Comments Requested on Permitting for Black Bass Tournaments

     Annapolis, Md. -- Maryland's Department of Natural Resources is considering a regulation which would require largemouth and smallmouth bass tournament directors to obtain a free permit before conducting bass tournaments in Maryland. Directors would be asked to report catch results, adhere to release boat regulations (when appropriate), report illegal harvest or possession, and communicate annually with DNR. The registration process will enable DNR to better monitor catch rates and population trends, assure responsible handling and release of bass, and work more efficiently to maintain and protect bass populations. The regulation may indirectly affect other anglers, boaters and local businesses. DNR is seeking comments regarding this idea. Comments may include suggestions, constructive criticism, and/or a general like or dislike .
Read the full proposal by clicking here.

     The deadline for comments is March 30.

Maryland Yellow Perch Run Is Looking Good

     Perryville, Md. -- The recreational yellow perch fishing season for anglers is heating up thanks to the mild winter weather and an increased fish population. So far, it looks as though there will be great recreational fishing to come.

     “The current abundance of yellow perch is largely a result of stakeholders working together with DNR to develop a prudent management plan,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “We have a great fishery that provides delicious fare for Maryland tables while offering excellent fishing for families, especially our young anglers who are ready for a break from cabin fever.”

     The yellow perch population and recreational fishing has enjoyed resurgence in the last few years due to management changes forged with recreational fishing groups, commercial watermen and fisheries managers at the DNR. Surveys conducted on yellow perch by the Department in 2009 and 2011 show robust reproduction results, indicating the potential for a high-quality, recreational and sustainable commercial fishery to continue.

     In a February 3 post to the DNR Angler’s Log, Mike Dunlap and his boys Tyler, 2 and Aiden, 5 from Chestertown, reported steady action with four plump perch caught from the Sassafras River in less than an hour. According to Dunlap, the hot ticket was a one-eighth ounce jig head tipped with a yellow plastic grub.

    The nice weather was a perfect reason to get out of the house, and more importantly, get the kids out. A day of fishing and catching in February is definitely a day to remember,” he said.

     This time of year, anglers will find yellow perch in 10- to 30- foot depths in many rivers of the Bay where the fish prepare for their epic spawning run. Anglers are currently enjoying spectacular fishing for yellow perch in several locations, including the channel edge off the Logan's Wharf condominiums at Perryville on the Susquehanna River, Northeast River, Nanjemoy Creek and the deep holes in the Chester River near Crumpton.

     Yellow Perch will begin moving from the deeper staging areas to the shallow waters as the weather warms, giving shoreline anglers their best opportunities. The first locations to kick-off will likely be the southern hot spots. The action will then quickly move north. Anglers can find their local hotspot at these websites:

Eastern Shore Hotspots - dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/fishingreport/ypercheast.html

Western Shore Hot Spots - dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/fishingreport/yperchwest.html

     Yellow perch fishing is open year round with a nine- inch minimum size and 10 fish per day limit in tidal waters. A minimal investment in gear, rod, reel, size-10 hooks, bobbers and a bucket of minnows will provide you with the essentials.

     The annual Yellow Perch Appreciation Day will be held on March 3 at the Town of Northeast Park, a Maryland free-fishing area where fishing licenses are not required. The Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland will host a fishing contest as part of the celebration.

     A 14-inch or longer yellow perch qualifies as a Maryland Angler Award fish. Catching an award-sized fish will gain a lucky angler a certificate and free tickets to the Maryland Fishing Challenge Grand Finale at Sandy Point State Park in September. Check in angler award fish at one of the more than 60 Maryland angler Award Centers.

     

Atlantic Menhaden Public Information Document Available for Public Comment

     Arlington, Va. -- The Public Information Document (PID) for Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden is now available for public comment and review on the Commission’s website at http://www.asmfc.org/speciesDocuments/menhaden/fmps/Amend2PID_DraftForPublicComment.pdf.

     As the first step in the development of Amendment 2, the PID presents the current status of the fishery and resource, and solicits public input on which major issues and alternatives should be included for consideration and analysis in Draft Amendment 2.

     The PID’s primary focus is to initiate discussion on the timing and implementation of achieving the new fishing mortality threshold (F = 1.32) and target (F = 0.62) reference points recently adopted through Addendum V. Since fishing mortality in 2008 (the latest year in the assessment) is estimated at 2.28, overfishing is occurring, however, the stock is not overfished.

     The goal of the new reference points is to increase abundance, spawning stock biomass, and menhaden availability as a forage species. The PID also seeks public input on a more timely and comprehensive catch reporting system, and scopes potential options to be used in managing Atlantic menhaden commercial bait and reduction fisheries as well as recreational fishery.

     Alongside the development of Amendment 2, the peer-reviewed stock assessment will be updated with data through 2011 to provide a more recent estimate of fishing mortality. Results of the assessment update will be used to estimate the harvest reductions needed to achieve the new threshold and target fishing mortality rates. Therefore, preliminary harvest reductions are provided in the PID but will likely change based on the results of the stock assessment update.

     Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the PID either by attending public hearings or providing written comments. Public comment must be received no later than 5:00 PM (EST) on April 20, 2012 and should be forwarded to Michael Waine, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St, Suite A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (FAX) or mwaine@asmfc.org (Subject line: Menhaden PID). A subsequent press release will announce the state’s public hearing schedule. For more information, contact Michael Waine at 703.842.0740.

Professional Guide to Host Fishing Seminar at Chesapeake College

     Wye Mills, Md. -- Chesapeake College will host a fishing seminar on catching striped bass at its Wye Mills campus on Saturday, March 27. Professional fishing guide Capt. Richie Gaines will lead the one-day seminar entitled "Catching Striped Bass." Capt. Gaines will talk about fishing techniques used to catch striped bass, aka rockfish, on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, including trolling, chumming, live-lining and light tackle. Gaines will also talk about equipment to use, how to set out trolling lines, and mention a few of the best places to catch large rockfish.

     The seminar is suitable for all levels of fishing skills, beginning and experienced anglers. Participants can bring a bag lunch. The seminar fee is $52. To register, contact Marci Leach at mleachchesapeake.edu or call 410-827-5833.

Record 74-Pound Striped Bass Officially Certified in Virginia

     Newport News, Va. -- A 74-pound striped bass, caught on January 20th by Cary Wolfe of Bristow, VA, has been certified as the new Virginia State Record by the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament. Wolfe’s catch surpassed the existing record of 73 pounds, caught nearly four years ago to the day by Fred Barnes of Chesapeake.

     Wolfe made the record-setting catch in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Henry, where they were but one of an estimated 100-boat flotilla while fishing with Captain Tim Cannon aboard the charter boat Bada Bing. The trophy striper hit a trolled tandem parachute rig, consisting of a pair of 2-ounce big-mouthed nylon skirted jigs, paired with 9-inch rubber shad bodies and trolled from a custom rod mated to a Penn 114H, spooled with 80-pound Ande monofilament line. When the fish hit, Wolfe pulled the rod from its holder and began reeling after the striper made an initial but brief run. After an uneventful 15 minutes, the fish broke water near the back of the boat, where the captain realized the fish was likely too large for the net.

     Wolfe was instructed to lead the fish head first into the net. As the angler strained the 80-pound mono to lead the fish the mono snapped and the hook fell from the fish’s lip. Momentum carried the fish across the waiting landing net, where the fish rested briefly. A flick of the tail and the fish would be gone but the huge striper relaxed. Its head slumped into the net and was hauled into the boat by Wolfe and Captain Cannon. Several pictures were immediately taken and the group figured the fish was at least 50 pounds.

