400 Swimmers Expected for Race Near Rocky Point

     Essex, Md. -- Mariners are advised that a benefit swim is scheduled to occur near the mouth of the Back River in Baltimore County on Sunday, August 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Approximately 400 swimmers will operate on a triangular course, starting near Rocky Point, proceeding northward in Hawk Cove, and finishing near Rocky Point. Participants will be accompanied by support vessels. Official patrol personnel on scene can be contacted on marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM. For any comments or  questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or
Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12278.

Steamed Crabs, Bird Dog & the Road Kings at CBMM August 14

     St. Michaels, Md. -- With steamed crabs, cold beer, a boat docking contest, and the live music of Bird Dog and the Road Kings, the traditions of the Chesapeake are all part of the Talbot County Watermen’s Association’s 2nd Annual Watermen’s Appreciation Day on Sunday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland.
     This year features a special appearance by Edgar Hansen of the fishing vessel Northwestern—as featured on Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch.” Hansen will be available for autographs and plans to be a passenger aboard one of the boats in the docking contest.
     The “Watermen’s Rodeo” or boat docking contest begins at 11 a.m. along the museum’s Foggs Cove. Following the boat docking contest, which is slated to end around 3:30 p.m., event-goers can participate in a jigger-throwing contest and earn bragging rights for the farthest toss.
     At noon, the day’s catch of crabs will be steamed up and served in a traditional Maryland crab feast, with live music beginning at 1 p.m. from the Eastern Shore’s favorite band, Bird Dog and the Road Kings. Hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, cake, and snow cones will also be available. Check out the working watermen’s boats along the waterfront during this event, or tour the museum’s 18-acre waterfront campus and ten exhibit buildings, including the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse and the Oystering on the Chesapeake exhibits.
     Kid’s games and family activities will also be a part of the day’s offerings, including knot tying demonstrations, model boat building, and more. Free boat rides on the museum’s replica buyboat, Mister Jim, will be available every half hour from 10:30 to 4:30 p.m.
     You can also bid on a number of items in the Watermen’s Association’s silent auction alongside the museum’s Small Boat Shed and includes artwork by Marc Castelli. Bids will be taken until 4:30pm, with proceeds supporting oyster restoration projects on the bay.
     Admission includes the crab feast, hot dogs, hamburgers, free boat rides, and non-alcoholic drinks and is $25 for adults, or $16 for children ages 6-17, with kids under six fed and admitted for free. Museum members get into the event for free, with crab feast wristbands available for members at $15 per adult, or $6 for children ages 6-17. Beer and additional food will also be available for purchase. For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

American Red Cross One Design Cup on the Miles River August 6-7

     St. Michaels, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “American Red Cross One Design Cup” charity sailing regatta is scheduled to occur on the Miles River at St. Michaels during August 6-7. Up to 150 participating sailboats of all fleets (10 to 22 feet in length) will race in three separate, designated course areas located on the Miles River near the entrances to Long Haul Creek, Leeds Creek and Little Neck Creek. The races will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Additional information can be obtained from the Miles River Yacht Club at (410) 745-9511 or www.milesriveryc.org.
     For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at telephone (410) 576-2674 or email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12270.

U.S. Sailboat and Powerboat Shows to Host "Take the Wheel" Workshops

     Annapolis, Md. -- This fall's boat shows in Annapolis will feature "Take the Wheel" workshops for aspiring sailors and powerboaters.
   The workshops will offer a day-long educational package providing both "classroom" seminars and an introductory ride on a boat of the participants choice.
 The workshop cost of $150 per person or $250 per couple includes:
· A two-day boat show pass
· Morning seminars
· Afternoon on-the-water boating experience
· All instruction and printed materials
· Continental Breakfast and Lunch provided by Cafe Normandie
· Wine tasting social hour
     Each show workshop is limited to 50 participants per day. The boat demo rides will be available on a first-come-first-served sign-up basis, with early registrants guaranteed a ride on the boat of his or her choice, and more. The demonstration boat lists will be finalized soon and will include family cruisers under 40', production boats over 40', blue water boats, both mono hull and multihull in the 38'-50' range. Course information can be found on www.annapolisschoolofseamanship.com or by calling 866-369-2248.
     Classroom instruction will be provided by the Annapolis School of Seamanship, providing mariners of all experience levels with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed, safe decisions when operating and maintaining a vessel. Captain John Martino, president and founder of Annapolis School of Seamanship, and his team of highly qualified instructors, will lead three different morning seminars designed to inform new boat owners about the types of boats available and their uses; ownership options and considerations in the process of boat buying; and the safety and regulatory information integral to operating a vessel.
Register here to "Take the Wheel" at the US Sailboat Show!
Register here "Take the Wheel" at the US Powerboat Show!
      For more information on the boat shows visit www.usboat.com.
     "Take the Wheel" Schedule: U.S. Sailboat Show-Fri. October 7 or Sat. October 8; U.S. Powerboat Show- Fri. October 14 or Sat. October 15.

Hinckley Announces Inaugural Poker Run Set for August 20

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Hinckley Company has announced its inaugural Poker Run will take place on Saturday, August 20. More than 15 Hinckley Yachts are expected to rendezvous Saturday morning at the Hinckley Yacht Services yard in Annapolis on Whitehall Creek and get ready for a 10 a.m. start.
     Mariners will draw their first card for their poker hand and soon be on the way to the next three stops around Kent Island, where they will collect three more cards for their poker hand. Eventually all of the Hinckley Yachts will end up where they started that afternoon to collect the last card for a five-card poker hand and compare hands at the celebration BBQ.
     Spectators are welcome and you can contact Hinckley Yachts at 410-263-0095 or Hincklinkmd@hinckleyyachts.com for more details on where to get the best view.
     “The Poker Run will provide folks with the a rare treat of seeing so many Hinckley Yachts all together as they circumnavigate Kent Island for our Poker Run that day,” said Jennifer Richards, Brokerage Director for Hinckley Yachts.
     Hinckley, a privately held company founded in 1928, is renowned for its premium sailboats and power boats. The company builds its boats in Trenton and Southwest Harbor, Maine, and operates eight service yards along the U.S. East Coast. Hinckley has approximately 1,500 boat owners and 5,000 service customers worldwide.

International Jet Ski Tour Coming to Colonial Beach

     Colonial Beach, Va. -- Mariners are advised that the “Colonial Beach VA International Jet Ski Tour” is scheduled to occur on the Potomac River during July 30-31. The personal watercraft (PWC) closed-course racing and freestyle competition event at Colonial Beach, VA includes IJSBA practice and racing from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Up to 125 participants will operate on PWCs along a marked water course near the Colonial Beach Town Pier. Venue and course set up is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 28, and corporate practice and racing is scheduled to occur on Friday, July 29. Safety patrol personnel on scene can be contacted on marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12286.

Dine Out Week to Benefit Oyster Recovery Partnership

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the restaurants participating in the week-long celebration, From the Bay, For the Bay Dine Out, to promote Maryland seafood, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Oyster Recovery Partnership. Some of the restaurants include Clyde's, Hank's Oyster Bar, DC Coast, McCormick & Schmick's, Matchbox, and Equinox. “From the Bay, For the Bay is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible bounty our sate has to offer,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “By connecting our restaurants with local Maryland seafood, we are protecting our natural resources while creating and saving jobs.”
     The promotion will run October 2-9, 2011, with more than 200 restaurants already committed to participate. DNR anticipates that more than 300 total restaurants will take part in the celebration.
     “From the Bay, For the Bay supports the seafood industry and the livelihood of so many who rely on it,” said Todd and Ellen Gray, owners of Equinox, Watershed, and Muse.
     During the promotion, restaurants will feature fresh Maryland Seafood dishes. Each restaurant has agreed to donate a dollar from every Maryland seafood dinner sold during the week to the Oyster Recovery Partnership, a non-profit organization working to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population.
     “With the Chesapeake Bay at our backdoor, and multiple restaurants throughout the region, we jumped at the opportunity to partner with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the benefit of the Oyster Recovery Partnership,” said Ty Neal, principal partner of the Matchbox Food Group. “With this Dine Out, customers and restaurants alike can truly give back in rebuilding the Bay.”
     Over the last decade, the Oyster Recovery Partnership has replanted hundreds of millions of oysters in the Bay. Oysters are a critical species to the Bay’s long term recovery. A healthy oyster reef not only filters the Bay’s waters, but also provides habitat for other marine life such as blue crabs and striped bass.
     In preparation for the celebration, DNR has launched a webpage and a mobile web app featuring interactive maps to help seafood lovers locate and contact participating restaurants.
     For more information and to view the full list of participating restaurants please visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fromthebay/
    Look for the From the Bay, For the Bay mobile web app, on the fisheries mobile page on any web-capable mobile device.
     Restaurants that would like to participate should contact Steve Vilnit at svilnit@dnr.state.md.us.
   

