TidalFish.com Weekly Chesapeake Bay and Mid Atlantic Fishing Report:March 31 2007
- From: "Worldwide Angler" <BrandonCWhite@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 3 Apr 2007 18:14:05 -0700
Find the full report, a VideoCast Fishing Report and pictures at:
http://www.tidalfish.com/Maryland_Reports/p2_articleid/144
Every year I find myself trying to improve our weekly fishing reports.
This year I introduced a VideoCast and asked for some feedback on it.
I appreciate all the people that took the time to write. The general
consensus is what people love the VideoCast fishing report, other then
having to stare at my mug the whole time, but also said that I should
continue to write the weekly report making it the location for all the
details and do a shorter VideoCast with highlights so the download
time is not that long. That is exactly what I will be doing this year.
We will try it out and see how it goes. I appreciate everyone’s
support and feedback.
In Maryland fisheries news this week things have been heated with
recreational fishing groups working hard in Annapolis to try and get
several bills passed or defeated as the legislative session in
Annapolis comes to a close.
Yellow Perch Story: The Yellow Perch Bill SB 702 is still uncertain as
to exactly what will happen. But with forty watermen taking an
estimated 90% of the Yellow Perch catch combined with the depleting
Yellow Perch population, it is not hard to understand why recreational
anglers feel strongly about stopping commercial netting in the
tributaries during the Yellow Perch spawning run. For those that are
not aware, the proposed bill would prohibit commercial fishing for
Yellow Perch from January 1 to March 20.
I lived on the upper Choptank River above the 404 bridge in Denton and
fished just about every day. I witnessed first hand the massacre that
occurs with these commercial nets. Some people might not be aware that
while rivers like the Choptank are wide, the actual deep channel that
goes up the river where the fish swim is very very narrow in the upper
reaches. While the commercial interests will lead you to believe that
the nets have little by-catch, do not totally block the river, and the
fish have a “chance” not to be caught, I can tell you from living on
the river that the nets are located right in the narrow deeper water
passage ways thereby basically giving the fish no real chance to move
up the river to spawn.
I do not think it takes a rocket scientist to understand that among
the problems we have with the Chesapeake Bay and the fact that 50% of
the nation's waterways are impaired and over 40% of the fish and
aquatic species in the U.S. in decline or threatened with extinction
and the nation already losing 20% of our fish and aquatic populations
and nearly 40% of the nation's native fish populations being in rapid
decline that we should not be whacking the remaining fish with nets
during their spawning season. This is just not about Yellow Perch,
this is about saving fish so we have them in the future. It seems
pretty straight forward. CCA Maryland is still confident that the SB
702 Bill will pass and I will keep you posted as this story develops.
Increased Maryland Fishing License Fees?
One other Bill worth mentioning is Senate Bill 1012 (SB 1012). Written
about three weeks ago, SB 1012 aims to reform Maryland fisheries
management and provide funding for the Department of Natural
Resources' Fisheries Service through higher fees for recreational
fishing licenses.
CCA Maryland has opposed the bill because they believe the bill was
written in haste. MSSA is supporting the bill. My take on it is that
the fact of the matter is that Maryland Department of Natural
Resources needs to do something because of their shrinking budget, so
they need another avenue for funding or need to increase the fee on an
existing one or a combination of the two of which I believe they are
doing. They need more law enforcement and more resources. I read on a
somewhat regular basis on Tidal Fish about the frustration people have
when they report a violation and get a slow response from DNR Law
enforcement. We can not expect a quick response if we do not fund the
agency adequately. At the same time, I think there needs to be a
little more planning and public opinion solicited before introducing a
bill like this that will impact such a large constituency of anglers.
While I am sure it is not the intention of MD DNR, introducing the
bill like they have gives the recreational community the feeling that
there is possibly something funny with the bill. Maybe it is because
it is a new administration and John Griffin and the Department is just
trying to get things together given all that they have going on and
having taken office not that long ago I hope that is the case because
if this quickly written bill is how they treat things like fisheries
management we are in real trouble. Now, I know this is not the case,
but I make that statement because I think it is easy to see how acting
in such a way could give that impression. It is just something for MD
DNR to think about. A simple press release with an explanation of the
fees and how they would be used probably would have put the
recreational angler community more at ease and possibly generated more
support for it. I will update things next week.
Maryland 2007 Striped Bass Regulations
Maryland Department of Natural Resources released the proposed limits
for the Spring Striped Bass Trophy Season this year. The proposal has
been submitted to the Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review
(AELR) Committee of the General Assembly for review and approval. For
2007, from April 21 through May 15 anglers may keep one fish per
person per day between 28 inches and 35 inches in total length or one
fish 41 inches or greater. Striped bass between 35 inches and 41
inches must be released to the water unharmed. From May 16 through
December 15 anglers may keep two fish per person per day between 18
and 28 inches, or one fish between 18 and 28 inches and one fish over
28 inches.
