Although I am always saddened that I did not fish as often as I wanted (I never have) and that I must winterize Reel Love, I am warmed by the thought that I was able to: hear the reel sing as line ran from the spool, smelled the sweet scent of the ocean, saw the sun rise over the horizon, and know that all of our Frederick family returned to port safely.

See you at the next meeting.

Updates from Rob:
( Continued from Page 2 )

Offshore Fishermen:
Don't forget to get your HMS Permit (Highly Migratory Species) formally the Tuna Permit before heading offshore. It's $22 and you can do it yourself online at nmfspermits.com or call 888-872-8862. It's good from June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2006.

Chincoteague Fisherman
Secure boat storage is available on Rt 175 next to Ray's Shrimp Shanty. Tell them you are Frederick MSSA to get the discounted rate of $30/ month. Call Colleen at 757-990-2404.

Possible rockfish changes in 2006
Since we caught 20,000 lbs in excess according to the DNR we may be in for some changes in 2006. The MSSA is proposing an increase in the size limit up to 34 to 36 inches rather than reducing the creel limits or season.

The Atlantic States Fisheries Commission will be the group that determines the seasons and regulations and we should have their determinations by mid November.

( Continued on Pg 4 Col 2 )

New members:
No new members this month.

Chincoteague Island, VA
Fishing Report by Charlie Koski
 
(Continued from page 2)

Offshore the big Sea Bass are moving in as well as Tautog on the wrecks. I was able to get out on Oct 19 and we caught 85 keeper Black Sea Bass (12" min) in three hours between four of us. If the drift wasn't so fast near the end of the trip we would have had our limit of 100. Yellowfin Tuna are still at the Lumps out to the Canyons but rough seas have kept all the offshore boats at the dock.

Tight lines to all.

Updates from Rob:
( Continued from Pg 4 Col 1 )

MSSA Tournaments
If you have any feedback or changes please get them to Steve Shechtel or Bert Edmonston as the next committee was postponed from Oct 25 to later in November. This is your chance to get any recommendations or changes to the Tournamnet board of the MSSA for changes in 2006.

Safe Boating Course
Nov 14-16 Pinecliff Park
Call 301-696-2936 for more information. This is required for anyone born after 1972 in MD. Also if you have this certificate many insurance companies give additional discounts.

Schools of breaking bluefish and rockfish still provide hot action for the light tackle fisherman. Numerous captains are switching over to trolling under these schools to pick up their limits in legal rockfish. Spanish mackerel can still be trolled up in the schools of bluefish. The larger bluefish and rockfish seem to be holding along the channel edges. Bottom fishing is producing small to medium sized spot and a few legal sized trout in the mouth of the Patuxent River. The chumming action below 72 seems to be on and off for legal rockfish.

For any questions about legislative issues or fishing, I can be reached at my Frederick number, 301-663-4802.

For the latest fishing report, call me at the Fishin' Shack at 410-326-1891.