Bass Forum Set for Smallwood State Park

LaPlata, MD (May 12, 2010) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service will hold an open forum for largemouth and smallmouth bass anglers at 6:30 p.m. June 3 in the marina services building at Smallwood State Park in Marbury, Md. near LaPlata. The purpose of the forum is to discuss current fish population information and catch statistics and to explore present concerns about the fishery.

“We are soliciting thoughts on black bass fishing from avid anglers. In particular, we want to hear what they think about continuing the use of fish sanctuaries in Chicamuxen Creek and perhaps expanding the concept to discreet areas of the Upper Chesapeake Bay,” said DNR Fisheries Service Tidal Bass Manager Joe Love. “We’re also hoping to trade thoughts on black bass handling techniques as we enter warmer days when the stress on fish that are caught and released increases substantially.”

DNR fisheries staff including Love and DNR Biologist Branson Williams, who was recently assigned to tournaments management, will be on hand to exchange information on bass fishing and tournament practices.

Tips on fish handling and live-well maintenance will be a featured part of the forum. Much of this information and news of statewide bass events are available at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/tidalbass

For more information, please contact Joseph Love at (410) 260-8257 or jlove@dnr.state.md.us.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 467,000 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