Another outdoor holiday season is upon us and with it, the early wintertime activities which anglers, hunters and those who treasure the fields, water and timberlands enjoy. The Tidewater Region has a lot to offer, even in December. With milder then normal temperatures and conditions prevailing through much of November, striped bass action in the Lower Potomac River and Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay waters will provide hook and line opportunities for a good part of this month. Until water temperatures approach the mid-40s’, anglers fishing waters under the jurisdiction of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) or the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), will have plenty to keep them busy. Both seasons are scheduled to remain open through December 31. For information on striped bass creel limits, call the PRFC at 800-266-3904. The VMRC can be contacted at 757-247-2200 or by visiting their website at www.state.va.us/mrc/homepage.htm 

     While chumming, ground menhaden may be a good tactic for the first two weeks of December, trolling deep for big stripers or “rockfish” will be the choice for many. Big rockfish cruising deep, channel waters of the Lower Potomac River near its’ mouth to upriver as far as “Deep Point” on the Southern Maryland shore and the Yeocomico River mouth on the Virginia side, can provide a large area to pick a place to troll in. Virginia Chesapeake Bay waters from East of Smith Point Light to the Bay-Bridge Tunnel in Tidewater have numerous places to catch December rockfish. Look along the drop-offs for temperature gradients and signs of larger baitfish which big stripers will be targeting for an early wintertime feed. 

     December trolling time means big lures for big fish. Large “sassy shad” trailer baits in bright colors of chartreuse, yellow or white will be coupled with big banjo-eye bucktails in 3 to 5 ounce sizes. Veterans of previous December Rockfish seasons will break out time tested “Bucketheads” which resemble huge bucktails weighing 10 to 16 ounces and requiring little if any additional weight. For lighter lures, heavy sinkers or downriggers will be required.. Other trolling options this month include “Stretch 25s or 30s” which dive to trolling depths without additional weight. Umbrella rigs with their colorful array of teaser baits and bucktails will be another favorite striper lure for December. 

     Deer hunting seasons underway in Maryland and Virginia are an exciting time for hunters of all ages. Hunting and other wildlife experiences are a way to introduce youngsters to what the outdoors has to offer. Always do so with a concern for obeying the law and the respect of landowners who so many of us depend on for hunting privileges. Wearing blaze or fluorescent orange is an important part of hunting regulations during deer firearms seasons which go a long way in preventing tragedy. A wide strip of blaze orange cloth can also be tied to your harvested game when moving it out of the woods. This will add an additional alert to other hunters of your presence.

     Last minute holiday season gift givers who have outdoor people on their lists can turn to some great reading and reference material. The holiday season is an exciting time for gift givers and receivers of all ages. Deane Winegar’s book, Longstreet Highroad Guide to the Chesapeake Bay takes the reader through an enjoyable tour of the Chesapeake Bay Region. Included is what’s available to see or experience with regional locations including directions, activities, facilities, dates/times for access and special events and (if applicable), fees. Also listed are nearby towns and local sources of information. Among the areas featured are Virginia’s Tidewater, Northern Neck and Eastern Shore. Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Region on both the Eastern and Western Shores are also included in the Longstreet Highroad Guide to the Chesapeake Bay. Look for this book on sale in Maryland and Virginia or write, Deane Winegar, 180 North Bear Den Road, Waynesboro, Va. 22980, for information on locations where it can be purchased or ordering by mail.

     Even Game Wardens can have their lighter moments; just ask Lt. Frank G. Mundy, an officer with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. This well known law enforcement officer and hunter safety instructor has written two books which share hilarious incidents he and others have experienced over a 20-year plus period. Game Warden Entertainment and Game Warden Entertainment, the Second Book provide enjoyable regional reading. Mixed in with real life stories, are some useful lessons in wildlife, fishing and human ethics. Incidents including an alleged fish poacher hanging upside down under a bridge and the relationship between “moonpies,” sardines and RC Cola fishing with hunting laws in the Commonwealth. For information on local sales, prices and ordering, call 540-833- 8316, or write Frank G. Mundy, P.O. Box 22 Broadway, Virginia 22815.

     During the Sunday afternoon, October 7, “Greenwings Event” sponsored by the Rappahannock Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, some of the adults began hearing of the war on terrorism which began that day, in Afghanistan. Two DGIF State Game Wardens assisting with the event also received special notice of an alert status concerning their duties. On that beautiful afternoon in Westmoreland County there was a mixture of anxiousness, determination and resolve, but not fear. Our response as a nation to the horror of September 11 had begun. 

     This Christmas holiday season, remember the military, law enforcement, fire, rescue and medical personnel who are defending our nation against terrorism. Our nation will prevail over the evils since September 11, but not without the brave sacrifice of these special people. Some are from within your own communities while others you may never meet. Remember them with your gifts, thoughts, thanks and prayers. God Bless the Untied States of America and her allies. © 2001 Steve and Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved

© 2001 Chelly & Steve Scala All Rights Reserved.