     Tournament Director Lewis Gillingham viewed the official weigh-in at Long Bay Pointe Marina by its weighmaster Connie Barbour. “The fish seemed very long for its girth, with a large head and not much in its stomach. Captain Cannon indicated the fish had spit-up several medium-sized eels after it was brought onboard,” noted Gillingham. The trophy striper was hustled to the Richmond Boat Show later Friday evening, where it was on display through Sunday. Wolfe, an X-ray technician employed at Manassas Hospital, also allowed the removal of the big striper’s otilith (ear bone) after the display by a member of the VMRC biological sampling program so its age could be determined. At the time the otilith was removed it was determined the fish was a female with a reasonably large egg mass but its gut was empty.

     The record striper’s otilith was taken to Old Dominion University’s CQFE Ageing lab where it was determined the fish was 26 years old, making it a member of the 1986 year class. The 26 year old fish ties as the oldest otilith aged striped bass. The other fish, taken in 2011, weighed 61 pounds and was a member of the 1985 year class. Interestingly, the outgoing state record striper, was determined to be 22 years old but that was in 2008, making it a colleague of the new record fish as another member of the 1986 year class. 

     The 74-pound, record-setting striper measured 56-3/4 inches in length and had a girth of 31-1/2 inches. The prior state record of 73 pounds was caught in the Atlantic Ocean about one-half mile north of the 4A buoy, which is located off Fishermen’s Island, by Frederick Barnes of Chesapeake on January 23, 2008.

     For more information, contact Lewis S. Gillingham, Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament, 2600 Washington Avenue Third Floor; Newport News, VA, 23607, (757) 491-5160, vswft@mrc.virginia.gov

Gilchrist Introduces Bill Calling for Cost Equity

     Annapolis, Md. -- Delegate James W. Gilchrist (D-17th) has introduced HB 1173, supported by the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD), which would mandate that commercial fishermen pay at least 90 percent of the management costs of their fishery or face repercussions.

     “For too long recreational anglers have supported the management of their fishery while the majority of the cost of managing commercial fisheries has been borne by Maryland taxpayers,” explained Tony Friedrich, CCA MD executive director. “It’s time to stop asking the general public to accept this financial burden.

     “During the past several weeks CCA Maryland has worked with Delegate Gilchrist discussing this inequity and possible solutions to protect Maryland tax dollars and recreational user fees. We believe the bill introduced will go a long way in correcting the inequity. We commend him and Delegate Marvin Holmes and encourage his colleagues to support this bill to be fair to all Maryland citizens.”

     All fishing in Maryland—both commercial and recreational—is supported by a combination of license and permit fees, federal angler taxes and direct grants, and state revenue. Preliminary estimates by the Maryland Department of Natural Resource (DNR) has found that 93 percent of management costs for recreational fishing comes from license fees and federal angling taxes; while only 20 percent of management of commercial fisheries comes from license and permit fees, with an additional 23 percent covered by direct federal grants.

     If enacted, the bill would mandate that DNR modify commercial fishing seasons or close commercial fisheries for striped bass, clam, oysters, or crab if projected revenues would not cover at least 90 percent of management cost for that fishery.

     “Last winter management costs for striped bass skyrocketed when DNR discovered more than 13 tons of striped bass captured in illegally-placed nets,” Friedrich said. “DNR initially closed the gill net season, and had to increase staffing on the water and at reporting stations to assure additional infractions would not occur when it was re-opened. In developing better ways to monitor and enforce the commercial striped bass fishery, DNR identified the massive shortfall and inequity in the amount of money contributed by commercial fisherman in all fisheries as compared to recreational anglers.

    “Unfortunately, many in the commercial industry continue to disregard our natural resources law as evidenced by recent illegal activity involving the oyster fishery. Nineteen separate commercial fishermen have been cited in the last two months for oyster violations, including poaching in sanctuaries, again adding costs to the management of the commercial industry. It’s time for this illegal activity to stop.”

     The Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) is one of 17 state chapters of the Coastal Conservation Association, which has 100,000 members nationally.

Pasadena Sportfishing Flea Market a Great Place to Pick up a Bargain

     Earleigh Heights, Md. -- The 20th annual Pasadena Sportfishing Flea Market/Show is scheduled for Feb. 18 and 19, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.

     Admission is $3. The show typically features discount prices on fishing rods and gear of all varieties. Special items include antiques and hard to find replacement parts. Over 150 tables are expected to be on display with gear for fly fishing, spin fishing, trolling, jigging and more.

     Food will be available for reasonable prices, including pit beef and ham sandwiches, oysters on the half shell and cold beer.

     It's also a good time to pick up your license for this year's fishing action at the Department of Natural Resources' table.

     Find out more at pasadenasportfishing.com

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- Fishermen are starting to get serious about fishing this week due to the beautiful weather. This time of the year is usually relegated to getting equipment in shape and going to outdoor shows to see what new tackle is out there and that new fishing rod you just got to have. There is some good striped bass action off Ocean City and there is plenty of yellow perch action going on.

     The fisheries service will be at the Pasadena Fishing Flea Market along with Licensing on February 18th and 19th at the Fairleigh Heights Fire House on Route 2. Come look for some bargains (there is usually plenty), buy your fishing license and stop by to chat with us.

     The relatively warm winter weather has water temperatures in the bay and tidal rivers and creeks about 5-degrees warmer than what fishermen and fish expect this year. The coldest water temperature noted in the lower Susquehanna was 38-degrees last week and fishermen are reporting 42 degrees in the Elk and Northeast Rivers today.

     Yellow perch are behaving differently this year and are either staging or actually moving up the tidal rivers towards their spawning areas. Fishermen in the lower Susquehanna are not seeing the patterns of fishing they did last year. The smaller yellow perch are schooled up in deeper water as expected but the larger fish seem to be somewhere else. Throwback ratios in the lower Susquehanna, Northeast and Elk Rivers are very high. It would be a calculated guess that the yellow perch in that 12” to 14” size range could be swimming freely in shallower waters looking for something to eat.

     Early reports are coming in from traditional tidal rivers; of yellow perch being caught; two weeks ago at Martinake State Park on the Choptank and at Hillsboro on the Tuckahoe yesterday. There have been reports of scattered catches at Gray’s Run (Bush River), Wayson’s Corner (Patuxent River), Allen’s Fresh (Wicomico River) and traditional tidal rivers where yellow perch are found. Brothers Tyler and Aiden Dunlap got to go fishing with their dad on the Sassafras recently and caught this nice yellow perch on a 1/8oz jig. Be sure to check out their Angler’s Log of February 6th. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6830475957_8afb4eb995.jpg 

     At present fishermen in boats are doing well when fishing close to the bottom with scented soft plastics and live minnows at the mouths of the tidal rivers in channels and holes. Bank fishermen are employing small grub jigs and minnows. If you’ve got the itch to get out; buy your fishing license and check out your favorite spots and you might be lucky enough to be there at the right time and be that guy who’s able to say “you should have been here yesterday." 

     Freshwater fishermen in the upper reaches of the tidal rivers and small ponds and lakes everywhere are having fun catching chain pickerel. They’re good fighters and usually charge a lure with total abandon. Crappie are schooled up deep in some of the larger reservoirs such as Loch Raven around bridge piers and marinas in the tidal Potomac and Patuxent Rivers are always good places to look. Largemouth bass can be found holding deep along ledges and drop-offs and small, slow and close to the bottom is the mantra for successful fishermen; grubs, blade lures and hair jigs worked very slow or dead sticked can entice a pickup by a bass hunkered close to the bottom. 

     John Mullican sent us the following report from the upper Potomac. Always check river levels before heading out. When river levels are at manageable levels, walleye fishing is expected to be good. Hair jigs and grubs worked through the current breaks below dams and major ledges are your best bet when the water temperatures remain in the 30s. During winter warm spells and as spring progresses crankbaits can be productive too. For the die hard smallmouth angler winter can be a tough time to catch many fish. The bass that are caught, however, can be large. Try crawling small hair jigs very slowly along the bottom in areas with little current. Pause often and let the jig sit. The hit will be a mushy feeling similar to pulling in leaves or a slight tap. Warming trends following a rain event can bring great fishing even in the middle of winter. 

