As anglers continue to enjoy the most successful striped bass fishing season since 1990, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary C. Ronald Franks today reminded anglers of the importance of following fishing regulations to protect this invaluable living resource.
Preliminary harvest data indicate striped bass harvests in the first two weeks of the season have increased 10 percent versus last year’s two-week data. The recreational striped bass (rockfish) season opened April 19.
A slow, steady increase in Chesapeake water temperature has provided optimum environmental conditions for catching striped bass as they run down from spawning area sanctuaries. In past spring seasons, fishermen have often characterized a successful trip as catching one or two striped bass over the course of an entire day. Currently, it is not unusual for fishermen to catch a limit of striped bass in just an hour or two. Angling for big striped bass to 50 inches should peak over the next week to 10 days, as ideal weather conditions persist across the region.
With these favorable conditions in mind, Secretary Franks today reminded anglers of the following regulations for the trophy season that are in effect until May 15:
- Creel limit: 1 per day
- Minimum size: 28 inches
- Eels Prohibited
- Anglers may not possess striped bass while fishing between 12 midnight and 5 a.m.
Effective May 16 - May 31
- Creel limit: 2 per day
- Minimum size: 18 inches to 28 inches or (1) one striped bass 18 inches to 28 inches and (1) one striped bass larger than 28 inches
- No bait restrictions
Anglers may not possess striped bass while fishing between 12 midnight and 5 a.m.
Fishing is restricted to the mainstem of the Chesapeake Bay from Brewerton Channel to the Maryland/Virginia Line, Tangier & Pocomoke Sounds (no tributaries) for these two seasons. The regular striped bass season begins June 1. Secretary Franks also encourages the use of circle hooks when bait fishing during a striped bass season.
For more information on DNR’s fishing regulations, visit the DNR Web site at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/recregchrt.html
Posted: 5-12-2003
