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Legal Size for Rockfish in Maryland

By November 12, 2022No Comments

An unoffset circular hook has the tip exactly aligned with the tree, and the hook is forged to stand perpendicular to the tree, so the fish is hung in the corner of the jaw instead of deep where it can cause final damage. Undersized fish released alive are expected to have a better chance of survival than hooked fish, ensuring conservation equivalence to comply with the science-based fisheries management plan. As a “conservation equivalency” exchange for the lower minimum size, which the charter boat industry has strongly advocated, MNR has proposed a new requirement that anglers use unstaggered circular hooks for chumming and live bait fishing to reduce the deep hook (“gut”) that is usually lethal to released fish. In addition, anglers who use natural or even processed bait such as fish bites or sips should use J-hooks with gaps of half an inch or less (essentially #1/0 or smaller) or circular hooks. The CFMSA Striped Bass Technical Committee accepted this proposal. It is now up to the General Assembly committee to approve the measure. The summer-fall 2022 season will be open from May 16 to July 15 in most areas of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, all areas will be closed to all striped perch attacks from July 16 to July 31 and will reopen from August 1 to December 10. Anglers may keep one striped bass per person per day with a minimum size of 19 inches. On a charter fishing trip, the master or chief mate would not be allowed to land or possess striped perch for personal consumption. In anticipation of the proposed changes, the Maryland Department intends to launch a campaign to teach fishermen, charter boat masters, and bait and sugar cane retailers how the new minimum size and equipment requirements work. As this program grows, you can get solid information about circular hooks from fishing expert/author Shawn Kimbro at this Chesapeake Light Tackle Link – Circle Hook Confusion. The 2022 Maryland striped bass season kicks off Saturday, May 1 with a BIG trophy fishery averaging between 10 and 40 pounds.

During trophy season (May 1-15), redfish must be 35 inches or older and each person can (1) keep a redfish. After May 16, the size and limit of redfish will increase to 19″ or more and each person will be able to keep (2) two stonefish. The redfish season is closed from July 16, 2022 to July 31, 2022. We look forward to a great 2022 fishing season in Maryland`s Chesapeake Bay. To maximize the survival of summer plaice, use a 3/0 hook or more and be prepared to release fish that are too small (tongs, damp cloth and ruler). This season includes a limit of one fish and a closure in mid-July. Photo: Eric Packard/DNR Maryland reservoirs such as Liberty, Piney Run, Triadelphia, Conowingo, Broadford Lake and Rocky Gorge can be fished year-round for striped perch with a minimum size of 18 inches and two fish per day, with only one of the two fish measuring more than 30 inches. The spring season for the state`s striped perch fish begins April 16 in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay. Spring recreational fishing opportunities for striped perch, known locally as redfish, run from April 16 to 15. May, with a catch limit of one fish per person per day, 35 inches or more.

The Chesapeake Bay is a special place and creates memories that will last a lifetime. We feel lucky to be a part of those memories with you, your friends and family aboard the Marylander! Click on this image to see more photos like this on our Instagram. #themarylander minimum size of 18 inches; 2 fish per person per day – only 1 of these fish can measure more than 30 inches The catch potential of additional species such as Spanish mackerel, blue fish, black drum, red drum, plaice, croaker aka “hardhead”, catfish, spot and perch is also increased during seasonal changes. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the world, covering 64,000 square miles and six states. In addition to legality, the seasonality of what is caught next to striped bass is based on what Mother Nature will unknowingly bless us. That`s why it`s called fishing! After suggestions and feedback from the public, we now know what stonefish boundaries will look like in Maryland this season. “After a series of intensive conversations and discussions with fishers, charter boat masters, conservationists and other stakeholders, the ministry believes that switching to a 19-inch rockfish, with appropriate conservation measures and efforts, will reduce mortality from striped yellow perch in the bay and provide additional recreational opportunities for fishers,” said Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Mark Belton. “The change will benefit anglers and charter boat captains, and in particular the species we are committed to preserving and protecting.” The action will reduce the minimum size of recreational striped bass, known locally as redfish, from 20 inches to 19 inches for anglers and charter boats.

“For Maryland anglers, the spring redfish trophy season is more than just another fishing opportunity,” said Dave Blazer, director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources` fisheries service. “The season marks the arrival of spring and the return of milder temperatures, fresh seafood and the opportunity to spend time on the water with family and friends.” Outside of the summer closure in Maryland, private recreational anglers can own one striped bass per day with a minimum height of 19 inches. Charter vessel customers can keep two stripers per day with a minimum size of 19 inches, provided the boat`s master participates in MNR`s daily electronic reporting system. During a chartered fishing trip, neither the master nor the chief mate may land or possess stonefish for personal consumption. Catch your next fish of your life aboard the Marylander and ask our captain how you can preserve your memory with Gray`s Taxidermy. Our captain is a local representative of the “World`s Largest Marine Taxidermist” and can help you preserve the memory of your biggest catch! During the July 16-31 closure, anglers are prohibited from fishing for striped perch, including release and charter boats. Fishermen are allowed to keep one striped bass per person per day. Striped bass must be at least 28 inches and less than 35 inches long. The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries (except Susquehanna Plains, Lower Susquehanna River and Northeast River) Always use unstaggered circular hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or processed bait (triple hooks are prohibited) when targeting striped perch. Fish marked in red have the best chance of being caught. The ministry also informs the Natural Resources Police of the application of the new rules.

Maryland coordinated with the CFMSA to develop regulations consistent with its coast-wide fisheries management plan. Data collected by the ministry revealed that water quality and air temperature at the end of July are more harmful to striped perch, increasing the risk of catch and release mortality compared to other seasons, from the Chesapeake Bay of the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia Line. including the Straits of Tangier and Pocomoke. Note: Travel times vary seasonally due to sunrise to sunset changes. January 1 to August 31, open year-round for spears and bait traps or traps For more information on fishing opportunities, seasons, regulations and catch limits in Maryland, please click here. Alewife herring, American shad, Atlantic sturgeon, blue-backed herring, hickory shad and shortnose snapper – www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/getfile.aspx?file=08.02.05.29.htm All areas of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, with the exception of the Potomac River, are open April 1-1. May closed to striped perch. None, if caught by hook and line; At least 8 inches if caught with other gear Book your trip aboard the Marylander for the chance to catch a fish of your life! Follow us on Instagram to see our latest adventures in the Chesapeake Bay! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is moving forward with a last-minute change to recreational striped yellow perch regulations in the summer and fall. Sport fishing for other species is still permitted during the closed season.

Anglers can target other species such as whitefish, blue catfish, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, red drum and cobia. Charter fishing seasons, dates, travel time, prices, regulations, catering, things to bring and much more! Chesapeake Bay downstream of a line from the south corner of the Hart-Miller Island seawall to the end of MD Route 21 in Tolchester and south to the MD/VA line, excluding all bays, straits, tributaries, streams and rivers. SAUF: Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound; Chester River and its tributaries downstream of a line from Hail Point to Long Point to Ferry Point; the Patuxent River and its tributaries downstream of a line from Point Patience to the western tip of the country at the entrance to Little Kingston Creek; The Choptank River and its tributaries downstream of a line from Holland Point to a point of land at the western entrance to Chapel Creek are open. The 2022 Maryland Trophy Striped Bass (aka “Rockfish”) season begins Sunday, May 1 and runs from May 1 to May 15. During this season, striped bass must be 35 inches or larger to hold it, and only one striped bass can be held per person per day. Striped bass cannot be caught, harassed or possessed in the exclusive economic zone, which extends from 3 to 200 miles offshore.