In the 1980's, the Atlantic Coast and Chesapeake Bay striped bass stocks were on the brink of extinction, and many other gamefish and marine resources were severely depleted. To save this prized gamefish --and rebuild recreational fishing overall in the Chesapeake and mid-Atlantic region --a small group of passionate recreational anglers banded together to form the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association (MSSA).

For almost 30 years, the MSSA has worked tirelessly to protect and enhance recreational fishing and conserve marine resources. And today, the MSSA is the voice for more than 7,000 recreational anglers in the Chesapeake Bay and mid-Atlantic region. Our conservation ethic, rooted in the 1985 striped bass moratorium, gets stronger with each passing year.

To protect your right to fish, the MSSA works with state and federal elected officials and other decision makers. The MSSA also serves on major fisheries advisory boards within the state Department of Natural Resources, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and National Marine Fisheries Service. MSSA makes sure the concerns and views of Chesapeake and mid-Atlantic recreational anglers are heard.

But MSSA is about more than protecting fish and fishing. With 14 active chapters throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania, MSSA fosters camaraderie and fun. We also host three major tournaments, including the largest striped bass spring tournament on the East Coast.

Each month at chapter meetings, professional anglers and guest speakers give lively and informative presentations on a variety of topics, from fishing techniques and tackle to fisheries conservation and marine electronics. MSSA chapters also sponsor fishing events for young people to teach our future fishermen the joys of fishing. We’re driven to ensure future generations of anglers are able to enjoy recreational fishing.

MSSA chapters hold fishing contests as well as charter trips to local and out-of-state hotspots. Other chapter-sponsored activities held throughout the year include fishing seminars and flea markets, auctions, bull roasts, and crab feasts. Many of our members have stated that their fishing skills have greatly improved due to attending chapter meetings. Join now and help the MSSA safeguard recreational fishing for today and tomorrow!

• To enhance saltwater sportfishing.


• To promote an understanding and appreciation of sound conservation principles.


• To promote a better understanding of saltwater fishery problems.


• To promote and support Legislative action that will provide for clean and ecologically sound waters.


• To consult and cooperate with national, state, and local authorities and other organizations concerning saltwater fishing activities.


• To provide information that will enable sportfishermen to improve their skills and increase their knowledge.


• To promote activities which broaden the spirit of fraternalism.


• To promote or support other activities relative to sportfishing in Maryland.