Rockfish Survey:
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It is in everyone's best interests to provide accurate data on Rockfish landings so that we are not shortchanged (again) when creel limits are being set. Please obtain a copy of the survey form and send information on all landings to MSSA/DNR.

MSSA HQ notes that by now most Maryland recreational anglers know that the minimum size for the 2006 spring trophy rockfish season, which opens on April 15th, is 33 inches, up from last year's limit of 28 inches. Fishermen may have also read that no fishing tournaments (except catch & release) are permitted until May 1st, which is why MSSA's 23rd Annual Spring Rockfish Tournament will be held May 5-7. The regulation changes stem from a ruling this winter by the federal Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) that requires Maryland to adjust its recreational trophy season to compensate for overages that occurred from 2003 to 2005.

While questions remain about the fairness of the quota system and the accuracy of the dock survey data that led to these stricter measures, MSSA encourages recreational anglers participate in the state's rockfish survey to address these concerns. The easy-to-use form asks anglers to record the length of the first 20 rockfish they catch on each trip this season. The data will help fisheries managers more accurately estimate the Bay's resident rockfish stocks, an important factor when determining creel and minimum of size limits.

The survey data will give fisheries managers much needed information to more fairly allocate rockfish for the spring trophy season," said Rich Novotny, executive director the MSSA.
"And anyone who regularly fishes in Maryland waters during the resident season knows keeper rockfish (18 inches) can be hard to come by. We hope this information can help refute the unfounded criticisms from other states, some of which want to increase the minimum size for resident Chesapeake rockfish." The rockfish survey could produce benefits to recreational anglers similar to those created by the state's coastal flounder survey, modeled after the MSSA Atlantic Coast chapter's highly successful effort that has tagged more than 1,000 flounder.

Membership News
By Ken Wheeler

New Members:
Please welcome new members Chad Green, Rick Poss, Steve Mack, Charlie Smith, Fred Green, H. Lamar Stull III, John Davis, Calvin Kinna, and Russell Pelan to the Frederick Chapter

As a reminder to all members, please check your membership renewal date. Ken will be available at the monthly meetings for renewals and new memberships.

Last Month's Raffle Winners:
50/50 $147 James Shaw
Rod and Reel Rick Etzler
Other winners Bud Wildman
Brian Etzler
Rick Poss
Jim Stewart
Steve Oneil
Frank Molino