Upcoming Events
( Continued from Page 1 )

We will give away a trolling rod and reel combo that night as well. It will be a great time to get together and have a weekend of fun and fishing. Don't forget our tournament will be the combine length of 3 rockfish to the V of the tail. If you fish the main MSSA we will take their yellow slips as proof.

Any questions call Rob at 301-696-7851 or 301-606-0392. We will also have a $100 per boat winner take all calcutta for the longest single rockfish. This measurement will also be to the v of the tail and usually there is a few thousand dollars on the line. Rockfish size limits - Although there has been no official word from the DNR we feel pretty comfortable that it will be a 33 to 34" minimum size limit in the spring. This should not pose any issue to our tournament or the limits.

Flounder Tournament:
The 2006 Frederick Chapter Flounder Tournament, to be held in Chincoteague Island, VA. on May 19-21, is now taking registrations. Fishing will start on Friday the 19th and that evening we will have a buffet dinner at Maria's Restaurant on Maddox Blvd at 7:00 pm. I've already put in an order for great weather & great fishing for this event so you don't want to miss it! You can register at the March meeting or send your registration form to:
Dave Griffin
15944 Rhododendron Dr.
Hagerstown, MD 21740

Entry fee is $50 until the April meeting and $75 after the meeting so get in early! If you have any questions, call the tournament Chairmen, Dave Griffin or
Mike Beans, at 304-676-3256 or 301-748-5791

Upcoming Events:
We will also have flyers at the meeting for these events as well.

March 11th - Broadneck Magothy River Rockfishing Seminar (8:30-2pm call 410-991-8090)
March 12th - Annapolis Offshore Rigging Seminar & Flea Market - Annapolis Elks Rt 2
March 26th - Essex/Middleriver Flea Market - Commodore Hall
April 1-2 - Southern MD Fishing Fair - Solomons Firehall
April 8th - Frederick Shakedown Cruise & Brunch - Sandy Point State Park (Sign up at the meeting).

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Turnament Awards:
Awards for the Spring Rockfish, Spring Flounder, and bragging rights from the June Tuna Trip will all be presented at the June Meeting. You should.

Chincoteague Island, VA
Fishing Report by Charlie Koski
 
January was mild but boy did it get cold in February. We just happend to get into the airport before the big blizzard of 06. We visited our daughter in Naples, Italy and also visited Rome. Both beautiful cities with alot of great history. They sure do drive crazy over there!! Unfortunately I did not get to try the fishing. Saw the Mediterranean Sea though!! On to fishing. Tautog are still being caught on the wrecks and farther south around Wachapreaue there are flounder and stripers being caught in the Ocean Other than getting gear ready in anticipation for the season and reading my saltwater magazines that is about all that is going on here on the island Flounder time is right around the corner!!!! Tight Lines.

Check out this web-site for more info on this and other VA Reef sites.
http://www.mrc.state.va.us/
vsrfdf/reef.htm

Getting to Know Your MSSA:
Nothing was submitted.

Report from Bill's Fishing Shack: by Bill Johnson
Nothing was submitted.

Safety Equipment Alert:
Check your flares and safety equipment in the off season. The time to do this is now. Chances are your flares are expired. You can keep them as backups but make a note to pick new ones up now , otherwise you will forget this important safety equipment that could save your life.

Another recommendation is to clip a whistle to your life jackets. These
are cheap and available at most boating supply stores. Many times we would rather spend our $ on fishing supplies and more tangible items than safety equipment that may never be used. But when your life is on the line you will be happy on the $ you spent. Just think what is your life worth.

Trailer Tires:
Make sure to check your air pressure in your trailer tires before your first trip of the year. Changes in the temperature and the time your boat spent sitting will change the pressure which can cause your tires to be under inflated and cause wear issues, flats etc.

Director Wanted:
There is one opening to serve out the remaining term (1 year) of one retiring Director on the Board. If you are interested in serving the Chapter, please contact Dave Griffin, or another Director. Board meetings are once a month on the third Wednesday and run from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.