RTD Guidebook

GUIDEBOOK
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Friday, April 6, 2007

Try this

Fishing and wildlife lovers are gearing up for another celebration of the aquatic life that fills the waters in Richmond.

As in years past, the 14th Street Fish Festival will be held at the south end of the 14th Street Bridge and along the adjacent floodwall. The festival is scheduled for April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An array of groups, including the city of Richmond, several state agencies, Maymont Park, the Richmond Audubon Society and Virginia Commonwealth University, will provide activities ranging from hands-on fishing to wildlife displays.

The latter will be the focus of an exhibit by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. "We'll emphasize our watchable wildlife program, which this is a great example of, for people who are interested in wildlife," said Lou Verner of VDGIF. "It's not just for anglers but for everybody."

Representatives of the state Department of Environmental Quality will collect various species through electrofishing and display them in a flooded canoe. City officials will host two bus trips to Bosher's Dam so participants can see the fishway. Fly fishermen will demonstrate casting and other elements of their sport, and birding aficionados will lead guided trips.

Youngsters in a city program will stage an interpretive dance symbolizing the springtime run of shad and other anadromous species. A VCU educator will help children release larval shad into the river, and area guides will coordinate some actual fishing.

The festival is being held in conjunction with Earth Day activities, including the Mayor's Walk and Roll. For details about the festival, call (804) 646-8911. For details about Earth Day, go to www.earthdayrichmond.org. Calendar

April 14: The Big Cat Quest catfish tournament and Jack Randolph River Fest will be held out of Hopewell City Marina. For details, call (804) 541-2353 or go to www.kenfreemanoutdoorpromotio ns.com.

April 21-22: The seventh annual Virginia Fly Fishing Festival will be held in Waynesboro with programs beginning at 8:30 a.m. both days. Seminars, vendor displays, wine-tasting and live music are planned. For details, call (540) 836-9367 or go to www.vaflyfishingfestival.org.

April 22: The Poor Farm Spring Cup Mountain Bike Race will be held at Poor Farm Park in Hanover County. Divisions range from hard-core enduro racers to juniors and beginners. Events include a 5-K trail run and a mountain bike excursion for children 6 to 11 years old. For details or to register, call Richmond Multisports at (804) 303-4833 or go to www.richmondmultisports.com.

April 28: A freshwater fishing workshop for beginners will be held at Oak Grove Lake Park in Chesapeake from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $15, and participants must be at least 8 years old. For details, call (804) 367-6778 or e-mail chris.dunnavant@dgif.virginia.gov.

May 2: A sporting clays tournament to benefit Log a Load for Kids and the Children's Miracle Network will be held at Sussex Shooting Sports in Waverly. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with competition at 10 a.m. Smurfit Stone and four other companies are sponsors. Fees range from $80 for individuals to $1,000 for a host sponsorship. Deadline for entries is April 19. For details, call (434) 736-8505 or (804) 843-5250.

May 9: The Downing Ruritan Club will hold its annual David H. Horne Memorial Hunters for the Hungry Golf Tournament. The captain's choice tournament will be held at Birkdale Golf Course in Chesterfield County. Registration is at 11 a.m.; the shotgun start is at 1 p.m. The cost is $70 per player or $280 per foursome. For details or to sign up, contact Braxton Bell at (804) 739-3010 or at bbellharehill@gmail.com.

Seasons

Tomorrow: Virginia Trout Heritage Day will be held on 16 lakes and rivers in the state. Fishing begins at 9 a.m. Waters are closed today for stocking.

Tomorrow: Youth Turkey Day statewide for hunters 15 and younger. One-half hour before sunrise to noon.

- Lee Graves