Chester River Runoff to Perform at the Ruark Boatworks Wednesday, July 27

     Cambridge, Md. --  The James B. Richardson Foundation, Inc. is presenting live music Wednesday evenings throughout the summer months on Cambridge Creek at the Ruark Boatworks, located at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Hayward Street in Cambridge. The foundation requests a $5 donation for those 12 and older. Lawn seating only, bring chairs or blankets. Hot Dogs, nachos, snow cones, ice cream and drinks will be available for purchase.
     The rain location for concerts is inside the Richardson Maritime Museum, 401 High Street in Cambridge. For more information on this live music series, contact Gladys Taylor at 410-221-1871, stop by the Ruark Boatworks or visit www.richardsonmuseum.org.
     For harmonies, run away instrumentals and sheer delight, no one does bluegrass like Chester River Runoff. This group of enterprising young men from the Chestertown countryside have honed their musical prowess through hours of barn practice and miles on the road. Their repertoire goes well beyond the bluegrass standards to embrace homegrown material that reflects their Eastern Shore roots: call it eelgrass, call it bluecrabgrass, call it an incredible mix of fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass and vocals. Come hear them at The Ruark Boatworks on Wednesday, July 27 from 6 to 8 pm.
     Many musical groups describe themselves as "a family." But in the case of Chester River Runoff, it's not a simple cliché. It's an accurate description. For nearly seven years they've been laughing, bickering, and making music together from their home on the Eastern Shore and up and down the East Coast. The band is known for shows that combine three and four-part harmonies and a mastery of the bluegrass idiom with the high energy of some of the more far-flung torch-bearers of modern acoustic music.
     Says banjo player Sam Guthridge, "For the first few years we did our homework on traditional bluegrass until we got a handle on it, and then we moved on to doing our own thing. The time we spent really trying to toe the line on bluegrass traditions sets us apart from a lot of the bands we're compared to."
     No strict traditionalists, the Runoff's original songs draw inspiration from all over the map, and their sets are sprinkled with covers from artists as disparate as Pavement and Waylon Jennings, as well as songs the band has mined from old field recordings.
     Guthridge and guitarist Ben Armiger formed the band in the fall of 2004. After losing their original bassist and mandolin player, the pair did some searching and managed to convince bassist Marc Dykeman and ace fiddler Nate Grower to come along for the ride. Over the next 5 years, Dykeman and Grower became integral to the group, with Dykeman's rock-and-roll background livening up the mixture and Grower bringing the bluegrass chops that have enabled him to share the stage with some of the genre's legends.
     Chester River Runoff now plays at numerous venues and festivals up and down the East Coast. With the release of their debut studio album "Blue Heron Farm," and a consistent drive to write, learn, and expand their musical horizons, more growth is on the way for the band.

Governor's Cup Yacht Race to Sail August 5-6

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Governor’s Cup Yacht Race” will be held on the Chesapeake Bay, from 6 p.m. on Friday, August 5 to approximately 4 p.m. on August 6. The annual, overnight 70-mile race consists of up to 150 participating sailboats, starting near the mouth of the Severn River at Annapolis and finishing in the St. Mary’s River at St. Mary’s City. Additional information can be obtained from the St. Mary's College of Maryland Sailing Association website www.smcm.edu/govcup. Interested mariners may contact the Race Committee during the race on marine band radio channel 68 VHF-FM. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12270.

Snakehead Caught on Bay Tributary on the Eastern Shore

      Dover, Del. -- Northern snakeheads have been caught in two Delaware waterways in recent months, the DNREC Fisheries Section said Friday, July 22. The snakehead is an invasive species that can impact fish, amphibians and invertebrate populations due to their predatory nature, competition for food resources and alteration of established food webs. According to research by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, northern snakeheads and largemouth bass have similar food and habitat patterns, and bass numbers increased as snakeheads were removed from shared waterways.
     Last week, an angler caught a 24-inch fish in the Marshyhope Creek near the Route 404 bridge in Delaware waters north of Federalsburg, Maryland. Last fall, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries staff collected a 26-inch long snakehead during electrofishing efforts in Broad Creek just downstream of Laurel. Both fish were adults, weighing between four and six pounds. Both waterways are tributaries of the Nanticoke River, a very popular largemouth bass fishery in Delaware. The Nanticoke River is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
     “We are concerned about possible adverse impacts to largemouth bass in this important watershed if snakeheads become established,” said Fisheries Biologist Catherine Martin.

Red Bull National Wake on the Upper Potomac July 23

     Washington, D.C. -- Mariners are advised that the “Red Bull National Wake” is scheduled to occur on the Upper Potomac River on Saturday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The demonstration at National Harbor Marina includes professional wakeboarding athletes operating behind ski boats and other watercraft on a marked water course consisting of temporary structures (anchored floating
ramps) and marker floats, located between the marina’s North Pier and the Oxon Hill, Maryland shoreline in Smoots Cove, downriver of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge.
     Mariners are advised that the event marker floats and ramp structures are expected to
be in place on scene before, during and after the demonstration date. For any comments or questions, contact the National Harbor Marina General Manager at (301) 749-1582, or Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12289.

Janda Charged Again

     Easton, Md. -- The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) has charged Joseph B. Janda Jr., 25, of Wittman, Talbot County, with crabbing on a suspended license, possession of paraphernalia and possession of suspected heroin. On July 15 at 12:30 p.m., officers observed Janda using drugs and crabbing from a 20-foot homemade boat in Harris Creek.
     This is the second time NRP has caught and charged Janda since his tidal fish license was suspended for five years January 13, 2010. Janda was also charged with possessing undersized crabs on June 19. Janda’s vessel has been seized pending a trial.

