consultations. Additionally, Maplewood Gardens will be giving away a Shopping Spree and Prism Pools & Spas will be giving away a Green Egg barbeque grill.

The  Historic Main Street Merchants Association is open to all businesses on Main Street, Chincoteague.  The purpose of the Association is to promote the common interest of all businesses within the Main Street District and to foster an environment which encourages the economic development  the Main Street.

Some of the events that the Merchants will sponsor for 2010 include  Death by Chocolate February 13: Search for the Shamrock  March 20  Farmer’s Market April-September weather and produce permitting on Wednesdays and Saturdays; Annual Chili Chowder Cook-Off October 16; Trick or Treat Night October 30; Tree Lighting Ceremony November 27.

Questions about the organization or events may be directed to Cathy at 757-336-2610 visit the Chincoteague Historic Main Street Merchants Association website: www.chincoteaguemerchants.org

Classes will be located at Captain’s Cove Marina in Greenbackville, Virginia. To pre-register or for more information, call John Conquest at 757-824-6335.

On Monday evening, November 23rd , at 7:00 pm the Chincoteague Benevolence Association will host a Community Thanksgiving Celebration at the Chincoteague Island Community Center at 6155 Community Drive in Chincoteague, VA.

All are welcome.  Refreshments will be served.

All donations will benefit The Chincoteague Island Food Pantry and the Chincoteague Benevolence Association

Bird watchers, photographers and nature lovers pour into Virginia during National Waterfowl Week at Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge. The annual event is extremely popular among birders and travelers to Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.

The star attraction are the snow geese, which arrive by the thousands just in time for the event. On November 26-29 from noon to 3:30 pm, vehicles are permitted to be driven on the service road for wildlife viewing.

To get into the holiday spirit, attend or participate in this fun family-oriented event featuring fire companies from Delmarva, brightly illuminated floats, horses, bands, antique autos and colorful marching groups.

Festivities begin with the traditional lighting of the town at 6:30 p.m. followed by the parade at 7:00 p.m.  At the conclusion of the parade, Santa will be at the fire company hall, refreshments will be served and trophies and monetary prizes for commercial, non-commercial, junior marching units, marching bands, equestrian units, decorated boats and miscellaneous entries will be awarded. The judges’ award which highlights the best in show is new this year and will honor the best of the best.

Parade applications can be obtained from the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce office or from the website at www.chincoteaguechamber.com.  For additional information, contact the Chamber at 757-336-6161.

Oysters have always been popular in Virginia at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Fish caught during the late fall and winter are also popular, including striped bass (rockfish) and sea bass. Other dishes include rich chowders made with clams, fish or other local seafood.

After a few generations of coastal residents left their small fishing towns to live elsewhere, the demand for seafood as a holiday food spread across the nation, creating a need for shipped seafood.

Fortunately the seafood industry has responded with a variety of solutions. A wide range of non-perishable products are available now for seafood enthusiasts and holiday shoppers. Items such as canned oysters, pre-cooked seafood soups, chowders and stews are all offered in forms that do not require refrigeration.

For shoppers that want the highest possible quality, seafood is available fresh from the boat. Lobsters, crabs, shrimp, clams, oysters, scallops, mussels, fish and other seafood is all available online, ready to be shipped overnight in special chilled containers. Online stores also offer frozen seafood products, either uncooked or fully cooked meal entrees.

Seafood cookbooks are a perennial favorite gift. These are available at local bookstores and other shops on Chincoteague Isloand or via online specialty stores.

Seafood collectibles are another popular gift idea. These include t-shirts, prints, photographs, calendars, coffee mugs, stickers and other gifts.

Seafood Gift Links

Chincoteague Oysters

Crabs – Crabcakes

Smoked Salmon

Seafood T-Shirts – Art

Virginia Seafood Markets

Attendees are requested to bring a non-perishable food item and/or a new toy which will be distributed here on Chincoteague Island. We would like to recognize the Chincoteague Benevelant Association for all the help they give to people in our community. This is a group made up of one person from each of the churches and from the civic organizations of Chincoteague. For information on the tree lighting contact Ann Warnick at 757-336-1111

* Fish directly over structure, including shipwrecks, rocks, rubble, bridge pilings and artificial reefs.

* Use a basic top and bottom fishing rig when snags and hang ups are not a problem.

* Switch to a single hook rig in areas of extremely rough bottom.

* Carry a wide selection of sinkers ranging from 3-8 oz.

* Use a rod and reel that can handle depths from 15-120 feet, and 3-8 oz. sinkers.

* Fish with braided lines for added sensitivity.

* Use baits such as blue crabs, green crabs, mole crabs, fiddler crabs, shrimp and clams.

* When fishing whole blue crabs or green crabs, some anglers imbed both hooks in a single bait and remove or crack the shell of the crab.

