April and May are popular times for anglers pursuing trophy rockfish. All three Chesapeake Bay Regional Jurisdictions have recreational striped bass seasons underway. (For details on the Maryland, Virginia and Potomac River striper seasons, see the 2004 April/May “Tidewater & Timber” at; www.chesapeakestyle.com/tidewater ) Another reason for striper anglers to hone up on their catching skills takes place on June 11 and 12th, 2004, when the annual Reedville Bluefish Derby takes place. This fund raiser which benefits Smith Point Sea Rescue, Inc provides competition for cash prizes while benefiting a worthy organization which has assisted many boaters in distress. A press release from Smith Point Sea Rescue notes that, “Smith Point Sea Rescue is a totally volunteer rescue unit, which serves the local area. The organization receives no governmental funding and depends solely on the proceeds of this derby and donations to fund their operation for the year.”

      Cash prizes will be 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 $175 per boat, until June 1, when the cost goes up. 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. 

      During previous Bluefish Derby tournaments, anglers had to pass by one of the check boats during each day of the tournament. This year’s competition event no longer requires this. Boats leaving from nearby Lower Potomac, Rappahannock or Chesapeake Bay waters can just begin fishing within the established time limits on each day of the 21st annual event. Fish to be weighed in for the competition must be brought to either Smith Point Marina on the Little Wicomico River or Buzzard’s Point Marina on the Great Wicomico. 
The National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Southern Maryland Chapter is again holding it’s annual JAKES event, during the last weekend of June. The Juniors Achieving Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship (JAKES) program invites the next generation of hunters and conservationists to enjoy and learn about the outdoors. There is lots of fun along with the opportunity for those in attendance to learn about the important relationships between people, wildlife and the environment. For the past several years, the Izaak Walton League’s Southern Maryland Chapter near Waldorf has provided their beautiful “Outdoor Education Center” for JAKES events put on by the NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter. To register for this fun-filled event, call the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area at (301) 743-5161.

© 2004 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved