Public Comments for 01/27/2025 Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources - Chesapeake Subcommittee
HB2008 - Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program authority; right of entry.
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HB2050 - Occoquan Reservoir PFAS Reduction Program; established.
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Thank you Chair and Members of the Committee. I am Calvin Farr, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer for Prince William Water. • The Occoquan Reservoir is a vital source of drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people in Prince William and Fairfax Counties • Half of all residents of Prince William County obtain their drinking water from the Occoquan Reservoir • In 1971, the State of Virginia created the Occoquan Policy to protect this critical water supply reservoir from point source pollution • Further, you are likely aware that certain “forever chemicals,” collectively referred to as PFAS, have been detected in the Occoquan Reservoir. • The EPA has determined that PFAS are extremely toxic, saying that exposure to as little as 4 parts per trillion in drinking water creates an unacceptable health risk. • While EPA has passed legislation that requires water utilities to remove PFAS from drinking water, legislation is still needed to keep PFAS out of the Occoquan • House Bill 2050, Occoquan Reservoir PFAS Reduction Program, will have the dual benefit of protecting the Occoquan, as well as ensuring that the cost of removing PFAS from drinking water is not borne solely by utility rate payers. • It is simple, if we don’t want a pollutant in our drinking water, we should prevent that pollutant from being put into our source water, which is the Occoquan • Virginia recognized this principle 50 years ago when it created the Occoquan Policy, and it’s time to do so again. • Prince William Water is for House Bill 2050 • I want to thank the committee for the opportunity to speak on this very important issue
I am David Sligh, Conservation Director at Wild Virginia. I would like to thank Del. Bulova for his efforts on HB2050 and for accepting and responding to some concerns from the conservation community. We believe the substitute offered today is significantly improved over the version first introduced and we are grateful for those changes. We do have some continuing concerns, as follows: 1) We believe that basing compliance with permit limits on a running annual average of monitoring results, as included in 1.B., can allow harmful levels to be discharged and affect the water supply and that the variability in discharges should weigh against this condition; 2) The addition of an exception to municipal solid waste facilities under 1.D. is unwise, given that landfill leachate is a known and often significant source of PFAS in discharges and would be a serious threat to water supplies; 3) The allowance for cessation of monitoring after four consecutive samples below method detection levels, as allowed under 1.A. may allow dangerous levels of PFAS to be released. The variability in discharges can be quite significant due to variations in industrial processes an other factors and ongoing monitoring is important. Wild Virginia opposes HB2517 from Delegate Runion and asks the subcommittee to reject it. The bill's exemption for sludge land application on land owned and operated by institutions of higher education would be unfair to the public and could create threats to state waters and residents around these sites. Current regulations require public notice and opportunity to comment and these are necessary to let people know what is happening in their communities and have the chance to influence the decisions about these activities. Sludge that is land applied contains many pollutants, including in most if not all cases PFAS, and the normal regulatory process and permit conditions must be used for these sites as they are for all others in the state. Educational institutions have the capacity to meet the regulations and should be required to abide by them.
Statement of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District in Support of HB 2050 The mission of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is to promote sustainable urban and suburban activities and stewardship to conserve our soil, water, air, plants, and animal resources in Fairfax County, home of 1.2 million Virginians. We are one of 47 Districts in the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. We support HB 20250, patroned by Delegate Bulova. The bill would reduce the amount of the class of chemicals known as PFAS in the drinking water supply of Fairfax County provided from the Occoquan Reservoir. In recent years scientists have become increasingly aware of and concerned about the human health effects of PFAS, so we commend Delegate Bulova for patroning this bill to require monitoring and eventually regulation of PFAS in industrial discharges that end up in the Occoquan watershed. We feel it is appropriate to empower local governments to take actions to improve the environmental quality of their communities. We urge the Committee to promptly take positive action on HB 2050.
The mission of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is to promote sustainable urban and suburban activities and stewardship to conserve our soil, water, air, plants, and animal resources in Fairfax County, home of 1.2 million Virginians. We are one of 47 Districts in the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. We support HB 20250, patroned by Delegate Bulova. The bill would reduce the amount of the class of chemicals known as PFAS in the drinking water supply of Fairfax County provided from the Occoquan Reservoir. In recent years scientists have become increasingly aware of and concerned about the human health effects of PFAS, so we commend Delegate Bulova for patroning this bill to require monitoring and eventually regulation of PFAS in industrial discharges that end up in the Occoquan watershed. We feel it is appropriate to empower local governments to take actions to improve the environmental quality of their communities. We urge the Committee to promptly take positive action on HB 2050.
I urge you to support HB1941, Invasive plants are causing damage to our environment by crowding out native plants that support birds and other wildlife. Invasive plants such as English Ivy that continue to be sold commercially migrate from where they are planted to populate roadsides and parks. I have been a volunteer leader for Fairfax County Parks’ invasive removal efforts since 2006. My volunteers can’t keep up with the spread of invasive plants in our parks, we can only suppress their spread temporarily. By educating consumers to the harm that these plants cause, we can hope to actually reduce their spread and the destruction of our environment . HB 1941 is a logical and reasonable step towards controlling these known invasive plants. As a resident of Fairfax County whose drinking water comes from the Occoquan watershed, I urge you to support HB 2050 to remove pfas forever chemicals from our drinking water. They are known carcinogens. Thank you.
HB2178 - Discharging preproduction plastic; regulation, requirements.
Honorable David L. Bulova, Chair, and Member, Subcommittee on the Chesapeake Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources, House of Delegates, Commonwealth of Virginia In re: Public Testimony Opposed: S. Amd. Dated January 20, 2025, H. 2178 relating to: preproduction plastic Chair Bulova and Members, The American Chemistry Council (ACC) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the substitute amendment dated January 20, 2025, to H. 2178 relating to preproduction plastic. ACC urges the committee not to move forward with the legislation. The plastics industry is already taking steps to minimize and prevent plastic discharge. Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) was founded in 1991 by the Plastics Industry Association and has been jointly administered by ACC and PLASTICS since 2004. OCS is an industry-led plastic resin stewardship program that supports companies’ efforts towards achieving zero resin loss to the environment. OCS members commit to making zero plastic resin loss a priority, assess their own situation and needs, make appropriate facility and equipment upgrades, raise employee awareness, create and enforce procedures, and conduct routine inspections for continual improvement. OCS has over 130 U.S. members across the full plastics value chain (e.g., material suppliers, processors, warehouse and distribution centers, service providers, trucking companies, and railroads) who report quarterly data and participate in the mandatory, external verification programs as applicable. Federal standards would be more effective than state-specific requirements. ACC fully supports the goal of zero discharge into the environment. However, ACC opposes this proposal because it is unnecessary, vague, and would be difficult to implement. Instead, ACC supports amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create consistent federal standards to minimize discharge. A federal approach helps ensure greater uniformity and would help prevent a fragmented landscape of state regulations. This would help ensure resources are dedicated to creating a zero-discharge system instead of navigating state-specific requirements. Again, ACC urges the committee not to move forward with the proposal in its current form. Sincerely, Adam S. Peer, Senior Director, Plastics Sustainability American Chemistry Council
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Below and attached is a comment submitted on behalf of American Bird Conservancy: Dear Committee members of the Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources - Chesapeake Subcommittee, On behalf of the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), we appreciate your consideration of HB2178 and our comments regarding this legislation. ABC is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We have offices in Marshall, VA and Washington, DC. We have 22 staff members located in Virginia. Our mission is to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. This includes birds and their habitats across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Plastic pollution is a pervasive problem, harming humans and wildlife. 90% of seabirds have ingested at least some form of plastic (C. Wilcox, et al., 2015). When birds ingest plastic, it can cause serious health problems, including digestive blockages, chronic inflammation, and death. Virginia is home to diverse birdlife such as swans, terns, and rails. Threatened and endangered species, such as the Red Knot, Black-capped Petrel, and Piping Plover, all depend on healthy coastal and pelagic habitats in Virginia. Plastic threatens the health of these habitats and species, warranting policy action. HB2178 is a commonsense proposal that would regulate the discharge of pre-production plastics. Stopping plastics before they enter waterways is the best way to protect birds and humans. HB2178 would accomplish this by creating a program to ensure zero discharge or release from point and nonpoint sources. Section C of HB2178 details requirements a facility would have to adopt and implement to mitigate pollution. Critically, this section would require use of continuous monitoring technology. This technology could help with enforcement and provide more data on when and where pre-production pellets are discharged. Additional best practices, such as storage, handling, and transfer guidance for plastics, detailed in section C could further protect birds and humans from plastic pollution. Thank you for considering our comments. We encourage your continued action addressing plastic pollution, which advances bird conservation and public health. Sincerely, Annie Chester Policy Director American Bird Conservancy
Plastic production is expected to triple by 2060 and without new measures in place, we can expect plastic pollution to also increase. According to an analysis of 2016 data, it is estimated that 10 trillion plastic pellets litter our oceans in a year. Once in the water, plastic pellets can also absorb toxic chemicals. These types of pollutants bioaccumulate, meaning they become more concentrated and more toxic as they move up the food chain. Plastic pellets also leach. Leachates have been shown to affect hormonal systems in both vertebrates and invertebrates which subsequently can affect reproduction, oxidative stress levels, feeding behavior, physiology as well as metabolic and immune functions. Plastic and microplastic are emerging pollutants and they are increasingly linked to public health concerns. Animals sometimes mistake plastic pellets for food, such as eggs or tadpoles. A study done in Svalbard, north of the Arctic Circle, found that 48.7 percent of the fulmars in the study had plastic pellets in their stomachs. Svalbard is far away from the plastic supply chain and highlights the far reaching consequences of plastic pellet pollution. We do not need more microplastic in our water jeopardizing our health and that of the environment. Currently, we are playing a game of whack-a-mole with citizens attempting to hold folks accountable for plastic pellet pollution. This bill is important, because it includes an actual prevention mechanism - monitoring. We support this bill and hope you will too.
Clean Fairfax hopes you will vote to advance Delegate Clark's HB 2178 bill to stop plastic pellet pollution in Virginia when it is before you this afternoon in committee. While things like plastic water bottles and plastic film and grocery bags are what we find in our streams and creeks and neighborhoods of Fairfax County--those items are relatively easy to pick up (but only WHEN they are picked up) but these little plastic pellets that MAKE water bottles and plastic bags are not. They are tiny, they easily wash into water bodies, and they are exactly what we would call litter/pollution or even hazardous waste if it was a truck overturned on the beltway spilling the oil on the way to the plastic pellet factory! This bill would require DEQ to create a set of rules and obligations for companies who transport and use these plastic pellets (aka nurdles) to ensure that said entities are responsible for keeping them from spilling and escaping into our ecosystem. We aren't able to do this for all our litter (yet, but we're working on it) but where we can, we have an obligation to do so. Thanks for your support
Clean Virginia Waterways supports Delegate Clark's HB 2178 bill to stop plastic pellet pollution in Virginia. We hope it is the will of the subcommittee to advance this important legislation. The Port of Virginia is one of the largest ports for importing and exporting plastics in the country- There are at least seven plastic production facilities operating in Virginia, and a new $34 million facility set to begin production on the Staunton River this year. The amount of plastic produced and exported from Virginia is going to increase, this has the potential to increase the amount of plastic entering Virginia’s waters. As a result, it is important to have the necessary protections in place. We know microplastics and plastic pellets are already in Virginia’s water. It’s important to take proactive measures to stop the flow of plastic into our water, not only to protect human and environmental health but also to protect Virginia’s economy. Prevention reduces the financial costs and environmental costs associated with plastic production. This bill would require DEQ to create a set of rules and obligations for companies who transport and use these plastic pellets (aka nurdles) to ensure that said entities are responsible for keeping them from spilling and escaping into our ecosystem. We aren't able to do this for all our litter and mismanaged solid waste (yet, but we're working on it) but where we can, we have an obligation to do so.
I strongly support Delegate Clark's HB 2178. Plastic Pellets represent the perfect storm of the fossil fuel / plastic industry's assault on clean air, clean water, and clean lands. The production of Plastic Pellets (nurdles) alone injects toxins into the atmosphere, while the unrestrained spilling of pellets onto our landscape and into our waterways poisons our entire ecosystem. While the longterm health effects of micro-plastics are only beginning to be understood, their presence in every organ and system in our bodies is well documented. Now is the time to act and prevent further injection of these harmful pellets into our environment. The future health of our children and grandchildren depends on your prompt action. Please vote YES on HB2178. Thank you. Very Respectfully Yours, J.F. Deppe, Citizen, Virginia Beach.
Environment Virginia supports HB2178. Plastic pellets, also called nurdles, are the building blocks of plastic manufacturing. These microplastics are made to be melted and molded into everyday plastic products, everything from milk jugs to car bumpers. At plastic factories, pellets that fall on the floor or get contaminated with dirt are sometimes washed down drains. There are at least seven facilities in Virginia that produce such plastics. Because they’re small and lightweight, plastic pellets are often spilled during transport too. Ports are another place in the supply chain that these tiny pieces of plastic end up in our environment. Once these pieces of plastic end up in our environment, they are extremely difficult to remove. They end up being mistaken for food by wildlife and become a part of our food chain. Companies shouldn’t be allowed to dump or spill plastic into our waterways. The bill stipulates zero discharge of plastic pellets in stormwater permits into water sources or land outside a facility. Importantly the bill would require measures to prevent pellet loss from any facilities that make, store, handle or transfer plastic pellets. It’s a common-sense solution to tackle an avoidable source of plastic pollution in Virginia's waterways.
HB2326 - Commercial fishing pier; public fishing pier owned by a political subdivision, exclusion.
HB2327 - Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Advisory Committee; extension of sunset date.
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HB2331 - Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas; acceptance of signed & sealed plan in lieu of local plan review.
HB2450 - Research university collaborative; reassigning coastal resource management duties.
HB2516 - Hazardous substances; Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans, civil penalties.
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HB2517 - Sewage sludge; land application, permit exemptions, sunset.
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I wish to express my opposition to HB2517. Just because VA Tech or any other institution of higher learning wants to study the land application of biosolids/sludge, that should not relieve that institution from providing the same notice requirements to its neighbors that commercial appliers and private farmers are obligated to provide. I urge an unfavorable report on HB2517. Thank you, Glen Besa
I am David Sligh, Conservation Director at Wild Virginia. I would like to thank Del. Bulova for his efforts on HB2050 and for accepting and responding to some concerns from the conservation community. We believe the substitute offered today is significantly improved over the version first introduced and we are grateful for those changes. We do have some continuing concerns, as follows: 1) We believe that basing compliance with permit limits on a running annual average of monitoring results, as included in 1.B., can allow harmful levels to be discharged and affect the water supply and that the variability in discharges should weigh against this condition; 2) The addition of an exception to municipal solid waste facilities under 1.D. is unwise, given that landfill leachate is a known and often significant source of PFAS in discharges and would be a serious threat to water supplies; 3) The allowance for cessation of monitoring after four consecutive samples below method detection levels, as allowed under 1.A. may allow dangerous levels of PFAS to be released. The variability in discharges can be quite significant due to variations in industrial processes an other factors and ongoing monitoring is important. Wild Virginia opposes HB2517 from Delegate Runion and asks the subcommittee to reject it. The bill's exemption for sludge land application on land owned and operated by institutions of higher education would be unfair to the public and could create threats to state waters and residents around these sites. Current regulations require public notice and opportunity to comment and these are necessary to let people know what is happening in their communities and have the chance to influence the decisions about these activities. Sludge that is land applied contains many pollutants, including in most if not all cases PFAS, and the normal regulatory process and permit conditions must be used for these sites as they are for all others in the state. Educational institutions have the capacity to meet the regulations and should be required to abide by them.
