2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge Approaches Finale
$60,500 in prizes still swimming in Maryland waters

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages anglers of all ages to try their luck at catching specially tagged Diamond Jim rockfish or one of over sixty other species of fish to be entered into the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge before the contest concludes at the stroke of midnight on September 1.

“With only days left in this year’s contest, I encourage moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, new classmates and old friends to go fishing in Maryland’s waters,” said Tom O’Connell, Fisheries Service Director. “There are boundless opportunities to take part in freshwater, bay and ocean-side fishing experiences throughout our state’s waterways.”

The most recent batch of 21 specially tagged striped bass was released near Solomon, Md. and throughout the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. One of the 21 was deemed Diamond Jim, a fish worth $25,000 cash courtesy of Boater’s World and a $5,000 diamond from Smyth Jewelers, if caught before September 1. The other 62 tagged striped bass (21 released in June, 21 released on July 1 and 20 released on July 31), Diamond Jim imposters, are each worth $500 in Boater’s World gift certificates.

Designed to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts and inspire environmental stewardship, the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge began Saturday, April 12 and runs through Labor Day, September 1. Any angler who catches a citation-qualifying fish will be eligible to win one of the official sponsor grand prizes including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4x4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer package from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center. As an added youth component new this year, 20 youth from across the state have qualified through community fishing derbies to win chartered fishing trips with a mentor or parent. These trips will be awarded at the finale in September.

The finale and grand prize drawing will take place on Saturday, September 13 at Sandy Point State Park with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and door prizes commencing at 10 a.m. Anglers are encouraged to RSVP to the finale by visiting www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge/rsvp.

For more information about the contest, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge.

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August 28, 2008

Contact: Kara Turner 410-260-8018 office katurner@dnr.state.md.us

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 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