The MSSA is Working to Provide A Unified Voice to Preserve and Protect the Rights, Traditions and the Future of Recreational Fishing

March 2010

Dave Smith

 Well it is almost here, the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country, the 27th annual Championship on the Chesapeake is April 30th through May 2nd.  For 27 years now, the MSSA has been hosting this great event and every year it seems to get better and better.  This year we have added a few new things and improved a few others. 

The MSSA and its Tournament Committee are always looking for ways to improve the tournament and the overall angler experience.  One of these improvements is the introduction of the “All MSSA Crew Award.”  This is simple; the Captain who weighs in the heaviest rockfish and has an ‘All MSSA Crew’ will win a 50% increase in main tournament money … potentially worth $5,000!!!

Along with increasing the prize money we have increased the prizes for the Kids Division.  This year we want to encourage the kids to get involved and participate with their parents.  The MSSA will award prizes to the top 15 youth anglers.  These prizes will be actual fishing gear and merchandise.  We hope that by giving them new gear, the kids will be encouraged to continue fishing and help carry on our sport.

Look on the tournament website for more information on the new prizes and categories – http://www.mssa.net/championship.html or call the office at 410-255-5535

Great prizes and good fishing are essential to a good fishing tournament, but the MSSA also believes effective communication is just as important.   That is why we have introduced ‘Text Message Alerts’ and online results at the end of each day.  We can all agree that tournaments are beneficial to local communities and the quality of fishing in Maryland, but we also understand that conservation is critical.  That is why the MSSA is using readily available and easy to use technology to relay current results to all participants.  Knowing what size we need to beat, will allow all our participants to release a few more fish and reduce the kill.  We already have an impeccable fish to boat ratio, this will only help.

Please feel free to contact the main MSSA office and speak with me or Sherrie about the tournament.  We are always looking for positive criticism and suggestions. 

Take care and keep on fishin’

REGULATION CHANGE:

Please note the new catch and release regulations:

Fishing Restrictions for the period March 1 through the 3rd Friday in April. The restrictions in this section apply to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries that are not closed in accordance with §D(1) of this regulation. During the period from March 1 through the third Friday in April:

(1) A person recreationally angling:

(a) When using fish, crabs, or worms as bait, or processed bait, shall use:

(i) Circle hooks; or

(ii) "J" hooks with a gap of less than 1/2 inch between the point and the shank;

(b) May not use stinger hooks; and

(c) Shall use barbless hooks while trolling; and

(2) No more than six lines, regardless of the number of people on board a vessel, may be used for recreationally angling from a boat when trolling.

For specific language regarding these regulation visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/

proposed/ProposedtextCatchandReleaseNov09.