     In early January a few fishermen got out on the ice at Deep Creek Lake and ice fished in some of the coves but that was short lived and the ice, what little there is of it is very unsafe. Fisheries biologist Alan Klotz recommends fishermen try some of the trout catch and release areas and mentioned the Trophy Trout section of the lower Savage as a good place to fish for trout. The pre-season stocking of trout has begun and will go through the month depending on flow conditions and weather. Fishermen can check the latest trout stockings on the following link. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/stocking/index.asp 

     Fishermen at Ocean City have been catching some large striped bass this week by trolling large Mojos, Stretch and Tomic lures. Large striped bass are moving along the beaches on their journey north and the shoal areas within 3-miles of the beach has been the place to troll; most captains are fishing north of the Ocean City Inlet. January was an exciting month for tautog fishing and a new state record 23lb tautog was caught by Charlie Donahue of Philadelphia while fishing on an Ocean City head boat that specializes in this type of fishing. Fisheries biologists aged Charles’s big tog to be 10-years old. At least one other 20 lb tog was caught last month and weather permitting the good fishing continues this month. 

Harrison's to Host 'Buddy's Pro-Am' in April

     Tilghman Island, Md. --  Starting in April, 2012, Harrison House on Tilghman Island will host the inaugural “Buddy’s Pro-Am”. The event, which benefits Brittany’s Hope, will bring together both professional and amateur fishermen for a day full of quality angling.

     The tournament will end with a meet-and-greet with fellow amateur and professional fishermen at Legends Waterfront Sports Bar at Harrison House, and is sure to include stories of Chesapeake Bay fishing from resident expert anglers, Captains Buddy Harrison, Sr., and Buddy Harrison, Jr.

     For more information about Buddy’s Pro-Am, visit http://www.chesapeakehouse.com.

Mild Winter Weather Allows For Early Trout Stocking

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun spring stocking, releasing the first of approximately 326,000 rainbow and brown trout into freshwaters throughout the state.

     “Early trout stocking is possible because of the warm and dry weather conditions - beginning with our eastern streams and ponds,” said Assistant Fisheries Director Don Cosden. “Eager trout anglers will be pleased to know that they may take advantage of the great weather and perhaps catch a trophy trout as large as eight pounds.”

     For trout stocking information and updates, contact the DNR trout hotline at (800) 688-3467. The stocking schedule and maps to stocked and special trout management waters are available at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/stocking. Anglers may also pick up the updated (green) Spring Stocking Schedule charts at DNR Service Centers and tackle shops across the state.

     Some stocked streams and ponds are reserved for delayed harvest to sustain quality angling between stocking periods and through late spring.

     Please note that the Put-and-Take closure dates for certain areas are incorrect in the published 2012 Maryland Fishing Guide.

The correct dates are:
Closure Area 1: 10:00 p.m., March 11 to 5:30 a.m., March 31
Closure Area 2: 10:00 p.m., March 25 to 5:30 a.m., March 31
Closure Area 3: 10:00 p.m., April 15 to 5:30 a.m., April 21
Closure Area 4: 10:00 p.m., April 22 to 5:30 a.m., April 28

     In order to protect our fish populations and keep their habitat healthy, DNR reminds anglers to clean and dry their gear between streams and outings. Field and laboratory research has confirmed that the felt used for waders is an ideal medium for collecting and transporting microscopic invasive species or fish disease. A good scrubbing with dish soap or a five percent salt solution is an easy way to prevent the spread of invaders such as didymo and whirling disease. Convenient wader wash stations are available at several key wild trout areas including the Gunpowder River, Savage River, the North Branch of the Potomac (Barnum area), and Big Hunting Creek. Anglers should also know that felt soles are prohibited in all Maryland waters and first offense fine is $125.