February is an inbetween month for area anglers and hunters. It's too early
to get serious about fishing for many and too late to think about hunting,
right? Well, not really in either case, if you think about it. Here's what the
Woods & Water Insider is doing this month:

There's still some great wingshooting for resident Canadian and snow
geese and it's a great time to enjoy working over a good pointer or setter on
an upland bird hunt (see our Outdoor Services Directory for some choices).
To get you motivated to get out on the water we've come up with another
Winter Fishing Special. We have articles on winter striper fishing, catching
jumbo yellow perch and winter's meanest fish. Steve Chaconas even spoke
with BASSMaster Classic champion Michael Iaconelli and BASS Rookie of the
Year Frank Scalish for some insight into how they bass fish in the winter.

If you're not quite ready to get out and brave the elements, you can
choose to go to the outdoor shows (Chantilly, Harrisonburg, South Hill and
Western Virginia) and see all the new gear for 2004. We'll be at all but
Harrisonburg with our Outdoor Marketplace items for sale.

While you are visiting with us at our booth, be sure and subscribe. There's
no better time considering we're rewarding you with free Berkley lures, a
DICK's Sporting Goods $5 Off coupon and a W2 truck/boat sticker -- three
good reasons to become a W2 subscriber.

Looks like the issue of the winter is that of a little Chesapeake Bay fish
called a menhaden. The Coastal Conservation Association of Virginia is ready
to better protect these water filtering, forage fish in hopes of stabilizing
what they see as a decline in Bay water quality as well as the potential
decline in sport fisheries.

See our coverage on page 54 on this issue and decide for yourself what
needs to be done. Is it time to better regulate this important member of the
Bay's ecosystem or should sport anglers opt for the status quo? You
decide.

Our job is to provide you with the information to make your own decision. If
you need more information go to www.ccavirginia.org.

Lastly, check out our website sometime this month. If you liked our existing
site, you'll love this updated one. While you are there, sign up to become a
Woods & Waters Insider so we can send you periodic updates about events,
sales and more happen around the region.

Until next time, remember to cherish, protect and conserve the outdoors
while sharing it with others.