Check the link to the Department website at
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/frmapindex.asp for
standard area closures during the 2007 Striped Bass Season.
Things to do this Coming Weekend
Want to get into Offshore fishing or learn more? You do not want to
miss the 2007 Canyon Runner Tuna/Marlin Seminar this Sunday at the
Double Tree Hotel Annapolis in Annapolis, MD on March 31, 2007. I will
be there to check this new series out and I am told this year’s
Seminars should provide something for everyone – from novice to expert
to past seminar participant. For 2007 they have expanded their content
to include inshore fishing for bluefin and much more on marlin and
swordfish. But most importantly are their guest speakers. These guys
are pioneers in the fishing industry and will be conducting their own
breakout sessions. Dennis Braid from Braid Tackle we be presenting
breakout sessions on fighting big fish on stand-up tackle. Dennis
Braid is hands down one of the pioneers in stand-up fishing and an
innovator in the industry. Capt. Len Belcaro, one of the first to
bring satellite water temperature shots to sport fishermen, will
present his own breakout sessions on reading and fishing offshore
eddies and temperature breaks. Finally, Basil Pappas from Wind-Ons by
Basil™ and BHP Tackle will show you how to fish and rig spectra®, wind-
ons, and top shots. Basil is at the top of the class when it comes to
rigging top-shots and utilizing spectra® in your arsenal.
To book your tickets ($110/person) ($95/peson in Annapolis, MD) please
call 732-842-6825 or send an email to info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx You can
pay with your Visa or Mastercard or arrange payment by check. In your
email, please provide your full name, address and telephone number so
we can contact you if needed and send you your tickets.
The Maryland Chesapeake Bay and Tributaries Fishing Report
The Spring fishing excitement is in the air and from the chatter on
the Tidal Fish message boards it sounds like everyone is ready to quit
talking fishing and get out and do it. Boat covers are coming off,
hulls being painted, engines tuned and tackle being rigged. Let’s
break down that is going on:
Upper Bay Region
Fishermen in the upper bay and particularly the Susquehanna Flats area
are feeling the effects of large areas of snow melt and rain in the
Susquehanna River watershed. Mud laden and chilly water has been
flowing out the mouth of the river in much higher rates than what is
considered normal for this time of the year. Jiggin4strippers reported
yesterday that the temperature at Sandy Point around noon was 51
degrees with water visibility around 1 foot. He soaked some bait at
this location with no luck. He then moved over to Rocky Point where he
had 53 degree water, but again no landed fish on bait nor plastics.
He also reported, “The mud/debris is flowing down out of the Susky,
mainly on the Perryville side and flowing straight across the flats
toward Sandy/Turkey Point. The Havre de Grace side/channel is pretty
good once you get past the barge, not much debris. The North East side
is not too bad either. The middle is muddy. The mud is streaky. You
can find clearer water, but it's relative. Only about 6"-1' of
clarity. It's gettin better though. Fish gotta be comin soon.” He is
right about that, the fish will be there soon!
Other reports indicate about the same as above but with some fishermen
catching a few smaller sized striped bass. Fishermen that have
resorted to circle hooks and fresh cut herring for bait fishing are
reporting some good fishing for channel catfish but few striped bass.
As many know, temperature and clarity differences can often play a big
part in early season success so many fishermen will often look towards
the influence of the Northeast River for warmer and clearer water
along Elk Neck. I have found this to be a successful tactic in all my
years of fishing the Flats and suggest anglers give it a try if they
are not having any luck in other areas.
However, while the striper bite is warming up in the upper bay,
fishermen throughout the upper bay region have been enjoying excellent
white perch fishing in nearly every tidal creek and river in the area.
The white perch are starting to make their spawning run to the upper
limits of the watersheds at this time. Fishermen are reporting mostly
small male perch in the upper reaches of the spawning creeks and
rivers and the larger female white perch holding in deeper holes
farther down the waterways. Small jigs in the 1/32oz size range tipped
with plastic grubs work well as does dressing them with grass shrimp
or pieces of bloodworm. Shad darts are also an old standby, when
dressed with bait and many fishermen report good success on large
white perch with small flashy crankbaits. Fishermen should also
consider many of the new artificial in the smaller sizes such as
scented grub tails and the small red worms. The bloodworm scented
Fishbites are also good, but as most hard core fishermen will tell you
under less than ideal angling situations, it’s hard to beat the real
thing.
As we move down the bay, fishermen are still enjoying some limited
fishing for school-sized striped bass in the lower Patapsco River,
often in the shallower waters that can be warmed up by the sun. Most
fishermen are using noisy crankbaits such as Rat-L-Traps but others
are having good success with plastic jigs; such as Bass Assassin’s in
the 4” size. The power plant warm water discharge at Hawkins Point is
a favorite place to check out this time of the year as chilly striped
bass line up to poke their noses into that warmer water. Local anglers
have also learned to watch for smaller warm water discharge pipes in
the harbor area such as the Domino Sugar Plant.
