Chesapeake Bay News

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

Maryland officials have announced the creation of the Recreational Outreach Project for Veterans and its new website, as part of Maryland’s commitment to members of our armed forces. The program, administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides veterans and their families with unique opportunities to enjoy the rich natural habitats of Maryland, including the Chesapeake Bay, coastal waters and park lands.

DNR Fisheries Service employee and Army veteran Dennis Robinson is coordinating 35 fall fishing expeditions for veterans with Maryland Charter Boat captains, the state’s Chesapeake Bay Ambassadors. To date there have been four fishing trips with more scheduled on October 23, 29 and 30, weather permitting. The recreational outreach project will eventually expand within DNR to the Maryland Park Service, Wildlife & Heritage Service and beyond. A new website offers information on the program, photographs and comments from veteran participants.

“These trips not only give us a chance to thank our returning soldiers in a small way,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “Through a unique partnership, we are also supporting the Bay’s important charter boat industry. The program is benefitting everyone involved.”

Expeditions are coordinated by DNR and the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) through: Fort Meade Warrior Transition Unit, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Maryland National Guard, Baltimore Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center, Forbes Hall Veterans Home and veterans groups at 15 colleges and universities in the State.

Visit the Veterans Project website at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/veterans/

source: MD DNR

Bill Heisterhagan of Easton, Md. has caught the first possible $25,000 Diamond Jim winner and fourth tagged rockfish of the 2010 Maryland Fishing Challenge.

Heisterhagan was fishing with his longtime fishing partner George Fink off the mouth of the Miles River in Talbot County, when a 19½-inch striped bass came to the side of the boat on the evening of August 27.

The Diamond Jim component of the Fishing Challenge started June 1 and ends Labor Day, September 6. Throughout the summer, three batches of specially tagged striped bass – each including that month’s authentic Diamond Jim and as many as 200 imposters worth $500 – were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

So far, anglers have caught three tagged imposters. DNR Fisheries Service biologists certified Heisterhagan’s catch and confirmed that this could be the winning Diamond Jim. Heisterhagen will find out if he walks away with $25,000 when he opens a sealed envelope bearing the tag number of the fish he caught at the Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale at Sandy Point State Park on September 11.

“Fishing is something I’ve enjoyed since I was young,” said Heisterhagen. “My father passed away a few years ago and we enjoyed fresh-water fishing together. It’s a great pastime; it’s a great leisure time. It’s what I do to get away from the office.”

The Maryland Fishing Challenge, featuring Diamond Jim is a free, year-round tournament sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service, 27 recreational fishing organizations and generous sponsors across the State. The purpose of the event is to promote Maryland’s excellent fishing opportunities and the importance of exposing children to nature as an essential key to future environmental stewardship.

The 2010 Maryland Fishing Challenge ends at midnight on Labor Day with an awards celebration at Sandy Point State Park the following weekend. The Fishing Challenge Finale will be held at the 43rd Annual Maryland Seafood Festival on September 11, 2010.

Qualified anglers are eligible for grand prizes including a Tracker boat package from Bass Pro Shops Arundel Mills and a 7-day dream excursion to the island of Tobago courtesy of the World Fishing Network. Other prizes include thousands of dollars in fishing gear, merchandise from Under Armor and kayaks from Kent Island Kayaks and Bass Pro Shops Arundel Mills.

The real $25,000 Diamond Jim is still on the loose as the Maryland Fishing Challenge nears the September 6 deadline.

The third Diamond Jim imposter of the 2010 Maryland Fishing challenge was caught on August 22 by Devin Singer of Bethesda, Md. Singer was enjoying his first-ever fishing trip near James Island aboard the Charter Boat “Never Enuff,” skippered by Captain Shawn Pruitt out of Solomons, Md., when he caught the tagged striped bass. The Diamond Jim imposter, worth $500 in prize money, was one of nearly 600 rockfish tagged so far this summer.

