WANTED: Diamond Jim

Last weekend to catch the outlaw fish!

Annapolis, Md. (August 31, 2012) ─  The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is putting out an all-points bulletin for the elusive Diamond Jim striped bass, easily recognized by its DNR tag. DNR recommends corralling a posse, heading out on the water and finding that fish! Caution is advised—Diamond Jim was last seen swimming with a gang of as many as 400 tagged stripers called imposters, each worth $500 a piece. The elusive Diamond Jim and his buddies are wanted for escaping during the 2012 Maryland Fishing Challenge. This is the last weekend to catch the wanted fish.

WANTED: UP TO $25,000 REWARD



DIAMOND JIM
Reward offered for the capture of the elusive tagged rockfish
 

The Maryland Fishing Challenge is a free, year-round tournament sponsored by DNR’s Fisheries Service, 27 recreational fishing organizations and generous donors across the State. The purpose of the event is to promote Maryland’s excellent fishing opportunities and the importance of children in the nature as an essential key to future environmental stewardship.

DNR Fisheries Service has released about 400 specially tagged striped bass so into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Anyone who catches a specially tagged rockfish could be eligible to win up to $25,000, if it is the true Diamond Jim. If it turns out to be an imposter Diamond Jim, it’ll still be worth at least $500. If no one catches the true diamond Jim, the $25,000 will be split among everyone who caught an eligible imposter tagged fish.

Additionally, if an angler catches the true August Diamond Jim they will receive a set of one-carat total weight, round, brilliant diamond stud earrings from Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis. Zachary’s is also providing five- to six-carat blue topaz charms for anglers who catch imposter fish. Seven local tackle shops are also putting up $1,000 gift cards each including All Tackle, Angler’s Sports Center, Clyde’s Sport Shop, Fishbone’s Bait and Tackle, Herb’s Tackle Shop, Marty’s Tackle Shop and Tochterman’s Tackle.

More than 80 species of fish are eligible for the Maryland Fishing Challenge including large and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, musky and panfish in the freshwaters of Maryland; rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, drum, sea trout and perch in the Chesapeake Bay; and tuna, marlin, flounder, kingfish and sea bass caught in Maryland waters off the Atlantic Coast.

Anyone who catches an award-qualifying fish and enters the challenge could win a boat, trailer and motor package from Tracker Marine, a tropical vacation from the World Fishing Network, tackle from Bill’s Outdoor Center and Bass Pro Shops. They’ll also get a collectable Maryland Fishing Challenge shirts from Under Armour.

To be eligible for the Maryland Fishing Challenge, all fish must be caught recreationally by rod and reel. To see the list of Angler Award species and the Maryland Fishing Challenge and Diamond Jim contest rules, visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge.
This year’s challenge honors the life and times of world renowned fly-fishing legend Lefty Kreh. Over his remarkable 75-year career the Maryland native has shared his enthusiasm and skill for fishing through his columns, books and presentations. He is also known for his commitment to Maryland’s natural resources, promoting conservation and clean water, and giving back to the outdoors. Kreh was honored by Governor Martin O’Malley at the dedication of the Lefty Kreh Fishing Trail in the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park on June 11.

Follow Diamond Jim on Facebook at facebook.com/diamondjim.md. DNR Fisheries is also on Facebook at facebook.com/MDDNRFisheriesService and Twitter, @mddnrfish.

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. 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