HB2517 These comments specifically refer to this proposed language of the bill in this paragraphy: "S. The permitting requirements of this article shall not apply to any land application of sewage sludge when such land is owned and operated by an institution of higher education in the Commonwealth. As used in this subsection, "institution of higher education" means a public institution or private institution of higher education, as those terms are defined in § 23.1-100." Supposedly, the point of this bill is to help make sure universities can land-apply biosolids (sewage sludge) for research, but it is actually an industry-backed document that will result in silencing the public, reducing access to important data, and increasing the potential for chemical contamination of Virginia land and water. The industry and academia are understandably worried right now about public opposition to the land application of biosolids (sewage sludge), given that the public is becoming increasingly aware of how full of toxic chemicals biosolids are, and in particular, PFAS chemicals. This language is so wide-ranging as to allow a university to spread sludge across its entire campus without any notice given or opportunity for input from any stakeholders. That may seem a far-fetched scenario, but the law would allow it, nonetheless. Perhaps the language of this bill was intentionally written as over-broad, so that it could subsequently be amended and narrowed to focus on research. Then its supporters could say it was "fixed" and therefore, ready to be passed. Dear Legislators, please do not fall for this ruse. This idea of exemption for anyone or any institution takes us in exactly the wrong direction. We need firmer state and local controls over sources of pollution -- including sewage sludge -- not looser ones, because federal regulators are dissolving and abdicating all their responsibilities, even as we speak. Now that we know there are PFAS in nearly every sample of sewage sludge taken, we need more public awareness and input on biosolids permits, not less. This bill would cut the public out of the process altogether. I urge you to please kill it.
HB2782 - Blue catfish; Board of Wildlife Resources shall amend 4VAC15-320-25, Creel and length limits.
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The blue catfish are an amazing fish for people to catch and the big ones are the most fun to catch. If you do this, a bunch of catfish will be losing their homes and they’ll only be smaller ones for people to catch. And blue catfish take a long time to grow to that big so please just let them live.
I've caught more trophy blue cats up there than I could dream of in my local rivers down here in se nc and look forward to traveling up there and showing friends every chance I get how good of a trophy fishery the james is. If this goes through, it'll literally wipe out the trophy population. Thanks for listening.
Passing the bill allowing fellow fishing anglers to have no limit on the catfish would be devastating to the James river & leave a tremendous impact on the catfish industry & the catfish population on that body water.. I highly disagree with the bill as I see there should always be a limit so for there we can continue to see anglers catch & release trophy size catfish instead of seeing people catch all the trophy size catfish just to put them in a pay lake to die, it makes me sick..
The trophy catfish is a big part of my life with bein able to take my family out and catch these trophy catfish. This would be the worst thing that could ever happen to one of the best trophy catfishing river around. I look at catfish the same way Major League Bass Fishermen look at bass as they are trophy's. I hope this will help change the view on these fish we really need to keep these big catfish safe and keep them around for generations to come. Thanks for your time
The commercial fishermen will devastate this prime blue catfish fishery. Fishing in Southwest Virginia waters doesn't compare to the James River. That's why we travel 4 hours to catfish and I have friends that travel 10 to 12 hours to fish the James in hopes of catching a trophy blue catfish. Taking all the trophy fish will leave nothing for our children , grandchildren and great grandchildren. Please don't let this fall on deaf ears. Thanks! Randy
Please vote NO to removing the length law from the blue catfish in Virginia! The length law only protects a tiny portion of the biomass of catfish in virginia. Seems like giving 98% of the catfish population to the commercial fisherman was beyond fair. Bluecats are the #2 sought after fish in virginia. Only second to largemouth bass. Trophy fishing for bluecats have exploded in recent years. Alot of money is spent to pursue them. Please don't let them kill the fish we have cought and released for years now. Ty. Vote no to removing the length law across va.
By passing this bill you will be taking a lot of revenue from the state of Virginia. People from all over the states go to Virginia to fish the James river for trophy blue cats.
Good evening, This bill could do a lot of damage to great fisheries and businesses. Not to mention the livelihood that many depend on daily thanks to the catfish in those rivers. Please consider the people, businesses, economic downfalls from vacationing fishermen, and most importantly the catfish species as a whole. Passing this bill for one group to benefit instead of many, would be a mistake in my opinion. There are many that are depending on you all to make a great decision for those fisheries. Please do the right thing. Thanks for your time and the opportunity to leave this message. Respectfully, Mike
Bill 2782, do not pass this bad for the fishing guides. The length limit is important
Do not remove size limits.
Please save the blue catfish
Please DO NOT loosen the restrictions. I fish for these fish and add quite a bit to the local and state economy in doing so. If allowed, commercial fisherman will destroy our waterways. Thank You. Richard Keene
I have enjoyed a lifetime of family trips to catfish at buggs island lake. Myself friends and family have caught many trophy fish and we use this as fellowship once a year as many of us stay in multiple different states. Harming this fishery would be devastating to our enjoyment as we meet there yearly.
Please vote no to this bill. We do not want our fish to be taken away from us. We need to protect them from the commercial fisherman and keep our waterways from being destroyed. So please vote no to this bill and protect our waterway here in Virginia.
Please do not go through with this. I myself as one of many people travel an hour and a half away from home to vacation/ and tournament fish at Kerr lake buggs island. VA. My friends and family have traveled there for the last 20 plus years for vacation fishing. If this passes , commercial fishing WILL destroy the blue cat population overall. Please consider not doing this and destroying the blue cat from buggs island.
Protect the trophy's!!!
Please consider not changing this bill. Removing this limit opens a world of issues and allows for an unlimited destruction of fisheries. Removing this law will decimate the larger blue catfish in every fishery. These fish take a long time to grow. These are the fish that keep our population of eating size fish sustainable. Not only that, but they provide revenue to the areas they reside. People come from all over the country to have an opportunity to catch a large blue catfish. This also opens up the opportunity for pay lakes to to do what every they want. Pay lakes take these fish, throw them in a pond with no food source just to be caught over and over until they are die of starvation and mutilation. The fisheries that have blue catfish have an excellent balance and Removing this bill will cause serious disruption to the eco system that currently flourishes. Please reconsider keeping the regulation in place. If anything it could stronger and raise the minimum length to 35" Thank you for your time and consideration.
Removing creel and length limits would be very detrimental to the blue cat populations in the state. And as of me and many other people we have built a lifestyle on catching and releasing trophy blue cats for years. If yall remove these limits and people are allowed to keep unlimited 30+ lb blue cats that will kill the breeding stock. These big fish don’t only provide for a good time they are also our breeding stock. So we ask that yall take the word of the people and listen and don’t remove the limits on our blue cats
Please dont pass this law. Not only will this law affect the trophy catfish population it will also affect the economy an the 30+ Charter captains in the area that feed there families an earn there living by running charters for ppl that come hundreds and hundreds of miles to have the opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime an make memories with there families friends and loved ones. This will also affect the economy cause millions of dollers are brougght from other states from ppl that strivve for the opportunity to catch and RELEASE one of these fish...
I do not want this bill passed. Myself and many other anglers fish for trophy catfish in these waters. Not only would this bill hurt the anglers fishing for these trophy’s but it would in impact your local economy when people decide not to travel and fish these waters due to it being fished out.
I do not think this bill should be passed due to the recreational group of us guys that enjoy going out to chase big catfish and having them released, if this bill passing it will ruin our hobbies and chances to get away
Stop, this isn’t what we want.Yall are messing with what we love.
Please do not pass this bill. The blue catfish need to have size limits so that the giant catfish can get bigger and people can have the enjoyment of catching a giant catfish and releasing it so it can get bigger and someone else will have a chance to catch it also ty
Guys you are trying to lift a law that takes our trophy fish . These are fish that took 30 plus years to get this size . These fish 32 “ plus are not as abundant as the fish under 20” the fish under 20 “ and smaller are more abundant . By lifting this bill it will play devastation on the trophy fish that we try so hard to protect and catch and release for our kids to enjoy the thrill of catching a monster blue one day. We as anglers ask that you don’t lift the 32” rule. We would prefer. Slot to be put in place that you can only keep a water size fish which would fall in the 5lb to 10 lb range . Please take in consideration of us fishermen when deciding on this.
This is a statement from Chesapeake Bay magazine March, 2023.. "In the meantime, what about those of us who like to catch and eat fish from the James? The health department lists consumption advisories and suggests avoiding large fish like blue catfish over 32”, which can accumulate high levels of pollutants over time. They also advise people not to eat any fish from the James more than twice a month.' That is a statement from. The Virginia health department. This being true, what is the goal of this bill? Is it to promote taking large fish with more of a health risk home to eat? Is it to increase the harvest opportunity for commercial fisherman to take more of these large fish with a higher HEALTH risk to the be put into a commercial setting without a health risk warning to the consumer? To reiterate what all the other comments on these bills are touched on. The trophy blue catfish is a treasured resource among fisherman and one of the fastest growing segments of the recreational fishing industry. The trophy fish drive the industry with fisherman spending 10s of thousands of dollars each on boats ,travel,gear,food, hotels etc.. to fish for these trophy catfish. Virginia ranks as one of the top destination in the country for this. We have a resource here that very valuable to the state. Say no to these bills .
The james river is home to big and thriving catfish. So many anglers sport fish this river for these big blues doing tournaments and having fun. Just as bass fisherman do. Everyone has their favorite target species! In my opinion. These fish deserve to be respected. It takes a long time for them to get big and allowing there to be no limit will dramatically impact the population. Before humans mother nature balanced the ecosystems. If you think the blue catfish will harm other fish populations. Well your wrong. These fish have been around for years and years. Only thing changing is their size. And once they get so big only then do they have so long to live. Keep the big blue catfish where they belong. The big worry is having to many small fish. If you talk to a professional that stocks fish they will say too many small fish is bad for a trophy fish pond/lake or in this case the james river. I have faith that this can be stopped! Do the right thing!
Bill hb2782 As a fellow catfisherman if you pass this bill it will delete the trophy catfish you will have people raping these waters just to sale to a pay lake where they will die us trophy catfisherman love what we do catching big catfish and releasing them for the younger generation to catch and enjoy so please think before you pass this bill
I vote no harvest on blue catfish over 32 inches. I’m just a fisherman who fishes as much as I can and know the ecosystem would not be the same with the big “trophy” blue catfish and flathead catfish. These fish have don’t do much harm if any. Taking the trophy fish would do more harm than good.
Please don't allow more than 1 fish over 32 inches to be taken a day. The trophy bluecats will sadly disappear if this happens. Paylakes will come and turn that river upside down. Sadly the fish in paylakes die. Bluecats are not a trash fish. We travel 650 miles one way every year to fish for these bluecats. The james river is a beautiful place and just won't be the same over the years if this bill is passed. Thanks Paul sturwold
Please vote No to this bill it will cause commercial fishermen to rake the waters and destroy the blue catfish.
I do not support this bill first off. Why would you change something that is not broken. The catfishing community has really taken off in the past 4-5 years. As a fellow catfisherman, the rivers listed above are one of the best known bodies of water to catch big blue catfish. This creates revenue for many towns and local stores. When we come to fish for these giant blues, we go to local bait and tackle stores, we eat at local restaurants, we stay in hotels or local airbnbs, and we buy the gas stations gas when we are visiting.Passing this bill will severely impact your local stores in those towns. And it will surely put a hurting on your fishing grounds. As I’ve stated above I do not support this bill.
Hb 1907 along with this bill need to be stopped. The trophy catfish fishery in VA is literally world known. World record catfish has come from Kerr/buggs and also the James River and its surrounding rivers are know as some of the best places to fish for blues in the whole country. Many states are trying to replicate our standards to better their fishery. The state needs to understand how much of a boost this is for local economies as well as a lot of people’s jobs rely on this fishery being maintained at a high quality for their livelihood. Through people coming from all over the world to fish here, tournaments, whole tackle/fishing equipment companies started in the surrounding area because of this fishery. Va blue catfish fishery is arguable the best in the world, let’s not mess it up now or for future generations to come.
Removing the size limit and the amount of blue catfish you can keep is blasphemy! Doing that will dwindle the blue cat population to nothing! You will not only eliminate a fish that has become a crucial part of the marine ecosystem you eliminate any and all chances of children and future generations to enjoy the ability to catch for sport or catch to eat blue catfish!
We travel to the James at least once every fall for the chance to catch Large blue cats in numbers and have a blast. Please don’t change this it will ruin the resource.
I believe we should be allowed to fish for any size fish in Virginia. A lot of Fishers from different areas travel to Virginia and love to fish. The charter fishing and any one fishing love to catch Blue Catfish and release them. It's a great sport and please allow the people to catch any size. I love Virginia
I and many other WV fisherman travel to fish the mighty James River to catch and release giant blue catfish. WV is slowly getting our blue catfish population up but we do not have the numbers that VA has nor the size. We spend a lot of money for catfishing and creates revenue for VA. I feel if this bill would pass it would cause the monster catfish to be harder to catch and we would just fish our local waters.
Please do not change the limits on Blue catfish. I do not support this bill. This will be detrimental to the fish.
This bill will ruin the catfishery for us fishermen who enjoy doing this and removing this is not smart move and won’t be long there will be no more catfish once all the bigger fish are taken out of these said places
You are going to do away with all the big catfish in the James River which in return is going to take away the sport aspect of Catfishing and after they get so big, you can’t eat them anyways and it takes years for catfish to get that big
Why change something that isn't broken? Catfishing has become just as popular as bass fishing and it's continuing to grow, people come from all over to fish these fisheries for trophy blue cats and if creel limits change it will slowly deplete our waters and there will be businesses, guides, small towns, restaurants and others affected by this because once the trophy fish are gone people and out of towners will stop coming because there will be no point. It's just a domino effect. Please think about the overall outcome of this and all in all this bill is NO GOOD!!! Nobody benefits from it
As a recreational fisherman I would ask that you consider a balance between reducing overall numbers yet still protecting the older trophy class fish. I live in Pennsylvania but plan vacations and travel to Virginia to enjoy the opportunity of pursuing trophy Blue Catfish. Please do not underestimate the value these trophy fish offer to the state of Virginia, it would a terrible shame to waste.
I have been a professional Catfishman for years. Trying to protect The trophy catfish and I would like keep The Regulations the same Kerr Lake . Thank you VAN HUGHES
I am a fisherman who travels to chase big blue cats. There are many of us who do but if regulations are not upheld to protect these fish these communities will lose a large amount of tourism money from us fisherman. Please continue regulating these fisheries. These comments are regarding HB2782. Thank you in advance.
A strong reason not to remove protections for blue catfish in Virginia is that these fish are being unfairly blamed for declines in blue crab populations, when research shows they aren’t a major factor in blue crab numbers. Factors like habitat loss and water quality have a far greater impact. Additionally, removing protections could lead to overharvesting, especially in the case of trophy-sized catfish. These large, mature fish are essential for maintaining healthy populations, as they often play a key role in reproductive cycles. If protections are removed, it could lead to indiscriminate fishing practices, like the rise of catfish pay lakes, where fish are taken out of the wild for profit. This would disrupt both the ecosystem and local communities. Keeping limits and protections on trophy-sized catfish ensures that these critical fish remain a sustainable part of Virginia's waterways while also preserving biodiversity and promoting responsible fishing practices. This bill should have never even been drafted.
Please protect the monster catfish you have. We travel that way often just to catch them. I would love to have a fishery close to me like it.
We really need to keep the size limit so these fish can grow and younger people latter in the years can have as much fun catching them as we all do now.If we dont do this these blue cats will be destroyed.
I don't want this passed the reason is I do catfish trouments on many lakes I believe in release and grow this let the catfish reproduce that we need in the lakes and rivers so other anglers like myself to enjoy the wildlife if we keep taking catfish or any other fish out the lakes and rivers we want be able to have catfish trouments much longer me and my family and kids love enjoying the catch of catfish this should not be passed I don't like it at all it shouldn't be passed let's keep catching and releasing this is the way it should be not taking catfish out so they none to be caught please take my consideration I love to keep having catfish trouments so me and my family can enjoy these fish means alot to me
Removing this regulation will be a death sentence for the fishing community In va. It's sad to see money take control of natural resources that the lord provided. Its obvious no one who write the bills has any clue of the catfishing sport. Your taking away so much but het give nothing in return typical govt. You don't care about lives or fish all you care for is the dollar signs you see from.this bill. As a business owner that makes fishing gear and equipment your taking away my job and my way of life. You ream.what you sow God speed!
Good afternoon, I feel the limit should stay to one fish over 34 inches if it is lifted i feel the trophy fishing will fall off the cliff. Having those trophy fish attract money to the towns that hold tournaments and the local area . I personally spend 14 to 16 days down there a year every year for the past 4 years fishing the spring and again in the fall for king of the james. It's an incredible fishery for trophy fish and enjoy bringing my family out catching fish of a lifetime and putting money in your community I would hate to see it take a turn for the worse. I appreciate the time thank you.
Instead of blaming the blue cats on the decline of blue crabs maybe limit the amount the industry can harvest the blue crabs. I fish the Elkton river, towards Turkey Point, and the number of blue catfish that I catch a year is less than a dozen. I also prefer to eat the blue catfish over channel catfish. On the other hand while traveling to and around Turkey Point on boat I have to be very careful because of all the trout lines and crab pots. One year there was 15 different trout lines for the crabs in one sq mile.
I have a question a little more direct for delagates Kent and Simonds as I am not for either of these bills. If VA approves this bill and destroys the trophy fishery what will be done to help the 30 plus charter fishing business who rely on the trophy fishery to attract business? Will we be financially compensated?
Please leave the current laws in place to protect these trophy fish so our children and grandchildren can enjoy all the same opportunities that we've had catching and releasing these trophy fish.
My Name is Matthew Webb. I reside just outside of Harrisburg Pennsylvania. I am writing on behalf of the Catfish community but also on behalf of someone who is involved in the seafood industry that includes Blue Catfish caught in Chesapeake Tributaries and Chesapeake Bay proper. As someone directly involved in the sales of Blue Catfish but also a passionate angler; this conversation can take many twists and turn. I hope to stand out just a bit given my background. The ongoing debate is filled with a lot of misinformation that needs scientific backing for any judgement calls and decisions being made on the subject matter. I can say with certainty after being involved with the seafood market the sales for this species of fish is trending downwards. The demand for this fish in my market is substantially low. Market price for blue catfish is from 5$ a lb to 6.50 $ on a good day. If the goal is to eradicate bluecatfish and or exempt any slot limits. The market will be absolutely flooded without the sales necessary for sustainable income for the commercial fishing and distribution of the species. Maryland waters are doing everything in their power to mitigate the fishery with little success. Maryland and Virginia needs to embrace the power of the recreational fisherman to understand the full scope of what they anglers see everyday in our river systems. In my personal opinion, the bay proper needs more attention than the tidal tributaries holding the trophy catfish. Most of the fish I see being harvested directly from the bay are 30lbs and under. For whatever reason the trophy fish seem to reside in the rivers with lower salinity. The smaller fish seems to be migrating though the bay causing more harm to the crab and rockfish populations than the fish in the river systems. Consider this.. Focus on the harvesting of blue catfish in the bay proper and manage that before you subject the recreational anglers in the tidal river systems. Yes catfish will migrate in and out of the river systems into the bay but the amount of recreational anglers targeting catfish in the bay proper are VERY minimal in comparison to the anglers you see fishing for blue catfish in the river systems with that larger category of fish staying in the river systems. I didn't have a lot of time to prepare this message and would be happy to discuss and help create ideas that will effectively create solutions for everyone. I know commercial fisherman in the bay that would agree and also recreational catfish anglers that would jump on board with this statement. Blue catfish are not going anywhere anytime soon and it would be wise to work with everyone on all front addressing specific details regarding the market driven data and science behind the movement without emotions or biased onions against what many people are led to believe is a "trash fish". Would be happy to elaborate more. Thanks for hearing me out. Matt Webb
Save the blues, veto the killer bill. We are a catch and release club, and do not want to see them ( blue cats) destroyed. please do not pass this bill thank you
I am apart of an organization that takes veterans out on the water for some outdoor therapy. These veterans typically suffer from conditions like PTSD or physical limitations. Such a simple thing like catching these trophy catfish in VA waters has made more of a difference than you’ll ever know. These veterans and many a like have had countless memories, smiles, laughs, and stories and all of this would quickly come to an end if this is passed. I strongly urge you to reconsider. Not to mention, the loss to livelihoods, bussinesses etc.
That is the biggest sport for us catching them big blue catfish if you get rid of them what’s next you let them commercial freshman there they will rape the river
Protect fish over 32 inches. These are trophy fish that many anglers including myself love to fish for.
I think creel limits help protect our fishery and seeing daily limits lifted will hurt the catfish species as a whole. That’s why I am completely against resources amending the bill
My family and I travel several times a year to fish for giant blue cats. Spend average 2k per trip. Room, gas, food, etc. It’s a growing sport and should be recognized as such. Protect the giant blue cats! Stop the bill!!!
I travel to the fine state of Virginia to pursue the trophy catfish. When you stop protection of the trophy Catfish, people just like me will stop coming there. These trophies are such an economic boost to your state. The large breeder fish are the ones that control the future of the species. There will always be small fish to catch and consume. We have long tried in other states to adopt CPR. Catch, Picture , Release. That’s to make it possible for the next generation to enjoy. I urge you to please consider the long term effects of lifting the length limit. There are only a few real trophy waters left in the USA.
Protect your trophy blue catfish fishery and do not allow this bill to be passed!!
I and many other cat fisherman all across the country come to the James River to catch trophy size catfish. I have personally seen on my home waters what it’s like to not regulate this fishing by only allowing 1 fish over 32”. When this bill is passed to no longer make it lawful to possess more than 1 fish over the limit per day. This opens the fishery up to pure destruction. We were told here in Tennessee that the small amount of commercial fishing on our waterside was not significant enough to regulate. Now what was once a great fishing destination is nothing but a shell of what it used to be. Please don’t let this happen to the James River. This will not only affect the fishing community but it will also affect the local economy. The major tournaments will go away, the guides will stop guiding for catfish, people will stop coming from all over the country to fish there. When you take fish out that are 32” or bigger then you are taking the breeding fish out of the area. This causes massive problems for a species. Come on Virginia you can stop this.
I think removing the size limitation on these blue Catfish would be a monumental mistake and open your public waters up to poaching by commercial & residential fishermen who intend to harvest fish out of the James River and sell them to pay-lakes in areas like Ohio and Kentucky and be used for sport fishing and gambling in tiny ponds where they die horrible death please reconsider this action!
My name is Christian Moore. I am a NC native and Il have been a avid catfish anglers for over 20 years. I got into the trophy side of the fishery on the Dan River and Kerr lake. Soon after that I started driving from NC to the James River to experience one of the best trophy Blue catfish fisheries the country has to offer. Once I realized how special this place was I knew it would be the perfect opportunity for me to get my captains license and start my own business. My family and I moved to VA in 2018. I started my guide service in 2021 and as of 2023 it is my full time job. HB 2782 would destroy my business and cause me to close the doors. The population of fish in our river systems over 32" only makes up less than 2 percent of the bio mass. It makes no since why the daily creel limit is trying to be amended. Our trophy Blue catfish fishery brings in millons of dollars in revenue for the state and is a favorite past time for thousands of instate and out of state anglers. I please ask you to kill this bill! As it will not only destroy my family's life but thousands of other families who are very passionate about this sport. Best, Capt. Christian Moore
Please do not pass this bill. The James River is known for having monster catfish and if you remove the size limit and quantities it’s going to go downhill fast. We promote CPR- catch, photo and release of anything over 10lbs. If all the big catfish are caught and kept then we lose the genes for bigger catfish and before long it will only be 10-15lbs sized catfish left. We need those genes from the big fish to pass along so we can have more monster catfish. The amount of business it brings to Hopewell area will be gone if the fishing goes downhill with this new bill. There are fishing guides that take people fishing on the James River and if they can’t catch big catfish people aren’t going to want to go anymore and that makes people lose their jobs and the area of Hopewell will suffer even more. We usually book hotels so we can get out early and fish and can rest up good later. But that won’t happen if you don’t keep a limit and size of catfish people can catch. The genes of these big fish will help generations to continue making the James River the best river for fishing. Most people that catch the big ones can’t eat them because the bigger they are the worst they taste. That’s why most people keep fish under 10lbs to eat. There are even catfish tournaments held on James River and that brings in close to 80+ boats and then there is the Tidal on the James also has at least 80 boats each month for their tournaments and all the hotels and food and buying things we forget will greatly affect the revenue of Hopewell this doesn’t include fishing farther up in Virginia at the James River. We have over 540,000 followers on our facebook page and more on TikTok and YouTube. And if this bill passes we might as well mark the James River off our places to go and will fish Kerr Lake instead. There is more to this bill than just changing the size and quantity people can have. It also is detrimental to the businesses we use while there. They are going to see a huge decrease in hotel rentals and restaurants and will ruin the balance of the lake. Please don’t pass this bill without looking more into the cause and effect it will have on many areas of the James River and their surrounding communities because anglers won’t want to go there and fish. Also a lot of people that catch the monsters waste the meat of the fish when they could have easily taken pics and videos and released the fish to keep growing. This will affect many generations of fishermen including youth fishing as well. I hope you will reconsider passing this bill and look at the impact of doing it has on the communities around the James River. Thank you for your time. Lauren
The trophy blue catfish fishery in eastern Virginia brings anglers from all over the country, it employs guides, it generates revenue for the area. It is a valuable natural resource and this bill would destroy it and many livelihoods along with it. This bill cannot be allowed to pass.
We travel from Ohio multiple times a year to fish the James river. There is no other blue cat fishery like it in the world. Removing creel and length limits will destroy the wonderful Virginia blue car fisheries that many anglers from all over the country travel to and spend a substantial amount of money in the state.
You should not allow them to keep more than one trophy size catch, you will deplete everything in in the waters with these commercial fisherman if you allow them to keep everything trophy size catches
These fish are not hurting any other population of fish leave them alone
Although not a resident of VA, I reside on the VA/NC boarder. I own a company the manufacturers fishing tackle used and sold through out Virginia. Our product is designed for catfish anglers and sold through tackle shops in Virginia. Not only would this Bill negatively affect me as a manufacturer but the tackle shops through out VA as well, but most importantly it eventually eradicate fishing guides who provide the lifelong memories for the residents of Virginia when catching these beautiful monster Blue Catfish. Please consider the voters and wonderful residents of this beautiful state by voting against this bill. We promote CPR (Catch, Photo and Release) across the country as a way of preserving our favorite sport of fishing.
People will destroy the blue cats if you remove the restrictions on them! No one will get a new PR either because people will just kill them. It’s important to keep the measures in place so people have something to fish!
I travel to the James river no less than 6 times a year . I usually stay for 5 to 7 days. In either a motel or rent a house. Eat out everyday. Buy my fuel there for my boat and truck. And visit the tackle stores for anything we might need. I usually bring between 2 and 5 people with me. And all thats to chase the trophy blue catfish. When I say trophy its the big fish 32 inches and up fish . By doing away with the one fish over 32” limit I feel that it will not be very long at all and these fish will be non existent. I have practiced catch and release for 30 years in hopes it will help the big fish to populate and be more abundant. The up and coming kids and generations need a chance to catch these trophy fish . I hope you reconsider passing this bill and keep the limit to only one fish per day . Zero fish over 32” would be great mandatory release of all big blue cats over 32” . Thanks for your time and please stop this bill.
I live on Lake Gaston and very close to Buggs Island Lake. The catfishing community is brings much needed revenue to the small towns around the lakes from food and lodging, fuel, etc. Destroying the blue cat fishery around the James River would have much the same negative effects on a much larger proportion. There are fishermen from all over the country who travel here to fish for blue cats in Kerr, Gaston, James region. The blue cats and the blue crabs can coexist much like the bass and snake head have done in the Potomac River. Please don't set in motion something so destructive to the fisheries and tourism we Virginia's depend on. Thank you.
Hello, My name is Austin Short and I would like to say that the Blue Catfish in Virginia are very important to me and my family. We have enjoyed the recreational targeting of trophy Blue Catfish for a while now. I have a YouTube channel where I fish for these fish and that channel is part of my income. The trophy fish in the James River and Kerr Lake are important to their ecosystems because they have been a part of those ecosystems for a long time now. The decline in native species numbers are more to do with human intervention, pollution and already existing native species that feed on them. The Blue Catfish are nothing more than a scape-goat. Please reconsider and take this Bill off the table. Commercial fishermen will cause much more damage than a Blue catfish ever would if the creel limit on trophy size fish is taken away.
I look forward to fishing these trophy waters. I live in NC and make the trip there to fish these waters because of the trophy blues. This bill will destroy your fisheries and cost huge economic impacts to all of VA think this thru good you only get one chance to destroy a good fishery!
The state of Virginia needs to recognize catfish as trophy fish and the money and devastation it would cause by letting commercial fisherman take the welfare of Guides Families motels Airbnb gas stations and restaurants generated by the catfish industry and Tournament Fishing in the state of Virginia the Creole and position limit should not be lifted
I do not live in Virginia. However, I do travel up that way about once a year to fish for trophy catfish. If this bill is passed, I am sure that I will choose another destination to fish. I will not compete with commercial fishing for trophy catfish. You will not get my tourism dollars.
Hello my name is Mike Graham I would like to send this message to just inform Who It May Concern I am from Knoxville Tennessee and I am a die-hard sportsman and fellow Outdoorsman I thoroughly enjoy making trips to your rivers and reservoirs and enjoying the fishery you have and catching the big catfish that you have and so do hundreds of thousands of other people I know your scientific studies can prove stuff that I cannot but there are a lot of Die Hard catfisherman out there that fish those Rivers religiously that live there the blue catfish population over 32 in is not that many are you would see them on a weekly basis it takes a lot of time and hard work to catch fish that size up there and if the bill is lifted and they are allowed to be took every time they're caught no matter the size the limit the person it would destroy the fishery and it would destroy thousands and thousands of dollars of Revenue that come to your town these fish need to be protected because they have already been almost destroyed from commercial fishing thank you for taking the time to read this message
This Bill will be a devastating impact on the population of Blue Catfish in Virginia waters. Virginia has become a fishing destination for Blues for both residents and nonresidents alike. Thousands travel to and across Virginia for the sole reason to fish for Trophy Blue Catfish. Passing this bill will result in commercial fishing destroying our waters and causing lost income for the state and small business including guides that support their families. I myself travel more than four hours across the state multiple times per year to fish for Blue's spending on fuel, food and lodging generating income for business and the state. Bill HB2782 or any other concerning Blue Catfish should be voted against to protect our fisheries. Please vote no to keep the size limit intact.
Please protect the trophy blue cat fisheries these rivers have. My self and many other have drove countless hours to your communities and spent thousands of dollars to have to opportunity to chase those fish. Removing the size limit on these fish would be detrimental to their populations.
It takes a trophy catfish 20+ years to grow to its potential. Fish like that are rare and hard to find. This is one of the last places commercial fishermen haven’t destroyed and with no limit the fishing will demolish and so will the economy here.
The slot limit should stay in place. Why ruin a good thing you have a beautiful fishery and a beautiful place to fish. Not only will you hurt the fishing but also this towns that the fisherman spend money in getting gas and groceries along with buying fishing license. Please reconsider this.
If this bill passes I will not be coming on my 3 annual trips a year to Hopewell. My business will also stop all dealings in the state of a Virginia as well as thousands of others. This will loose the state so much money in tourism it isn’t even funny. It’s a sad day if a bill like this passes for selfish reasons. Absolutely pathetic.
Please kill this bill immediately. The blue catfish has became a viable game fish. Trophy catfishing is a growing industry. This industry is now where bass fishing was in the 1980s. Virginia is a bucket list destination for catfish anglers all over the country. The state needs to recognize this and promote the fishery instead of trying to lessen it. Protecting these fish will ensure future prosperity for the state. Blue catfish are under attack by commercial fishermen throughout the country. This is an opportunity to protect resource that other states have failed to protect.
This bill should not be past a fish of that size should not be kept. My wife didn't like fishing until she cought a big blue catfish now she loves it. And I'm hoping when my grand kids get big they have the opportunity to catch a big fish as well. These big fish aren't hurting anything.
Hello my name is Jeremy riggle . Me and a BUNCH of my local buddy's from ohio drive to the james river multiple times a yr to fish for trophy catfish please don't pass this we bring lots of revenue to Hopewell and surrounding areas gas food hotels Walmart etc .. spend few thousand a yr if this passes we will not come down once it hurts the fishery. The james river is one of the best fishery in the United States this would definitely hurt revenue for the state if it passes !! Thank you for your time and reading my concerns
Please vote no to all bills that would loosen restrictions on the blue catfish. Without these trophy fish many small communities and businesses would be greatly impacted for the worse. The problem with the bay is not the blue catfish. It is water quality.
