Tackle Corner
by Matt Abell

This month I would like to talk about a new reel coming on the market right this second. These reels offer good quality at reasonable prices. This new series of reels are an aluminum bodied spinning reel that also comes in a new bait runner version. It is called the Salina manufactured by Okuma.
This reel was introduced in '07 and has developed a reputation for being a refined work horse. The anodized metal body keeps the brass and improved hi-density gears in perfect alignment.
Another key feature is the 5 High performance bearings (HPB). These are true shielded Stainless Steel bearings that offer you real corrosion protecton.
As far as fighting big fish, the SA's drag is redesigned & unsurpassed. It more than doubles the surface area of a traditional spinning reel drag. This will ensure smooth runs from that trophy fish.
Lastly, the SA has a extra heavy duty bail wire and power handle to make it a totally reliable salt water package that will hold it's own against reels twice it's price. These reels are offered in 10# to 30# line class. The price starts at around $89. One other note about Okuma.
They have dropped the retail price on the "T" series lever drag reels (blue ones). These make great starter reels without breaking the bank. As with all Okuma products they are backed up by parts & service centers that will keep you crankin'. Thanks,
www.seahawksports.com
Matt at Sea Hawk Sports Center
410-957-0198

Frederick Chapter Spring
Tournament Update
This will be your last chance to sign up at the discounted rate of $50 as the cutoff is March 12th at the meeting. We have reserved a block of rooms & slips at the Comfort Inn/Beacon Marina. You'll need to make your own room reservations by calling the hotel at 410-326-6303 & provide the block name "Rob Pellicot". All of our rooms had to be reserved so they are under my name. Once you make the reservation, the room will go to your name & you will receive a confirmation # that you need to keep. These discounted rooms are the same price as last year at $109/night. Slips will be reserved on our tournament entry form & they need to be paid at the meeting. It's our special rate of $1/foot/night & he's only charging us for 2 nights. These need to go through me as I provide a list to the dock master. We already have a block of 20 slips. He already has a waiting list so sign up early as once we hit 20 slips there are no more. Slips are going fast so make sure to sign up & pay at the March meeting. The tournament entry will be $50 until March 12th & the $100 calcutta will mirror the same. After the meeting in March the fee will go to $75 (March 13- April 9th) & the Calcutta will be $125. The last chance to sign up will be the April meeting. The rules and regulations will be given at the meeting. The dinner will be Fri. May 2nd @6:30pm - members $5 in advance & $10 at the door. Non members are $15 or $20 at the door. This will also be payable on the tournament entry.

Chincoteague Island, VA
Fishing Report by Charlie Koski

Randy Lewis Jr. of the Island House Restaurant in Wachapreague, VA was host to RFA president Jim Donofrio on 2/19/08. About 100 people were in attendance including Fisherman, Tackle Shop owners, Charter Captains, local fishing organizations, reporters and local politicians. The meeting was in support of changing the minds of the fisheries managers that the summer flounder stock is not in danger of being overfished and overfishing is not occuring as the NOAA scientists are speculating. Jim informed the group that in order to show that this is not happening more accurate information has to be provided by all parties. The RFA is looking for two representatives from VA to work closely with them to help come up with a way to gather these numbers to prove that overfishing is not occurring. Each state from Massachusetts to NC will have two representatives. Questions were taken by Jim on several items. RFA's goal is to lower the size limit or possibly come up with a regulation where there will be slot fish and also to have longer seasons from NJ north. If you are not a member of the RFA you may want to consider joining. A member receives all the necessary letters to send to our politicians in support of keeping Draconian regulations from occurring. One other item that was discussed that not only the Fisherman, Tackle Shop owners, Charter Captains, local fishing organizations need to participate but local business owners need to get involved with the fight to preserve that our fisheries will not be closed. On 2/26/08 VMRC passed option #5-19" flounder 5 per person per day with a closed season from 7/21-30(10 days). The season opens 3/1/08. You still have until March 31 to get on the Striper wagon here off the coast. Reports are that there are plenty of fish when you can find them.
Tight Lines.

For daily fishing reports check out captbobs-marina.com and
stevesbaitandtackle.com

Rockfish Regulations for the Trophy Season April 19th - May 13th
One Fish per Person 28" or greater. There is no Slot Limit this year. No fish can be taken May 14-15. May 16 it's back to the summer regs of 2 fish per person greater and only 1 can be over 28".

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report
by Captain Ed Susa
Things are starting to stir a little and some preseason activity seems to have already begun. Many of us and most of the charter boat captains have started preparation for the upcoming trophy season. I have heard reports that baitfish are already heading up the bay with the BIG spawning cows right on their heels. Netters have seen an abundance of bunker in their nets a fair amount of rockfish as well. Eastern Shore locals have been hitting the brackish water tidal creeks catching white perch and shad. Typically the perch run starts Mid March and this is a signal that the bay should soon be active. Some of the braver souls have been hitting the rips at the power plant with a mix of success. I have heard of some getting "skunked" and then have heard of others "tear'in em up". But we are all Fisherman, so, believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see. They have been bottom bouncing 1-2 oz lead heads with white or chartreuse 4" twister tails for these fish. We'll having said all this my feeling is its time to getting our gear up to snuff and "LET'S ROLL"