First Tagged Fish Caught In Maryland $1,000,000 Fishing Challenge
Eight tagged largemouth bass caught over first weekend of tournament

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SNOW HILL –The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries service announced today that a Delaware man has caught the first specially tagged fish of the Maryland $1,000,000 Fishing Challenge. The tournament, which kicked off on Friday, June 3, runs through sundown on Monday, July 18.

Ed Lozzi, III, 43, of Felton, Del., caught the largemouth bass Saturday morning, June 4 at 8:15 a.m, in the Snow Hill area of the Pocomoke River. The fish, which measured 15 and 7/8 inches, was implanted with tag number 266. Lozzi was fishing from a bass boat when he landed the prize fish using a Yamamoto Senko lure. Lozzi, a regional store manager for Office Eagle, a division of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, will now be entered into the drawing for a chance to play for the $1 million prize.

“I was definitely excited about catching the fish and when I saw all of those zeros on the tag for the million dollar prize, I got really excited,” said Lozzi. “I go out fishing every chance I get and you can bet I’ll be out there again looking for more tagged largemouth bass.”

While Lozzi was the first angler to catch a tagged fish, he certainly wasn’t the only one. The less than desirable weather conditions could not keep the largemouth bass fishermen off the water this weekend for what could mean a $1 million payout. A total of eight tagged fish caught on Saturday and Sunday on the Sassafras, Potomac and Potomac Rivers, as well as the Susquehanna Flats, were certified by a DNR Fisheries biologist.

The Maryland $1,000,000 Fishing Challenge is sponsored by Boater’s World and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). Approximately 2,000 fish have been fitted with a bright green tag and released into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Anglers who catch one of specially tagged striped bass, largemouth bass, Atlantic croaker and white perch are reminded NOT TO REMOVE THE TAG from the fish and to immediately call the phone number listed on it. A DNR Fisheries biologist will come out to verify the catch within 24 hours and only after that should the angler release the fish back into the water.

For more information about the Maryland $1,000,000 Fishing Challenge including official rules, frequently asked questions and information on where to find each species of tagged fish, visit, http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fish4cash/.

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June 6, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov