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More than one-hundred-thirty Coastal Conservation Association members and their guests packed the house on March 18th in Fairfax, Virginia to celebrate the chapter’s two decades of conserving Chesapeake marine resources and anglers’ access to them.
The evening was billed as “Save a Fish, Build a Reef” fundraising banquet, and the fun event certainly lived up to the name. Not only did CCA Virginia exceed its fundraising goal to help support CCA’s habitat restoration and Youth Outreach programs, the overall numbers were up markedly over the June 2022 banquet: attendance jumped by 16 percent; participation in the live and silent auctions saw a healthy increase, and; almost all of the raffles sold out.
“CCA’s mission is to advise and educate the public on the conservation of marine resources, and the funds raised at our “Save a Fish, Build a Reef” banquet will help do exactly that,” said Rob Allen, president of the Northern Virginia chapter. “CCA members and our generous sponsors again proved that the Bay’s angling community is the best steward of Chesapeake and Atlantic coastal resources. Also, a huge ‘thank you’ to our Banquet Committee. Their tireless efforts made this event successful.”
An excellent example of CCA’s commitment to expanding its habitat program in the Commonwealth is the reef ball build planned for April 3-4 with the James River Boys & Girls Club in Scottsville, Virginia, which was organized by new CCA Virginia members and partners.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet featuring pulled pork and barbeque, appetizers, and drinks. Mike Manyak of Sapidus Farms again brought his local, tasty farm-raised oysters (Great Wicomico River), and CCA life members Shawn Kimbro and Joe Evans entertained the crowd with their musical stylings.
After dinner, auctioneer Charles Rodney got the crowd fired up – as only he can – to bid on a wide range of great items including a Virginia Beach vacation, guided fishing trips, top-shelf Engle coolers, and fishing rod-reel packages from elite brands including AFTCO, Shimano, Orvis, and TFO. The “Grand Raffle Prize” winner scored a Native Watercraft fishing kayak package, rigged out by Tackle Cove Outfitters.
“We cannot thank our generous sponsors enough. Without their steadfast support none of this would be possible,” said Allen, adding that he received many positive comments from guests about the event, which he said was a result of the teamwork of CCA volunteers who worked together seamlessly to make the 20th Annual “Save a Fish, Build a Reef” a resounding success.
Couldn’t make the banquet but still want to support CCA? Please consider making a donation to help protect Chesapeake Bay recreational fishing and restore marine habitats, today and for future generations.
Huge shout out to our sponsors and supporters. Click here to view the complete list of CCA Virginia sponsors and supporters. [In alphabetical order]
- AFTCO
- BullsEye Gun Shop
- Chic’s Beach Fishing and Rental
- Chesapeake Bay Fishing Reefs
- Costa Sunglasses
- Double Spurs Outfitters
- Engel Coolers
- Fairfax Ace Hardware
- Lawn & Leisure
- L.L. Bean
- Orvis
- Sapidus Oysters
- Shimano Reels
- Tackle Cove Outfitters
- TFO Rods
- West Marine
- Willards Barbeque
Guided Fishing Trips
- Capt. Frank Carver, Loosen Up Charters (301) 261-5869
- Capt. Gary Neitzey, Fish Hawk Guide Services (410) 758-4262
- Capt. Chad Koenig, Dog Days Charters (240) 216-4439
- Capt. Glenn Vico, Lake Anna Fishing Guide (540) 419-5151
- Capt. Chris Moore, Chesapeake Bay Foundation (757) 353-2687
- Captains Drey and Brian Thomason, Thomason Tradition Sportfishing (240) 346-3290
- Captain Kayla Haile, River Queen Guide Service (443) 465-2193
- Captain Mike Starrett, Indian Head Charters (202) 439-1410
- CT Campbell, Page Valley Fly Fishing (540) 742-9723
- Levi Pitcock, Double Spur Outfitters Fly Fishing (540) 533-3898
- Rob Snowhite, Fly Fishing Consultant (703) 401-6429
