Change Coming to Maryland’s Commercial Striped Bass Fishery
DNR Sets a May 10 Striped Bass Commercial Control Date for Quota Allocation
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service is making a significant management change to the commercial Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass fishery. DNR is working to meet fishing industry goals, create a more sustainable system, increase accountability and make it easier for police to enforce the law. The system will also comply with new Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission requirements. These changes are the result of extensive meetings with the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission’s Striped Bass Industry Workgroup over the past 18 months. Read more 
Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Spring Striped Bass Season to Open
Photo from Shawn Kimbro
With the spring season opener kicking off tomorrow, Maryland’s iconic striped bass, better known as rockfish, has area anglers preparing to get out on the water in hopes of reeling in a big one. Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay spring Striped Bass season opens at 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 with a one fish per person per day limit and a minimum size of 28 inches through May 15. Read more
DNR Revamps Volunteer Angler Survey
Aidan and Colin Griffin proudly displaying thier catch.
Maryland’s online Volunteer Angler Survey now has a new look, an added fish species and great prizes! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed the new and improved survey to be more user-friendly, gather additional information and offer incentives to those who participate. Read more
Yellow Perch Fishing Kicks Off the New Year
As the days grow longer, yellow perch fishing will start to heat up in the Upper Bay, some of its tributaries and salt ponds.
“Maryland hosts an excellent yellow perch fishery, which provides delicious fare for Maryland tables and fine outings for families, especially those with young anglers in need of a break from cabin fever,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. Read more
Governor O’Malley Names Larry Simns Admiral of the Chesapeake
Maryland Watermen’s Association founder celebrates 40 years of service
Simns speaking at the 2012 Juvenile Crab Population Announcement on April 19.
Governor Martin O’Malley has designated Larry Simns Admiral of the Chesapeake for his work as the chief advocate for Maryland’s watermen and their communities, and for his role in promoting changes to better ensure the sustainability of commercial fishing in the State. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin presented the award to Simns’ family, on January 18 at the 39th East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition in Ocean City. Read more
Permits Required for Black Bass Tournaments
To improve black bass fisheries management, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service now requires qualifying black bass tournament directors to obtain free permits and report catch information. The regulation has been established to increase communication between tournament directors and fisheries managers, and improve data reporting.
Annapolis Angler Wins Grand Prize At Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin presented approximately $70,000 in cash, prizes and merchandise to lucky anglers this morning at the 2012 Maryland Fishing Challenge. Nearly 2,000 people, including sponsors, anglers and their guests attended the 8th annual contest’s closing ceremony at Sandy Point State Park.
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Oregon Angler Catches Maryland State Record Catfish
Ed Jones from Aloha, Oregon caught a Maryland record blue catfish ─ weighing 84 pounds and measuring 52 inches long, with a girth of 36.5 inches ─ on August 13 in the Potomac River near Fort Washington. Jones and his guide, Captain Josh Fitchett of Montpelier, Va., kept the fish alive and took it into Fort Washington Marina to have it weighed and certified by a Maryland Department of Natural Resource (DNR) Fisheries Service biologist.
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WANTED: Diamond Jim
Last weekend to catch the outlaw fish!
Annapolis, Md. (August 31, 2012) ─ The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is putting out an all-points bulletin for the elusive Diamond Jim striped bass, easily recognized by its DNR tag. DNR recommends corralling a posse, heading out on the water and finding that fish! Caution is advised—Diamond Jim was last seen swimming with a gang of as many as 400 tagged stripers called imposters, each worth $500 a piece. The elusive Diamond Jim and his buddies are wanted for escaping during the 2012 Maryland Fishing Challenge. This is the last weekend to catch the wanted fish.
Junior Hunter Field Days Set For The Eastern Shore
Young people interested in wildlife and the outdoors are invited to join staff from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local conservation groups to learn about a variety of topics related to wildlife management and stewardship during Junior Hunter Field Days on June 2 in Sudlersville and June 16 in Princess Anne.
“This is an opportunity for Maryland youth interested in wildlife activities to discover and connect with their natural world,” said Patricia Allen, information & education program manager for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service. “It gives children the chance to become involved in the management of our natural resources and to learn about hunting and the important role it plays in wildlife conservation.” Read more
