Early March is time for the first pulses of mature stripers to begin their annual treks towards the spawning grounds. This is a magic time of reproduction which the resilient striped bass has become so famous for. In the past, predictions of when the striper spawning run would begin and end were based on how long the winter lasted or the early spring thaw lingered. Since the historic comeback after almost two decades of consistent recovery, the Chesapeake’s “Rockfish” is now known to have multiple spawn pulses which sometimes continue into mid-May. While we wait for the stripers to come off the spawning grounds, it’s time to get out the fishing tackle and get things cleaned up and ready for opening day, in mid April.

     Maryland’s 2005 spring recreational trophy striped bass season opens on April 16 and continues through May 15, with a one fish per person per day creel and a minimum size limit of 28 inches. The second 2005 striper season in Maryland runs from May 16 through December 15, with a two fish per person per day creel and a “slot” size limit of 18 to 28 inches. One of these two daily fish can be over 28 inches. The 2005 Potomac River Fisheries Commission Spring recreational striped bass season opens on April 16 and continues May 15 with a one fish per person per day creel and a minimum size limit of 28 inches. During this first 2005 recreational striped bass PRFC season, striped bass can only be kept downriver of the Harry Nice (Route 301) Bridge. From May 16 through December 31, 2005, the PRFC recreational striper season permits two fish per person per day at 18 to 28 inches, one of which can be over 28 inches. The entire tidal PRFC waters from downstream of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (I-95) to the Smith Point Jetties in Virginia are open for possession of striped bass during ths second 2005 season. The 2005 Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) recreational striped bass trophy season in Chesapeake Bay begins on May 1 and continues through June 15, with a one fish, 32 inch minimum size. From May 16 through June 15 another parallel VMRC Chesapeake Bay striped bass season is open with a two fish per person per day creel and a slot size of 18 to 28 inches. One of these two fish may be larger than 32 inches. The final VMRC 2005 striped bass season in Virginia Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters opens on October 4 and continues through December 31, with a two fish per person per day creel and a slot size limit of 18 to 28 inches. One of these daily fish can exceed 28 inches.

     There are some specific rule and regulations which take place during the spring striped bass seasons in Maryland, PRFC and Virginia waters, so check out their websites or give them a call. Included are certain Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters which are closed to possession of striped bass during the first two Maryland seasons. Brochures and information cards on the 2005 fishing season are provided by Maryland DNR, the PRFC or VMRC and may be available at local fishing tackle and bait dealers. The VMRC website is found at; http://www.mrc.state.va.us and they can be reached by phone at, (757) 247-2200. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service website is located at; http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries The Maryland DNR Fisheries phone number for information is 1-800-688-3467. The PRFC website is; http://www.prfc.state.va.us and their phone number is 1-800-266-3904. 
 The Hunters Ministry of Upper Essex Baptist Church (UEBC) is holding their third annual Fish and Wildlife Day on Saturday, April 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All activities take place at the Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center, behind the Tappahannock, Virginia Southern States, on Route 17. There will be numerous exhibits from organizations including “Hunters for the Hungry” the National Wild Turkey Federation, local volunteer fire departments and rescue squads. Blood pressure and cholesterol screening will be available. Representatives from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Three Rivers Soil and Water Natural  Resources Conservation District, the Rappahannock Wildlife Refuge, and others will be onsite to share information and answer questions. There will be free admission for swimming, children's games, and door prizes.  Food will be for sale and a silent auction will take place to raise money for the UEBC Hunters for the Hungry work. For information or directions, call Roy Foster at (804) 443-5720. 
 

© 2004 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved