Updates From Rob

Upcoming Events:

Jan. 11th CHAPTER DINNER:
This years chapter dinner will be held at Dutch's Daughter, Frederick on Wednesday, January 11, 2005. In keeping with the desires of the membership, we were able to reduce the cost per person from last year. The cost per Adult is $25.00 (children t/b/d). The menu will include: a seafood dish, roast beef and a chicken dish. To avoid the problems associated with reservations last year, you must have a ticket to attend. Tickets will be available at the November and December meetings, and via mail from Rick Thompson, or in person at Crabby's of Damascus, and at Shockley Honda from Robert Pelicott, Sr.

Superbowl Football Pool:
This will be our only fundraiser this year and these will be available at the November meeting.

Winter Fishing:
We will be doing some trips to Rudee Inlet in Virgina Beach this December for rockfish. Lodging is cheap at the Days Inn, $25 /night weekday and $30/ night for the weekend. The boat ramp is 2 miles away and it's free. Rockfish are right off the beach and you can use your standard bay trolling rigs and outfits. Remember you must stay within 3 miles of the beach at all times for rockfish. Last year we limited out every day. We usually look for a great weather window to schedule the trips. See Crabby or just at the meeting if you are interested.

Fall Tournament Results:
Congratulations to Frederick Member Matt Lacey for winning the Fall Tournament with a 42 7/8" fish. His winnings totaled $15,556! This year had a record 122 boats and the payouts reflected those numbers. The tournament was pushed back from October to November to increase the chance for larger fish and participation. Well the number of fish were not there due to the abnormally warm weather but the turnout was great.
Chapter member Chuck Mullaney also won a $50 gift card.

Captain of the Year:
We had a good showing and Tony Tolbard finished 3rd for Overall Captain of the Year and 2nd in the Bluewater Captain. Tony really had a shot at winning but could not come up with a fish in the Fall Tournament. Matt Lacey finished 5th in the Bay Captain and Rob Pellicot finished 5th in the Overall Captain. Great job guys, we look forward to next year.
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Fishing Regulations:
Maryland - Flounder
15.5" & 4 fish on the Coast
15.0" & 2 fish in Chesapeake Bay

Virginia - Flounder
16.5" & 6 fish.

Chincoteague Island, VA
Fishing Report by Charlie Koski
 
Winter finally arrived today Nov 17, with temps in the low 40's. We sure have had a warm fall season, to bad the fish didn't think so here in the bays. Although if you could get to the offshore wrecks there are plenty of fish to catch, especially Sea Bass and Tautog. Use squid or frozen sea clams for the Sea Bass. For Tautog use live blue crabs, sand fleas, green crabs, or frozen sea clams will work. No bait shops on the island carry these so a trip to OC would be advised. The sand fleas and green crab can be found at the bait and tackle shop on Golf Course Rd next to Crab Alley. Susan's Seafood in New Church has live blue crabs. Use a double dropper loop rig with 3/0 or 4/0 wide gap hooks and at least 8 oz of weight on a medium action conventional rod & reel. I use 50 lb braided line with 20 - 30 feet of 30 lb fluorocarbon leader. Use a albright special knot to attach the fluorocarbon to the leader. Tautog are tricky to catch so at the slightest bump you will want to try to set the hook and then get the fish out of the wreck. Many a fish are lost by not keeping the fish out of his hole. This is the best time of year to get in on this fishery. Tautog are being caught as close as Blackfish Banks. Anchor off the wreck and let out line until you are directly over the area to be fished. Check out this web-site for more info on this and other VA Reef sites.
http://www.mrc.state.va.us/
vsrfdf/reef.htm

The coordinates for Blackfish Banks are found here.
http://www.mrc.state.va.us/
vsrfdf/reef.htm

Rockfish have showed up finally at the inlet, off the beach, and at all the bridges coming on to the island. Most are being caught after dark casting to the pilings using 4 - 6" Storm Lures.

Tight lines!