* When using cut crab, leave the legs on and check baits often. Replace baits that have had the meat sucked out of the shell.

* Avoid excessive tension on the line and pay attention for minute signs of nibbling. Give a short tug upward when movement is felt. If the fish appears to be in the line, set the hook, lift the fish away from structure and then reel in gently.

* Tag and release undersize fish.

* Take no more fish than needed. Release female fish when possible.

* Identify sexes – Male tautog have blunter heads and darker, more solid coloring with a faint lighter spot on their flank. Females have a more mottled appearance and sloping forehead.

* Support Artificial Reef programs

Virginia Tautog Links

Tautog T-shirts, Stickers, Logos, Artwork

How to Clean and Fillet Tautog

Meet artists and authors, listen to great music and sample wine and gourmet food as you visit an array of galleries and shops. Pick up an InfoMap at participating shops or at the Chincoteague Visitor Center, lodging and local restaurants. Special events take place from 6:00 – 10:00pm unless noted.

Start your stroll with a visit to Gull Watch Basketry on South Main St. where owner/artist Helen Sheets demonstrates basket-making from 10:00am – 3:00pm. Then head up toward North Main St. for a cooking demonstration with treats for the holidays by The Pampered Chef at Threadgoodes from 4:00 – 7:00pm. From there, it’s an easy walk to the shops on Maddox Blvd. Island Cottage Collection features demonstrations of metal-smithing by Laughing Dog Studio, soap-making by Marianne Warren and painting by Nancy Madison.

In addition, Island Cottage Collection features an exhibition of paintings by Ken Castelli and decoy carvings by “Sawdy” Jester. Fran Severn will also be signing copies of Art Drives on Delmarva. Next door, visit Island Arts to meet artist Jean Ketner-Loeffert, who demonstrates painting with silk thread. Stroll over to Church Street to check out the Linda Nerine Gallery (which is closing for the season Oct. 12) where local artist Lucy Roehm, will be making pencil sketches of island scenes. Then stroll back down to Main Street for a stop at Psychotronic Music and Beads where DJ Michael plays James Brown and the Famous Flames and Mia Weldon demonstrates her unique glass bead-making.

The wine-tasting at Wine, Cheese and More features wines by Williamsburg Winery in honor of Virginia Wine Month. Stop by the Island Library to see the (almost completed) new expansion and view works by local artists. Then step next door to Sundial Books to meet Virginia author Neva Bryan who will sign copies of her new book St. Peter’s Monsters (6-8pm).

Unleash your own inner creativity at Guinevere’s as you make Halloween greeting cards with mixed media and altered objects. Then just ‘unleash’ in the Garden of Gripes at Egret Moon Artworks. Keep griping until the “You’ve Gone on Way Too Long” gong sends you on your way.

Then, mosey over to the Kite Koop and tap your toe to the sounds of Bill Troxler on hammered dulcimer and Owen Hooks on guitar (7-9?pm). End your evening at aNoPheles Blues with the infamous Soiree, which is yielding to public pressure and featuring a reading of Pinter’s The Basement.

Keep in mind that while the shops and galleries listed above have special events scheduled this month, other members feature art, books, antiques and specialty foods in their shops and many provide special treats during the art stroll. These include the Bayside Arts Coop, The Bookhounds, Flying Fish Gallery, Island Butterfly and the Osprey Nest Gallery. For more information, visit the CCA website at www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org

Blue Rhythm Boys played to and delighted a sold out audience on Chincoteague in 2008. They return with the “blue” portion of their repertoire blending the blues of Mississippi John Hurt with the “hot club” swing of Django Reinhardt, The Blue Rhythm Boys have delighted audiences with their tight vocals and hot guitar playing since 1997. Tom Mitchell, Jim Stephanson bring authenticity and originality to their own smoky mix of hot jazz, blues and hokum.

Tickets are $18 at the door, $15 for advance purchase. Student tickets are $5. Advance tickets are available online, or at Egret Moon, H&H Pharmacy, Island Cottage Collection, Kite Koop, Psychotronic Music and Beads, and Sundial Books.

To purchase tickets online go to www.ChincoteagueCulturalAlliance.org and click on “Music.” Seating is limited. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended.

This showcase of Virginia’s Eastern Shore will wow birders and nature lovers alike.  Whether it’s a hike on an untamed barrier island or boat tour to the Shore’s secret places, this festival celebrates one of nature’s most amazing spectacles.

During the fall migration, songbirds, waterfowl, eagles, hawks and falcons converge on the Eastern Shore peninsula. Tucked between the broad waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this patchwork of farms, forest, marshes and creeks provides an incredible opportunity to experience these winged wonders in the most tranquil of settings.

This four-day festival includes a variety of fascinating guided boat and land tours suitable for adventurers of all ages.