The impact on the Blue Catfish will be devastating of the 32" limit is removed. I live in Ohio and fished the Ohio river for years. The commercial fishing has completely ruined our river. The numbers have been on a steady decline for over a decade. The opportunity to catch trophy blue catfish has dwindled to saddening lows. Many anglers like myself travel to Virginia and fish ths James River specifically to have a chance to catch one of these magnificent giants. Like thousands of others that travel there to fish, we spend a lot of money on your hotels, restaurants, fuel, groceries, ramp fees, fishing licenses, local bait and tackle stores, and many other places that go away with the removal of trophy class blue catfish. I can assure you that little to no money is spent on anglers coming to fish the Ohio river with its depleted trophy class blue catfish. The economic impact alone is reason to stop this bill. The information provided to support this bill has been very vague and blanket terms. The impact is long lasting and would take decades to replace the trophy size Bluecat. Please vote NO on HB2782!
Please reconsider this bill. All fishermen that fish for catfish are against this bill. It will only hurt the fish population and end something we all love to do.
We already have a shortage of big fish in a lot of rivers. If this bill passes it will only get worse and harder for people to enjoy the sport of fishing. We need this to stay in place! Don’t make it easier for paylakes!!
Please reconsider pushing these bills through, I'm an avid catfish angler that travels to fish tournaments, I've seen these sort of new laws pass and destroy fisheries. This is not a good move for the future of blue catfish. The slot limit should stay in place!
STOP HB2782. Save our wild habitat.
I would like to vote NO on removing the length laws on Blue catfish in virginia. I'm 49 years old and grew up fishing the Rappahannock river for trophy blue cats. I fell in love with those larger fish. If I wasn't in school I was on the water. I've got 3 daughters and some of my best memories are when my youngest daughter caught her first trophy blue catfish. My youngest daughter is 22 years old. We fish the (king of the james) tournament together every year still. I've got pictures of us sitting on the water waiting for fishing time to start. The joy on her face is unmistakable. If you guys remove the length laws off of these fish. It will destroy somthing alot of father's and sons and daughters love to do. We have always said that we only wanted 2% of the entire biomass of bluecats protected for the people who enjoy then. I've practiced catch and release my entire life. To leave something for others to enjoy. Please don't make everything we have done to grow a sport we love. All for nothing. Thank you for reading my comment.
Please help protect this great fishery we all love! This bill, HB2782, is about to ruin something we all love and anglers for years have worked hard to protect. If passed, it removes the 32-inch regulation on blue catfish in the James, Rappahannock, and York Rivers. We can’t let this happen. The trophy fishery we love could be gone, along with the businesses, guides, and communities that depend on it. Please vote no on amending creel, and length limits on blue catfish in these waters.
I feel really sadden that there is a possibility that the trophy blue catfish in these rivers may be in danger by the lifting of the 32 in law I know thousands of anglers from all across the country who love coming to these waters to try to catch a trophy of a lifetime it is truly one of the best trophy fishers in the country we sure hope it stays that way. Thank you please help us Protect what a great resource you have there
I just got back from spending four days fishing on Kerr Lake in Clarksville Virginia. This is my 5th time traveling from North Carolina to the Clarksville area for fishing. We stayed in a cabin at the state park there for around $450. Cabins were sold out in the park...in the dead of winter....with temperatures in the teens....with the boat ramps and the cove iced over and unusable. Yes, we are dedicated. We also fueled our boat and two vehicles while traveling in Virginia for a total of around $300. Dining in Clarksville was close and convenient and spent almost $400 on food while there. The Dollar General saw us visit a couple of times for sundry items we needed while in town, especially boat snacks, and that was another $200. Add in four days of parking fees at the local boat ramp for $28, and a tow ($189) and repair bill ($425) from another vehicle that suffered a mechanical failure while we were there, we spent close to $2,000 in a short four day visit to the gorgeous state. We were ONE boat of TWO HUNDRED teams, and probably 600 people, that were fishing the Ice Bow Catfish Tournament on Kerr Lake. So, hopefully outside of the repair bill, you could multiple what we spent 200 times. Thats around $300,000 to a small community over one weekend without having to spend a dime of travel and tourism money to get us there. We won't even venture a guess on how many millions Virginia catfish anglers spend on custom catfishing boats there in the state. This was one weekend in Clarksville. Smaller tournaments fill the calendar there throughout the year as they do on the James River. We were there for one reason. Blue catfish. Kerr Lake is home to 1) the world record blue catfish, and 2) the largest blue catfish ever caught in a fishing tournament, It has become, along with the James River, a destination for catfish anglers from around the country. You have a great resource there in the trophy blue catfish, even though it is not a naturally occurring one. The bell can not be "unrung" on the blue catfish. Blue catfish are there to stay. You will never eradicate them. My suggestion is that you protect the trophy blue catfish, harvest the smaller fish for food consumption, and cherish the fact that you have people who make Kerr Lake and the James River a travel destination for these massive fish.
These are trophy fish that many anglers including myself love to fish for.
Vote NO! This bill is not only going to hurt these fish, but as well as your economy. There are hundreds if not thousands of people a year that travel to the James River area for fishing adventures, they likely spend thousands of dollars on hotels, restaurants, bait and tackle just to name a few, that most likely otherwise would not visit this area. Why do they come there? For a chance at a fish of a lifetime! If you pass this bill over time commercial fishing will kill out the amount of trophy fish and make your fisheries just another body of water, and not a destination location! Please vote NO!!
Pertaining to HB2782, the blue catfish limit of one fish over 34 inches should stay in place. For years myself and dozens of friends and family members have made trips to the hopewell area to fish the James river. We book motel rooms or rental houses, eat at the restaurants, spend money on souvenirs, and fish, often on a guide boat. If the fish size limit is removed as is planned, it will only be a short time before the James river fishery will be ruined. Commercial fishing (pay lakes) will wipe out the trophy fishery fast, much like they have and do in Kentucky and Ohio. If this happens, Virginia will lose alot of revenue generated from its world class bluecat fishery. I spend a few thousand every trip myself, and I'm only one person. I strongly oppose removing the size limit that's already in place, James Moore
Please Vote Against This Bill It Can Only Cause A Demise In The Community Around It ,Lot Of Us Travel 8-10 hrs several times a year to enjoy this great fishery , We spend Thousands Of Dollars On Each Trip ,We Rent motels ,air b-b’s buy fuel and food locally while we are there And out of state fishing license . To remove the Fish regulation is only going to create a drop in your economy. When you remove the bigger blue cats another type of fish will take its place ( like Asian Carp ) and you don’t want that
I personally think that this would be devastating to the trophy population of catfish. Me as well as 1000s of anglers travel hundreds of miles just to fish these lakes and rivers to get the chance at catching a trophy Bluecat. I'm from North Carolina and I think with this Bill being proposed it shouldn't be allowed because John h Kerr and Gaston are both in NC and Va with being from NC as in my eyes you should abide by NC regulations on the above lakes if this devastating Bill should pass . Sincerely ,Mack Little
We vacation at the James river annually to fish for large blue cats. This regulation is not protecting one of your nationally known resource features.
Make the trip on average 5 times a year to fish the James River from South Carolina. If passed this will kill the trophy fishing that these fisheries have come to be known as.
Please vote to protect the fish and not allow the demise of the big beautiful blue catfish by passing bill to reduce size limit… these fish take years to grow that big this areas is home to some of the largest catfish on record and provides boundless opportunities for the economy by drawing in fishermen from all over the country… thx God Bless!
Please vote no on this bill we love coming to the James fishing for Blue Catfish. We travel from Ohio and enjoy the James and the Potomac .
Please don't remove the limits on catfish. If limits are lowed or taken down then the rivers and natural resources will be stripped by commercial fisherman and the catfish population will suffer tremendously. I have traveled to the James River multiple times (8 hours one way) just to fish the state natural resources in hopes to catch a giant catfish. As a resident of a state that protects thier catfish I and the other anglers see what kind of growth catfish can have when given an opportunity to grow to maturity.
My friends, family, and I make the trip up to your James River 1 sometimes twice a year to enjoy your catfishery. My wife and my buddy Jerry both caught their biggest catfish there. We all would hate to see this fishery be ruined because of being over fished. We always catch and release our catfish. Please take heavy consideration when making this huge decision. Thank you for your time. Benji Brown
HB2782 Bill on blue catfish 34” limit. The 34” limit should remain in place to protect our natural resources from over harvest. The Ohio River in my area has been destroyed by commercial fishing to supply PayLakes with trophy catfish. Taking from our God given resources to die in an overstocked paylake . PROTECT TROPHY CATFISH Blues, Flatheads, and channels. We spend thousands of dollars every year traveling to have opportunities to catch these trophy fish with our families, and always Catch, Photo, Release our fish so that future generations have the same opportunities! Thank you!
The blue catfish is very important to virgina. People come from all over the world to fish the James River. If the laws are changed it will hurt the fishing, but will also hurt the town bc not as many of people will be coming to the town. 1,000s of people make the trip to the James River in hopes of catching a big James river blue catfish. If they new law pass, u will see a big decline in alot of things. They law is perfect right now don't change it.
Please check with other states… everywhere regulations are removed or cut back the fishing population of trophy fish have declined… Alabama for example if they were to do this would loose millions in tourism revenue every year… please protect the trophy size fish!!!
We enjoy fishing for trophy cats. You would allow commercial fisherman to come in and kill fish 50 years old that the state and us trophy fisherman have protected and handled with care all of these years and generations prior! We "fisherman" beg you to trash this bill and any bill not protecting these trophy fish. People everywhere have paid for licenses in understanding that the money would protect wildlife. Come on guys
Making these changes will have a significant impact on this magnificent resource. People travel across the country to fish these waters, spending 1000's of dollars locally for food, licenses, lodging, fuel etc. Removing the length limit will allow commercial and recreational fishermen to take advantage of this resource, eventually leading to its demise. This will cause a substantial decrease in local and out of state dollars spent in the area and likely a decimation of trophy fish that will never be recovered from. Please do not make this mistake.
I am writing this to try and persuade you to vote against this bill. North Carolina and Virginia have to of the best Blue Catfish fisheries in the nation with the World Record fish from Kerr Lake and several state records from Gaston Lake. It’s hard to see why this amazing resource is not being protected from these ridiculous laws. Protecting the larger fish to ensure return visits from anglers from all over the county is paramount. The fact that we are discussing the repeal of this protection is really amazing. Natural resources are what the government is here to protect, now it’s time for them to step up and make the right decisions for the next generations to be able to enjoy this wonderful experience.
This will kill the trophy blue catfish fishery.
Personally, dont want this bill. It will kill our fishery in the futer. This happened to the striper. Bills gone new limits in place. They coming back. These are our trophy fish. We snjoy the sport. And would like to keep it this way for our children, and our grandchildren to enjoy. Open creel will wipe out the fish. I ask you shoot it down. Save our waters for our future generations to enjoy.
We travle to the james an spend 1,000s of dollors several times a year to fish this great fishery for blue catfish. Myself an along with many other friends an family bring in 10s of thousands of dollors to the james river fishing for trophy catfish. If one of the best trophy cay fisherys around. I myself have been comong for 22 years about an have already seen a huge decline in the trophy bluecat fishery from electro fishing an commerical fishing. Please protect this great fishery so many of us love.
The current limit on blues is sufficient and doesn’t need to change to allow fish over 32” to be taken out the waters to deplete the fishery of trophy fish. More regulations ought to be placed on the flathead fish for limits taken to help secure fishing for the future.
As many other cat fisherman from this area travel 2-4 hours to kerr lake. Lake Gaston. James. To target blue cats over 32”. Staying in motels. Eating in restaurants. Filling our gas tanks. Buying fishing gear and supplies. To end the 32” limit. Would end a lot of our travels
This will eliminate all of the big fish in local lakes because it will be a free for all if people get to keep as many big fish as they catch.
I have been fishing for these fish my whole life and want my kids and grandkids to have the same opportunity. If this bill is passed it take away that opportunity.
I have been running the nonprofit Heroes Outdoor Therapy, which takes veterans on fishing and hunting trips around the country in order to reconnect them to the outdoors and help with their mental health. One of the more frequent trips we offer is taking veterans on fishing trips targeting trophy catfish. The James River is one of the locations you can find nonprofits like ours and others offering a chance to catch a trophy blue catfish. These trips which often result in creating a new passion for these veterans. They then are purchasing yearly license and creating their own memories with their loved ones. The James River should maintain its course to allow those looking to catch a fish of a lifetime. So I would hope for the veterans and that young angler fishing with their father or grandfather that you vote NO and allow those memories of a lifetime to continue. Thank you for your time. Troy VanDerau USMC
Addressing a controversial issue such as the blue catfish in these waterways requires looking at the information through a variety of different lenses. In this case, it is the controversy of the Blue Catfish and the risk that they may pose to the Bay and the native species that are already under duress. That being said, through this process and considering the studies, the use of confirmation bias, blanket terminology, and lack of research has driven a bill that not only is not verifiable from a scientific standpoint, but questionable through the legislative process. We as the public assumed the responsibility of investigating these studies in their entirety, as we have been faced with binary assumptions based off of incomplete information, hearsay, as well as the calculated language in media sources. The detriments of this bill would far outweigh the benefits, and the information being used to support it is largely based in bias, cherry picking studies, and blanket terminology. When reviewing case studies and scholarly, peer reviewed articles and data regarding this fish, it is very clear that there are sweeping assumptions being made without consideration of the entire studies, the methods used, and a lack of general understanding of the scientific process. I encourage the public and legislators alike to fully read and comprehend these studies, including "Estimates of Food Consumption Rates for Invasive Blue Catfish" -Schmitt, Hilling, 2021, which was used as a primary source for the POTENTIAL consumption of Blue crab by the blue catfish, and read its methods in its entirety, "Invasive Blue Catfish in the Chesapeake Bay Region: A Case Study of Competing Management Objectives"- Fabrizio, Nepal, 2020, "Predatory impacts of invasive Blue Catfish in an Atlantic coast estuary" Hilling, Schmitt, 2023, as well as the research article "High salinity tolerance of invasive blue catfish suggests potential for further range expansion in the Chesapeake Bay region" Nepal, Fabrizio 2019. Please be aware of academic language and sourcing. I could write an entire thesis based solely off of the data found in these articles, especially in regards to a detrimental piece of legislation that would not only impact a fraction of a percent of a population that consumes statistically less per pound than its smaller counterparts, with virtually no risk of leaving the waterways due to salinity tolerance, carrying a DO NOT EAT advisory that would not only impact the public as well as the local businesses who has just received grants to try and expand the market of these fish, based on an algorithm assumption created off of a lab study of acclimated catfish who were only fed gizzard shad and blue crab, and even in that study it showed that not only are the larger fish consuming less, they presser fin fish to blue crab. Sending an entire demographic of fish to slaughter that are proven scientifically to be of minimal impact does not accomplish that goal. The series of actions used to present this bill have also casted doubt upon the trustworthiness of our elected officials as well. IF you'd like to find a solution, you must be open to the idea that your own bias as well as the bias of others may not be entirely correct. We are happy to work to a compromise and a solution, however this legislation does more harm than it does good in drastic proportions. We expect better of our delegates, especially those that we entrusted to represent our best interests.
Although I am not a resident of VA, we travel there very often for the amazing fishery that is the James River. My fiancé and I run a non-profit tournament series based solely on trophy catfish, and although we don’t partake in running any in VA, we directly see in our local lakes how no creel and size limits have negatively impacted our fisheries in NC. You have something to be proud of with these amazing animals in your waters, and it truly is heartbreaking to see there’s a possibility these trophy sized fish could be put at even more risk. These fish take decades to get as big as they do and to push this bill forward would be treacherous for their ability to grow. Allowing commercial fisherman to deplete the catfish population with no creel and length limit would also mean less revenue generated in these fishing towns by us (sport fishermen/women) in surrounding states who travel hours to come to the James River. Additionally, the many people who depend on these large fish for their businesses they’ve built around this sport are directly negatively impacted . I respectfully disagree with this bill in every sense. Thank you for your consideration in my comments on this matter.
