Governor Ehrlich to Recognize Maryland Anglers
Through New Striped Bass Catch and Release Award Citation

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ANNAPOLIS — The State of Maryland has long recognized anglers for their catches of memorable fish through the Department of Natural Resource's (DNR) angler recognition program. Now, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. will join DNR in recognizing anglers for releasing large striped bass they catch through the Governor's Striped Bass Catch and Release Award Citation. Any fishermen that releases a striped bass, or rockfish, 40 inches in length or greater will receive a handsome citation from the Governor.

“Brisk winds and the changing hues of our forests are signaling autumn's full arrival. For intrepid anglers on Chesapeake Bay, it also signals the opportunity to catch trophy-sized striped bass,” said Martin L. Gary, DNR Fisheries biologist. “Already there have been some reports of stripers over 40 inches in length as far north as the Susquehanna River. We hope to see the first of citations awarded very soon.”

Plunging water temperatures coupled with the diminishing amount of daylight will send rockfish on their annual southerly migration from their summer haunts off the New England coast. In the coming weeks, fish measuring up to 50 inches and weighing 60 pounds will be headed for the Virginia Capes and points south to North Carolina's Outer Banks, where they will spend the winter. Along the way, many of these large, migrant striped bass will turn up in the Chesapeake to feed on menhaden, silversides and bay anchovies. Through the season’s end on December 15, anglers trolling, jigging, chumming or casting with light tackle are allowed to keep two stripers per day, one of which may be 28 inches in length or greater.

Applications for the award citation are available on charter boats, at bait and tackle stores and off the DNR website at the following URL:
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/recreational/tournament/rockconserawardform.html.

For complete information on angler recognition programs and a current fishing report, please visit the DNR weekly fishing report at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/, or contact Keith Lockwood, 410-226-0078 or Martin L. Gary, 410-260-8289.

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November 2, 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