Chesapeake Bay News

In response to requests from the fishing community for hands-on participation in data collection, several states have implemented volunteer angler data collection programs to collect recreational data.

On Thursday, February 2, 2012, a one-day Volunteer Angler Data workshop will explore ways that these and future programs can be most effective.

This workshop, co-sponsored by the Council and the Marine Recreational Information Program (www.countmyfish.noaa.gov), will bring together the people who manage these state programs and other volunteer data collection programs to examine questions such as: “Which data needs are best filled by volunteer angler data?” and “How can programs establish and sustain angler enthusiasm and support?”

The meeting is open to the public and will be webcast. There will be opportunities for public participation from those attending in person as well as via webinar – webinar registration and additional information is available via the above link.

Details:

MAFMC Volunteer Angler Data Workshop

Thursday, February 2, 2012 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Four-Points Sheraton, BWI Airport

7032 Elm Road, Baltimore, MD 21240

And via the Internet at:

http://www.mafmc.org/events/volunteerdata.htm

source: MAFMC

On May 31, 2011, The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)  released up to 200 specially tagged striped bass imposters, including one genuine Diamond Jim (currently worth $10,000)  into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

The Diamond Jim promotion is part of the 2011 Maryland Fishing Challenge. Now in its seventh consecutive year, the Challenge showcases Maryland as a premier sport fishing destination for residents and visitors alike, with accessible, affordable, diverse and high quality opportunities for anglers of all ages.

Each month during the summer (June, July and August), DNR releases 200 imposters worth at least $500 each and one genuine Diamond Jim. He’s worth $10,000 in June, $20,000 in July and $25,000 in August.

For the first time , this year’s contest features a guaranteed $25,000 payout: If one of the three authentic Diamond Jims is not caught by Labor Day, the cash prize will be split equally among the anglers who catch imposters this summer.

The Maryland Fishing Challenge Citation Award program runs all year long, starting the day after Labor Day and ending the following Labor Day. Every angler who catches an award-qualifying fish or a tagged striped bass and enters the challenge becomes eligible to participate in the grand prize random drawing, to be held during the 43rd annual Seafood Festival on September 10, 2011 at Sandy Point State Park.

More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes, including large and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, musky and panfish in the freshwaters of Maryland; rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, drum, sea trout and perch in the Chesapeake Bay; and tuna, marlin, flounder, kingfish and sea bass caught in Maryland waters off the Atlantic Coast.

To see the complete citation award species list go to dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge/index.asp?p=species.

To be eligible for the contest, all fish must caught recreationally by rod and reel. Complete rules are available online at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge.

Maryland is urging anglers to enjoy the State’s excellent fishing opportunities through 3 free-fishing days for 2011. June 4, June 11 and July 4 are free-fishing days in the State, with no fishing license is required to fish on these days.

Free-fishing anglers must still adhere to minimum size and creel limits for the 62 species that are managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

For fishing regulations and to download a copy of the 2011 Maryland Fishing Guide, visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/regulations/regindex.asp or any of the seven DNR Service Centers, dnr.maryland.gov/service/center.asp.

Anglers fishing on Maryland’s free-fishing days do not need to register with the National Saltwater Angler registry.

For information on the National Saltwater Angler Registry go to http://dnr.maryland.gov/swregistry.asp.

source: MD DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service has announced that 2011 recreational summer flounder regulations will include a three-fish creel limit, an 18-inch minimum size limit and a season from April 16 through November 30.

A public notice announcing the 2011 regulations was published on March 26. The size limit also applies to summer flounder caught by commercial hook and line and goes into effect on April 16.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be making modifications to the boat launching pier in the Lapidum Area of Susquehanna State Park. The project will begin March 14 and should be completed in less than three work days, weather permitting.

Due to fabrication of the new floating pier, work cannot begin any sooner. One launch ramp will remain open during construction in order to minimize the interruption of public access. There may be brief periods during which both ramps will be closed due to safety concerns, however, every effort will be made to minimize any interruption if it is safe to do so.

The existing aluminum gangway will be removed and utilized at another DNR facility in the future. The gangway will be replaced with four sections of floating pier that will join the existing concrete floating pier. The floating pier sections will improve the use of the facility at both high and low tide. The modifications of the launching facility will ensure safe, user friendly access to the Susquehanna River for boaters.

For further information, including details on construction dates, please contact park headquarters at (410) 557-7994.

source: MD DNR

Croaker, sometimes known as hardhead, enter the Chesapeake Bay in early spring and are caught in most locations thru mid-fall. These popular bottom fish are sometimes found in large schools and can be caught with basic equipment.

Peeler crabs or soft shelled crabs the most popular croaker bait in the Chesapeake Bay. During peak periods of the crab molting season, using cut soft crabs or peeler crabs can provide anglers with coolers filled with croakers.

Squid is another widely available bait for catching croakers in the Chesapeake Bay. Anglers can purchase whole frozen squid (calamari) at grocery stores or seafood markets, or obtain higher quality squid from area saltwater fishing tackle shops. Squid that will be used for bait should be white, firm and not freezer burnt. This bait works best when cut into long strips which resemble a baitfish.