I strongly urge you to vote no on this bill! Trophy catfishing is a passion of mine and many others. These fish bring in a lot of revenue through out of state fisherman like myself and tournaments. It’s truly the biggest thrill to hook into a freshwater giant that could weigh in excess of 100 pounds. There is plenty of small fish for the table leave the 32 inch limit in place to protect the trophy’s!
This bill will impact small businesses like mine as well as local communities. Catfishing has become the 2nd largest community in fishing ranking just behind bass as far as economic impact. If bill passes the will allow commercial fisherman to depleat the trophy fish and rreduce local and online retail sales of products and income to regular anglers. The impact of commercial fisherman is very evident in places like the Ohio which flourished until the commercial fisherman were allowed similar opportunities. This reduced income to many local communities and small businesses in which many closed down. The blue catfish is not invasive but is not a native species. While they do impact the waters it is in a minimal amount. It does cause for better competition between them and other species in which improves the quality of trophy size fish. Also the catfish are an exciting fish to catch. They put up amazing battles. Lastly I will say if approved this bill will put many locals out of work such as guides, bait shops, and reduce income for many stores, shops, hotels, and small businesses. Please say no to this bill. If not for our generation do it for our children and grandchildren so they can have the opportunity to catch an amazing fish.
These fish need to be respected and protected! They are unique and special animals to all of us fishermen and woman. They create the best memories anyone can have between the learning and finding them to accomplishing getting a big one in the boat. Do not take this away from us and allow commercial fisherman to take over the waters. They will be taking and killing hundreds of fish for money. Fish are made by God and should be respected like any other animal. Would we kill all the birds in the sky just trying to get one species? No! So let's not swipe our waters and let them keep anything they want. Keep the limits and let's keep respecting our waters and our fisherman. For most of us this is our relief, our passion and our life. For all of us this is our memories now, our memories from the past and please let us keep making these memories for the future. If you don't understand please just ask to get out and let us show you the connection and what it means to us. Please vote to save our waters!!!! God Bless
I want to help protect our trophy, catfish! All the commercial fisherman that has been taking trophy catfish from our waters. Need to be stopped and anyone else taking anything over the limit. This is literally destroying our fisheries for trophy, cat fish! I beg you not to pass this bill! This is where it all starts for fishing as a child! We always practice CPR! catch Photo Release! That’s the way it should be!! Please help protect our fish!!
I don't think it fair to us
I strongly oppose HB2782. This bill threatens everything that got me started in fishing and led me to where I am today. My first real experience with trophy catfishing was on the James River, fishing with a guide who introduced me to these incredible fish and the people who make a living from them. That experience didn’t just spark a passion—it inspired me to start my company, Catch The Fever, which now designs fishing rods for catfish anglers all across the United States. This fishery is more than just a resource—it’s a way of life for so many. Guides, businesses, and anglers depend on it to survive. Removing the 32-inch regulation on blue catfish will destroy the trophy fishery that brings people here from across the country. It’ll take away the livelihood of the guides and hurt local economies. Most importantly, it will harm the very community that has helped me grow my business and serve anglers every day. We will not stand for this. These fish, these rivers, and the people who depend on them matter. I urge lawmakers to reject HB2782 and protect the fisheries that mean so much to so many.
Vote no to this bill I as well as many other catfishermen travel many miles just to fish the James river for trophy cat fish. I think the regulations should stay the same and nothing change.
I live in Staunton,VA and I want to say to the representatives that read this and the other comments, please vote NO on this bill 2782 to eliminate the 32" size restriction on the blue catfish. I like many other anglers travel to these body's of water for one reason only, and that is a chance to catch a real trophy catfish. I myself make the journey 12 to 18 times a year for the opportunity. For nearly 20 years I have patronized business,hotel, restaurants, Bed n Breakfasts in the area. Not to mention Buying fishing gear, boats and gas etc.. in the effort to catch a giant blue catfish. If the chance of a catching a true trophy disappears, so do all the anglers that visit the area from all over the country. I have talked to anglers from Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania and they all come to the James river and Gaston and Kerr for the same reason .The trophy sized fish is a very very small percentage of the biomass in the large scheme of things. Say No to the bill and save these trophy fish and the tourism they create. Thank you
I am against this bill because we believe that it will harm the trophy Katfish long-term. We as an organization use this water to bring in anglers from all across America to fish the trophy catfish that’s in this waterway by this bill passing it would eliminate the trophy fish and would eventually Stop us from having events on this waterway. We believe it would be a financial disaster to the state to the cities, let alone to the waterway, so where the fish would not be anymore. I’m against this Bill 100%.
I enjoy fishing for trophy blue catfish on the James river. I have 2 young sons and we make the 2.5 HR drive to Richmond several times a month to chase these trophy fish. Our target is blue catfish over 30lbs. Many a day has been spent on the water of the James River, just me and my boys, in the pursuit of these giants. This bill, is passed, has the potential to drastically reduce the population of trophy class catfish. From the studies I have read it takes upwards of 10 yrs to reach 30 lbs and many more to reach the 50 lb plus category. The unlimited harvest of trophy sized fish has the potential to take a fishery that is known nationally for the quality of blue cats it produces and turn it into a river that is still full of catfish but the trophy fish are few and far between. I am asking that this bill is not passed and our fishery is preserved.
I love to trophy catfish
It needs to a be length law period
I Oppose of this bill and decision to change the creel limit. These are Trophy fish with very good genetics. The Sport of chasing these Big Bluecats has really taken off the last few years. The Commercial fishing will wipe them out plus Wipe out the small businesses that provide jobs and revenue to the Catfishing industry. This Fishery has changed lives for the better. I ask PLEASE consider Us Anglers and Families when you make a decision. Thank you
We say no to this bill. If you pass this bill our trophy fish will be wiped out. We take our families fishing and fish tournaments and when we catch these big fish we release them . We love and care these fish! We please ask that you think about the care of these fish and and us as fisherman that love to catch these big blues.
Please vote no on this bill. Our blue cat fisheries are greatly loved by one and all who love to catfish. If we allow the commercial fisherman to take at will all the big fish out of our lakes it will be the end of our trophy catfishing. Please do not let this happen it is a much love sport. Thank you
Please keep the size limit where it is .there is no real reason for changing it. There are people all across this country that travel to va. For the thrill of catching one of these trophy fish. not to mention the amount of money that is spent here while in the area Please leave the size limit where it is thank you.
my passion for chasing the trophy catfish goes all over North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina. The fact that the creel limit will be done away for these fish means that the trophy catfish population will be depleted because without the certain genetics in certain fish for these catfish to reach the size they do sometimes can take generations. if that happens it will result in no reason for me to go to Virginia to spend my money on chasing these amazing fish. I hope that the creel limit stays in place and these trophy catfish continue to thrive and bring revenue to the state of Virginia.
I have been fishing the James river for trophy cats since 2010 every week one to three times a week. I put these fish in my 100 gallon live well. I see what they regularly eat because they typically regurgitate their food while in there before weighing in at a tournament. Out of close to one hundred fish, one time I had a crab be regurgitated. Usually I have an entire gizzard shad in the live well. Also if I’m targeting the largest fish in the river.. I’ve never targeted them past Jamestown, because typically these larger fish do not thrive in a high salinity environment. I’ve seen the studies that VCU and VA tech have done and this bill is being pushed by someone with poor judgment, the river is absolutely loaded with small catfish perfect for the diner table.Every night at any lighted dock you can find it swarmed with small catfish.It is a problem forsure. The blue catfish are here to stay, they will never be able to eradicate them.Fish over 32 inches are filled with toxins,when there is far greater numbers of under 32” fish available why target a “growing in popularity to catch” older fish, I ran into the leadership of the game and inland fisheries at lunch one day and spoke with them and told them how passionate I was about catfishing. Speaking with the leader of fisheries I was impressed with his knowledge of the different bodies of water. But he said that decreasing the number of smaller fish in the river would help the numbers of trophy fish . I have spent close to 200k on fishing for these fish over the last 15 years and the fishing has been on the decline since I started coming to the river. I would love to see a happy medium where they continue to harvest the under 32” fish and they leave the trophy fish alone so that my 5yr old son and 2 yr old daughter can enjoy what I’m passionate about. I think that would be wise financially for the state to keep an ever growing sport alive and well. I’m amazed every year at how many out of state boats I see every week coming to fish the mighty James for its great fishing! They stay in a hotel for a week and fill their boats every morning and a lot of times come in groups and visit the local tackle shops and restaurants. PLEASE OPPOSE REGULATION ALLOWING THE HARVEST OF FISH OVER 32”
By allowing this bill to pass, would put strains on the ecological environment, fish that have been around 20-30 years would almost be non existent. Allowing folks to fish and stock 100s of fish would not only hurt the local fisherman who depend on them as a source of food, but the tourism that makes fisherman from other states to look elsewhere due to the lakes being over fished.
I name is Anthony Easter. I do not support HB2782. The promoters of this bill is killing our future with youth and new license holders. This is a bad move.
My name is Zakk Royce and I have fished for Blue Catfish on Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake, and the James river my whole life. I grew up targeting these fish with my father, and I have to say they are some of the best memories of my childhood and something that means a lot to me. As time went on the blue catfish in these bodies of water have become more and more popular to fish for. As well as several state record blue catfish being caught, and even a world record blue catfish caught. This has resulted in a lot of anglers from all over the country and even other countries, traveling here to fish for the blue catfish for a chance at one of these trophy fish. With that being said, I have seen what unlimited commercial fishing can do to these fisheries. Before we had the regulation on blue catfish here on Lake Gaston, I personally witnessed major overfishing from out of state commercial fishermen, those of whom also ended up being arrested and charged with multiple offenses before it was all over. North Carolina Wildlife biologists noted major declines in larger blue catfish shortly after. I feel that approving this bill and taking regulations off the larger blue catfish on these bodies of water would be a huge mistake. Not only would it greatly hurt the trophy fishery, but it would also result in a huge loss of revenue in the long run for the local economy around these lakes and rivers. As I mentioned previously many people travel from all over to come here and have a chance at catching one of these trophy fish. These same people spend a lot of money with local fishing guides, lodging, restaurants, etc. Catfishing in general, especially for these trophy blue catfish over 32” has greatly grown in popularity and is steadily growing day by day. There are also multiple major tournaments for large blue catfish that bring in a lot of anglers from all over and a lot of revenue for local communities. Thank you all for your time and consideration in this matter!
At 4REEL Fishing, we are deeply concerned about HB2782 and its potential impact on the fishing community we hold dear. This bill, which seeks to remove the restriction on harvesting more than one blue catfish over 32 inches per day, threatens the very future of Virginia’s trophy catfish fisheries—fisheries that have brought joy, pride, and unforgettable memories to countless anglers. Blue catfish are not just another fish; they are a symbol of our shared passion for the sport. These giants of the water are critical to the ecosystem and to the livelihoods of anglers, guides, and small businesses across Virginia. Targeting these larger, reproductive fish could lead to a collapse in their population, robbing future generations of the chance to experience the thrill of catching a true trophy fish. The current regulation already allows for the sustainable management of blue catfish by permitting unlimited harvest of fish under 32 inches while protecting the iconic giants that define this fishery. Removing these protections risks not only the balance of the ecosystem but also the livelihoods and traditions tied to these waters. Virginia’s recreational fishing industry generates millions of dollars annually, attracting anglers from far and wide to pursue trophy catfish. To take away the opportunity to chase these legendary fish would be to strip away a key part of what makes our waters so special. As a brand rooted in the fishing community, we stand alongside the countless anglers who share a deep love and respect for these fish. We urge lawmakers to think of the legacy we leave behind—one of conservation, responsible management, and protecting the waters we love for generations to come. Respectfully, Tyler Barnes Founder & CEO, 4REEL Fishing
Vote NO: Before casting your vote, it is important to understand the implications of this bill and its potential harm to the fishery, economy, and community. Trophy size blue catfish are rare, and the proposed measures could inadvertently harm the ecosystem and economy. The region is renowned for offering some of the best trophy catfishing opportunities in the country, attracting anglers from across the nation. I for one travel from South Carolina and spend my hard-earned money on rentals for housing, restaurants, grocery and fuel a few times a year! This bill could undermine a well-established and sustainable recreational fishery, negatively affecting countless small businesses and individuals who depend on it. Please take the time to fully understand the consequences of this legislation. Vote No to protect our trophy catfish fishery, support local economies, and preserve the traditions and opportunities that make this community a destination for anglers worldwide.
Removing limits on blue catfish in Virginia will be detrimental to tourism and trophy catfishing in VA. I have traveled from the Carolinas for years to fish in your awesome blu cat fisheries. If they decline I would not travel to VA to fish anymore.
Dear Members of the Virginia House of Delegates, I strongly oppose HB2782, which threatens the sustainability of Virginia’s trophy catfish fisheries. As a recreational catfish angler, owner of a Trophy Catfish Guide Service, and Tournament Director of Kings of the James Catfish Tournament and Tidal James Catfish Club, I witness daily the vital role these fisheries play in our economy, recreation, and environment. Economic Impacts Virginia’s trophy catfish fisheries generate millions annually by attracting anglers from across the U.S. These visitors spend on lodging, dining, fuel, and tackle, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Fishing tournaments, including the Kings of the James and Tidal James Catfish Club, draw hundreds of participants, boosting tourism and fostering economic growth in riverside communities. Guide services like mine depend on these fisheries to offer year-round recreational opportunities. Unlike commercial harvests, which yield short-term profits, recreational fishing provides sustainable economic benefits. If HB2782 passes, Virginia risks losing its reputation as a premier destination for trophy fishing. Anglers will travel to neighboring states, leaving local businesses and communities to suffer significant economic losses. Public Health Risks The Virginia Department of Health has issued advisories against consuming catfish from many waterways, including the James River, due to PCB contamination. PCBs are linked to cancer and other health risks. Increasing commercial harvests would encourage unsafe consumption of contaminated fish, putting vulnerable populations at risk. Trophy catfish fisheries are more valuable for catch-and-release recreational fishing, which protects both public health and long-term sustainability. Environmental Consequences Trophy catfish are apex predators that maintain ecological balance in Virginia’s rivers. Large catfish are primary breeders; overharvesting them depletes populations and disrupts ecosystems. Neighboring states like North Carolina and South Carolina have experienced the negative effects of overharvesting trophy catfish, including population declines and lost recreational interest. Restoring these fisheries is costly and time-intensive, taking decades to recover. Virginia cannot afford to make the same mistake. Conclusion HB2782 undermines the long-term economic, ecological, and public health benefits of Virginia’s trophy catfish fisheries. These fisheries are irreplaceable resources that support businesses, create jobs, and attract anglers from across the nation. I urge you to oppose HB2782 and instead support policies that prioritize sustainable management to protect Virginia’s economy, environment, and recreational opportunities for future generations. Sincerely, Trey Thorpe Tournament Director, Kings of the James Catfish Tournament Tournament Director, Tidal James Catfish Club
Please do not pass this bill. Many people believe that Blue Catfish have no benefit to society, and should be removed at all costs. However, most of those people have never felt the thrill and excitement of hooking and reeling in a trophy sized Blue Catfish. The encouragement of the slaughter of trophy Blue Catfish in these waters would take the thrill away from so many of us that can’t get enough of it as well as the take away the opportunity for future generations to enjoy the same excitement. Seeing those trophy blue catfish getting released alive gives us the hope that they will continue to grow give, not only ourselves a change to catch them again, but other anglers. Also, you would be taking away the genetics of these trophy blue catfish, further stunting these majestic giants. Please do not pass this bill.
I do not support HB2782. Here is why:. Virginia Department of Health lists blue catfish from tidal waters over 32” as DO NOT EAT due to PCB contamination. They are a health risk and allowing these fish to flood the market could become a political nightmare in the future when it comes out that they are unhealthy. The one fish over 32” is currently a safeguard regulation to keep contaminated fish from entering the market. It should stay that way. Additionally, blue catfish over 32” is less than 2% percent of the biomass and support a multi million dollar recreational fishery and that is on the James River alone There is currently support from the trophy catfish constituents with the current regulation of the one catfish limit over 32” limit. The electofishey is a new commercial industry and should have a chance to do its job and try to reduce the majority of the biomass of eating sized catfish in the 12” to 26” range. As someone who had made a living, full time, running commercial blue catfish charters, ’ll be on the water when HB2782 is being heard on Monday, January 27, 2025 and hope this statement is read by all decision makers. Blue catfish over 32” are unhealthy and should not be consumed according to our own state health department. Left alone they will continue to generate millions of dollars in local tourism dollars. Capt. Mike Ostrander Discover the James
Don’t pass the bill. This is the best place for trophy blue cats. I travel 4 hrs to enjoy this fishier.
As avid fisherman and tournament angler I am against HB2782! This bill would hurt the catfish population for many of us that travel far distances to fish these awesome fish! Please don't pass this bill! Thank you!
I vote no to this bill there but be a s8ze limit for the thropy Catfishing this fish needs a a size limit bc there some fish that are 20 to 50 years old in that body of water they should not be killed from commercial fishing
I personally spend thousands of dollars chasing these blue catfish around the waters that is brought up in your bill. Governor Glen Youngkin needs to veto this bill. We have a huge catfish family from VA & NC that disagrees with this bill. Please stop this bill in order to let future generations experience trophy catfish. Millions of dollars between Hopewell VA & Clarksville VA are brought into the economy every year. Without trophy catfish, the revenue will decrease. It’s honestly a sport fish that is recognized by citations, smiles, & therapy for others. Please stop this bill and ensure our love of chasing trophy catfish.
My name is Joe Granata. Like thousands of folks, I travel 400+ miles each way several times per year to chase monster blue catfish on the James River. Over the years, the James River has gained a reputation of being one of the best catfish fisheries in the country. It's one of my favorite things to do. I've personally already noticed a decline in the number of "trophy" catfish in the past 5 years or so. These bigger catfish need protection! Within just a few years, the river will be raped dry of all the trophy catfish, much like the lower Ohio River. In addition, taking away an already established apex predator in a body of water will have many negative effects on the rest of the river. Do the right thing for the recreational anglers that bring in millions of dollars to the VA communities, protect these big fish and please vote NO for this bill. Thank you for your time.
Please protect the trophy class bluecat. Changing this would wipe out this fishery. Fishing for trophy catfish in virginia has become a huge sport and the revenue it brings in is incredible. Thank you.
Hello I'm from Pittsburgh pa there's a bunch of us(30) up here that travel to the James River several times a year to fish for blue catfish. There's 30 of us the come down to fish the king of the james. If u allow this to happen it will destroy the blue catfish population down the in Virginia. And not only Virginia but all the small businesses around will suffer from it. All the guides and bait shops The king of the james bring over 1000 ppl to the area for a week in October and we spend alot of money to small businesses and to the state in taxes and fishing licenses Please dnt allow this to happen
Please stop this bill from passing. I come from North Carolina to chase these trophy fish with my 6yr old daughter. As a NC native, I see the adverse effects of no regulations at all on blue catfish, hence why I keep traveling to Virginia. I hope and pray she will be able to continue to chase these amazing fish. Removing the size limits will absolutely destroy this. Virginia will lose out on revenue on everything from ramp fees, food, gas, out of town licenses, as well as hotels. This doesn’t seem like much, but when you figure the amount of people that travel here out of town, it adds up quickly. The division between commercial and recreational anglers will only get worse, as well as the people’s trust in their Government that has failed us so much the past several years. I feel the blue catfish get a bad reputation and are blamed in the so called shortage of natural forage fish as well as shellfish. As they do eat their part, there are many other things to consider as well. The explosion of cormorants and other fish eating water fowl, the continued reintroduction of striped bass, the comeback of Atlantic sturgeon all play a huge part of the alleged decline in crab numbers. Please Virginia, do the right thing and leave the 32” rule in place so that me and future generations can enjoy this great fishery.
Trophy catfish have been a part of my whole families lives for decades, it something we take very much pride and joy in. It's fuck for the kids, and especially friends. Days and nights on the water have been spent learning these fish and how to catch them. We the catfish community are 100% against keeping the fish we catch. Catch and release is what we've done forever. So much time and money has been spent on gear and boats. Catfishing is a lifestyle not just something to do!
As an avid bass and catfisherman I whole heartily disagree with removing creel limits from blue catfish. Trophy blue cats draw anglers from all corners of this country. The james River in particular is a one of a kind bucket list destination for catfisherman. I've personally seen the excitement of many anglers when catching these sometimes giant fish and the joy they also see watching them swim away. Removing creel limits will inevitably destroy this fishery and these large trophy fish will become nothing but a memory. On the other side the economic price will be very costly to the surrounding areas. Many catfish tournaments are hosted on the james River and its tributaries generating hundreds of thousands of dollars for the local economies. These tournaments will definitely come to an end once creel limits are removed. These tournaments and the series trails that go with them also provide thousands of dollars to charities every year and work with multiple veterans programs to give back to the community. This issue is not just about a simple fish. This issue is about a lifestyle and a sport that millions of people love and have for generations. Blue cat fishing has been a part of my life for a long time which has involved my children and grandchildren. Protecting this fishery is something we should all be working towards. I hope to be able to continue to take my kids and grandkids fishing for blue cats for many years to come. Please don't allow greedy people to kill off this River just for their Proffit. These fish need to be protected and creel limits are the best way to keep them protected. Thank you
My brother and I flew from Oregon to Virginia to fish on the James River to fish for famous monster Blue Catfish on the James River. We spent a significant amount of money while staying in Hopewell. I hope you can reach a middle ground in being able to keep the oversize catfish while maintaining other native species. Oversize catfish are not good to eat especially on the James River due to chemical contaminates that exist in the river. This compromise could be accomplishing by setting certian regulations on individual sections of the river system. This would allow the oversize fishing to remain in certian sections of the river. The oversize fish that migrate into the other sections could be removed. The catfishing community is significant and many rely on these oversize for their living and enjoyment. Thanks Pat Cimmiyotti
This bill if passed will take money away from VA. I travel several times a year to fish the rivers of VA for the blue catfish. I stay several days each trip to fish for blue catfish. The current creel limit needs to stay in place because it is the right thing to keep the rivers with trophy blue catfish. I know several people that travel to VA just to fish the rivers for these blue catfish in several tournaments that are held on the rivers every year. This bill if passed would take all of that money away from VA.
My nane is Tim London and i frequent several of these waters that will be effected if this bill is passed. I often take veterans as well as several youth anglers out of fishing trips at Kerr lake as well as Lake Gaston. I also fish the james river will my kids several times a year. They love to chase the trophy catfish that the james has to offer. They would be devastated knowing that they would not have the opportunity to catch these trophy fish. Please kill this bill for the sake off not only the fisherman and people who make a living by guiding on there great fisheries but also for our youth.
My name is Christian Moore. I am a NC native and Il have been a avid catfish anglers for over 20 years. I got into the trophy side of the fishery on the Dan River and Kerr lake. Soon after that I started driving from NC to the James River to experience one of the best trophy Blue catfish fisheries the country has to offer. Once I realized how special this place was I knew it would be the perfect opportunity for me to get my captains license and start my own business. My family and I moved to VA in 2018. I started my guide service in 2021 and as of 2023 it is my full time job. HB 2782 would destroy my business and cause me to close the doors. The population of fish in our river systems over 32" only makes up less than 2 percent of the bio mass. It makes no since why the daily creel limit is trying to be amended. Our trophy Blue catfish fishery brings in millons of dollars in revenue for the state and is a favorite past time for thousands of instate and out of state anglers. I please ask you to kill this bill! As it will not only destroy my family's life but thousands of other families who are very passionate about this sport. Best, Capt. Christian Moore
Please vote no to this bill. I have been fishing for trophy catfish since I was just a kid with my dad and I’m passing it along to my kids. We are out on the James River every chance we get chasing these awesome animals. Them being in a generation that spend a lot of time in the house in front of the tv, tablets, or gaming systems I’m very proud that my kids will drop it all to spend the game on the river fishing. Passing this bill will completely kill the trophy catfish fishery Virginia has become known for. A lot of people travel from states away and spend thousands a year to come here and have a chance to catch our giant blue cats. This bill would be the end of a lot of tradition for families like mine and the tournament that Virginia locals and none locals participate in throughout the year. Please protect our bluecat fisheries for the generations to come to enjoy. They mean more to us then the few dollars the commercial guys will make for over harvesting them.
I'm writing this to ask that you do not pass Bill HB2782. By passing this bill it could change the future of the trophy catfish forever. Not only does it affect the catfish it affects us as sportsmen and our children and grandchildren. People come to Virginia every year for a chance to catch one of these trophy catfish. People have worked hard for years to build businesses, guides, tackle companies etc. and they're passion shows how much dedication and effort they have put into this sport. In closing, a vote NO protects catfishing for our future generations.
Vote No on This Bill: Protect Our Trophy Catfish Fishery Before casting your vote, it’s important to understand the implications of this bill and its potential harm to our fishery, economy, and community. • Purpose of the Bill: What is the intent behind this legislation? If it’s to regulate catfish populations or improve fisheries, it’s crucial to note that less than 3% of blue catfish in our waters reach the trophy size targeted by this bill. These fish are rare and valuable, and the proposed measures could inadvertently harm our ecosystem and economy. • Commercial Fishing Perspective: Commercial fishers do not seek trophy-sized catfish, as these fish have little market value at their size. Instead, they play a vital role in supporting a thriving recreational fishing industry. • Economic and Community Impact: Our region is renowned for offering some of the best trophy catfishing opportunities in the country, attracting anglers from across the nation. This supports: • Local fishing guides and charter captains. • Businesses that supply fishing gear, including rods, reels, lines, hooks, bait, and more. • Tourism-related businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and outfitters. This bill could undermine a well-established and sustainable recreational fishery, negatively affecting countless small businesses and individuals who depend on it. Please take the time to fully understand the broader consequences of this legislation. Vote No to protect our trophy catfish fishery, support local economies, and preserve the traditions and opportunities that make this community a destination for anglers worldwide.
Hello, my name is Walker Coleman I fish for trophy blue catfish in the tidal rivers of Virginia. By passing this bill it would basically kill Virginias trophy blue catfish population. The end result is killing not only the fish but peoples jobs and hobbies. Because some of us this is all we think about. Not only do people that live in Virginia catch these fish but people all across the country travel here every year to chase these big fish. Virginia has one of the top trophy fisheries in the country for the blue catfish. Please think twice before passing this bill and think about the people that love and care for these fish as if they were there pets. Thank you.
As someone who has fished for catfish since a young boy.their is no point in removing the 32 inch rule. When it comes to blue catfish fishery. Hoping that my kids one day can enjoy this fishery as I have. Please vote no against this bill. Let's keep this it the way it is
Stop this bill.
As a Virginia captain i pray this bill does not get passed. Virginia has one of the best trophy blue catfish fishery’s in the country. I have people that come from across the country to fish the rappahannock and James river specifically for fish over 32, the science from all the biologist show that there is only 3 percent of the population of catfish are over 32 inches, no buys want fish that big and dwr has do not eat warnings for large catfish. Please take all anglers, captains and recreational anglers into consideration when making your decision on these laws. There is a lot of generations that grew up fishing for these trophy fish and I hope one day this fishery will be around for my kids and future generations to enjoy!
As a Virginia captain i pray this bill does not get passed. Virginia has one of the best trophy blue catfish fishery’s in the country. I have people that come from across the country to fish the rappahannock and James river specifically for fish over 32, the science from all the biologist show that there is only 3 percent of the population of catfish are over 32 inches, no buys want fish that big and dwr has do not eat warnings for large catfish. Please take all anglers, captains and recreational anglers into consideration when making your decision on these laws. There is a lot of generations that grew up fishing for these trophy fish and I hope one day this fishery will be around for my kids and future generations to enjoy!
HB1907 - Blue catfish; Board of Wildlife Resources to amend regulations to remove one-fish daily limit.
Please don't kill off all the trophy blue cats we fisherman spend lot of money to fish those areas
Please do not remove the one fish over 32 limit. Virginia is known all around the country for large catfish. Myself and others rely on these fish to make a living while practicing catch and release. You see what has happened to our Striped bass over the years. Allowing people to keep too many big fish has ruined the fishery. I completely agree there are too many small fish in our river systems. The commercial fisherman have plenty of small fish to catch and will probably never run out..
I’ve been catfishing for 30+ years and it’s a damn shame this is happening. This is supposed to be protected for our grandkids and their children. This shouldn’t even be a debate, kids need to be out of the house and doing things like fishing and hunting and stop playing video games and if this keeps on they’re not gonna have a choice!
People travel from all over the country to fish these waters for these trophy size catfish. It can take 15-20 yrs for a blue catfish to get over 40 lbs. People come here to catch 100 lbs + fish.. Please vote no
Hb 1907 along with this bill need to be stopped. The trophy catfish fishery in VA is literally world known. World record catfish has come from Kerr/buggs and also the James River and its surrounding rivers are know as some of the best places to fish for blues in the whole country. Many states are trying to replicate our standards to better their fishery. The state needs to understand how much of a boost this is for local economies as well as a lot of people’s jobs rely on this fishery being maintained at a high quality for their livelihood. Through people coming from all over the world to fish here, tournaments, whole tackle/fishing equipment companies started in the surrounding area because of this fishery. Va blue catfish fishery is arguable the best in the world, let’s not mess it up now or for future generations to come.
Please, allow people to take ALL the small blue catfish they can but protect the trophy size fish I spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars each year chasing. Removing any limits on trophy size fish will just invite the out-of-state paylakers to come pillage our waters for the giants they want to stock their ponds with.
Why change something that isn't broken? Catfishing has become just as popular as bass fishing and it's continuing to grow, people come from all over to fish these fisheries for trophy blue cats and if creel limits change it will slowly deplete our waters and there will be businesses, guides, small towns, restaurants and others affected by this because once the trophy fish are gone people and out of towners will stop coming because there will be no point. It's just a domino effect. Please think about the overall outcome of this and all in all this bill is NO GOOD!!! Nobody benefits from it
Santee Cooper lakes perfect example of healthy fisheries with limit. Keep james river producing the huge monster fish by regulating the limit. It works. Carole Hinten Freelance writer
Stop this bill.
Catfish should be protected and catch and release should be theory when catching big cats or trophy fish.
Bill HB1907, HB2335 I FEEL LIKE REMOVING THE ONE 32 INCH RULE WILL HURT THE Trophy blue cat population. There are lots of us that not only enjoy the SPORT of Trophy catfishing, but also make a living guiding for these awesome fish. I feel efforts to remove smaller blue Cats and leave the Trophy fish alone would help in controlling the population. I would hate for future generations to miss out on being able to catch Trophy Blue Cats. I am not in favor of this Bill.
I have a question a little more direct for delagates Kent and Simonds as I am not for either of these bills. If VA approves this bill and destroys the trophy fishery what will be done to help the 30 plus charter fishing business who rely on the trophy fishery to attract business? Will we be financially compensated?
To remove these restrictions will end our great cat fishing industry. No amount of money should be spent on this rediclousbill. Va makes tons of money off the fishing industry, you are trying to end a great money .aking sport all for some dog food . Let's be real here the water quality is the reason for other fish species decline.you can't prove anything but cat fish are bad. Actually they are very good for the food web within the great waters of va.this need to be thrown out or else the sport of cat fishing is over for va .obviously the person in charge of this bill has never caught a trophy cat fish.