The big striped bass are now moving up the bay and fishermen have been
casting bottom rigs from prominent points and piers such as Sandy
Point Stat Park and Matapeake with some results. Most fishermen are
employing surf fishing outfits and bottom rigs baited with bloodworms
or cut bait. Fishermen are reporting catching mostly school-sized
striped bass but a few whoppers in the 40” size class have been
reported. Anglers new to this game should note to be ready for
catching one before you actually have one on the line. Fishermen
should be using heavy tackle and don’t play the fish too long,
freshwater spinning outfits are not the gear to be using. Knee boats
are a good idea so the fish can stay in the water as you release it if
you’re on a beach. Circle hooks and a good pair of pliers are a must
and keep the fish in the water at all costs. These fish have a job to
do at the spawning grounds in the next few weeks and they need to be
in good shape to accomplish it.
Mid Bay Region
Most fishermen in the middle bay region are either been working on
tackle or boat preparations for the opening of the spring trophy
season for striped bass that opens on the 21st of April. Those that
have just got to dangle a fishing line in the water have either been
trying their hand at some catch & release fishing for the large
striped bass migrating up the bay or poking around the upper reaches
of tributaries looking for white perch. Boats that were out on the bay
this weekend reported hit and miss success. Apparently Friday and part
of Saturday was good around the Power Plant and channel areas, but
Sunday was a bust. The fact that a good portion of the middle bay was
socked in with fog didn’t help matters either. Captains reported large
marks of bait schooled up at the mouth of the Choptank and various
places along the shipping channel. They also reported large numbers of
gannets in the region.
Those fishermen willing to break out the ultra-light spinning outfits
and some small jigs or bottom rigs have been finding white perch in
the upper portions of the regions tidal creeks and rivers ready to
please. The smaller male white perch are being reported in the very
upper reaches of the tributaries such as Red Bridges on the Choptank.
The larger female white perch are holding a little farther down river
in deeper holes waiting for temperature conditions to be right. A
variety of small jigs that are commonly used for crappie are a good
choice as are shad darts. Dressing them with scented grub tails or
natural baits such as grass shrimp or bloodworms will go a long way.
Lower Bay/Tangier Sound Region
Boat yards were a buzz’n this past weekend as charterboat captains and
private boat owners hasten to finish preparation for the start of the
spring striped bass season in a little more than three weeks. A few of
the smaller boats have been running up to Calvert Cliffs to try
jigging at the power plant discharge. Charterboat captains will begin
to venture out into the bay in the next couple of weeks to blow the
carbon out of those sleepy engines and try some pre-fishing and catch
and release.
Shore bound fishermen will be casting out bottom rigs with surf
fishing equipment at places like Point Lookout and other prominent
point on the western and eastern sides of the bay. Large striped bass
will be cruising these shallows looking for a little warmth as the
move through the area. Many of the points on Pocomoke Sound and along
Tangier Sound have hard bottom and have been long time favorite spots
for watching a surf rod in a sand spike for a little catch and release
action. Of course the upper reaches of the tidal rivers and creeks is
the place to be looking for white perch now; with the large female
perch being a little farther downstream of the smaller males.
Ocean Side Inshore and Offshore Reports
The current surf water temperature is holding at around 44-degrees and
small changes are beginning to occur along the coastal beaches,
inlets, bys and deeper ocean waters. Fishermen have taking their place
at the rail of a few of the local party boats that have been venturing
out to the wreck sites in search of large tautog. Fishermen are
reporting catching some real knuckle busters including a new state
record tautog that was caught by Sam Beauchamp of Brooklyn, N.Y. Sam’s
tautog weighed in at 20 lbs, 11 ounces breaking the old state record
of 19 lbs, 8 ounces set in 1980.
A few striped bass are being reported being caught along the beaches
at Assateague Island on cut menhaden baits. A number of these catches
were reported to be legal-sized fish. There are also reports of
striped bass being caught inside the Ocean City Inlet by fishermen
casting plastic jigs.
With the warmer weather starting to take hold in the region and
reports from the lower Chesapeake about the Striped Bass moving into
their tributaries, we should soon we a surge in the Striped Bass in
our area of the bay which should afford us some great fishing. While
this report provides a good snapshot of what happened over the last
week and some indication of the things to come, you can keep up to
date by the minutes with reports for Maryland waters by tuning into
our Maryland Message Board located here.
Until next week, good times and good fishing!
Find the full report, a VideoCast Fishing Report and pictures at:
http://www.tidalfish.com/Maryland_Reports/p2_articleid/144
.
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