Bloodworms, although expensive, are excellent baits for catching Chesapeake Bay croakers. These strange worms are blood filled, which allows croakers to detect their presence in murky water. Anglers should be wary of the hidden mouth of bloodworms and remove it if possible while cutting up each worm.

Mummichogs (bull minnows) are sometimes used as bait for catching croakers. These saltwater minnows are native to the Chesapeake Bay and can be caught easily or bought from bait suppliers.

Fresh bait strips can be made from fillets of spot or other saltwater fish. These fresh baits often work well for catching croakers, seatrout and other top level fish. Leftover strips of fish can be coated with kosher salt and frozen for later use. If properly brined and frozen, strip baits retain their tough texture and fishy aroma for several months.

The most popular setup for catching croakers in the Chesapeake Bay is a basic 2 hook “top and bottom” rig. There are many variations of this rig, but most feature some combination of plain hooks, beads and a snap for connecting to the sinker..

The single hook rig is also popular in some areas of the bay. This rig typically includes a single long leader which is attached to a 3 way snap-swivel. Single hook rigs usually include beads, a bucktail hair teaser, and a spinner blade. Single hook rigs are frequently used when drifting along channel edges. They not only catch croaker, but also trout, flounder and other bottom species.

Jigs are useful for catching croakers in some areas. Some anglers prefer a bucktail jig dressed with a plastic lure body or morsel of crab while others may use all artificial jigs.

Rigs and lure setups come in several variations. Some anglers prefer the bare essentials, while others prefer rigs equipped with bucktail skirts, colored beads, spinner blades or other accessories

Popular 2 hook rigs are sometimes equipped with kahle style hooks. These light wire hooks straighten out when snagged, thereby saving the leader. Kahle hooks are inexpensive and offer good hookup ratios.

Another option for croaker fishing is the circle hook. Several variations are popular, including offset and non-offset styles. Circle hooks require a slightly higher skill lever to use, but have several important advantages. Circle hooks pierce most fish in the corner of the jaw, which helps to reduce mortality of throwbacks. These odd looking hooks seldom pull when hooked in the fish’s jaw.

The recreational yellow perch fishing season is expected to peak in Maryland as water temperatures in the tidal tributaries of the Chesapeake begin to warm.

Yellow perch are found in 10- to 30-foot depths in many rivers of the bay in preparation for their spawning run. Water temperatures in the tributaries are now in the upper 30s and will soon hit the 40 degree threshold, which will trigger the start of yellow perch spawning.

Anglers are enjoying spectacular fishing for yellow perch in several locations, including the Cedars in Allen’s Fresh, 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.

“This, by far, is the absolute best yellow perch fishing we’ve had out here in years,” said Captain Mike Benjamin from Herb’s Tackle Shop in Northeast.  “The yellow perch fishing in The Susquehanna River is as good as I’ve ever seen it.”

Yellow Perch will begin moving from the deeper, staging areas to the shallow waters as the weather warms. This will give recreational anglers the opportunity to fish from the shoreline.

Yellow perch fishing is open year round in Maryland waters with a nine-inch minimum size and ten fish per day limits in tidal waters. Fishing for yellow perch is the perfect family activity. A minimal investment in gear, rod, reel, size 10 hooks, bobbers and a bucket of minnows will provide anglers with the essentials.

On March 5, Yellow Perch Appreciation Day will be held at the Northeast Town Park, a state free-fishing area where fishing licenses are not required. Prizes will be awarded.

DNR welcomes yellow perch anglers to join the online volunteer angler survey— www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/survey/ to support the agency’s goal of sustainable fisheries management.

Anglers can register their yellow perch fishing trip information to win a chance for an ultra light rod and reel outfit from Bass Pro Shops. Angler’s can also share their catch on DNR’s Angler’s Log www.dnr.Maryland.gov/fisheries/log

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has launched the new Fisherman Identification Program to register saltwater anglers who fish legally without a saltwater fishing license.

Anglers who do not need to buy a license under state law must register with the new Virginia Fisherman Identification Program for free and supply their contact information before they fish every year.

Anglers who buy a saltwater fishing license will be automatically registered.

The intent is to create a Virginia-wide “phone book” of saltwater anglers, which will be given to the National Marine Fisheries Service in order to improve fishing effort surveys and to exempt Virginia anglers from having to sign up directly with the National Saltwater Angler Registry and pay an annual $15 federal registration fee.

Virginia’s saltwater anglers, however, will not have to pay the fee or sign up with the national registry. Virginia has been exempted. In order to maintain that exemption, the VMRC will collect contact information when anglers buy an annual saltwater fishing license as of Jan. 1, 2011, and from unlicensed anglers when they register with the Fisherman Identification Program.

In effect, all Virginia adult saltwater anglers now will need either a valid saltwater fishing license or to register with the Fisherman Identification Program before they go saltwater fishing every year.

Anglers may register annually with the state Fisherman Identification Program by going to www.mrc.virginia.gov/FIP now or by calling toll-free 800-723-2728. Registration is quick, easy, and without charge.

