Martin Gary
of the Maryland DNR

gave a great presentation on the pending rockfish regulations along with many other insights. These are not official but it appears we will have 1 fish per person at either of the following slot limits, not both. This will be the total length of the fish 28"-37" or 43"+ These are not final as the 43" may go down to 42" but we'll know for sure at the March 14th meeting. He also spoke about the need for survey data & you should do this for every trip taken. This can be done on the web at: http://
www.dnr.state.md.us/
fisheries/survey/sbsurveyintro.shtml

or we will have forms with stamped labels at the meeting. The importance of this is tremendous otherwise the ASFMC is using incorrect data to determine our catch. The only thing that really saved us this year was the fact the charter boats are required to keep a log and those logs helped to determine that they had over estimated our catch. These surveys will only help us so please fill them out after every trip even if you did not catch anything.

Shakedown Cruise April 7
See Dave Griffin at the meeting to sign up. It's $10 to register. We'll do a drawing during lunch, winner will take all. It's scheduled for Sandy Point State Park.

Spring Tournament May 4-6
The Frederick Chapter will be accepting registrations for our tournament at the meeting. This is the last time to get in at the reduced rate of $50 per boat. Don't forget the Calcutta for $100 as well. After this meeting the price goes up to $75. Also call to get your rooms at the Comfort Inn at 410-326-6303 and use the Frederick Chapter code to get the discounted rate of $109 per night. We have our block of rooms both smoking & non smoking. Do Not request a slip as we will take care of this on your registration at the meeting. We have a block of slips & they will be good from Wed - Mon. (you will only be charged for 2 nights). If you have any questions at all call Rob at 301-696-7851 or 301-606-0392.

MSSA
Spring Tournament May 4-6
You can still enter for the early bird special rate of $150 per boat through March 15th. You can find the application in Tidelines or the tournament brochure & fax it in with a credit card.

Flounder Tournament
May 18-20
Sign ups will start at the March meeting. Dave will provide updates.

Monthly Speakers
If you know of anyone or possibly one of our members that would make a great speaker, let us know. You do not need a slide show or polished presentation just bring what you need to teach others. It could be rod building, boat tricks, tips and maintenance or just a good fishermen willing to share some secrets. Let Ed Susa know at the next meeting.

Chincoteague Island, VA
Fishing Report by Charlie Koski

The Virginia Resource Commission adopted a size limit for Summer Flounder of 18.5" and a five fish PP creel. Fishery is closed January 1 - March 31 and July 23 - 28, Pony Penning week on Chincoteague. Just got this news via email upon my return from vacation in SC and FL. Got one day of fishing in out of Vero Beach. We caught 14 different species in four hours most in less than three feet of water. Contact Tim Ward if you want to get this type of fishing in when in Florida.

Tell them Charlie sent you!

Fishing has been nil here but have heard of stripers still being caught in the suds and also around the bridge pilings and out in the inlet to the EEZ zone. Some bluefish and Spine dogs are in the catch reports as well. Fresh bait is hard to find so if coming to the island in March check with Seahawk Sports Center in Pocomoke. Tog are still biting on the wrecks if you can get out. Some to 17 lbs have been reported. Check the weather report closely if you plan on coming down as the winds have been horrendous for the past two weeks. I hear the Morning Star out of OC is running Tog trips if you want to put some dinner on the table, or if you just want to get some line wet. I recommend this boat highly and he only takes 12 people max this time of year. Check it out! Tight Lines!

For daily fishing reports check out www.captbobs-marina.com/
NewsReports.php
and
www.stevesbaitandtackle.com/
NewsReports.php

Report from Bill's Fishing Shack: by Bill Johnson
None Submitted.

Membership Coordinator
The MSSA Frederick Chapter is looking for a membership coordinator. If you are interested in helping out or would like more information see Rick Thompson or Ken Wheeler at the meeting. Ken will make sure the transition is a smooth one & be there for any issues. We are looking for others that could serve as a call team etc, to help this coordinator from time to time. All positions will not involve a huge amount of time but we do need some volunteers.