Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- Although it is not officially spring there are a lot of signs in nature that it is not far away. Last Thursday the spring peepers let loose in my neighborhood due to flooding in nontidal woodlands and yesterday blue-winged teal were moving through the region beautifully decked out in their breeding plumage as they headed north. Just about everyone has got the itch to get out and do some fishing now; whether it is fishing for some trout, largemouth bass or in this case fishing in the rain for yellow perch on the upper Tuckahoe River.

     In most areas the yellow perch are about finished spawning and egg masses can be seen hanging from submerged branches in the spawning areas. There are always a few stragglers and fishermen found themselves in many areas catching both pre-spawn and post-spawn yellow perch last weekend. Water levels have been high in the upper reaches of many tidal rivers and creeks due to heavy rain earlier in the week and no doubt there will be more rain this month so fishermen as always will deal with conditions. Just be safe since water temperatures are 50-degrees at best in most areas.

     White perch have been quickly filling in right behind the yellow perch and fishing should be good for the next couple of weeks. Over the weekend fishermen encountered mostly male white perch in the upper reaches of the bay's tidal rivers but the larger female white perch should not be far behind. The top bait choices tended to be pieces of bloodworm and nightcrawlers fished close to the bottom. Grass shrimp are usually a good choice also and it seems at times one bait will out perform another on any given day.

     Fishing in the Chesapeake tends to focus on catch and release fishing at warm water discharges such as Calvert Cliffs by jigging with various types of jigs; including my personal favorite when jigging over rocks; the butterfly jig. You can make your own by placing snelled hooks at the top of most any metal jig or buy them already rigged. A few boats have been seen out on the bay trolling for striped bass practicing catch and release and testing out new gear.

     Striped bass are already up the tidal rivers and are staging for spawning early next month or perhaps the very end of March. Water temperatures tend to dictate the spawn and water temperatures now are right around 50-degrees in the upper reaches of most tidal rivers. Optimum spawning water temperature is 64.5-degrees but larger females can spawn at water temperatures as low as 52-degrees. Fishermen need to remember that the spawning reaches of the tidal rivers are off limits to catch and release fishing and for a good reason.

     Freshwater fishing opportunities abound this week for a wide variety of freshwater fish. Fisheries biologists have been busy with pre-season trout stocking of many areas; which has been providing some fun fishing recently. Be sure to check out the daily updates to the stockings. www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/stocking/index.asp

     As waters warm up in the states lakes, ponds and rivers fishermen are finding all kinds of fishing possibilities for chain pickerel to muskie and everything in between. Largemouth bass are being caught along steep edges of channels and lakes shores on grub jigs, deep running crankbaits and slow rolled spinnerbaits close to the bottom. Crappie are still schooled up in deep water near edges and structure, live minnows and small tubes and spinner jigs are good choices to catch them. Chain pickerel are very active this time of the year and spinners, spoons and Rapala type swimming plugs will catch them.

     Although river levels on the upper Potomac can be high this time of the year fishing for a mix of walleye and smallmouth bass can be very good when water levels are suitable for boating and fishing. Jigs, swim shads and small crankbaits can be good lures to try when fished close to the bottom. The top dog of the upper Potomac, the muskie is always cruising out there somewhere also and offers a challenge to any angler.

     Fishermen in the Ocean City continue to catch some impressive tautog offshore on the wreck and artificial reef sites. Fishermen fishing within the 3-miles EEZ Zone are steadily picking at striped bass moving up the coast. Trolling large parachutes, Mojos and Stretch plugs has been the tactic most used by the fleet out of the Ocean City Inlet.

    Keith Lockwood has been writing the Maryland DNR Fishing Report since 2003 and has had a long career as a fisheries research biologist. 

Fisheries Management Equity Bill Scheduled for Hearing in Annapolis

By the Coastal Conservation Association

This Wednesday, March 7th, CCA Maryland and others will testify before the House Environmental Matters Committee on an critical piece of legislation for recreational anglers, House Bill 1173. The bill is sponsored by Delegates Jim Gilchrist and Marvin Holmes, and CCA Maryland spent weeks working with them and their staff to draft it. The bill is facing its first critical test this Wednesday and we need you to email your Delegates and Members of the Committee to express your support and to let Annapolis know that recreational anglers demand change! Click through the link at the bottom of this screen to quickly send your message of support!

As you may know, preliminary analysis by the Department of Natural Resources has determined that recreational anglers cover 91% of the cost of managing their fisheries through user fees (93% when federal and state grants are included). Commercial fishermen only cover 20% of their cost through user fees (43% when federal and state grants are included). Largely because the commercial industry doesn’t pay its fair share, the Fisheries Services is facing a looming $3.2 million dollar shortfall in the coming years. Because the commercial industry isn’t accountable for the very fisheries on which it depends, our State’s ability to effectively manage our shared resources may be crippled.

The bill has three major provisions in order to help resolves these issues:

1) It requires any general funds provided for fisheries management to be allocated equitably between commercial and recreational fisheries;

2) It better protects funds paid by both recreational and commercial anglers by ensuring those user fees are used to manage their respective fisheries; and

3) It requires the commercial industry either contribute more funds to the management and enforcement of the clam, crab, oyster and striped bass fisheries in the form of higher user fees or by working to reduce the cost of effectively managing those fisheries so that they achieve a 90% cost recovery standard by July 1, 2013. If this does not occur, the Department of Natural Resources must either close or modify that fishing season until it reaches that level.