My Name is Matthew Webb. I reside just outside of Harrisburg Pennsylvania. I am writing on behalf of the Catfish community but also on behalf of someone who is involved in the seafood industry that includes Blue Catfish caught in Chesapeake Tributaries and Chesapeake Bay proper. As someone directly involved in the sales of Blue Catfish but also a passionate angler; this conversation can take many twists and turn. I hope to stand out just a bit given my background. The ongoing debate is filled with a lot of misinformation that needs scientific backing for any judgement calls and decisions being made on the subject matter. I can say with certainty after being involved with the seafood market the sales for this species of fish is trending downwards. The demand for this fish in my market is substantially low. Market price for blue catfish is from 5$ a lb to 6.50 $ on a good day. If the goal is to eradicate bluecatfish and or exempt any slot limits. The market will be absolutely flooded without the sales necessary for sustainable income for the commercial fishing and distribution of the species. Maryland waters are doing everything in their power to mitigate the fishery with little success. Maryland and Virginia needs to embrace the power of the recreational fisherman to understand the full scope of what they anglers see everyday in our river systems. In my personal opinion, the bay proper needs more attention than the tidal tributaries holding the trophy catfish. Most of the fish I see being harvested directly from the bay are 30lbs and under. For whatever reason the trophy fish seem to reside in the rivers with lower salinity. The smaller fish seems to be migrating though the bay causing more harm to the crab and rockfish populations than the fish in the river systems. Consider this.. Focus on the harvesting of blue catfish in the bay proper and manage that before you subject the recreational anglers in the tidal river systems. Yes catfish will migrate in and out of the river systems into the bay but the amount of recreational anglers targeting catfish in the bay proper are VERY minimal in comparison to the anglers you see fishing for blue catfish in the river systems with that larger category of fish staying in the river systems. I didn't have a lot of time to prepare this message and would be happy to discuss and help create ideas that will effectively create solutions for everyone. I know commercial fisherman in the bay that would agree and also recreational catfish anglers that would jump on board with this statement. Blue catfish are not going anywhere anytime soon and it would be wise to work with everyone on all front addressing specific details regarding the market driven data and science behind the movement without emotions or biased onions against what many people are led to believe is a "trash fish". Would be happy to elaborate more. Thanks for hearing me out. Matt Webb
I and many other cat fisherman all across the country come to the James River to catch trophy size catfish. I have personally seen on my home waters what it’s like to not regulate this fishing by only allowing 1 fish over 32”. When this bill is passed to no longer make it lawful to possess more than 1 fish over the limit per day. This opens the fishery up to pure destruction. We were told here in Tennessee that the small amount of commercial fishing on our waterside was not significant enough to regulate. Now what was once a great fishing destination is nothing but a shell of what it used to be. Please don’t let this happen to the James River. This will not only affect the fishing community but it will also affect the local economy. The major tournaments will go away, the guides will stop guiding for catfish, people will stop coming from all over the country to fish there. When you take fish out that are 32” or bigger then you are taking the breeding fish out of the area. This causes massive problems for a species. Come on Virginia you can stop this.
No fish over 32 inches should be kept
Please vote no! This is going to ruin more than just the fishing, it’s going to put a hurt on the economy! Thousands travel there yearly just for blue cat fishing!!
My name is Christian Moore. I am a NC native and Il have been a avid catfish anglers for over 20 years. I got into the trophy side of the fishery on the Dan River and Kerr lake. Soon after that I started driving from NC to the James River to experience one of the best trophy Blue catfish fisheries the country has to offer. Once I realized how special this place was I knew it would be the perfect opportunity for me to get my captains license and start my own business. My family and I moved to VA in 2018. I started my guide service in 2021 and as of 2023 it is my full time job. HB 2782 would destroy my business and cause me to close the doors. The population of fish in our river systems over 32" only makes up less than 2 percent of the bio mass. It makes no since why the daily creel limit is trying to be amended. Our trophy Blue catfish fishery brings in millons of dollars in revenue for the state and is a favorite past time for thousands of instate and out of state anglers. I please ask you to kill this bill! As it will not only destroy my family's life but thousands of other families who are very passionate about this sport. Best, Capt. Christian Moore
I am against this bill. I travel several times a year to fish the rivers of VA for the blue catfish. A lot of people from all across this nation travel just to fish for the blue catfish in the james river. Spending there money in VA. If this bill is passed in would destroy that income spent in VA. Do not pass this bill it would also stop all the income from all the catfish tournaments on the rivers!
My name is Christian Moore. I am a NC native and Il have been a avid catfish anglers for over 20 years. I got into the trophy side of the fishery on the Dan River and Kerr lake. Soon after that I started driving from NC to the James River to experience one of the best trophy Blue catfish fisheries the country has to offer. Once I realized how special this place was I knew it would be the perfect opportunity for me to get my captains license and start my own business. My family and I moved to VA in 2018. I started my guide service in 2021 and as of 2023 it is my full time job. HB 2782 would destroy my business and cause me to close the doors. The population of fish in our river systems over 32" only makes up less than 2 percent of the bio mass. It makes no since why the daily creel limit is trying to be amended. Our trophy Blue catfish fishery brings in millons of dollars in revenue for the state and is a favorite past time for thousands of instate and out of state anglers. I please ask you to kill this bill! As it will not only destroy my family's life but thousands of other families who are very passionate about this sport. Best, Capt. Christian Moore
Dear Members of the Virginia House of Delegates, I strongly oppose HB1907, which threatens the sustainability of Virginia’s trophy catfish fisheries. As a recreational catfish angler, owner of a Trophy Catfish Guide Service, and Tournament Director of Kings of the James Catfish Tournament and Tidal James Catfish Club, I witness daily the vital role these fisheries play in our economy, recreation, and environment. Economic Impacts- Virginia’s trophy catfish fisheries generate millions annually by attracting anglers from across the U.S. These visitors spend on lodging, dining, fuel, and tackle, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Fishing tournaments, including the Kings of the James and Tidal James Catfish Club, draw hundreds of participants, boosting tourism and fostering economic growth in riverside communities. Guide services like mine depend on these fisheries to offer year-round recreational opportunities. Unlike commercial harvests, which yield short-term profits, recreational fishing provides sustainable economic benefits. If HB1907 passes, Virginia risks losing its reputation as a premier destination for trophy fishing. Anglers will travel to neighboring states, leaving local businesses and communities to suffer significant economic losses. Public Health Risks- The Virginia Department of Health has issued advisories against consuming catfish from many waterways, including the James River, due to PCB contamination. PCBs are linked to cancer and other health risks. Increasing commercial harvests would encourage unsafe consumption of contaminated fish, putting vulnerable populations at risk. Trophy catfish fisheries are more valuable for catch-and-release recreational fishing, which protects both public health and long-term sustainability. Environmental Consequences- Trophy catfish are apex predators that maintain ecological balance in Virginia’s rivers. Large catfish are primary breeders; overharvesting them depletes populations and disrupts ecosystems. Neighboring states like North Carolina and South Carolina have experienced the negative effects of overharvesting trophy catfish, including population declines and lost recreational interest. Restoring these fisheries is costly and time-intensive, taking decades to recover. Virginia cannot afford to make the same mistake. Conclusion- HB1907 undermines the long-term economic, ecological, and public health benefits of Virginia’s trophy catfish fisheries. These fisheries are irreplaceable resources that support businesses, create jobs, and attract anglers from across the nation. I urge you to oppose HB1907 and instead support policies that prioritize sustainable management to protect Virginia’s economy, environment, and recreational opportunities for future generations. Sincerely, Trey Thorpe Tournament Director, Kings of the James Catfish Tournament Tournament Director, Tidal James Catfish Club
Hb1907, I know I live in TN but over here there is no limit on catfish of any kind, except you're only allowed 1 fish over 34inches per day, this promotes catch and keep but also protects the trophy fish. Catfish are a very popular guided fish species that generates millions of dollars every year. You can reduce the over all population and still retain the trophy fishery. Thanks for letting me respond to this.
Recreational trophy catfishing is a large national industry with tremendous growth. It would be a travesty for a state to facilitate the depletion of a natural resource that many spend time and money pursing. Trophy catfish should be protected !
My family and I fish the james river at least once a week all spring summer and fall and this would take from our Richmond recreation. We strive to catch the biggest catfish and having been a native of Richmond my whole life, fishing and playing on the James is a way of life. Please don't allow commercial fishermen to take away from what hundreds of men and women in the RVA area have spent a lifetime enjoying. Thank you
Good afternoon, I ask the people here today with the power or influence to modify this bill. Please don't do this. This is the first and only time I've ever spoken up. The Virginia waters are home to several world class catfishing destinations. The sport is rapidly growing and bringing anglers from all corners of America to visit them. We have done so much to bring awareness to CPR of this beautiful trophy size fish and have brought a lot of good to the community in such things as benefits, helping our veterans, children's hospitals and many many more. Changing this law would be detrimental to habitat that grow these giant fish that so many come to catch. I ask you to please don't do this. Thank you Gary Stinson
The Blue catfish fishery is a huge part of my life. I vote No on this bill. This will give the commercial fishermen all the right to kill off all the trophy sized Blue Catfish that me and sooo many others enjoy and built a community around. Vote No on this bill!!!!!
Bill HB1907 would be devastating to one of the top catfishing areas in the country. Millions of dollars poured in from all over the country to fish these areas . Keep the slot in place and keep VA as one of the top fisheries in the country
Please vote NO on the Blue Catfish bill. The set limit allows these fish to grow to trophy size and provide enjoyment and challenge for anglers nationwide whom travel to these waters. Most if not all are catch, and release fisherman which in turn provides trophy catches and memories for future anglers.
Please don't allow your rivers to by raped of our blue cats!
The American Catfishing Association, representing millions of recreational catfish anglers, expresses strong opposition to the consideration of this regulation reform. Removing the creel limit would expose the blue catfish species and their habitats to unnecessary and severe damage. Trophy-sized blue catfish, in particular, require 10 to 15 years to reach maturity, making them especially vulnerable to overfishing. There is no commercial value to these mature fish other than to support the exploitative pay lake industry, which has already caused significant harm to blue catfish populations across the nation. Where is the scientific evidence supporting the need to eliminate the current creel limit? What is the rationale behind the apparent urgency to pass this reform? Furthermore, why has there been no public hearing to address the potential negative consequences of this proposed regulation change? The American Catfishing Association strongly opposes the removal of the creel limits and stands in solidarity with anglers who seek to protect these vital fisheries from overfishing and harmful reforms.
Pay Lakes are destroying fisheries around the nation! Saying Yes to this bill will mean you’ve been selected to be next!!!
The American Catfishing Association, representing millions of recreational catfish anglers, expresses strong opposition to the consideration of this regulation reform. Removing the creel limit would expose the blue catfish species and their habitats to unnecessary and severe damage. Trophy-sized blue catfish, in particular, require 10 to 15 years to reach maturity, making them especially vulnerable to overfishing. There is no commercial value to these mature fish other than to support the exploitative pay lake industry, which has already caused significant harm to blue catfish populations across the nation. Where is the scientific evidence supporting the need to eliminate the current creel limit? What is the rationale behind the apparent urgency to pass this reform? Furthermore, why has there been no public hearing to address the potential negative consequences of this proposed regulation change? The American Catfishing Association strongly opposes the removal of the creel limits and stands in solidarity with anglers who seek to protect these vital fisheries from overfishing and harmful reforms.
I hope this does not pass. This will ruin the fishery. Commercial fishermen will rape the rivers and the fish will just die please vote no to this bill
Please vote no to all bills that would loosen restrictions on the blue catfish. Without these trophy fish many small communities and businesses would be greatly impacted for the worse. The problem with the bay is not the blue catfish. It is water quality.
I come to fish in Virginia 3-5 times a year for trophy catfish. Virginia has some of the best trophy catfishing in all of the country and it has been that way for years even with some decline. I am asking Virginia to consider very seriously allowing trophy blue catfish to be harvested once the ban is gone on fish over 32 inches it will allow commercial fisherman the right to keep a large number of fish that the lakes and rivers need to reproduce. Catfish like anything else have genetics and large fish need to be protected in order to keep the genetics of that fish in the breeding pool. Please understand the valuable resource you have with trophy catfishing and do all you can to protect it and promote it.
Please reconsider pushing these bills through, I'm an avid catfish angler that travels to fish tournaments, I've seen these sort of new laws pass and destroy fisheries. This is not a good move for the future of blue catfish. The slot limit should stay in place!
If this bill is voted and passed it will ruin our catfishing fishery in Virginia, I travel often to fish the lakes and rivers of Virginia and it’s really good as of right now but not great, this bill passes and no more catfishing for myself and the thousands of other men and women who fish these waters. Very sad this would even be considered with the fact that the men and women who fish were pushing for pre protection rather than less. Please take this message into consideration and not ruin it for all of the men and women counting on you. This isn’t just a sport for some of us it’s the only thing we do outside of work. All we do is fish, work on our boats/ rods and reels and sleep.
We travle to the james an spend 1,000s of dollors several times a year to fish this great fishery for blue catfish. Myself an along with many other friends an family bring in 10s of thousands of dollors to the james river fishing for trophy catfish. If one of the best trophy cay fisherys around. I myself have been comong for 22 years about an have already seen a huge decline in the trophy bluecat fishery from electro fishing an commerical fishing. Please protect this great fishery so many of us love.
Blue catfish provide a trophy fishery and draw anglers from around the country. Eliminating the creek limit would be a detriment to the fishery. As a guide, I can attest that anglers from across the nation come to the James for its world class blue catfish fishery
Yall are crazy we need a limt to keep the true size of the fish in the waters when limits goes size and quality of fish goes with it
I don't think it fair to us
I do not support HB1907. Here is why:. Virginia Department of Health lists blue catfish from tidal waters over 32” as DO NOT EAT due to PCB contamination. They are a health risk and allowing these fish to flood the market could become a political nightmare in the future when it comes out that they are unhealthy. The one fish over 32” is currently a safeguard regulation to keep contaminated fish from entering the market. It should stay that way. Additionally, blue catfish over 32” is less than 2% percent of the biomass and support a multi million dollar recreational fishery and that is on the James River alone There is currently support from the trophy catfish constituents with the current regulation of the one catfish limit over 32” limit. The electofishey is a new commercial industry and should have a chance to do its job and try to reduce the majority of the biomass of eating sized catfish in the 12” to 26” range. As someone who had made a living, full time, running commercial blue catfish charters, ’ll be on the water when HB1907 is being heard on Monday, January 27, 2025 and hope this statement is read by all decision makers. Blue catfish over 32” are unhealthy and should not be consumed according to our own state health department. Left alone they will continue to generate millions of dollars in local tourism dollars. Capt. Mike Ostrander Discover the James
I live in Staunton,VA and I want to say to the representatives that read this and the other comments, please vote NO on this bill 1907 to eliminate the 32" size restriction on the blue catfish. I like many other anglers travel to these body's of water for one reason only, and that is a chance to catch a real trophy catfish. I myself make the journey 12 to 18 times a year for the opportunity. For nearly 20 years I have patronized business,hotel, restaurants, Bed n Breakfasts in the area. Not to mention Buying fishing gear, boats and gas etc.. in the effort to catch a giant blue catfish. If the chance of a catching a true trophy disappears, so do all the anglers that visit the area from all over the country. I have talked to anglers from Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania and they all come to the James river and Gaston and Kerr for the same reason .The trophy sized fish is a very very small percentage of the biomass in the large scheme of things. Say No to the bill and save these trophy fish and the tourism they create. Thank you.
Fredericksburg
Stop this bill
I say no to this bill. You’ll take away tournaments for people if they can’t catch these fish.
Stop this bill,this would really help out a lot . this hurts us for our tournaments a charters
This really hurts us as a community
Passing this bill would end trophy catfishing for all who truly love it , not only those people but the people who make a living by guiding people to catch some of these trophy catfish. Passing this this would truly hurt more than it would help. I VOTE NO FOR THIS BILL!
There are alot of generations that get out and enjoy the opportunity to catch trophy sized catfish, and there are folks who make a living by sharing that experience with others. (Fishing charters). If these fish are taking out commercially it will hurt the uprising sport of catfishing here. Please keep these larger genetics protected so our future generation can enjoy them as well.
The size restrictions on blue catfish should not change… If you change you the restrictions you’re robbing our future generation of children who will never get to see or catch a big catfish
HB 1907 I am against the proposed HB 1907 which wants to remove the limit of 1 blue catfish over 32 inches per person per day. Doing this will allow commercial fishermen and recreational anglers to over harvest mature trophy catfish. The catfishing industry is growing rapidly and anglers all across the country are promoting conservation efforts to protect these trophy catfish through educating, promoting, and practicing catching, photographing , and releasing known as (CPR) of trophy catfish. It can take a blue catfish 10-15 years to reach what is considered to be a trophy size fish and if this bill is voted into law the trophy catfish will be nonexistent. Please help us in protecting these fish by voting against this bill so we can maintain what little law we do have to protect these fish. Thank you
Please accept this as feedback for your review on I Joseph Adkins being against HB1898-HELMER. I have fished Virginia water since moving here from WV in 1993. In the past 15 of those years I have had the pleasure of fishing the waters of the state that hold Blue Catfish. In my opinion we must continue to have a size limit on them. The Blue Catfish has become a highly sought after trophy fish. That being said these fisheries bring money into the state not only from residents but non residents alike. I myself travel multiple times yearly to these fisheries to fish. It is 4 hrs plus to the nearest waters that hold them. Buying gas, food and hotel rooms. As a long time Virginia tax payer I ask that you please shut down HB1798-HELMER to continue to protect the Blue Catfish for not only ours but future generations to enjoy and travel throughout our great state to enjoy. Thank you for your time. Joseph B. Adkins Radford Va
Hi. My name is Walker Coleman and I ask that you please do not pass this bill. Myself and many others not only in the state of Virginia but across the country travel to these waters many times a year to try and catch one of these beautiful fish. They have been a big part of my life and my family’s life over the years and I would love to pass the love for fishing for these big fish onto future generations. I know many people claim that they hurt the environment but it’s hard for under 3 percent of the biomass in these rivers to do so. I will ask to please reconsider bill BH1907, there are many small businesses across the nation that would suffer drastically and would even put people out of jobs. Thank you!
I am writing in against bill 1907 in regards of lifting 32" length limit on blue catfish in the Kerr Lake, Lake Gaston, James river, Rappahannock river, York river and tributaries. This would be devastating to the aspect of the sport of catfishing. Many people travel far and wide to fish these waters known for trophy catfish and the world record. Commercial fishing these water will devastate the populations as well as the trophy fish. Many of the people that live in or around these waters will be effected economically as people coming to fish is a huge part of the revenue for their business and employees. Not only will it be detrimental to the economy but also to the sport where so many have alot of money and time invested not to mention the amount of youth that love and enjoy the sport. Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston cannot sustain any amount of Commercial fishing and the revenue will be short lived but the effects will be a long time to the communities towns business and sportsman. Please take time to look at this from the recreation side of things as that will be revenue for the towns and communities that depend on fisherman from near and far that come to the state of Virginia to have a chance at the next Worl Record. Not only from a revenue stand point but the amount of youth that have found a passion for the sport will have that taken away. As a concerned citizen that truely loves the sport of catfishing and spending time with my family on the water on these waters I ask you to not pass this bill. Thank you Chad Aldridge
Please don’t sign off on this trash bill! I as a cat fisherman absolutely love fishing Virginia waters! My personal opinion is this bill would absolutely devastate the catfish population and make the fisheries in Virginia almost un fishable. Ohio and Kentucky have almost destroyed their fishing with the preposterous laws that they have. Now most locals look to go out of state to be able to find quality fish! Don’t do this this to one of the absolute best fisheries we have please!
Y’all are gonna kill are fishery’s and hurt are younger generations for catching trophy catfish like we did. So with that being said I vote no to the new bill.
This would be a travesty to the catfish population! There are way to many pay to fish catfish lakes and commercial fishermen that would take advantage of this law being abolished. I think if anything we need tighter restrictions to maintain a healthy breeding population of catfish in ALL waters . Catfishing is a way of life for a large number of people and it would be sad to see a greedy few be able to decimate all the large catfish in out lakes . Do not remove this creek limit
Hello my name is Michael Graham I live in knoxville Tn I'm sending this message regarding the no limit to Blue catfish and I would like to just add you guys have a beautiful fishery there is a ton of Anglers just like myself that travel across this world to come and fish the James River and all of its Glory that swims beneath the surface my opinion might not be much but I feel in my heart this is what I needed to say so for the ones that take it into consideration I really appreciate it before jumping to any sudden idea try and take a bigger Outlook of the whole situation on what is destroying the population of certain species that swim beneath the surface one fish can be very abundance but it takes many many years to grow fish the size of what's in the James River and once there is a No Limit to trophy-sized fish it will not take long and they will be wiped out deterring a lot of people away from the town and deterring a lot of people away from the river that brings in tons of Revenue rivers and lakes already take a substantial amount of pressure from commercial and Pay Lake fisherman they are keeping the fish population from exploding like everyone thinks it has we put in tons of hours on the water and there are tons of Anglers out there just like me that do the same thing Catch and Release we love the sport of it and want to see it grow and we can all stand forth and tell you that there's not that many in your River they are not caught on a daily basis and the river is pressured every day with local fishermen tournament fishingmen commercial fishermen and so forth so for the ones that read this message and take it into consideration I thank you and God bless
I am writing you today to address a written concern about HB1907. This bill will destroy our waters, our fish populations, our ecosystem and everything else in between. This bill will destroy any and all conservation efforts that have been made by all sportsman, wildlife conservation, DWR and all the investors that constantly give to wildlife conservation to protect not only our lands but also our waters and all the animals both for hunting and fishing purposes but also recreational activities all of us do on a weekly or daily basis. HB1907 is a complete bill that will allow permanent damage to our fishing populations in which will in turn destroy all the water ways and their populations for all of nature that depends on those ecosystems to continue to thrive. This bill needs to be destroyed before it destroys all of our hard work towards conservation and restoration of all our lands and water ways for hunting, fishing and all recreational activities and all wildlife to enjoy. Please do not allow HB1907 to go into effect.
I devote a lot of time and money into catching big blue catfish. The thrill of these powerful fish on the other end of the line just draws you back. It is a sport I love taking my kids out doing and they love it. Passing this will kill the thrill that these fish bring to my kids and their kids in the future. These big blues are far and few between. I see millions of these smaller 10lb and less fish on fish finder. I guarantee you they are hurting the population of other resources more than big blues are.
If Virginia waters are opened to commercial fishing for catfish it will destroy I mean absolutely destroy the catfishing in the state. All the trophy fish us anglers have caught and released will be gone in no time. These same trophy fish that draw anglers from all over the country will no longer exist and so will the lovely sport of catfishing. All of us anglers are AGAINST HB1907. The states natural resources shouldn’t be subjected to overfishing for somebody to make a dime.
Please shutdown this bill! Fisheries have been destroyed all over our coast and throughout our states and we need to do better! Our youth and future generations to come deserve better! People who run these Pay to fish lakes and commercial fishing in these waters or any waters will destroy the blue cat population. Please do not let that happen.
Do not destroy this great trophy blue cat fishery it provides too much income to the area!
Please do not drop the trophy blue catfish limit on Lake Gaston! The lake is doing very well with the regulations as they are and a change is unjustified and may lead to exploitation of the public resource by out of state trophy pay lake operations. The current regulations have led to the lake becoming a nationally known destination for trophy blue catfish. People are coming from around the world to fish with local fishing guides and spending many thousands of dollars in the process. The fishery has even attracted fishermen from as far away as Japan. Without the limit 0on trophy size fish pay lake operators from the Ohio River Valley region will come down to take as many trophy fish out as possible for their pay lakes. The fish are then subjected to being starved and trapped in often unhealthy undersized ponds. People pay to catch them repeatedly until they die often from starvation. They bring large tanks able to transport multiple trophy fish to these pay lakes. Over time this will decimate the know famous trophy fishery on Lake Gaston. At the very leat this screams for compromise but the best move is leave everything just like it is and don't try to fix what isn't broken.
I am 110% against this. We need our wildlife
I travel from Wisconsin to lake Gaston and Kerr lake twice a year to fish for trophy blue catfish. I've been coming down for 8 years. 2025 will be my 9th year fishing for blue catfish. I do it because we don't have catfish of that size here in Wisconsin. We don't have blue catfish in Wisconsin either. If this passes, people like myself and people from all over the country will not have the chance to catch a fish of a lifetime. Commercial fishermen will be able to take those bigger fish out of the fisheries that many of us come to your state to catch. Not only will it hurt the fisheries but it will also hurt the local economies. Just myself, I spend over $3,500 each trip i make out there. Between the home rental, groceries, gas, food at local restaurants and my fishing charter captain, all that money will be gone and that's just from one person, myself. Now just imagine how much money the local economies will lose when the trophy fish are gone and we stop coming. Please reconsider this decision. Thank you, Tony from Wisconsin
Please do not pass this bill. With the growing numbers of deer hunters many people have opted to move to fishing with myself included. The growth of hunting has lowered many people’s chances of finding private land to enjoy. Public waterways are the only way for some to enjoy the natural resources our state provides. With this bill being passed the odds of catching a trophy catfish will diminish dramatically. I started catfishing almost 10 years ago to get away from the competition of hunting and to enjoy the other resources Virginia has to offer. Over the last few years of fishing I have noticed the hard work of avid anglers has proven a positive impact on all trophy fish from bass to catfish. The numbers of all populations of fish has gone up along with the size of fish. By allowing commercial fishing in our local rivers and lakes the numbers of all trophy fish no matter the species will decline as we have seen with blue crabs. Most will argue that catfish need to be eradicated to protect the blue crabs. In recent years the crab population is not declining due to catfish but due to the over fishing of female crabs who have yet to lay their eggs. Along with blue crabs whose numbers are declining the number of striped bass is also declining. The reason for the decline in numbers is not from sport fishermen, but is from the commercial fishing at the mouths of the rivers not allowing the fish to breed by being able to travel up stream before being caught. Just like the striped bass and blue crabs the number of catfish will drop not due to sport but due to economic greed. Other species in these rivers and lakes will see the effect of commercial fishing one way or another. Electro fishing has not been around long enough to tell what the long term impact will be on other species of fish. If such methods of commercial fishing is used long term the odds of certain species of fish who are not resilient to such fishing tactics could run into population declines due to becoming sterilized or dying of stress from shock. As most fishermen know the larger the fish the more toxins are produced within the body of the fish. With no confirmed data of how eating fish with lengths of more than 32 inches can affect the human body by ingesting meat with higher toxin levels. how can the community feel safe eating such resources. As a concerned citizen I think this bill is only being brought to the floor to make revenue and not to protect our resources. More data on how commercial fishing will affect our waterways needs to be brought forward. With out data to back this decision how do we know we are not risking the health and well being of both people and our eco systems. Thank you for taking the time to hear my voice. Please do not pass this bill and keep Virginia commercial fishing free for years to come so the next generations can enjoy our sport and resources.
My name is Charles Temple I am a resident of Chesterfield Va and an avid angler on the James River for Trophy size blue catfish. I started catfishing with my father when I was 8 or 9 year old and I’m now sharing the same joys and memories with my own kids. I take a lot of pride that in a generation of kids so glued to tv and video games that mine will drop them without a second thought to spend the day on the river chasing these trophy fish. No matter the weather sunny and 80 degrees or 34 degrees and cloudy they are ready for the opportunity to catch a giant. On top of fun fishing we also participate in several tournaments throughout the year including the Kings Of The James. Where a 100 plus anglers spend two days fishing hard to catch trophy size catfish for big prizes. Many of which travel from out of state to do so. The James River has built quite the reputation for having such an excellent blue cat fishery because of the laws that are protecting our trophy fish. It would truly be a shame to lose what we have to the greed of over commercial harvesting of trophy size fish. There are so many people who have spent a lifetime preaching the practice of (CPR) catch, photo, release for our trophy fish so they can continue to grow and breed for the next generation of anglers to enjoy catching. This is why we ask you not to pass this law that will ruin the fishery that so many generations have been able to enjoy.
Vote no on this bill.
I am an avid catfish angler from Western Pennsylvania who travels to Chester and Charles City Va to fish the James River for blue catfish, both for fun and tournaments approx 10-15 times a year. The river has a reputation for being one of the greatest trophy catfish waters in the country. With a huge following of anglers. Over the past 5 years or so, I've already noticed a decline in the "bigger" fish. I'm very concerned that changes to the current regulations will quickly deplete the river of trophy fish that we love to catch and release. Very similar to what happened to the lower portion of the Ohio River. The commercial fisherman have decimated the population of of trophy blue cats there. Please, do not go through with this bill!
My name is Zakk Royce and I have fished for Blue Catfish on Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake, and the James river my whole life. I grew up targeting these fish with my father, and I have to say they are some of the best memories of my childhood and something that means a lot to me. As time went on the blue catfish in these bodies of water have become more and more popular to fish for. As well as several state record blue catfish being caught, and even a world record blue catfish caught. This has resulted in a lot of anglers from all over the country and even other countries, traveling here to fish for the blue catfish for a chance at one of these trophy fish. With that being said, I have seen what unlimited commercial fishing can do to these fisheries. Before we had the regulation on blue catfish here on Lake Gaston, I personally witnessed major overfishing from out of state commercial fishermen, those of whom also ended up being arrested and charged with multiple offenses before it was all over. North Carolina Wildlife biologists noted major declines in larger blue catfish shortly after. I feel that approving this bill and taking regulations off the larger blue catfish on these bodies of water would be a huge mistake. Not only would it greatly hurt the trophy fishery, but it would also result in a huge loss of revenue in the long run for the local economy around these lakes and rivers. As I mentioned previously many people travel from all over to come here and have a chance at catching one of these trophy fish. These same people spend a lot of money with local fishing guides, lodging, restaurants, etc. Catfishing in general, especially for these trophy blue catfish over 32” has greatly grown in popularity and is steadily growing day by day. There are also multiple major tournaments for large blue catfish that bring in a lot of anglers from all over and a lot of revenue for local communities. Thank you all for your time and consideration in this matter!
Hello I'm from Pittsburgh pa We drive down a few times a year to fish the james River for blue catfish and there's a group of us (25) that come down and fish the king of the james tournaments that brings in over a 100 boats every year Blue catfish mean alot to alot of ppl that practice catch and release Plz keep the limit on them so commercial fishing doesn't ruin the fishing down there like it has in other states Here in Pittsburgh pa the actual starting stocking blue catfish into our rivers 2 years ago So plz do what u can to keep the trophy blue cats alive and living in the james River So the commercial fishing dnt ruin it and take them fish to these little paylakes across the USA to die in theses little ponds the put them in Thank you
I am writing to respectfully request your support in preserving the health and sustainability of the trophy catfish populations. These waterways are not only vital to Virginia’s natural heritage, but they also serve as premier destinations for sport fishing, attracting anglers from across the country. Trophy catfishing in these waters drives significant tourism and economic growth, benefiting local businesses and communities. However, the commercial harvesting of these prized fish for placement in pay-to-fish lakes poses a serious threat to the ecological balance of these fisheries and diminishes their appeal as recreational destinations. Protecting these waterways from commercial overfishing will ensure the continued economic and environmental benefits they provide. I respectfully urge you to support policies that restrict the commercial harvesting of trophy catfish, thereby safeguarding Virginia’s reputation as a top destination for anglers and ensuring the conservation of this important resource for future generations. Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Hello, I would like to comment on this and just start off by saying I would vote a NO on this bill the research is there and available that blue catfish over 32” our only 3% or less of the bio mass and fish that big are not recommended for eating anyway. They are trophy fish that tons of recreational fisherman like myself love to target, and spend tons of money each year at local bait shops gas stations boat ramps etc. Taking these fish from the river won’t just hurt the folks fishing for them it will hurt tons of local businesses as well. I think this whole catfish situation is being blow out of proportion I think yall shoud step back wait and do some research before placing this bill in effect it could really hurt a lot more than help.
Please vote no on this bill, it will do alot mote harm then good! It will end fishing the big cats for future generations of fishermen and quickly dwindle the population of fish.
If this bill passes it will be an end to trophy catfish. It will be an end for Guide and charter captains. It will end businesses, jobs and companies that survive and make a day to day living off of catfishing. These big catfish should remain where they belong in the River. There is absolutely no reason for it to change. The motion for this bill to be removed should have never come about and it should have never gotten this far. I VOTE NO FOR THIS BILL !!!!
Hello, I am writing in opposition of this bill and request it NOT be passed. As an avid catfish angler and beginning entrepreneur I not only am hopeful to start a career in catfish accessories and products necessary for the sport. I am also a father who hopes to continue my passion and share it with my children and hopefully grandchildren but I fear if this bill is passed that won’t be possible after long and my family hobby and my personal passion will be destroyed
Stop this bill
Myself as well as many other charter captains in the state of Virginia rely on this law to make a living. Without this law effect, there will be no trophy, catfish in the state of Virginia, which will put many out of jobs. This isn’t just about the work side of it though this is a fishery that has been around for years and there is no reason to lift the law now. The population of blue catfish over 32 inches is less than 3 percent. I hope the recreational angler and buisness owners are thought about while making this decision. But I vote do not pass this bill save the trophy catfish!