Fishin' Addiction Custom Rods

Ch-Ch-Ch-Choked it!

Anne Amos catching some nice ones with her tangerine dream rod.

http://youtu.be/WOiGTncpqms Had a little fun with the Gopro on the ride up to Richmond to photograph some of the anglers in the RVA Shad Shootout

James River Bass Boat Run - Meadowville to Richmond (10x speed) Ran upriver to the fall line for a day of shad fishing and take some pictures of the anglers in the RVA Shad Shootout.

Fish for shad or striper in a tidal river? Did you know you are required to have a Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) number? Well we didn't either...so I made a couple of calls that led us to discussions with Game and Inland Fisheries, state biologists, and MRC representatives. We want to share our findings with you to help avoid any confusion and troubles, including potential fines up to $500 (http://hamptonroads.com/2011/06/va-enforce-fishing-registration-requirements).
The good news is the registration for the FIP is free! It can be completed online here... http://mrc.virginia.gov/FIP
It is required when fishing for anadromous species such as striper and any shad species, or any tidal species that live in saltwater that spawn in freshwater. By 'tidal' they define below any fall line which includes everyone targeting shad and striper at our most popular local spots, both Ancarrow's landing just south of the city of Richmond and the Appomattox river in Petersburg. According to the MRC representative I spoke with, it is more common knowledge of this requirement in the saltwater community than with freshwater anglers. The main purpose is for data collection on these important species to keep their populations healthy.
This registration is required annually, but if completed online they will send an email reminder to help you remember to register again. Another special circumstance where this may keep you out of hot water is if you take advantage of our state's free fishing days, June 5th and 6th, and choose to go wet a line in some saltwater. Even though the saltwater license is not needed, a FIP registration is required. Although it is reported that most law enforcement are citing warnings, the saltwater guys are much more keen on the law and its enforcement.
We visited www.mrc.virginia.gov.fip and it took us about 30 seconds to complete. We suggest avoiding the risk of not being caught without the registration as well as the benefit of helping our resource managers get the best data available to keep our fisheries a plentiful and healthy habitat.
Please share the information with you friends and feel free to tag a friend or share this post. Have fun fighting these seasonal species and stay safe and courteous out here on the water. Fish On!
-Abandon Shipp