Annapolis Angler Wins Grand Prize At Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale

Diamond Jim Anglers Split $25,000 Cash

Annapolis, Md. (September 8, 2012) ─  Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin presented approximately $70,000 in cash, prizes and merchandise to lucky anglers this morning at the 2012 Maryland Fishing Challenge. Nearly 2,000 people, including sponsors, anglers and their guests attended the 8th annual contest’s closing ceremony at Sandy Point State Park.

“The sport of fishing is a longstanding tradition here in Maryland, a way to build camaraderie and create memories with friends and family,” said Secretary Griffin. “I want to extend a huge congratulations to this year’s winners, and remind my fellow anglers that although the 2012 contest has come to an end, this marks the start of the 2013 challenge ─ Happy fishing!”

Since Labor Day 2011, more than 1,000 anglers qualified to participate in today’s grand prize drawing, nine of whom also qualified for the Diamond Jim component of the challenge. Youth winners from fishing rodeos across the State also won exciting guided fishing trips donated by supporting fishing groups and professional guides.

“Thank you to all of our generous sponsors who have helped this contest go strong for eight years now,” said Griffin. “These partnerships help keep this sport alive, introducing our State’s youth to the joys of fishing, while inspiring the next generation to become responsible stewards of our natural world.”

Walking away with today’s grand prize of boat, motor and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats, was John Veil of Annapolis who caught an Angler Award qualifying, 13.5-inch white perch.

“This was a big surprise!” said Veil. “I came here to enjoy the event and won a new boat!”

John Schultz, a novice angler from Pennsylvania won an all expenses paid fishing trip to the Bimini Game Club on Bimini Island in the Bahamas provided by the World Fishing Network.

“This is amazing!” said Schultz. “I cannot get over it!”

Bill’s Outdoor Center at Deep Creek Lake returned as a premiere sponsor with thousands of dollars in tackle and fishing gear for the prize drawings. AllTackle, Angler’s Sports Center, Clyde’s Sport Shop, Fishbone’s Bait and Tackle, Herb’s Tackle Shop, Marty’s Sporting Goods and Tochterman’s Fishing Tackle also donated gift cards and youth tackle packages. All contestants received commemorative shirts, courtesy of Under Armour.

Nine lucky anglers caught specially tagged rockfish this summer in the Diamond Jim component of the 2012 Fishing Challenge. After all corresponding envelopes were opened – and no authentic Diamond Jim was discovered – the anglers split the contest’s cash prize of $25,000 ─ taking home $2,778 each.

The youth component of the Maryland Fishing Challenge celebrated 19 lucky anglers who advanced from DNR-sponsored fishing rodeos this summer. These individuals were awarded fishing gear and trips from the event’s generous sponsors.

“Catch a fish” is one of the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, issued by Governor Martin O’Malley under the Partnership for Children in Nature, an initiative to ensure all young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards.

Three batches of specially tagged striped bass – three genuine Diamond Jims and 375 imposters – were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries this summer. Diamond Jim’s value increased each month: from $10,000 in June to $20,000 in July and $25,000 in August. The seven Diamond Jim imposters were worth at least $500 each for the duration of the contest.

Through the Angler Award component, 80 species of fish, 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, were eligible for the grand prizes.

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.

More information on the Maryland Fishing Challenge including a list of winners is available at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/challenge/index.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. 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