The Chesapeake Bay’s own comeback kid has once again showed us how resilient the striped bass species can be. 25 years after a near crash to extinction, the regional “rockfish” has provided yet another banner year of reproduction. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service conducts an annual sampling of striper stock known as Young of the Year. A 50 plus history of data and survey tracks allows Maryland to keep close eye on and provide predictions for this valuable fish. The moratorium is decades behind us and those who enjoy the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed should never have to worry about a ban on catching striped bass ever occurring again, thanks to the watchful eye of fisheries managers and biologists. We all have a part and stake in this fishery and need to ensure that it remains a sustainable one for generations to come.  

     The survey used to track and measure striped bass reproduction success is also used to study other species such as American shad and White perch. In their survey efforts, fisheries biologists also study and document he numbers of juvenile Atlantic menhaden. 

     During the 2005 survey, Maryland DNR Fisheries Staff collected 2,348 young-of-year (YOY) striped bass. Choptank River results were the highest documented since the dominant year-class of 2001. Striper reproduction indicators in the Upper Bay and Potomac River were a little above average. The Nanticoke River survey was significantly below average. Overall, the 2005 striped bass spawning success in Chesapeake Bay, is 17.8 which is well above the 52-year average of 12.0.

     Striper fishing in November and December can be exciting times for Chesapeake Bay anglers in Maryland, Virginia and the tidal Potomac River. There are some changes to the 2005 fall recreational striped bass season in Virginia which concerns maximum length of fish kept for creel possession. From October 4 through December 31, anglers fishing in Virginia Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters the daily possession limits is as follows: 2 fish per person with a minimum size of 18 inches and a maximum size of 28 inches. One of these two fish can be 34 inches or longer. No fish between 28 and 34 inches can be kept.  The VMRC website is found at; http://www.mrc.state.va.us and their phone number is (757) 247-2200.  For information about fishing in Maryland, visit the DNR website http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries or call them at 800-688-3467. The Potomac River Fisheries Commission website is; http://www.prfc.state.va.us and their phone number is 1-800-266-3904.  

     In November, there is a fishing tournament that all anglers should consider supporting. The 2nd Annual Casey Neal Rogers Memorial Rockfish Tournament takes place on Saturday, November 5, 2005, with fishing times from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fish entered for competition are weighed-in at Smith Point Marina or Buzzards Point Marina, in Northumberland County, Virginia. After the competition, dinner, beverages, music and a raffle will take place at the Fairfields Volunteer Fire Department in Reedville, Virginia. Registration and a captain’s briefing takes place from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, November 4 and also takes place at both marina locations. Prizes include 1st place- $5,000, 2nd place-$2,000 and 3rd place $1,500. There is also a youth division (17 and under) award. For information and cost per boat to enter, call Jett’s Marine at (804) 453-3611. The entry fee for this tournament is considered a charitable donation and non-refundable. All proceeds are to benefit the Casey Neal Rogers Memorial Scholarship Fund and Fairfields Volunteer Fire Department. Checks should be made out to CNR Memorial Rockfish Tournament and mailed to CNR Memorial, P.O. Box 233, Ophelia, VA 22530. Also required are the following information; Name, phone number, social security number, signature, city, state and zip code address, boat make, boat registration number, length and boat name.

© 2005 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved