Chesapeake Bay Fishing
Warm sun, cool breeze, listening to the waves...
Fishing for Rockfish
The Chesapeake Bay supports many species of fish. From small minnows to striped bass several feet long can be found in the region. In the region, striped bass are also known as rockfish or stripers. I can tell you it’s some good eating! The 2009 Spring rockfish season runs from April 18 – May15.
DNR recommends…
…minimizing the catch and release of striped bass once anglers daily bag limits have been achieved to minimize stress on striped bass. If anglers must release a fish, efforts should be made to release the fish at the side of the boat with a dehooking device, and avoid removing the fish from the water. If a fish has to be removed from the water, handling should be minimized and out of water time should kept to 15 seconds or less. More information on ethical practices for catch and release fishing can be found *here*.
Anglers on private vessels, charter boats and those fishing from shore in the mainstem of the Chesapeake, stretching from the mouth of the Patapsco River south to the Virginia line and including the waters of Tangier Sound will be allowed to keep 1 fish per person per day, 28 inches or greater in length. There are also specific striped bass catch and release areas that will remain open in order to provide additional opportunities to anglers.
Comments
2 Comments on Chesapeake Bay Fishing
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wishbone on
Wed, 13th May 2009 3:56 pm
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Craig on
Thu, 14th May 2009 9:04 am
Good article to help keep people aware of what’s going on. Unfortunately, the catch and release is being abused excessively. I’m constantly hearing stories of people catching 50-60 stripers in a day and bragging about it. There’s no sense in this. I know from experience that a significant percentage of the fish that are released end up dying. This is because a lot of fish are hooked in the gills, or down deep where pulling out the hook involves ripping the fish’s guts out. Also, you have to think about what dragging a fish for 15 minutes or so through the water on a hook does to a fish. I think most of this is common knowledge, but most people simply don’t care.
Thank you for commenting and making us aware of the abuses. Although it may be common knowledge, it’s important and appreciated to see those like you that have specific knowledge and experience sharing and expressing your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. It can be a catalyst for change.
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