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.

Wolfe Reels in 74-pound Rockfish for Probable New State Record

     Cape Henry, Va. -- Cary Wolfe, 56, of Prince William County, landed the potential state record striped bass Friday, Jan. 20, fishing near Cape Henry with Capt. Tim Cannon on the Bada Bing.

     Wolfe brought aboard the 74-pounder after a fight of about 15 minutes. The fish should top the current record of 73 pounds caught almost on the same day four years ago.

     To become the state record, it first must be certified by the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament. Since it was weighed in at Long Bay Pointe Marina, certification is virtually a sure thing.

     “We knew it was a citation winner but we weren’t sure just how big until we got it on the scales at the dock,” said Wolfe. 

Registration Open for MSSA Convention Feb. 3-5

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association will host its annual convention Feb. 3-5 at the Princess Royale Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland.

     Accommodations for the convention start at $350, which includes a two night stay for 2, speakers, dinner, a show and a hospitality suite. The cost is $100 for the seminars and the dinner and show or $75 for those wishing to attend only the show and dinner.

     Find out more at http://www.mssa.net or call 410-255-5535 to make reservations.

     Guest speakers include Dr. Julie Ball, World Class Angler with 16 IGFA World Records & Virginia’s Only Level 7 Master Angler Title; Mark Melnyk, World Fishing Network’s Host of Reel Fishy Jobs and Reel Road Trips; Captain Chuck Fisher, Bass Pro Shops Seminar Speaker, Owner of BFG Tackle, Captain of The Sarah J and more.

CCA Maryland to Host Pickerel Tournament

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) today announced its first CCA MD Pickerel Tidal Fishing Championship, which begins Saturday and runs through March 15. The catch and release event is being held in conjunction with four local tackle shops—Alltackle, Anglers, Shore Tackle and Custom Rods, and Tochterman’s.

     “Pickerel reside in many of the tidal streams feeding the Chesapeake Bay during the winter,” said Tony Friedrich, CCA MD executive director. “They also provide exciting light tackle and fly opportunities for recreational anglers.”

     Anglers can register for the event at any of the four shops. They will then compete for awards for themselves and the shop they represent in two categories, most total inches and biggest individual fish. Anglers must take photos of their fish on approved CCA MD rulers which will be available at the shops. Photos should be submitted to pickerel@ccamd.org, and complete rules can be found at http://www.ccamd.org/?p=1043. There is a $25 entry fee which includes a one-year CCA membership. Fishermen under 16 years of age and CCA life members are free.

     Questions can be answered at info@ccamd.org or 410-280-8770.

New Tagging Regulations for Commercial Yellow Perch Catch

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources pursuant to COMAR 08.02.21.04 has announced a modification to the tagging and reporting requirements for the 2012 commercial yellow perch fishery.

     Effective January 1, 2012, commercial yellow perch fishermen were required to attach a paper tag issued by the Department to all containers of yellow perch caught for commercial purposes prior to landing. Fishermen are required to complete the requested information on the paper tags prior to landing. Individual fish do not need to be tagged until January 21, 2012.

     The paper tags will satisfy the tagging requirement for yellow perch through January 20, 2012, at which time plastic locking tags will be issued for individual tagging of each commercially caught yellow perch. Yellow perch fishermen are still required to call in their daily harvest and must include the fish dealer they are selling the fish to with the harvest data. Fish dealers must hold the paper tags until March 10, 2012. All other regulations for the commercial yellow perch fishery will remain in effect.

Fishing Expo in Timonium Cancelled

Timonium, Md. -- The organizers of the Fishing Expo & Boat Show have posted the following news on their website: 
"As a result of the economic conditions affecting our country, and our resulting inability to attract the number of exhibitors needed to produce a quality event, we have decided to cancel the Fishing Expo & Boat Show scheduled for January 13-15, 2012. We know that America is much stronger economically than it appears presently, and we know the economy will rebound and our country will flourish again in the future. When that happens, we will bring back the Fishing Expo & Boat Show and return it to its position of importance to the region’s recreational and sport fishing communities.

"Thank you for your support over the past 27 years; we are deeply appreciative and grateful. We hope to have your support again in the future."

Bob Dobart, Show Promoter