The key aspect about this bill is that it would force major changes in the way that all fisheries are managed in our State. There is no way to avoid the coming budgetary shortfalls- the question is how do we deal with it. This bill would force the commercial industry to pay its fair share for the cost of managing that industry. Recreational fisheries largely cover their own way and the State receives significant benefits from it through direct and indirect spending and tax dollars. There's no reason the commercial industry, the very ones whose livelihoods depend on healthy and sustainable fisheries, can't do the same.

You can support this Bill in two ways:

1) Send an email to your Delegates and the Members of the House Environmental matters Committee by clicking through the link below; and

2) Attend the hearing Wednesday. It starts at 1 p.m., but House Bill 1173 will not likely be heard before 3 p.m. We'll post real-time updates on when it will come up on the CCA Maryland Facebook Page in case people want to try and arrive later in the afternoon. The hearing itself will be held in the House Office Building (from Rowe Boulevard, looking at the State House the House Office Building is on the left) in the 2nd Floor Environmental Matters Committee Room. After the hearing you could also attend the first banquet and auction of the reconstituted Annapolis Chapter. More information on the banquet can be found here!

Thank you for your support of this important piece of legislation. Your voice will count and benefit recreational anglers for years to come!

Click the link below to log in and send your message:
http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/ccamd/ByJQ2B24.aspx

Hutchinson's Efforts Praised by the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association

By the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association


We all know the issues surrounding menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay and the recent actions by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to change the way they manage this fishery. This would not have happened without the hard work and dedication of one man, Charlie Hutchinson.

We are saddened to report that Charlie Hutchinson passed away March 1 from complications stemming from an ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Charlie worked tirelessly to change the way we look at menhaden and its impacts on the greater ecology of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast waterways. He could be titled the Godfather of the battle to protect this valuable fish. He not only brought light to the issue but spent much of his time recruiting the support needed to make a change.  

Charlie was the author of the highly publicized “Menhaden Muddle Series,” a collection of his writings designed to gain attention and put an end to the devastation of Atlantic menhaden by the reduction fishery. Charlie published many of these articles, and several more, in local and state papers. Charlie was the MSSA’s lead on the menhaden issue.  Click here to read his writings.

Charlie was a member of the Dorchester County chapter of the MSSA and last month was awarded the first ever MSSA Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and effort in protecting the menhaden fishery. This award has since been approved by a unanimous vote of the MSSA Board of Directors to forever be known as the “Charlie Hutchinson Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Charlie left his mark on all of us and we will miss him.   

States Schedule Hearings on Atlantic Menhaden Amendment 2 Public Information Document

     Arlington, Va. -- Atlantic coastal states from Maine through Georgia have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on the Public Information Document (PID) for Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden. The dates, times, and locations of the scheduled meetings follow.

Maine Department of Marine Resources
April 4, 2012; 6 – 9 PM
Casco Bay Lines Conference Room
56 Commercial Street
Portland, Maine
Contact: Terry Stockwell at 207.624.6553

New Hampshire Fish and Game
April 3, 2012; 7 – 9 PM
Urban Forestry Center
45 Elwyn Road
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Contact: Doug Grout at 603.868.1095

New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation
March 27, 2012; 7 PM
Marine Resources Headquarters
205 North Belle Mead Rd, Suite 1
East Setauket, New York
Contact: Steve Heins at 631.444.0435
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
April 2, 2012; 6 PM
Plymouth Public Library
Otto Fehlow Room
132 South Street
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Contact: David Pierce at 617-626-1532

Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife
March 28, 2012; 6 PM
URI Narragansett Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium
South Ferry Road
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Contact: Jason McNamee at 401.423.1943

New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife
March 21, 2012; 7- 10 PM
Ocean County Administration Building
101 Hooper Avenue
Public Hearing Room #119
Toms River, New Jersey
Contact: Peter Himchak 609.748.2020

Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control
March 28, 2012; 6 – 8 PM
Lewes Field Facility
901 Pilottown Road
Lewes, Delaware
Contact: John Clark at 302.739.9914

Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources
March 19, 2012; 6 PM
Easton High School Cafeteria
723 Mecklenburg Avenue
Easton, Maryland
Contact: Lynn Fegley at 410.260.8285

Virginia Marine Resources Commission
March 22, 2012; 6 PM
2600 Washington Avenue, Fourth Floor
Newport News, Virginia
Contact: Jack Travelstead at 757.247.2247

North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
March 27, 2012; 6 PM
NC Division of Marine Fisheries
Central District Office
5285 Highway 70 West
Morehead City, North Carolina
Contact: Trish Murphy at 252.808.8091

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
March 30, 2012; 10 AM
Marine Advisory Council Meeting
217 Fort Johnson Road
Charleston, South Carolina
Contact: Mel Bell at 843.953.9007

Georgia Coastal Resources Division
March 29, 2012; 5 – 7 PM
Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau
520 Cedar Street
Richmond Hill, Georgia
Contact: Doug Haymans at 912.264.7218

The Commission's Atlantic Menhaden Management Board approved the Public Information Document (PID) for Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden for public comment and review. 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 by either attending public hearings or providing written comments. Copies of the PID are available at http://www.asmfc.org/speciesDocuments/menhaden/fmps/Amend2PID_DraftForPublicComment.pdf or by contacting the commission at 703.842.0740. The public comment deadline is 5:00 PM (EST) on April 20, 2012 and should be forwarded to Mike Waine, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (FAX) or at mwaine@asmfc.org (Subject line: Menhaden PID).

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.