“I didn’t know what it was when I caught it; I’ve never even been fishing before,” said Singer. “Everyone else on the boat knew. It kind of hit me halfway through the fishing trip when the captain called the verification number to report it and then I knew. I think we’re going again in September. A bunch of my friends are out all during the season and I’ll probably be piggy backing with them a lot more now.”

Over the summer, three batches of specially tagged striped bass – one authentic Diamond Jim and the rest imposters – have been released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The current Diamond Jim, which was released July 29, is worth $25,000. Also still on the loose are as many as 599 imposters worth $500 each.

source: MD DNR

The second Diamond Jim imposter of the 2010 Maryland Fishing challenge has been caught by Leo James Jr. of Annapolis, Md. James was fishing with his father-in-law at the Bay Bridges August 17 at 1 p.m. when he hooked the 24-inch striped bass, tagged on June 29. The Diamond Jim imposter, worth $500 in prize money, was one of nearly 600 rockfish tagged so far this summer.

Over the summer, three batches of specially tagged striped bass  have been released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  The real Diamond Jim,  which was released July 29,  is worth $25,000. Also still on the loose are as many as 599 imposters worth $500 each.

The 27th annual Championship on the Chesapeake, the country’s largest rockfish tournament, concluded on May 4th with 580 boats and approximately 4,000 anglers participating in this year’s event.  The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA), the largest sport fishing group in the state hosted this event.

For three days, starting on April 30, anglers from all over the East Coast put their skills to the test as they experienced world class fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and competed for some significant cash prizes and the title of Champion.

This year’s champion in the amateur division is Kevin Howell of Edgewater, Maryland. Howell weighed in a 52.55 pound rockfish at the Rod N’ Reel docks in Chesapeake Beach just after noon on Friday. Howell said he caught it just south of the CR buoy in 55 feet of water using a 9 inch white shad off his planer board.  Howell’s catch secured him first place in the overall tournament and first in three of the additional skill levels bringing his total earnings to $21,750.

Second place went to Steve Smith of Hanover, PA who weighed in a 41.9 pound fish at Chesapeake Beach.  Smith said he caught his fish near buoy 78 using a tandem rig with 9 inch shad. Smith is the big money winner this year as he entered all of the additional skill levels and will be taking home $63,022.

Third went to Jeff Schmitt of Baltimore as he weighed in a 40.05 pound rockfish at Calvert Marina in Solomons, Maryland on Friday, the first day of the tournament.  Because Schmitt entered additional skill levels he will be walking away with over $12,000.

Additionally James Lutz also of Baltimore will be taking home a considerable amount of money for his 39 pound fish.  Lutz entered in several of the skill levels and for that he will cash in for $21,750.

Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) said they have increased the prizes in the Kid’s division as well as the Catch and Release division.  The top fifteen kids will receive fishing gear and merchandise as well as certificates congratulating them on their catch.

“If we don’t get our youth involved in fishing and the outdoors our sport will be in serious trouble and fishing tournaments provide that opportunity to get kids involved”, Smith said.

New to this year’s tournament was the use of text messaging as a way to update tournament anglers on who is winning and what they need to bring in to have a chance.  This new feature is something new to the sport and another example of responsible fishing tournament management.

“Texting is a great opportunity to communicate with our tournament anglers and let them know what they need to have a chance at winning”, Smith said.

The Catch and Release division was popular this year as anglers turned in their catch logs for a chance at some new fishing gear.  The winner Sam Fisher Jr, who has won this portion of the tournament before, will receive $800 in fishing gear and merchandise from local tackle shops.  Second through fifth place will also receive fishing gear for their efforts.

Recreational fishing and tournaments in specific generate huge amounts of money for local economies here in Maryland.  That was evident by the thousands of people in Chesapeake Beach and Solomons Island this weekend for the tournament not to mention the thousands that took to the water from all over Maryland to participate in this event.  Having spoken with Solomons Pier owners Philip and Jeanie Stone, they couldn’t be happier and look forward to the next MSSA tournament that comes to town.  Solomons Pier was the venue for one of the five Captains Meetings that were held prior to the tournament.

Professional and Charter Boat Division

This year’s Champion in the Professional and Charter Boat division went to our own Captain Ed O’Brien.  Captain O’Brien runs a charter boat, Semper Fidelis III, out of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.  Captain O’Brien weighed in a 35 pound rockfish taking home nearly $10,000.

Second place went to Captain James Gray who brought in a 34.6 pound fish earning him over $10,000 as he entered several skill levels.  Third place went to Captain White who entered a 32.7 pound rockfish.  But this year’s big winner went to Captain Sweitzer who secured fifth place overall and placed in several of the skill levels. Fortunately he entered the $500 skill level which paid out $9,000.  In total Captain Sweitzer took home $12,972.

All awards and cash will be given out at the awards ceremony on Thursday, May 13 at the Columbian Center in Severna Park starting at 7:00 PM.  All tournament anglers are invited as there is still prizes to be given out as “last chance awards” and door prizes.  The big winners will receive checks and the Champion will receive the coveted Championship on the Chesapeake trophy.

For more information and a complete list of tournament results please visit www.mssa.net.

The eagerly-anticipated spring season for striped bass, locally known as rockfish, opens at 5:00 a.m., Saturday, April 17 2010 in the main stem of Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay south of the mouth of the Patapsco River.

“The epic return of our state fish and the opening of the fishing season mark the true arrival of spring to Maryland waters. This is the time for Maryland families to enjoy the bountiful nature resources that our State has to offer,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin.

The legal fishing areas include the waters of the main stem of the Bay stretching from the Brewerton Channel at the mouth the Patapsco River south to the Virginia line including Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. To protect the late-spawning fish, some tributaries to the Bay are closed to striped bass fishing until June 1.

The use of eels as bait is prohibited until May 16. Additionally, DNR fisheries biologists recommend using barbless hooks for the careful release of undersized fish. DNR studies have shown that non-offset circle hooks are less prone to deep hooking fish, particularly when natural bait is used. These same mortality studies show that the use of a de-hooking tool to release the fish at the side of the boat without lifting the fish from the water significantly improves the survival chances of the fish.

“Historically, as much as 90 percent of the entire Atlantic Coast striped bass population returns to Maryland waters to produce the next generation of fish,” says DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “This phenomenon provides anglers an excellent opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime measuring 40 to 50 inches or more. Along with this wonderful opportunity is a responsibility we all share to be careful and thoughtful in handling the fish we intend to release and in doing all we can to ensure a sustainable and robust fishery for the future.”

Beginning Saturday, anglers are allowed one rockfish per day of 28 inches or longer measured from the tip of the tail to the snout through May 16. From May 17 through December 15, the limits change to two fish per angler per day measuring 18 inches or more with only one of those fish measuring more than 28 inches. Possession of striped bass onboard between midnight and 5:00 a.m. is illegal all year.

Anglers who want to continue fishing after catching their striper limits and for those who prefer bottom fishing, the summer flounder season also opens on Saturday and runs through November 22. The creel limit is three fish measuring 19 inches or longer in both Bay and coastal waters.

DNR is encouraging anglers to participate in the online angler surveys for flounder, striped bass, crabs, bluefish, and other species. Those who join the survey will earn a chance at winning a prize from AllTackle.com, Anglers Sport Center, Bass Pro Shops, or other generous outfitters.

This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov

The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) has announced its 27th Annual Spring Tournament, “Championship on the Chesapeake”, April 30th – May 2nd, 2010. The event is said to be the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country.

“Trophy Season” is marked by the first weekend in May as the coastal stock of striped bass make their way through the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic after spawning in our rivers. With the “Trophy Season” just starting, this tournament is guaranteed to provide three days of fun and excitement on the Bay, as over 650 boats and nearly 4,000 anglers get an opportunity to catch one of these magnificent beauties. The winning fish could be worth $100,000!

All cash and merchandise prizes are for rockfish. The heaviest rockfish on the scales shall be declared the winner of the main tournament. In addition to all main tournament prizes there will be several “Tournament within Tournament” (TWTs) to compete in.

It is important to note that participants can enter in all of the “Tournament within Tournament” (TWTs) to have a chance at the huge cash prize for heaviest rockfish. While this may require more money to enter, this will give anglers a shot at a huge sum of money.

The Spring Tournament is an amateur tournament; however, there is a Professional Division with separate cash prizes and awards. All monies collected from the “Professional Division’s” will be deposited in a special account for their cash prizes. The amateur participants will not have to compete against the Pros.

As the MSSA continues to fight for better fishing in the Bay and elsewhere, the organization asks that participants practice conservation and take part in the “Catch and Release Division” as well. The association asks anglers to release sub-legal rockfish and fish over the daily creel as carefully as possible.

This event is the principle source of revenue for the MSSA. The proceeds from the tournament enable the MSSA to conduct many activities and enhance recreational fishing opportunities for Maryland. The MSSA has been recognized as the “Official Voice of Maryland Recreational Anglers.”

For more information, visit: http://www.mssa.net/championship.html

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Inland Fisheries Division has assembled a team of engineers, biologists and anglers to develop a largemouth bass improvement strategy for the Choptank River, which has seen a decline in black bass reproduction in recent years.

“There are far fewer adults and juveniles in the Choptank River than there were 10 years ago,” says DNR tidal Bass manager Joseph Love. “There are a lot of possible reasons for that. We’re trying to focus on one of the most important reasons that the population seems to be struggling, and that’s reproduction.”

The first step of the program includes the temporary installation of nesting boxes, which will provide sanctuary for the fry. Male bass usually build and guard nests so juvenile fish may survive and grow. However, the persistent flow of runoff silt from the cleared properties that surround the upper Choptank has impaired the deep water nesting areas, leaving just the shallow spots as suitable nesting habitat. These shallow spots can make juveniles more vulnerable to predators, such as herons, ospreys, and other birds.

Maryland Bass Federation volunteers and DNR staff are working together to build wooden nesting boxes for placing this month. This experiment will begin in the Watts Creek area. It’s important that anglers and other boaters remain aware of these boxes so they can be left alone and, as tempting as it may be, it’s important for anglers to avoid fishing for the protective males that are guarding these nests. If the program is successful, DNR will expand the program to other parts of the river.

DNR is also working with the State Highway Administration and local residents to temporarily stock local ponds near the river with bass ready to spawn. Once these fish have reproduced, they will be returned to the river, leaving offspring behind to feast on plankton and grow in the absence of large predators until they are big enough to fend for themselves.

Additionally, DNR’s long-term bass stocking program will add more than half a million fry and fingerlings to the Choptank River system over the next ten years.

“Stocking of largemouth bass is absolutely necessary— especially in the Choptank and Chester Rivers,” said DNR Eastern Regional Manager Richard Schaefer.

The Largemouth Bass Choptank River Initiative is a partnership of DNR Division of Inland Fisheries, Maryland Bass Federation Nation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maryland State Highway Administration, and the residents of Greensboro and Denton, Md.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service will hold a Regulatory Scoping Public Meeting on November 16, 2009 at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall at the Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401.  DNR is holding the meeting to discuss the striped bass catch and release season.

DNR is looking for public comment on regulatory ideas designed to reduce the impacts of catch and release trolling for large pre-spawn striped bass between March 1 and April 15.  DNR believes conservative management is needed with catch and release pre-season striped bass fishing, as a spokesman told the Sport and Tidal Fish Advisory Commissions on October 20.

Fishing effort has increased during March and April, and the impacts of catch and release on the ability of fish to successfully spawn are uncertain. DNR will post the proposal on the Fisheries Service Web page at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries by November 13.

All interested parties are invited to attend the meeting and give their views. Sign language interpreters and other accommodations will be provided upon request.

source: DNR press release