Anglers with a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license, or a Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License, do not have to register with the state FIP. Their contact information will be collected when they buy a license.

Anglers under the age of 16 also are exempt from registering. Also exempt from registration are paying customers of licensed charter boats or head boats.

Virginia anglers who must register each year with the Fisherman Identification Program include: Those who fish legally without a license (such as on a boat licensed to cover all anglers; from a commercial pier or private property; who are age 65 and older) or who fish in tidal freshwater for anadromous species such as striped bass or other marine species.

They will be issued a unique, counterfeit-proof identification number to keep with them while fishing to prove they have registered.

Virginia is one of 22 of the nation’s 24 coastal states that now have saltwater angler registries or licenses and have been exempted from the federal requirement because they are providing registry information to the National Saltwater Angler Registry.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission manages Virginia’s saltwater fisheries, both recreational and commercial, and is based in Newport News, Va. The Fisherman Identification Program is authorized by state law, and annual registration of non-licensed saltwater anglers is required.

source: VMRC

Effective January 1, 2011, anglers who fish in Maryland will see significant changes to sportfishing license (saltwater fishing license) requirements. Enacted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), many of these changes are being implemented to allow the State to comply with Federal law calling for a national database of saltwater anglers.

Notable changes include:

- A single comprehensive saltwater sport fishing license has been created to replace the one in effect since 1985. The new Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License will now cover Maryland waters off the Atlantic coast, including the coastal bays, in addition to Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.

- The NOAA National Saltwater Angler Registration will no longer be valid for anglers fishing in Maryland waters. DNR will provide angler contact information to NOAA obtained through State licenses and registration.

- A new recreational sport fishing license fee structure has been adopted and registration for certain unlicensed anglers will be required. The license fees for several non-resident categories of Maryland’s recreational fishing licenses have been changed and five-day licenses have been extended to seven days.

Specific details on the changes, new fee structure and exemptions are available at dnr.state.md.us/service/fishing_license.asp with questions can email customerservice@dnr.state.md.us or call (410) 656-9526

source: MD DNR

NOAA has announced that the annual fee for registering with the National Saltwater Angler Registry will be $15.00 as of Jan. 1, 2011.

Virginia’s saltwater anglers, however, will not have to pay the fee or sign up with the national registry. Virginia has been exempted through the efforts of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

In order to maintain that exemption, the VMRC will collect contact information when anglers buy an annual saltwater fishing license as of Jan. 1.

Anglers who do not need to buy a license under state law must register with the new Virginia Fisherman Identification Program FOR FREE and supply their contact information before they fish every year.

The Virginia Fisherman Identification Program will begin Jan. 1, 2011. Anglers may register annually by going to www.mrc.virginia.gov/FIP or by calling toll-free 800-723-2728. Registration will be quick, easy, and without charge.

The intent is to create a Virginia-wide “phone book” of saltwater anglers, which will be given to NOAA in order to improve fishing effort surveys and to exempt Virginia anglers from having to sign up directly with the National Saltwater Angler Registry and pay the annual $15 federal registration fee.

Anglers with a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license, or a Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License, do not have to register with the state FIP. Their contact information will be collected when they buy a license. Anglers under the age of 16 also are exempt from registering.

Virginia anglers who must register each year with the Fisherman Identification Program: Those who fish legally without a license (such as on a boat licensed to cover all anglers; from a commercial pier or private property; who are age 65 and older) or who fish in tidal freshwater for anadromous species such as striped bass or other marine species. They will be issued an identification number to keep with them while fishing to prove they have registered.

In effect, as of Jan. 1, 2011, all Virginia adult saltwater anglers will need either a valid saltwater fishing license or to register with the Fisherman Identification Program every year.
Virginia is one of 22 of the nation’s 24 coastal states that now have saltwater angler registries or licenses and have been exempted from the federal requirement because they are providing registry information to the National Saltwater Angler Registry.

The National Saltwater Angler Registry is an important tool that enables NOAA to better estimate the health of marine fisheries so that more effective regulations can be established to preserve recreational fishing for the anglers, fishing businesses, coastal communities and millions of Americans whose lives and livelihoods are connected to saltwater fishing. Congress created the registry, a national phone book of anglers, through the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006 to improve surveys of fishermen used to assess the health of fish stocks and the economic contributions of anglers.

The law authorized NOAA’s Fisheries Service to charge a fee for the annual registration beginning in 2011.

The National Saltwater Angler Registry is part of a major initiative to improve how NOAA’s Fisheries Service gathers, analyzes and reports recreational fishing data. The goal of the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP, is to ensure that the data scientists, managers, stock assessors and others need to effectively conserve our nation’s ocean resources is available, accessible, held to the most exacting scientific standards, and broadly trusted by our partners and stakeholders in the fishing community and others. For more information or to register, visit www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov or call toll-free (888) MRIP-411.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission manages Virginia’s saltwater fisheries, both recreational and commercial, and is based in Newport News, Va. The Fisherman Identification Program is authorized by state law, and annual registration of non-licensed saltwater anglers is required.

source: VMRC