| Press Releases | Search DNR | DNR Home |
“Diamond Jim” -- Or Imposter -- To Be Exposed!
Two Lucky Anglers Qualified So Far To Be Winners in the 2007 Maryland Fishing
WHAT: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin will reveal whether the two stripers caught thus far in the 2007 Maryland Fishing Challenge are the genuine “Diamond Jim” or imposters. The second release of “Diamond Jim” fish will also occur.
WHEN: 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 3, 2007
WHERE: The Pier at Fort McHenry National Historic Monument
2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230BACKGROUND:
On Saturday, June 16th, Rob Johnson of Preston, MD, was the first to catch one of 21 specially tagged “Diamond Jim” striped bass initially released by DNR into the Chesapeake Bay at the kick-off of the 2007 Maryland Fishing Challenge. Johnson was aboard a private boat trolling an umbrella rig trimmed out with storm lures and 10 ounces of weight along the 40-foot contour line, just west of the Sharps Island Light, when he caught the 20-inch striped bass
On Sunday, June 24th, while fishing with her brother aboard their private skiff under the Hooperville Bridge, 15 year old Trish Hayden of Fishing Creek, MD, caught the second potential “Diamond Jim”, a 20.5 inch striped bass (rockfish).
On Tuesday, July 3rd, Ms. Hayden and Mr. Johnson will find out if their respective catches have won them $10,000 from Boater’s World and a $5,000 diamond from Smyth Jewelers in Timonium. Only one of the “Diamond Jim” fish released earlier in June is worth a cash and diamond prize, the remaining 20 “imposter” fish are worth a $500 gift certificate to Boater's World Marine Centers, the official sponsor of “Diamond Jim” in the 2007 Maryland Fishing Challenge.
Immediately after the “Diamond Jim” unveiling, DNR will begin releasing the second batch of tagged stripped bass. If neither of the two “Diamond Jims” caught in June are genuine, the cash prize for an authentic “Diamond Jim” caught during July increases to $20,000.
The 2007 Maryland Fishing Challenge is designed to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts, and inspire environmental stewardship. For more information about the prizes, rules, and where to fish, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge.
June 29, 2007Maryland 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 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 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 12 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.