DNR Announces 2011 Summer Flounder Regulations

Annapolis, Md. (March 29, 2011) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service announces the 2011 recreational summer flounder regulations to include a three-fish creel limit, an18-inch minimum size limit (an inch shorter than last year) and a season to run April 16 through November 30.

“Due to continued increases in the coastwide summer flounder stock and Maryland’s success in staying at or below the fishing target in 2010, summer flounder anglers will enjoy increased access to summer flounder in 2011,” said DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “Our choice of regulation is a direct result of our biologists working together with our anglers to enact regulations that work toward the coastwide rebuilding schedule, while providing quality fishing opportunities to our fishermen.”

A public notice announcing the 2011 regulations was published on March 26. DNR would also like to remind fishermen that the size limit also applies to summer flounder caught by commercial hook and line and is effective April 16.

DNR is encouraging anglers to participate in the fisheries management process by joining the volunteer angler survey. Anglers who join the survey will become eligible to win a rod and reel combo donated by All Tackle.com, a fishing tackle retailer with superstores in Annapolis, Ocean City and online. Go to http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/survey/index.asp to participate.

In addition, any angler who catches a flounder measuring 24 inches or longer and registers it as a citation award eligible fish will receive free admission to the grand finale of the 2011 Maryland Fishing Challenge during the Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point State Park on September 10. Simply bring your eligible fish to an authorized citation award center (certain tackle shops and charter boats) to receive your entry ticket and invitation for you and your family to the event. For details, go to http://dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/challenge/index.asp

Visit the Angler’s Log, DNR’s family friendly fishing report page, to see who is catching fish, locate hotspots and see what techniques are working. While you’re there, let us know about your fishing success. Check it out at http://dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/fishingreport/log.asp.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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 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