Spring Rockfish Regulations

May 16 - Dec 15, 2007 2 fish per person at 18" to 28" or 1 at 18" to 28" and 1 over 28" Cannot possess striped bass between 12 midnight and 5am.

Survey Data
There is a real need for the survey data. This can be done on the web
at: 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.

Boat US Discounted Memberships
We have a Cooperating Group Agreement with Boat US & with membership at 1/2 price $12.50 by signing up at the meeting. We'll have the forms at the meeting & our group # is GA84945B.

Spring Tournament May 4-6
Even though I write this before the tournament is underway, we already have members who have won some prizes. Kevin Swartzbaugh won a free entry into the Spring Tournament in an early bird drawing. I know quite a few other members who won prizes at the MSSA Captain's meetings, rod & reel combos, tackle boxes and marine stereo systems. A big thank you goes out to Boater's World for not only hosting these events but for providing the prizes as well. Make sure to turn in your MSSA weigh slips by the meeting on 5/9. No late slips will be accepted. The awards will be given at the June meeting. If you have any questions at all call Rob at 301-696-7851 or 301-606-0392.

Flounder Tournament
May 18-20
This is your last chance to get in the Flounder Tournament. We have discounted rooms at the Seahawk Motel & a dinner Friday night at Maria's. Dave will have signups at the meeting.

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.

Congratulations to John Reed
who is the 1st Frederick Chapter member to get a life membership with the MSSA. John is one of our oldest members and is still very active. He makes every one of our meetings.
Thanks for your support.

Membership Coordinator
The 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.

Chincoteague Island, VA
Fishing Report by Charlie Koski

Have seen a lot of Frederick Chapter members around the island & out on the water lately. Always good to see fellow members sharing tight lines with friends & family. As far as fishing goes; well, what can I say, other than come on down & enjoy what is biting. We've had a good run of Flounder early on so far with several citation fish boated already. The question is, will it last? The weekend of April 20-22 proved fish-full for many, as one captain had 17 keeper flounder in a 4-hour trip with only three anglers on his boat. Days we dream of huh! Flounder are being caught just about anywhere around the island & in the inlet but mostly in deeper water. As far as offshore, it is time to hit the wrecks where sea bass & tog are really turning on. Black Drum are also being caught on the seaside. Seen one group of guys from Frederick MSSA who went over to Crisfield and limited out on trophy stripers on a couple of different days. The Eastern Shore can be a piscatorial delight when the weather is right. Come on down to the land of pleasant living and get in on the action. 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
The 2007 rockfish season couldn't have opened with better weather & plenty of fish to be caught. I have yet to fish for these trophies. Most captains that I talk to limited out with legal fish & some throw backs in the 35" to 41" class on the first day of the season. Although the weather on the 2nd day of the season, Sunday the 22nd, was just as good, the fish bite was much slower with the exception of good early, morning bite. I feel that the heavy boat traffic & low water temps have contributed to the slow bite so far this season. The weather for the week preceding the MSSA Tournament is predicted to be seasonably warm with plenty of sunshine. The bite should be much better for the tournament. Cove Point on the 28th to continue testing the hardware I now have in my back. Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers. I hope you can get a real head-shaking trophy rockfish this spring.

Bottom fishing in the Patuxent River has been nearly nonexistent with the exception of a few white perch. Walking out on Cove Point beach in the evenings has produced nice catches of hardhead (croakers) in the 14" to 18" class. I am hoping to venture out on my boat at least once before the tournament but am also keeping in touch with a number of the captains, so I will be able to pass on any information you might want for the tournament. However, I'm not planning on fishing the tournament this year. For up-to-date fishing information, call Bill Johnson at 410-326-1891.