Chesapeake Bay News

A celebration of Maryland’s official state fish – the striped bass, commonly known as rockfish is taking place at over 50 restaurants and retail markets throughout the state.  Restaurants, grocery stores, and seafood markets will be offering specials on this delectable fish during the celebration, which last through the end of February.

“Winter is prime time for the delicious Chesapeake Bay rockfish,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “Our commercial fishermen catch the Bay bounty for us to enjoy at home and in restaurants.  It is a tasty and healthy nutritional choice.”

Maryland rockfish fits perfectly into any diet plan.  A three ounce cooked portion contains only 105 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, zero carbohydrates and many good vitamins, minerals and 0.8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3 fatty acids are important for good health.  They help in lowering cholesterol and have many other important benefits for eyes, skin and even mental health.

Rockfish may be prepared in a variety of ways.  A favorite is to simply brush the fish with a small amount of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper then bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes per inch of thickness of fish.  They are also delicious stuffed with crab imperial or an oyster dressing for special occasions or cut up into strips and fried for a tasty treat.

For the best taste and quality look for the following when purchasing fresh rockfish:

* Fresh fish should have a mild sea breeze aroma.

* Whole fish should have bright, clear and shiny eyes.  Scales should be shiny and cling tightly to the skin.  Look for bright pink or red gills.

* Steaks and fillets should be moist with firm and shiny flesh.  The flesh should spring back when pressed.

Look for the special purple, green and silver Maryland Rockfish Celebration buttons and table tents at your favorite restaurant or retail market.  The Maryland Rockfish Celebration is sponsored by Maryland commercial fishermen, seafood processors and the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Try this great recipe for Southwest Rockfish with Rice and Beans.

SOUTHWEST ROCKFISH WITH RICE AND BEANS

2 pounds Maryland rockfish fillets, skinned or skin on
2-3 teaspoons minced garlic
2       teaspoons orange juice
4       teaspoons minced fresh cilantro or parsley
½       teaspoon salt
1       tablespoon vegetable oil

¾       cup long grain rice
1       tablespoon minced garlic
1       tablespoon vegetable oil
2       cups tomato salsa
1½      cups cooked or frozen corn
1       15-ounce can pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
½       cup orange juice
½       teaspoon ground cumin
½       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2       tablespoons minced fresh cilantro or parsley

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place rockfish skinned (or skin) side down in a single layer in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, mix the garlic, orange juice, cilantro, salt and oil. Spoon mixture over rockfish and spread to evenly coat. Cook rice according to package directions and keep warm.

In a heavy, large skillet, heat remaining tablespoon of oil on medium heat for 3 minutes until hot. Add garlic and sauté until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the salsa, corn, beans, orange juice, cumin, and pepper. Cook, uncovered, until hot, 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.

Spoon hot rice into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and top with bean mixture; stir gently to blend. Place rockfish fillets, coated side up, on top of the bean mixture. Bake, uncovered, until the flesh of the rockfish turns white and just begins to flake when tested with a fork, 18 to 20 minutes.  Makes 6 servings.

For a free striped bass recipe brochure and list of participating restaurants and retailers, call the Maryland Department of Agriculture at (410) 841-5972 or toll-free in Maryland 888-841-5828 or visit www.marylandseafood.org.

source: Maryland Department of Agriculture press release

The 2010 East Coast Commercial Fisherman’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition is fast approaching, and this year’s show will once again be offering young chefs a chance to show off their skills. This year’s expo will mark the 12th year of the East Coast Junior Waterman’s Show, and all chefs between the ages of 7 and 17 are encouraged to enter their best Rockfish recipes in the 3rd Annual Junior Chefs Rockfish Cook-Off. The top ten finalists will compete in the Cook-Off on Saturday, January 30 in Ocean City, Maryland.

The contest will consist of two age groups, 7 to 12 and 13 to 17. Five finalists will be selected from each age group to compete for cash prizes and plaques. First place will receive $200 and a plaque, second place will receive $100 and a plaque and third place will receive $50 and a plaque. All finalists will receive Rockfish pins, aprons and certificates.

All entries are due by Friday, December 18, 2009. Finalists will be notified by Thursday, January 7, 2010. A daytime phone number is required on all entry forms in order for finalists to be notified. The recipe should be an original entree or main dish. Each finalist will receive two pounds of rockfish fillets to use the day of the competition. All other ingredients and cooking utensils are the contestants’ responsibility. Judging will be based on originality, predominance of Rockfish, taste and texture. Parental permission and supervision must be provided.

The Cook-Off is sponsored by University of Delaware Sea Grant Program, University of Maryland Sea Grant and the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood Marketing Program. For a list of all official rules and regulations, as well as an entry form, please email Doris Hicks at dhicks@udel.edu.

source: mdseafood.org press release

Anglers from Maine to North Carolina made their way to Maryland to test their skills and promote recreational fishing on the Chesapeake Bay as the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) hosted the 17th annual Chesapeake Bay Fall Rockfish Tournament.

Nearly 200 boats carrying over 1000 anglers took to the water to try to reel in the big one for their share of the prize money.  The MSSA set up 7 weigh stations from Sandy Point state park to Point Lookout for anglers to bring in their top fish.

“This tournament, like our others, lures anglers from Maryland and other states to the Bay and gives our local communities a little economic boost and of course gives our members one last chance to participate in a tournament this year,” said Dave Smith, Executive Director of the MSSA.

This was the final tournament in the 2009 MSSA Tournament Series which consists of four total events including the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country.

Robert Harris Jr. of Solomons, MD took home first place with his 47.95 pound rockfish, securing him $44,703 for his efforts.  Harris caught the winning fish on a crippled alewive Saturday morning near 72A.  Harris has been competing in MSSA tournaments, as well as many others all over the East Coast, for almost ten years now.

Lee Tippett of southern Maryland placed second with his 43.25 pound rockfish caught near the gas docks just in front of Solomons, MD.  Tippett will walk away with $18,000 and attributes his success to a Tyler’s Tackle parachute rig.

Third place went to James Rose of Kent Island.  Rose caught his fish near 78A on a 21 Tony early Saturday morning.  Rose and his crew will have a lot to be thankful for this holiday as they take home $4,441.
Also in the money was Frank Hagner of Baltimore who took third place in the Skill Levels with his 41.65 pound rockfish weighed in at Point Lookout state park.  Hagner will be receiving a check worth $7,560 as he entered all of the additional skill levels.  Hagner entered the tournament with his son David Hagner who just recently returned from Afghanistan.

The MSSA gave away almost $75,000 in prize money for the tournament and has increased its participation each year since 1992.

Tournament results will be posted on the MSSA’s website.  Smith said all results are unofficial until he and the Tournament Committee can check and confirm all fish weights and the winners pass their respective polygraph tests.

The MSSA, an organization of 7,000 conservation-minded members and the largest of its kind in the state, is most famous for its advocacy work protecting anglers’ rights and the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country, The Championship on the Chesapeake.  The organization uses these tournaments to promote and encourage recreational fishing in the state of Maryland, with a special focus on the state’s youth.  “We are trying to get kids and adults involved and give them the access and opportunity to get out there and fish”, Smith said.

For more information on this tournament and the MSSA you may visit www.mssa.net

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

Three winter striped bass tournaments are coming up in Hampton Roads Virginia.

They are:

ASA National Striper Tournament

Long Bay Pointe Marina
2109 W. Great Neck Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(321) 287-6351
Start Date: 12/12/2009
End Date: 12/12/2009

Tournament Headquarters
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
30th and Pacific Ave
Virginia Beach, VA
757-417-7701

ASA National Striper Tournament American Striper Association, the Nation’s largest Striped Bass Tournament Series, is hosting its 2009 National Tournament to Virginia Beach. The Chesapeake Bay is known as the premier Striped Bass fishery on the East Coast. Expected payouts will exceed $100,000 for the tournament and Angler of the Year awards.
*All boats fishing the Virginia Beach National Tournament will qualify for a $5,000 bonus to be awarded at the Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout.

Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout

828 High Point Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 319-5146
Start Date: 1/07/2010
End Date: 1/09/2010

Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout The 7th Annual Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout returns to Virginia Beach January 7th to the 9th. Get ready to reel as the largest Rockfish Tournament in the country comes to the Beach. Over 1,000 anglers will battle it out for the top bragging rights and a guaranteed CASH prize of $100,000. This year will have two divisions – one for live bait and one for artificial bait.

2nd Annual Virginia Beach Rockfish Frostbite Challenge Tournament

P.O. Box 6807
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 689-2694
(757) 576-4013
Start Date: 1/14/2010
End Date: 1/17/2010

Thursday, January 14th: Registration 4:00pm until 7:00pm, Captains Meeting at 7:00pm with the party rolling until 9:00pm. Awards Banquet will begin at 6:00pm on Sunday, January 17 and run to around 10:00pm, with awards presented at approx. 8:30pm. Give-Aways start at 7:00pm and will continue throughout the night. All events will be hosted by and take place at HOOKS at Rudee Inlet in Va Beach. Weigh scales are at Fisherman’s Wharf Marina and Long Bay Pointe Marina.

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

Oct 19, 2009— The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that 2009 Young-of-the-Year Striped Bass Survey was a 7.9 catch per haul this year, slightly below the long term average of 11.7. DNR has used the same techniques for the survey for the past 50 years to show the yearly spawning success for Rockfish.

“These numbers may be slightly below the average, but it’s well within the normal range of expectations,” said DNR Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “The 2001 super year class,  followed by a robust year class in 2003, should project for a healthy, sustainable  population.”

DNR samples from the same 22 locations every year. Biologists use a large net to sweep the area, counting all the fish the net picks up.  During this year’s survey, biologists identified and counted more than 35,000 fish of 49 species, including 1,039 young-of-year striped bass.

DNR biologists say it’s normal to see both spikes and dips in the yearly average, because striped bass reproduction hinges on many environmental factors. This year’s index is double the value of last year, and along with other large year classes, such as the record setting 1996, 2001 and 2003 will contributing to strengthen the population.

DNR has monitored the reproductive success of striped bass and other species in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay annually since 1954.  Twenty-two survey sites are located in the four major spawning systems:  Choptank, Potomac, and Nanticoke rivers, and the Upper Bay.  Biologists visit each site monthly from July through September, collecting fish samples with two sweeps of a 100-foot beach seine.  The index is calculated as the average catch of young-of-year fish per sample.  For more information, go to www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/juvindex/index.html.

The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) invites anglers to participate in the 17th Annual Chesapeake Bay Fall Tournament. The tournament will be held on November 21st and 22nd, 2009 on the Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries.

Sign-up meetings will be held at:

Essex Middle River Chapter – Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 – 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Annapolis Chapter – Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 – 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Southern Maryland Chapter – Thursday, November 19th, 2009 – 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

The last time to register for the tournament will be November 20th, 2009 at the MSSA office from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

There will be seven Official Weigh-In Stations throughout the Bay. They are as
follows:

• Sandy Point State Park
• Calvert Marina – Solomons
• Taylors Island Family Campground
• Knapps Narrows Marina – Tilghman Island
• Breezy Point Marina – Chesapeake Beach
• NEW – Point Lookout State Park
• NEW – Rod ‘N’ Reel – Chesapeake Beach

All weigh-in stations will be open from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

The tournament is geared to target rockfish and bluefish. Rockfish will be the number one species in the main tournament as well as five skill levels. There will be a special category for bluefish which will be one winner.

The MSSA encourages anglers to come out and fish the Chesapeake Bay on November 21st and 22nd, 2009.

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