Fishing action during the annual PRO-AM tournament sponsored by Harrison’s Chesapeake House and Sportfishing Center on Tilghman Island was one of the many positive indicators last month which showed promise for some great fishing in June. While fishing aboard “Brooks Hooks” with Captain Buddy Harrison Jr. as Captain and Glenn Higgins as mate, Steve enjoyed pulling in a nice 30 inch striper. Also fishing aboard was Doug Hale who brought in a 36 inch rockfish. John Pazdernik brought in a 34 inch rockfish and Dr. Terry Detrich followed up with a 30 inch striper. Bob Benson also fished aboard the “Brooks Hooks” during the 2002 PRO-AM and while he didn’t get to bring in a keeper rock he enjoy some exciting action. After releasing a 27 inch striper, Bob did battle with a large fish which got away. The exceptional size of this big one was obvious both in the fight it put up and the tackle which it was hooked on; an umbrella rig with a 25 ounce “big- eye” bucktail fished deep with wire line and 28 ounces of lead. The top fish of the 2002 PRO-AM tournament at Harrison’s was a 39 pound, 45 inch striper caught by Dr. Stan Minken on board the, “Buddy Plan” with Captain Buddy Harrison, Sr. The charter boats leaving out of Harrison’s Sportfishing Center continue to enjoy a great season with a variety of fishing opportunities. Harrison’s can be reached for fishing, lodging and meal information by phone at (410) 886-2121 or by visiting their website at http://www.chesapeakehouse.com

     The Chesapeake Bay and it’s tributaries offer lots of fishing opportunities for anglers throughout Maryland and Virginia. Changes in striped bass possession and creel limits both state’s and Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) waters provides additional fishing opportunities. While the striper trophy seasons in these three fishing jurisdictions are officially over there are still some big fish to be caught. 

     Virginia’s current recreational striped bass season in Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters continues through June 15, 2002 with a possession limit of two stripers per person, at 18 to 28 inches in length. One of these fish may be larger than 32 inches. For information, call the Virginia Marine Resources Commission at (757) 247-2200 or by visit their website at http://www.state.va.us/mrc/homepage.htm

     The current recreational striped bass season in Maryland Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters continues through December 15 with a two fish per person per day creel of 18-28 inches, one of which can be over 28 inches. From June 1- December 15, the Maryland striper season is open throughout Maryland’s Chesapeake bay and tributary waters. For information about Maryland’s striped bass seasons and other fishing regulations call Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division at 800-688-3467. The DNR Fisheries website also provides information and updates at, http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries

     The current PRFC recreational striped bass season continues through December 31, 2002. Anglers can keep two rockfish per person per day at 18-28 inches in length. One of these fish in possession can exceed 28 inches. This PRFC rockfish season is open throughout the entire Potomac River from downstream of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Smith Point, Virginia. Call the PRFC at 800-266-3904 for additional information. 

© 2002 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved.