“Rocktime-2003” is well underway for the Chesapeake Bay during the month of May. In Virginia, the first of three different recreational striped bass seasons open on May 1 and continues through June 15 with the “Virginia Trophy Season”. Minimum striper size for this fishing opportunity is 32 inches with a possession limit of one per person. Joining this first season from May 16-June 15 is the Commonwealth’s second 2003 rockfishing opportunity with a two fish per person per day limit of 18 to 28 inches. One of these can be longer than 32 inches. Catch reports issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) are required for possession of a striped bass 32 inches or longer during these first two Virginia striped bass seasons. The spawning reaches of Virginia Chesapeake Bay tributary waters are closed to possession of stripers 32 inches or larger from May 1-June 15. After June 15, Virginia’s recreational striped bass seasons in Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters remains closed until October 4. Information on the 2003 striped bass seasons in Virginia can be obtained by calling the VMRC at (757) 247-2200 or by viewing their website at www.mrc.state.va.us

      Maryland’s current 2003 recreational striped bass season goes through May 15. There is a one fish per person per day limit of 28 inches or longer during this first “Freestate” striper season. During this fishing time possession of striped bass in Maryland waters is restricted to the mainstem Chesapeake Bay from Brewerton Channel to the Maryland/Virginia Line, Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. No eels can be used during the first 2003 Maryland season. Then, from May 16-31 different creel limits are in place. Two rockfish at 18-28 inches or one fish at 18-28 and one larger than 28 inches per person per day are permitted. On June 1-December 15 fishing for striped bass is open in all Maryland Chesapeake Bay waters and tributaries. The daily creel limit is 2 fish per person per day at 18 to 28 inches or 1 fish at 18-28 inches and a second fish larger than 28 inches. Striped bass (rockfish) may not be in possession while fishing Maryland waters between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. Information on Maryland striped bass regulations can be obtained by calling 1-800-688-3467 or by visiting the “Fisheries” page via the Department of Natural Resources website at; www.dnr.state.md.us

      The current striped bass fishing within Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) waters remains in place through May 15. Possession of stripers (rockfish) during this first PRFC season is only permitted down river of the Harry Nice (Route 301) Bridge which crosses the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. During this first 2003 PRFC season, the limit is one fish per person per day with a minimum size limit of 28 inches. No live eels are permitted during this season. On May 16 through December 31, the second PRFC 2003 striped bass season comes in. The daily possession limit is two fish per person per day at an 18 inch minimum size with only one allowed to be over 28 inches. For information on PRFC fishing seasons, call 1-800-266-3904 or (804) 224-7148. 

© 2003 Steve & Chelly Scala. All Rights Reserved.

Here's Jil celebrating her 29th birthday aboard her namesake, the "Jil Carrie"  on Opening Day 2003 with her loving pal—good ol' Capt.  Croakerhead. Jil caught the 1st Spring Trophy of the year, a 33" beauty!  Capt. Al looks on in approval. Photo by Jim Brincefield.

George McDuffie, Sr. showing off his Beast! Caught aboard the charter  boat "Jil Carrie" on April 22, 2003. Photo by Jim Brincefield

George McDuffie III fishing party aboard the Charter boat, "Jil Carrie" on April 22, 2003.  Jim Brincefield