Chesapeake Bay News

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 has set the dates and locations for two rescheduled public scoping meetings to present upcoming recreational summer flounder fishing regulations. The original meetings were postponed due to the recent snow storms. These will be the best remaining opportunities for stakeholders to ask questions and register comments on the Department’s proposal for size, creel, and season limits for the 2010 season.

The first meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. Monday February 22 at the Tawes Building Room C-1, 580 Taylor Avenue in Annapolis. This flounder scoping meeting we be a part of the Sportfish Advirsory Commision meeting. The second and last public scoping meeting for summer flounder will be at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury on at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday March 2, in Guerrieri Hall room 101.

The results of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Flounder Management Board meeting on February 2 require a 23.6 percent reduction in recreational fishing pressure in Maryland due to an overage in last year’s catch. However, an apparent improvement in the total fish population allows for an increase in the allowable catch from 61,000 fish to 75,000. The problem is, Maryland anglers apparently harvested as many as 89,000 last year and must reduce their harvest to meet the 2010 target of 75,000 fish.

ASMFC did not approve of splits in minimum sizes and creel limits for coastal and Bay anglers as Maryland has used in the past because the sample sizes and available data have been inadequate for effective monitoring and assessment. Therefore, the options come down to a consistent increase in minimum size and creel limits for the coast and the Bay combined with a choice of options for the timing of the open seasons. There is some good news in this because the minimum size is increasing, DNR may be able to extend the season.

The options on the table include three fish a day of 18.5 inches or more from April 17 to September 21, or the same minimum size with a season of April 24 to September 24, or June 8 to October 16. The fourth option would raise the minimum to 19 inches and extend the season April 17 to November 22.

If you are unable to join DNR staff at one of the two scoping meetings and would like to register a comment, please send your thoughts to fisheriespubliccomments@dnr.state.md.us and include “summer Flounder” in the subject line. You may also fax your comment to Carrie Kennedy at (410) 260-8279.

source: NOAA press release

Saltwater recreational fishermen have long expressed concerns about the data used to estimate the effects of recreational fishing on ocean resources and the nation’s economy. The National Saltwater Angler Registry, which launches on Friday, will help address that concern by providing a comprehensive list of the nation’s saltwater anglers that will be used to improve surveys of fishermen. These surveys are used by NOAA scientists to assess the health of fish stocks and to estimate the economic contributions of anglers.

Many saltwater recreational fishermen will be required to register before fishing in 2010. The registry is open for registrations starting Friday, January 1. But if you have a state saltwater fishing license, you may already be part of the registry.

“By registering, recreational anglers will make their catch count,” said Jim Balsiger, acting NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “The National Saltwater Angler Registry is an important tool that will enable us to better estimate the health of marine fisheries so that we’re able to preserve the pastime of recreational saltwater fishing for generations to come.”

“Recreational fishers need the registry,” says Capt. Monty Hawkins, a party boat operator and recreational fishing advocate based in Ocean City, Md. “People’s lives depend on the quality of the government’s information. It’s the basis for management decisions on everything from creel limits to whether to shut down whole sections of the coast. I’ve been harshly critical of recreational fishing data in the past, but I welcome the registry as a way to improve upon the current system.”

Gordon Colvin, a biologist with NOAA’s Fisheries Service and interim senior policy advisor on recreational fishing to Balsiger, who has spearheaded the registry implementation, said that many anglers will not need to take any action to register, because their coastal states already have agreements in place with NOAA to share state saltwater fishing license information.

Who Needs to Register:

Recreational saltwater fishermen will need to register if they:

• Hold a license from one of 10 coastal states or territories which do not currently have comprehensive saltwater angler license or registration requirements—Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Fish for or are likely to catch anadromous species in tidal and salt waters; these are fish like river herring, shad, smelt and striped bass that live in the oceans but spawn in fresh water, OR

• Fish in the federal waters more than three miles from the ocean shore or from the mouths of rivers or bays

Who Doesn’t Need to Register

Some anglers don’t have to register if they:

• Hold a license from one of 15 coastal states with comprehensive licensing or registration — Alabama, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Washington;

• Are not required under state law in one of these 15 states to hold a fishing license as is sometimes the case with seniors or active-duty military;

• Are under age 16;

• Pay to fish on licensed charter, party or guide boats;

• Hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling permit or subsistence fishing permit;

• Fish commercially under a valid license.

National Saltwater Angler registration is free in 2010. To register beginning Friday, anglers can visit http://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov and click on the Angler Registry link, or call the toll-free registration line at 1-888-MRIP411 (1-888-674-7411) from 4:00 am to 12 midnight EST daily.

Anglers will need to provide their name, date of birth, address and telephone number, and will receive a registration number that will allow them to begin fishing immediately. They will receive a registration card in the mail in about 30 days.

Steve Medeiros, executive director of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and a leading advocate for a saltwater fishing license in his state, said the registry is an important step. “While it’s true that some fishermen don’t like the idea of having to register to participate in a sport they’ve taken for granted their whole lives, anyone fishing today knows that increasing pressures on the ocean are having a real effect,” he said. “If we’re going to pass the sport down to our children and grandchildren, we’re going to need sound management based on good data.”

The registry will be used as the basis for conducting surveys of saltwater recreational fishermen to find out how often they fish. It will eventually replace the use of random-digit dialing to coastal households, a system NOAA has had in place since the 1970s. The goal is to improve survey efficiency and reduce bias by making calls only to homes where people fish, and reaching saltwater anglers who live outside coastal counties.

While the registry is among the most visible aspects of NOAA’s Marine Recreational Information Program, it is only one component of this rigorous multi-year, multi-phased overhaul of the system NOAA uses to collect and report recreational fishing data. Each piece of its design and implementation has been guided by close working relationships among NOAA personnel, fisheries managers, state partners, independent scientists and the recreational fishing community.

source: NOAA press release

Starting Jan. 1, 2010, Maryland anglers will need to register with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before fishing. Anglers can register for free online or by calling a toll-free phone number.

This requirement is an essential part of a national commitment to effectively manage saltwater fish populations. The registry will allow fishermen and policy makers to work together to assess the contributions and impacts of saltwater anglers on ocean ecosystems, coastal economies and fish populations. Since the requirement includes anyone who may catch an anadromous species (fish that travel between salt and fresh waters), anyone fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and coastal waters, must be registered.

“According to a recent NOAA Fisheries Survey, saltwater anglers had an overall economic impact of $82 billion and generated more than half a million jobs nationwide,” said Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “It’s only appropriate that recreational anglers be counted and thereby have a substantial impact on the management and health of coastal fish stocks.”

This initiative, known as the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), is designed to produce accurate information that will help determine the condition of fish stocks. This data will allow anglers, fisheries managers and others to effectively and fairly set strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing in salt waters.

DNR expects at the beginning of fishing in 2011, the Maryland fishing license will accommodate the requirements for the National Saltwater Registry. But, for 2010, anglers must all register directly with NOAA.

Anglers who do not need to register are those under 16 years old, anglers fishing on a charter boat, commercial fishermen at work, anglers holding highly migratory species permits, and anglers who hold a saltwater license from a state where they are automatically registered. Anglers fishing in one of Maryland’s Free Fishing areas or who are otherwise exempt from buying a Maryland fishing license still need to register with NOAA.

The process is simple and free of charge. On or after January 1, go online to www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or call 1-888-MRIP-411 (888-674-7411)

source: DNR press release

Fly tying demonstration/assistance with local Experts
Odd Fellows Hall
511 York Road
Towson, MD 21204
Wednesday November 18 7:30-9:00 PM

While there is still plenty of good fishing left this year, the cold winter evenings will soon be upon us. A great way to pass the cold winter evenings is to spend time at the fly tying bench. Whether tying that big streamer to ply the winter waters for big browns or tying up a batch of Hendricksons in anticipation of the first spring hatches, fly tying is a great indoor activity. That is why you won’t want to miss MDTU’s November General Meeting featuring Fly Tying. Here you will see first-hand some of the area’s best fly tiers. If you want to, bring your vice and materials. Perhaps you may have a great pattern that you would like to demonstrate.

The 2009 Atlantic striped stock assessment update indicates that the resource remains in good condition with female spawning stock biomass (SSB)  percent of the SSB target and 185 percent of the SSB threshold. Estimated fishing mortality rates (F) in 2008 are equal to or less than 0.21 and below the target (0.30) and threshold (0.34) rates. The assessment provides stock status for the combination of the three primary stocks (Hudson River, Delaware River, and Chesapeake and tributaries).  The striped bass stock complex is determined to be not overfished with overfishing not occurring.

Although spawning stock and total biomass have remained relatively stable over the last several years, stock abundance declined from 2004 to 2007 with a small increase in 2008. The decrease in abundance is reflected in a decline in coastwide landings in 2007 and 2008. The decline is more prevalent in areas largely dependent on contributions from the Chesapeake stocks (such as Maine) than areas that are dominated by the Hudson stock (such as New York). The spawning stock has remained relatively stable due to the growth and maturation of the 2003 year class and the accumulation of spawning biomass from year classes prior to 1996. The latest results of the statistical catch-at-age model also exhibit an increasing retrospective bias where F is overestimated and abundance and biomass underestimated. Retrospective bias may be the result of error in catch estimates, natural mortality, unequal stock mixing, and changes in catchability or selectivity. Analysis of tag data also suggests an increasing natural mortality in Chesapeake Bay, likely the result of the mycobacteriosis.

Recruitment estimates have averaged 12.5 million fish since 1995 when the stock complex was declared restored. The 2006 and 2007 estimates were the lowest in recent years at 7.4 million and 5.8 million fish, respectively. The 2003 cohort remains the largest since 1982 at 22.8 million fish. Recruitment in 2008 of 13.3 million fish was slightly above the recent average.

Striped bass are one of the most sought after species by recreational anglers along the Atlantic coast. In 2008, recreational anglers landed over 2.2 million striped bass weighing 12,310 metric tons (mt). Recreational landings have ranged from a low of 336 mt in 1989 to a high of 13,814 mt in 2006. The coastwide landings in 2008 reflect a 17 percent decline from a high of 2.7 million fish in 2006. Changes in landings have varied by state, with MA, CT, and NY showing an increase in landings and the remaining states showing a 32% decrease on average. Recreational discard mortalities (assuming an 8 percent mortality of releases) in 2008 were 950,000 fish, a 64 percent decrease from a high of 2.1 million fish in 2006.

Landings from the commercial striped bass fishery have been consistently lower than the recreational catch. Commercial landings increased from 63 mt in 1987 to 2,679 mt in 1997 and have remained steady due to quota restrictions. Landings in 2008 were 3,281 mt. Gill nets are the dominant commercial gear used to target striped bass. Other commercial fishing gears include hook and line, pound nets, seines, and trawls.

Copies of the stock assessment update will be available via the Commission’s website at www.asmfc.org under Breaking News. For more information, please contact Nichola Meserve, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator at (202) 289-6400 or nmeserve@asmfc.org.

source: ASMFC press release

On September 18, 2009 Lt. Governor Anthony Brown presented approximately $30,000 in prizes to lucky anglers at the 2009 Maryland Fishing Challenge finale. Approximately 1,000 people – including sponsors, anglers and their guests – attended the contest’s fifth annual closing ceremony held at Sandy Point State Park.

“Here in Maryland, recreational fishing is an important part of our culture, our heritage and our quality of life,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “I want to thank our generous sponsors for their support of these efforts, and our anglers for continuing to make a major contribution to our state’s economy and play a significant role in the stewardship of our waterways and our aquatic life.  Together, we are committed to making sure fishing in Maryland remains affordable, accessible and memorable.”

Nearly 1,500 anglers from as far away as California qualified to participate in today’s grand prize drawing. As an added youth component, children participating in various fishing rodeos across the State qualified for a unique category for the chance to win a guided fishing trip.

Walking away with the grand prize today was David Wilhelm of Perryville, Md. Wilhelm’s catch of a 40.8-inch striped bass off of Tilghman Island on May 10 won him a boat, motor and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats.

“My family and I attended last year’s finale event and didn’t win anything, not even a door prize,” said Wilhelm. “I’m definitely glad that I came back for this year’s finale. I’m so excited about this new boat and I can’t wait to get out on the water.”

Additional winners included Greg Howell of North East, Md. who won a prize package worth $1,500 from Bill’s Outdoor Center. Dan Baker from Millersville, Md. and Norm Bogarde from Mt. Airy, Md. won $1,000 prize packages each, also from Bill’s Outdoor Center. Joan Putt of Lebanon, Pa. received $500 from Bass Pro Jewelry.

In addition, during this year’s contest, six lucky anglers also caught specially tagged rockfish.  John Sparrow of Waldorf, Md., Russell Knapp of Galesville, Md., David Short of Fishing Creek, Md., Chery Duffy of Sterling, Va. and Dolan Hurley of Cambridge, Md. received checks for $500 each for their catches, who were confirmed as Diamond Jim imposters. Mike Lyons of Denton, Md. – who caught the last Diamond Jim tagged striped bass in the contest – learned at the event that he too had caught a $500 Diamond Jim imposter.

Lucky young anglers from across the State were awarded guided fishing trips:

* Caleb Williams of Baltimore, Md. and Krista Josenhans of Mandela Springs, Md. will receive guided fishing trips on one of Maryland’s trout streams sponsored by Mid Atlantic Trout Unlimited;

* Edward Kramer of Baltimore, Md. and Connor Poole of Little Orleans, Md. each won a bass fishing trip courtesy of the Maryland Bass Federation;

* Joshua Green of Salisbury, Md. and Emily Mills of Delmar, Md. will each receive a Chesapeake Bay fishing trip from the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association;

* Theotis Shenett of Baltimore, Md. and Chris Probst of Ridgely, Wv. each won a fishing trip of their choice from the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland;

* Rachael Wolfkill of Baltimore, Md. and Alijah Metz of Cumberland, Md. each won a trophy rockfish fishing trip off of either Annapolis or the Eastern Shore courtesy of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Association; and

* Matt Utrera and Kijia Davis, both of Baltimore, Md., won a Chesapeake Bay fishing trip made possible by the Maryland Charter Boat Association.

“This year we opened the competition to hundreds of young anglers through fishing rodeos held all over our state, and it’s especially inspiring to see so many kids out here today,” said DNR Deputy Secretary Eric Schwaab. “Over 17,000 miles of waterways in our state beckon for us to take part in this great outdoor tradition with our friends and neighbors, and most importantly, our kids. When you take the time to spend time with a child outdoors — whether it’s fishing, camping, or a weekend hike — you are part of this movement, helping to inspire stewardship among tomorrow’s leaders.”

Lt. Governor Brown also presented Lois Burton, wife of the legendary outdoor writer and angler Bill Burton, with a framed copy of this year’s Challenge poster. Burton, who was instrumental in both establishing the original Diamond Jim tournament in the 1950s and its return in 2007, recently passed away in August. This year’s Challenge celebrated his life and work, and recently the Board of Public Works voted to name the Choptank River Bridge fishing pier Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park in his honor.

Created to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts and inspire natural resources stewardship, the 2009 Maryland Fishing Challenge started June 1 and ran through Labor Day, September 7, 2009.

Three batches of 50 specially tagged striped bass – one genuine Diamond Jim and 49 imposters — were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries this summer. Diamond Jim’s value increased each month from $10,000 if caught in June, $20,000 is caught in July and $25,000 if caught in August, and the 49 Diamond Jim imposters are worth $500 each for the duration of the contest.

Through the citation component, more than 60 species of fish were 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.

“Catch a fish” is one of the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, issued by Governor Martin O’Malley in April. The Bill is part of the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, an initiative to ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards.

source: DNR press release

Mike Lyons of Denton, MD will find out if his recent striped bass catch is worth $500 or $25,000 at the 2009 Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale on September 19, 2009. Lyons caught the fifth tagged striped bass in the Fishing Challenge while trolling off Benoni Point in the Choptank River near the mouth of the Tred Avon River.

“I want to congratulate Mr. Lyons as a winner in the 2009 Maryland Fishing Challenge,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Our State’s wonderful, recreational fishing opportunities are accessible to and affordable for all Maryland families, and a great way for everyone to enjoy and connect with our great outdoors.”

The Fishing Challenge started June 1 and ran through Labor Day, September 7, 2009. Throughout the summer, three batches of specially tagged striped bass – each including one authentic Diamond Jim and at least 49 imposters – were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. By the end of the Challenge five stripers were caught; all but the most recent have been verified as imposters, carrying a $500 prize.

Lyons will also be entered in the grand prize drawing at the award ceremony during the finale. The grand prizes include a boat, motor and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and thousands of dollars in prizes from Bill’s Outdoor Center on Deep Creek Lake. All eligible winners will receive their rewards at the ceremony in September.

“I thought it was joke [when I pulled in the striped bass]. I’ve never seen a fish a tagged like that,” said Lyons. “[Fishing is] supper on the table, but it’s good to get away. I’ve fished most of my life.”

Through the citation component, more than 60 species of fish were 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.

Anglers making qualifying catches took their fish to any of the 88 official citation award centers located across Maryland. Fish are then measured and certified, and anglers receive documentation for their award citation. Anglers are then automatically entered in the contest final awards ceremony and are listed on the DNR website.

For a complete list of citation centers and entrants go to http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge/index.asp.

As an added youth component, children participating in various fishing rodeos across the State qualified for a unique category and win a guided fishing trip.

“Catch a fish” is one of the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, issued by Governor Martin O’Malley in April. The Bill is part of the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, an initiative to ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards.

source: DNR press release

The recreational summer flounder fishery in Maryland state waters will close at 11:59 p.m. on September 13, 2009.

“DNR has worked closely with coastal fisheries management partners and Maryland anglers to rebuild the stock by 2013,” said DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “These efforts will ensure that Maryland can provide quality fishing opportunities to our anglers.”

In the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, anglers may keep one summer flounder per person per day, minimum of 16 1/2 inches in total length. In Maryland’s Coastal Bays and in the state waters of the Atlantic, anglers may keep three summer flounder per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 18 inches.

Maryland is working with its management partners and the federal Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) to better estimate the summer flounder harvest in Maryland.

Anglers are encouraged to participate in the summer flounder volunteer angler survey. To participate in the survey, please visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/survey/sfsurveyintro.html.

source: DNR press release