Kent County — NRP has charged Travis Lee Cannan, 30, of Rock Hall, with crabbing without a commercial license, tidal fish license not available for inspection, failing to display crabbing day off, failing to display tidal fish license on his vessel and possession of undersize crabs. On July 13, officers seized four bushels of hard crabs from Cannan’s boat in the Chester River in the area of Durbins Creek. A trial has been set for 1:15 p.m. on August 23 in the District Court of Maryland for Kent County.

Dorchester County – The Maryland Natural Resources Police has charged Zachary Woodland Seaman, 27, of Cambridge, with three counts of possessing undersize hard crabs. The waterman was found with 251 undersize crabs in three bushel baskets at 1p.m. July 12 during a routine inspection in the Wingate area of Dorchester County.

Worcester County – NRP has charged Earnest J. Kasner, 33, of Rockaway Park, N.Y. with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation and failure to maintain proper lookout to avoid a collision. On July 7 at 10 p.m., Kasner was operating a 36-foot Chesapeake Sport fishing vessel, Anger Management, and ran it into the south jetty at Ocean City. The vessel sank as a result of the impact. Kasner was transported to Atlantic General Hospital for minor injuries.

"Thunder in the City" Poker Run to the Inner Harbor, Saturday, July 23

     Chesapeake City, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the "Thunder in the City" powerboat poker run is scheduled to occur on the Upper Chesapeake Bay on Saturday, July 23. Approximately 45 participants will depart Chesapeake City, Maryland at 10:30 a.m., transit westbound in the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and southbound in the Upper Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, then return to Chesapeake City by 5 p.m.
     More information is available at http://thunderinthecity.com/

Maryland DNR Certifies Tome's Landing as the newest Maryland Clean Marina

     Port Deposit, Md. -- Tome’s Landing Marina in Port Deposit is the newest Maryland Clean Marina to be certified by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The marina joins 145 other facilities that have adopted a significant portion of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and passed a site inspection. DNR oversees the Clean Marina Initiative, which is a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution.
     “The first time I set foot in their marina I knew it would qualify for the Clean Marina Award,” said Donna Morrow, coordinator of the Maryland Clean Marina Program. “You can just see the care put forth in every facet of the marina’s operation.”
     Owners Jack Conrad and David Read started the business in June 2000, consisting of two large dry storage buildings that hold approximately 200 boats. In addition to dry storage, the marina offers fuel at a carefully monitored fuel dock, marine sewage pump-outs and engine and boat repair. Pollution prevention controls are implemented in all areas of the operation.
     Tome’s Landing Marina has a waste oil and battery recycling program. Water used in washing boats is filtered and every fuel dock customer is given an oil-sorbing pad to prevent even minor drips or spills.
     “We’ve been what I’d call ‘clean’ for years. It’s nice to get an award from DNR to prove it,” said Conrad.
     Maryland Clean Marinas are re-inspected at least every three years to ensure they continue to meet award standards. Marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs of any size in Maryland are encouraged to participate in the program. Benefits include confidential compliance assistance, free promotion by DNR at regional boat shows, a free listing on the DNR website, use of the Clean Marina logo and—in many cases—discounts on marine insurance. More information and free program materials are available by calling 410-260-8773 or visiting http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina.

Cambridge Classic Powerboat Races on the Choptank July 23-24

     Cambridge, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “Cambridge Classic Power Boat Regatta” boat races will be held on the Choptank River at Cambridge, Maryland, July 23-24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The event consists of various classes of highspeed power boats operating on a racetrack-type course located between Hambrooks Bar and Great Marsh Point.
     Mariners are urged to reduce to the minimum speed necessary to maintain course while operating near the race course area during the event. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander on scene can be contacted on marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM, if necessary. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts12266

"Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge" Sets Sail Today

     Solomons, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the Southern Maryland Sailing Association (SMSA) will sponsor its annual “Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge” sailing races on the Chesapeake Bay, from Sunday, July 17, through Tuesday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Up to 160 participating sailboats will race in three fleets on three separate, designated course areas located at the mouth of the Patuxent River, near Solomons. Interested mariners may contact the SMSA’s Chief Race Officer aboard the 53-foot Hatteras MAVOURNEEN on marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM or at telephone (301) 481-8665. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at telephone (410) 576-2674 or email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart : 12270.

Maryland DNR Launches Online Youth Fishing Club

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has opened its virtual doors to a free online fishing clubhouse for anglers between the ages of 5 and 15.
     “This fishing club is a fun and helpful way to instill a sense of community and environmental stewardship in young anglers and their families,” said DNR’s Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell.
     The club will allow DNR to interact with young anglers and their mentors to promote upcoming youth events across Maryland, share fishing stories on the youth angler’s log and access dependable information on how to succeed in fishing.
     “We eventually hope to learn from our young anglers what works for them in developing an appreciation for the outdoors, so we may better support them in their endeavors,” said Letha Grimes, the club’s coordinator.
     Membership in the Maryland Youth Fishing Club is free and subject to parental approval. New members will receive a Maryland Youth Fishing Club Patch and access to helpful information from DNR and experts from partner fishing organizations across the State.
     To join the Maryland Youth Fishing Club visit dnr.maryland.gov/keepfishing.
    For more information, contact Letha Grimes at lgrimes@dnr.state.md.us.

Sassafras River Jam This Saturday

     Georgetown, Md. -- Mariners are invited to join the Sassafras River Association in celebrating the Sassafras River with an afternoon of live music and family fun on Saturday, July 16 from noon to 5 p.m.
     Come listen to the sounds of Chester River Runoff, The Blueskeepers, and Driven Women. Participate in the kayak race, gather a team to compete in the Dinghy Poker Run, or enter a raffle drawing.
     Interactive exhibitors will offer hands-on environmental and education activities for the whole family. Food and drink will be available for purchase as well as products from local vendors.
     Free dockage will be available for those who wish to come by boat.
     This event is free and open to public.

Hyatt Announces Plans for Second Annual Crab Week

     Cambridge, Md. -- From crab feasts and crabbing lessons to even a crab cake eating contest, Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort is all about Maryland’s state crustacean this August. The luxury waterfront resort is hosting its second annual Crab Week, August 14 - 28. Among the special activities, guests will have the chance to meet celebrated chef and restaurateur Bryan Voltaggio and attend his special five-course crab tasting dinner.
     “Crab week was such an enormous success last year, that we’re excited to bring it back for two full weeks this summer, with even more activities,” said Ted Kanatas, general manager of Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort.
     Activities during Crab Week include a crab cake eating contest and a crab cook-off contest. Crab-inspired activities for kids include crab cookie making, crab-walk contests, and crabby tattoos. Guests can take part in a special Saturday night feast at J.M. Clayton Company, the world’s oldest crab house.
     Chef Voltaggio, a recent finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef, will meet and greet guests on Saturday, August 27, and will serve as a celebrity judge of a crab “iron chef competition.” That evening, guests can join Chef Voltaggio for an exclusive five-course crab tasting dinner.
     Throughout the celebration, guests can “sink their claws” into bushels of crab-infused dishes. The four-diamond resort’s onsite seafood restaurant Blue Point Provision Company will offer special dishes as well as local craft beer specials. Guests can learn how to prepare favorite crab dishes at cooking demonstrations conducted by the resort’s team of chefs. At wine and spirit seminars, attendees will taste and learn which pairings work best with crab.
     Rates for Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort’s Crab Week start at $199 per night, Sunday through Thursday, and $249 on Friday and Saturday. To receive these special rates, travelers must ask for the Summer Sizzle package or mention offer code SUMSIZ during reservations.
     The rate is based upon availability, double occupancy and is exclusive of tax and resort fee. For more information and to make hotel and dinner reservations, call 800-633-7313 or visit www.chesapeakebay.hyatt.com.
      The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina bills itself as the premier four-diamond resort of the Chesapeake Bay. The property, which recently completed a $7 million renovation, is nestled on 342 magnificent acres along the Choptank River, and features 400 luxurious rooms and suites. Among amenities are six dining options; an award-winning, 18-hole championship golf course; the 150-slip River Marsh Marina; an 18,000 square-foot Stillwater Spa & Salon; multi-level indoor and outdoor swimming pools; a fitness facility, and a children's recreation center.

Solomons Island Invitational Regatta July 15-16

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that Eastport Yacht Club will sponsor its annual “Solomons Island Invitational Regatta”, an overnight sail race on the Chesapeake Bay, beginning at approximately 7 p.m. on July 15 and ending before noon on July 16. The overnight, point-to-point distance race with up to 150 participating sailboats will occur between Annapolis (off Triton Point) and Solomons Island, near the mouth of the Patuxent River. Interested mariners may contact the EYC’s Solomons Race Committee Coordinator during the start and finish on the marine band radio channel 16 or 68 VHF-FM. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.
Chart: 12270.
     Click here for the complete Local Notice to Mariners.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Offers Free Admission

     St. Michaels, Md. -- Free admission to the 18-acre waterfront campus and new exhibits of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland, is being offered to Delmarva residents during the Museum’s July 11-13 Delmarva Days recognition.
     “The breezes from the Miles River are blowing so nicely on our waterfront right now,” explained CBMM Vice President of Communications Tracey Munson. “We thought it would be great to share this great public space with all our neighbors from throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.”
     During the three days, free admission will be given to anyone showing a Delmarva address on a piece of identification or mail. General admission is otherwise free for museum members and kids under 6, or $13 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for children 6-17. As a Blue Star Museum, CBMM is also offering free admission every day through Labor Day for active military and their families.
     The museum features new art and decoy exhibits as well as a floating fleet of historic vessels, the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse to climb on, and many hands-on exhibits that share the stories of how people live, work, and play along the entire Chesapeake Bay. The museum is open 9am to 6pm seven days a week, with picnics and dogs welcome. For more information, visit the museum in St. Michaels, online at www.cbmm.org, or call 410-745-2916.

