In October, Chesapeake Bay anglers can enjoy opportunities to catch striped bass amongst three jurisdictions. Joining the already underway Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) striped bass seasons is the Virginia fall season which runs from October 4 through December 31. The Virginia fall striper (or rockfish) season has a daily creel limit of two fish per person at 18 inches or longer. Maryland and the PRFC have a two fish per person limit but only one of the fish can exceed 28 inches. 

     Information on the Virginia recreational striped bass season can be obtained by calling the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) at (-757-247-2200 or visiting their website at www.state.va.us/mrc/homepage.htm Information on the Maryland striper seasons is available by calling 800-688-3467 or visiting their website at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries and PRFC information is available by calling 800-266-3904. Striper action will continue to get even better as October progresses, so get the tackle and strategies ready for some great fishing.

     Trolling will be a favorite of many rockfish anglers although the popular chumming ground locations will continue to get plenty of attention. Tandem rigged bucktails in 1 to 2 ounce sizes should be fished from mid-depth to just off the bottom, unless anglers are fortunate enough to tangle with a school of feeding rock that are chasing bait near the surface. 

     Colors for the bucktails will vary from white, yellow or white on red combinations. Other favored lures for rockfish are mid-sized Tony Accetta, crippled alewives, Clark or Drone spoons fished at any depth and along with the bucktails can be used for casting into breaking fish. Enjoyment among anglers fishing for feeding stripers could be even more exciting if some bluefish are mixed in with the schools. October is also a month when big sea trout may be available, especially underneath feeding schools of stripers or bluefish.

     Farnham Hunt Club’s annual youth hunter safety day in late August was a great success. Virginia State Game Warden Bruce Wilds introduced the group of 25 plus youngsters and their adult companions to the excitement of turkey hunting. Safety and ethics were emphasized by Wilds in a way that all ages in attendance could understand. After his presentation, the youngsters were given the opportunity to visit a display table and see turkey decoys, mounts and the “tools of the trade” including a variety of calls. Son, the Farnham Hunt club home place was alive with apprentice turkey calling. 

     Virginia State Game Warden, Rich Goszka, instructed the group on firearms safety making sure that all present understood that all firearms need to be treated with care, safety and caution. The group then had the opportunity to enjoy some air rifle target practice and skeet shooting on the hunt club property. The August 25 event was a success because of the Farnham Hunt Club membership, Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the sponsors and those in attendance. 

     Our daughter Brittany, was among those who enjoyed this third annual youth event sponsored by Farnham Hunt Club. Billy Hughes, Rob Basye and other members expressed their gratitude for the many businesses and organizations who sponsored the Youth Hunter Safety event. Farnham Hunt Club is again inviting the public to attend their annual “Lets Talk Safe Hunting” event on Saturday, October 20 at 10 a.m. Call 804-333-4190 and read the Internet Article at chesapeakestyle.com for additional information. Hunting is a proud tradition which should be offered to the next generation. Doing so with an emphasis on firearms safety at all times is an important part of this heritage.

     A hunter education course will take place on Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6 at the Volunteer Fire Department on Route 360 in Callao, Va. The Friday session is from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Saturday, the session runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both sessions must be attended for certification. Registration is not required and there is no fee to attend.

     The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Southern Maryland Chapter “Boss Hens” are inviting all women to join them for a fun filled weekend in the outdoors, on October 27-28. Included in the activities will be map and compass skills, skeet shooting, archery, bird watching, outdoor photography, camping and outdoor cooking. An optional muzzle loader (antlerless) deer hunt on Saturday October 27 is also offered. The event is free of charge. To register or obtain more information, call Lynne Saunders at 301-274-0004 or Susan Boarman at 301-259-2830. 

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