Rockfish anglers advised to note changes

[Sam]

With spring striped bass season coming soon, fishermen are urged to note changes made to start dates and measurement regulations.
The proposed management measures were approved this week by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Technical Committee. The regulations to implement the season will be immediately submitted to the Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee of the General Assembly for review and approval this spring.


The Maryland Department of Natural Resources worked closely with coastal fisheries management partners and Maryland anglers to implement size limits that best meet its conservation objective of limiting harvest to 30,000 migrant striped bass -- also known as rockfish -- while still providing quality fishing opportunities.
"We are pleased to have reached a resolution that will afford Maryland anglers an exciting and productive spring fishery, while meeting the requirements of the interstate plan and positioning the state for more productive fisheries in future years," said DNR Secretary John Griffin in a statement.
The 30,000 target was put into place by ASMFC after Maryland anglers exceeded established spring quotas the last two years.
From April 21 through May 15 this year, anglers may keep one fish per person per day between 28 and 34.9 inches in total length or one fish 41.1 inches or greater. Striped bass between 35 and 41 inches must be released to the water unharmed.
"They need to be very careful how they handle the rockfish," said Cpl. Jim Wilson of DNR police for Maryland's Eastern Shore. "They're very vulnerable at this time."
From May 16 through Dec. 15 anglers may keep two fish per person per day between 18 and 28 inches, or one fish between 18 and 28 inches and one fish over 28 inches.
Still, the question is if the changes will throw people off too much.
"I think the biggest problem is changing the rule books," said Luann Hitch, co-owner of L. E. Hitch & Sons Bait & Tackle Shop in Eden. "There will be confusion."
The 2007 management measures will result in an estimated harvest of 114,000 striped bass sized 28 inches and greater from April 21 through May 31, of which 28,000 would be considered migrant coastal striped bass. Release of any large fish will reduce the harvest of migrant striped bass and reduce the possibility of exceeding the 30,000 fish target.
"We're always aggressively patrolling to protect our resources," Wilson said.
Officials from DNR also reminds anglers anyone who voluntarily releases a striped bass 40 inches or larger -- in keeping with the growing catch and release ethic -- is eligible to receive a governor's striped bass conservation certificate.
Once a striped bass has been taken into possession, the department strongly encourages that angler to cease fishing for striped bass for that day. Also, it is illegal to cull, or exchange, a striped bass already in possession for another striped bass later caught. Eels may not be used as bait until May 16. If fishing with cut or live bait, fishermen should use non-offset circle hooks.

The Daily Times - www.delmarvanow.com - Salisbury, Md.

[Sam]

I'm still a little unclear if this refers to just the Chesapeake bay or the ocean as well?

[Charkbait]

bay only, atlantic regs remain.

[Sam]

Thanks... I was getting worried there.