Annapolis Community Boating Announces Membership Rates and Benefits

     Annapolis, Md. -- Annapolis Community Boating offers memberships at $100 a year. Members can use the club's four keelboats (two J-24s and two SB3s) Monday evenings at Annapolis Sailing School and the kayaks, canoes, paddleboard, small sailboats and motorboats Wednesdays at Back Creek Nature Center on Edgewood Road. Also, boats are available to try at the Friday cookouts.
     Whether you come out on a Monday evening to sail or a Wednesday evening to paddle there will be staff there to offer help and instructions. Show up between 5:30 and 6:00 to get your boat assignment. Not a member yet, don't worry you can join when you get there.
Application Form
     Monday evenings ACB meets at Annapolis Sailing School: 7001 Bembe Beach Road Annapolis, 21403. Wednesday evenings, ACB meets at the Back Creek Nature Park Boating Center: 7314 Edgewood Road, Annapolis 21403.
     For further information call: Lorie Stout 410-703-8248.

Maryland DNR Fishing Information Now Has App

     Annapolis, Md. -- The new mobile web application is a slimmed down version of the Department of Natural Resources' Fisheries Service Official Web Site. The mobile web app works on a broad range of mobile devices, these include iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, WebOS, and BlackBerryOS 6.0+. To access the mobile web app point your device's browser to http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/mobile. The application is designed for folks on the go who demand information at their finger tips.
Main Features:


Today Screen

Once the app is turned on the user will be greeted with a Today screen. The screen shows upcoming events, recent news, Angler's Logs, and the most recent Maryland Fishing Challenge Citation Award winners. The menu is accessed by clicking the icon at the top of the page.
Fishing Reports
This section has the Weekly Overview by Keith Lockwood, Angler's Logs submitted by local anglers around the state, and a button that allows you to submit an angler's log of your own.

Tide Finder
The Tide Finder will serve up to 14 days of information for more than 100 sites around the Chesapeake, Potomac, and Ocean.

Regulations
The app gives users access to recreational fishing regulations for all Maryland managed species. Users may also click on more than one species/regulation at a time for comparison.

News & Updates
Have access to Fishery Service News and Updates at any time. Keep up to date with new regulations, fishing hot spots, and fresh topics from Maryland DNR Staff.

Maryland Fishing Challenge
Gain entry to the latest news, Citation Award Winners, eligible species and length requirements, and a map showing all of the 70+ Fishing Challenge Citation Award Center Locations.

Events Calendar
View upcoming Fisheries related events on the calendar.

Programs & Staff
Not sure who to call? Query Fisheries Programs for names and contact information.

Global Search
Tap the search button on the top green bar and you will be presented with a search box. From here you can type in a species and view all regulations, news stories, Angler's Logs, Fisheries Service staff contact, and state records for the species you searched for.

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Sea Tow Reports Busy July 4th Weekend

Sea Tow Hampton Roads (Va.) responded to a call for assistance from local authorities in freeing a sailboat from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on Sunday, July 3.

      Southold, N.Y. -- The number of July 4th weekend marine assistance calls to Sea Tow’s nationwide 24-hour dispatch center increased by 32 percent over 2010. The number of assistance calls dispatched for Trailer Care, the company’s roadside assistance program, increased by 58 percent over 2010.
     The most common request for on-water assistance was for a tow due to mechanical failure, followed by the need for fuel drops and un-groundings. Over the course of the weekend, Sea Tow members saved more than $400,000, as these services were provided for free under their membership privileges.
     Sea Tow Atlantic City and Sea Tow Cape May (N.J.), Sea Tow Freeport and Sea Tow Great South Bay (N.Y.), along with Sea Tow Central Texas, reported the highest activity levels in the network.
     “This was a tremendously busy weekend for our entire network,” said Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow’s founder/CEO. “We’re proud of the job our Sea Tow Captains and staff did from coast to coast. They were able to provide boaters with peace of mind when it mattered most.”
     In addition to the typical requests for on-water assistance, below are some highlights from the weekend:
     Sea Tow Captain John Gridley, co-owner of Sea Tow Clarks Hill Lake (a.k.a. Strom Thurman Lake), located near Augusta, Ga., saved the life of a boater. A severe thunderstorm blew across the area on Monday, July 4, catching a 98-foot houseboat in “horrid conditions.” A 12-year-old boy wearing his life jacket was blown overboard. Two adults jumped into the water to help, one without a life jacket. Capt. Gridley pulled the three from the water, transporting them to shore where the captain and another individual (Jim Masiongale) conducted rescue breathing on the victim who wasn’t wearing a life jacket until medical personnel arrived. Local news reports indicate that all three will recover.
     Sea Tow Hampton Roads (Va.) responded to a call for assistance from local authorities in freeing a sailboat from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on Sunday, July 3. The mast of the boat became entangled between the bridge girders and high power lines that were secured to the bridge about a foot away from it. Sea Tow Captains steadied the boat between the bridge and the lines while crews from the Bridge-Tunnel authority cut the mast to free the vessel. The boat was then transported to a local marina.
     Sea Tow U.S. Virgin Islands arrived in their 33-foot triple-engine RHIB to work with the U.S. Coast Guard as an asset in responding to the grounding of the Miss Royal Belmar, an 89-foot ferry that ran aground July 4. Ultimately, 98 people including one infant, and 4 crew were successfully transported from the ferry to local authorities at Red Hook Harbor, St. Thomas. The U.S. Coast Guard is continuing its investigation; more information and a photo of the Miss Royal Belmar can be found on the District 7 Web site: http://www.d7publicaffairs.com/go/doc/586/468067/.
     NOTE: The results of this year’s statistical analysis includes the Sea Tow network’s activity level from Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4, 2011.
     About Sea Tow:
     Sea Tow Services International, Inc. is the nation’s leading marine assistance provider. Founded in 1983 by Chairman & CEO Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow now serves over 160,000 members in 106 locations throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. For a full list of membership benefits, or to inquire about becoming a Sea Tow franchise owner, please visit seatow.com.

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report by Keith Lockwood

     Annapolis, Md. -- Fishermen are finding that fishing has settled into a typical summer pattern in the freshwater and Chesapeake Bay regions. Warm water temperatures and sunny conditions are offering some challenging but exciting freshwater fishing conditions for trout, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Striped bass in the Chesapeake waters tend to get finicky and on the move now that water temperatures in the bay have reached the 80-degree mark in many areas. Fishing offshore at Ocean City just gets better as the ocean temperatures rise and fishermen are experiencing some of the best fishing for tuna and marlin in recent memory. The sight of this beautiful white marlin alongside the boat is a lasting memory and treasure for any fisherman.
     A new batch of striped bass were tagged last week for the July component of Diamond Jim and one of these fish is worth a whopping $20,000. An exciting change to this year's Diamond Jim event is the fact that even the tagged imposter fish are eligible to split the grand prize. There are some exciting prizes up for grabs also for any fishermen who register their catch that meets the minimum size requirements for a wide variety of species; check the following link for details. www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/challenge/index.asp.
     Upper bay region fishermen are finding a typical pattern of summer chumming success at the Love Point area this week. The action there is best on a morning tide with the best fish being caught on fresh menhaden baits close to the bottom. Most of the action in the chum slick tends to be predominately sub-legal striped bass in the 15" category. Farther up the bay at the Conowingo Dam Pool a few legal sized striped bass are being caught at dawn by fishermen casting crankbaits, swim shads and live bait such as white perch and eels. There are plenty of channel catfish spread throughout the region in the upper reaches of the bay and its tidal rivers. White perch can be found on oyster lumps in the bay and also in the tidal creeks. Recreational crabbers are finding increasing numbers of crabs in the tidal creeks and rivers.
     The Bay Bridge has been a focal point for fishermen looking for larger striped bass that congregate near the bridge piers lately. The fish like the structure and wait for the tidal currents to sweep food items past the piers. Casting various types of soft plastic jigs, bucktails and metal near the bases of the piers can be a very effective way to catch some nice fish. Depth finders are very helpful in locating which piers are holding fish. Chumming can work at times and chunking or live lining spot are also good choices for fishing.
     Live lining spot has taken center stage now in the middle bay region as the supply of spot has become more abundant. The spot can be located in the shallower areas of the tidal rivers and transported to channel edges that are holding striped bass; typically the striped bass are holding in about 35' of water close to the bottom. The False Channel has been a favorite spot lately; especially since the supply of spot are close by, just off the channel at the #9 Green Buoy. The edges of the Hill and Thomas Point have been other places striped bass have also been holding periodically. Now that the heat of summer is upon us fishermen will often find the fish are moving quite frequently. Trolling is a good alternative at times and a mix of bucktails dressed with soft plastics and spoons can work well. Most captains are running inline weights or planers now since the fish are holding close to the bottom. Bluefish have not moved into the region in any appreciable numbers yet so soft plastics and live spot have a good chance of lasting a while.

"Diamond in the Rough" Triathlon Saturday, July 9, on the Susquehanna

     Perryville, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the swim segment of the “Diamond in the Rough” annual triathlon is scheduled to occur in the Susquehanna River on Saturday, July 9, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Up to 1,500 swimmers will participate on a marked course with a start and finish at the fishing dock at Stump Point, located at the Perryville Community Park in Perryville, Maryland, and will be supported by sponsor-provided kayaks. Safety patrol vessels on scene can be contacted on marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM, if necessary. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12274.

Powerboat Races Return to Denton July 9-10

     Denton, Md. -- Mariners are advised that powerboat races are scheduled to occur on the upper Choptank River July 9-10 from noon to 5 p.m. both days. The event consists of up to 50 small outboard racing hulls, runabouts and hydros, operating on a racetrack-type course located on the Choptank River, in Denton, between the state SR-404 (Meeting House Road) bridge, at mile 50.4, and the railroad swing bridge, at mile 50.9. The official patrol on scene can be contacted on marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM, if necessary. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12268. For the complete updated Local Notice to Mariners, click here.

Centreville Now Has Slips for Transient Boaters

     Centreville, Md. -- The town of Centreville unveiled its renovated wharf Saturday, June 2, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and events throughout the afternoon. In the town-owned portion of the wharf area, there are now 10 new boat slips, a bulkhead with tie-ups for transient boaters, fishing and boat loading platforms, a living shoreline restoration, walking paths, a pavilon and a gazebo. The town proper is approximately a half mile away, within walking distance, with many attractions and places to eat. Doc's Riverside Grill is close to the wharf and offers a friendly, casual place to eat and drink.

Fishing Licenses Not Required in Maryland on July 4th

     Annapolis, Md. -- Each year the state of Maryland encourages new anglers and visitors to sample the state’s excellent fishing opportunities by fishing without licenses on the first two Saturdays of June and on July 4th.
     “This is an excellent opportunity to check out the exceptional fishing that Maryland offers,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I encourage everyone to take their families and friends to our abundant streams, lakes, rivers, ponds, and bays for some quality time. Consider spreading your passion for fishing by introducing a new angler to the sport.”
     Free-fishing anglers must adhere to minimum size and creel limits for the 62 species that are managed by DNR, of course.
     Fishing regulations and a downloadable copy of the 2011 Maryland Fishing Guide are available online at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/regulations/regindex.asp. Copies of the 2011 Fishing Guide are also available at most tackle shops and at the seven DNR Service Centers around the state.
     Anglers fishing on state free fishing days do not need to register with the National Saltwater Angler registry.
     DNR Service Center information is available at dnr.maryland.gov/service/center.asp. For information on the National Saltwater Angler Registry go to dnr.maryland.gov/swregistry.asp.
     DNR encourages anglers of all ages to share photos of and information about the fish they catch by reporting through the DNR Angler’s Log—dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/log.

$20,000 Diamond Jim Now on the Loose

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources joined junior anglers on June 30 to catch, tag and release a second round of up to 200 specially tagged striped bass, including one genuine Diamond Jim – currently worth $20,000 — into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as part of the 2011 Maryland Fishing Challenge.
     “Now in its seventh year, the Maryland Fishing Challenge showcases Maryland’s excellent fishing, featuring accessible, affordable, diverse and high quality opportunities for anglers of all ages,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We hope to further encourage Marylanders to get outside and enjoy the water.”
     The first batch of Diamond Jim fish were released in June. This second round brings the number of imposters, worth $500 each, to about 400. A final group of approximately 200 fish will be released in August. This year, for the first time, DNR is guaranteeing a $25,000 payout. If no one catches an authentic Diamond Jim, the $25,000 will be split among those who caught the $500 imposters.
     The Maryland Fishing Challenge Citation Award program runs all year long, starting the day after Labor Day and ending the following Labor Day. There are 71 qualifying species in the program. Every angler who catches an award-qualifying fish or a Diamond Jim tagged striped bass and enters the challenge becomes eligible to participate in the grand prize random drawing, to be held during the 43rd annual Seafood Festival on September 10, 2011 at Sandy Point State Park.
     This year’s citation prizes include a boat and trailer package from Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats, thousands of dollars in fishing gear and trips from Bill’s Outdoor Center, a tropical vacation from World Fishing Network and merchandise from Under Armour.
     Diamond Jim was originally created during a short-lived fishing contest during the 1950s, when a single specially tagged striped bass was worth $25,000 to the lucky angler who caught him. DNR revived this fun family event in 2005, to promote recreational fishing, highlight Maryland’s State fish, recognize angler efforts and inspire natural resources stewardship.
     To see the complete citation award species list go to dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge/index.asp?p=species.
     To be eligible for the contest, all fish must caught recreationally by rod and reel. Complete rules are available online at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge.
     For information on the Maryland Seafood Festival, go to www.MDseafoodfestival.com.
     Note: If you catch a tagged fish, do not remove the tag. Put the fish in your freezer and call the number printed on the tag. A DNR representative will follow up to examine and certify the tag. The Diamond Jim component of this year’s challenge ends at midnight on September 5.