The fishing excitement has just begun for Chesapeake Bay anglers and follows one of the most exciting Spring trophy striped bass season the Chesapeake Bay has seen in decades. Multiple pulses of post-spawn fish in the 30 to 40 inch range (and some larger!) delighted anglers and charterboat captains alike. Now, with new creel and possession limits in place, those pursuing “lineside” action can add the numerous smaller class fish which provide some of the best light tackle action around. Add to the fishing fun some of the tastiest table fare around which rockfish provide, and there is plenty to enjoy this month in the bay and it’s tributaries.

      From June 1 through December 15, the season creel and possession for striped bass (rockfish) in Maryland Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters is 2 fish @ 18"- 28" or 1 @ 18" - 28" and 1 larger than 28"/person/day. Anglers may not possess striped bass while fishing between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. during this season. All Maryland Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters are open to possession of striped bass during this season. Call Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service at 1-800-688-3467 (FINS) or visit their website at, www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations. 

      Virginia’s Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) 2004 recreational striped bass season continues through June 15 with a minimum Size of 18 inches and a maximum Size of 28 inches Possession limit is 2 fish per person per day. One of the two fish in possession can be larger than 32 inches, but a catch report is required. No possession of striped bass 32" or greater is permitted in Virginia’s spawning reaches from May 1 through June 15. For additional information, call the Virginia Marine Resources Commission at (757) 247-2200 or visit their website at www.mrc.state.va.us 

      The 2004 recreational striped bass season for PRFC waters continues through December 31, PRFC waters are open to recreational striped bass fishing from down river of the Route I-95 Woodrow Wilson Bridge to the end of PRFC waters at Smith Point, Virginia. The daily creel is two fish per person per day from 18 to 28 inches. One of these fish in possession can be over 28 inches. Call the PRFC at 1-800-266-3904 or visit their website at www.prfc.state.va.us

      The annual Reedville Bluefish Derby takes place on June 11 and 12th, 2004. This fund raiser which benefits Smith Point Sea Rescue, Inc provides competition for cash prizes which benefit a worthy organization that assists many boaters in distress. Cash prizes are shared in both bluefish and striped bass categories and includes daily and overall awards. The Reedville Bluefish Derby includes 28 cash prize categories totaling more than $75,000.00, New this year, is an additional $5,000 prize for the highest combined weight of blues and rock checked in during the two days of competition. The entry fee is $200 per boat. For information or to request an application for this year’s Reedville Bluefish Derby, call Jett’s Hardware at (804) 453-5325 or Tournament Director, Pete Thrift, at (804) 580-6045. 

      For some great outdoor time with the youngsters, check out this month’s events mentioned at the June 2004 “Tidewater & Timber” page at; www.chesapeakestyle.com/tidewater/jun04.html. 

© 2004 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved