2014 Annapolis Yacht Club Races Scheduled

Mariners are advised that the 2014 Annapolis Yacht Club Regattas (17 sail racing events) are scheduled to occur on the Chesapeake Bay and/or Severn River, most held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the following dates during 2014:
April 26 (Spring One Design) and April 26-27 (AYC Overnight);
May 2-4 (NOOD Regatta), May 16-18 (J/22 North Americans) and May 17-18 (Lippincott Regatta);
June 7-8 (CRAB Cup in Annapolis Harbor), June 14-15 (Annual Regatta);
July 2 (Junior Annual Regatta) and July 26 (Summer OD Regatta);
August 30-31 (Labor Day Regatta);
October 4 (Fall Series 1), October 11-12 (Fall Series 2), October 18-19 (Fall Series 3) and October 25-26 (Fall Etchells-Stars and Halloween Howl);
November 1-2 (J/105 Ches Bay Champs) and November 15-16 (I 420 Atlantic Coast).
Most races will occur near the mouth of the Severn River and the adjacent Chesapeake Bay, south of the William P. Lane Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake Bay) Bridges and north of Curtis Point, Maryland.
For additional information, interested persons may link to individual events by contacting the AYC Regatta Manager at website www.race.annapolisyc.org or telephone number (410) 263-9147. Chart: 12270.

Dates Announced for Fall Annapolis Yacht Club Regattas

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the 2012 Annapolis Yacht Club’s Regattas (15 sail racing events) are scheduled to occur on the Chesapeake Bay, most held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the following dates: October 20-21 and October 27-28; and November 3 and November 17-18. The races will occur near the mouth of the Severn River, between the William P. Lane Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake Bay) Bridges and Bloody Point (Kent Island), Maryland. For additional information, interested persons may link to individual events by contacting the AYC Regatta Management website at www.race.annapolisyc.org. Chart 12270.

Broad Bay Fireworks Safety Zone Established

     Virginia Beach, Va. -- Mariners are advised that the Captain of the Port of the Hampton Roads will be establishing a safety zone in support of the fireworks event at the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club on Broad Bay in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The event will be held from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 1. The safety zone will encompass all waters within a 400-yard radius of the fireworks display in approximate position 36-52-08N / 076-00-46W. Mariners must remain outside this zone unless otherwise authorized by the Captain of the Port or his representative.

Fireworks Displays on the Chesapeake and Tributaries

   Visit our home page for the 2013 schedule.


 Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Baltimore has received notice of the following fireworks displays, scheduled to occur on or near navigable waters during the 2012 Independence Day holiday period:

1. Chester River, Town of Chestertown, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 300 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near the mouth of Radcliffe Creek on July 4, 2012 (rain date of July 5, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:20 p.m. Chart 12272.

2. Fairlee Creek, Great Oak Landing Marina, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Shell Point on July 7, 2012 (rain date of September 3, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12274.

3. Herring Bay, Herrington Harbour South Marina, Rose Haven, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on the south jetty on July 3, 2012 (rain date of July 4, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:15 p.m. Chart 12266.

4. Miles River, St. Michaels, Maryland, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks discharge site located on a point of land at the mouth of Long Haul Creek on June 30, 2012 (rain date of July 7, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Chart 12263.

5. Patuxent River, Golden Beach/Patuxent Knolls Civic Association, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near Long Point on June 30, 2012 (rain date of July 1, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12284.

6. Potomac River, Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Municipal Pier on July 4, 2012 (rain date of July 7, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12286.

7. Rock Hall Harbor, Rock Hall, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore on July 4, 2012 (rain date of July 5, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12278.

8. Sassafras River, Georgetown, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located upland along the river east of Dyer Creek on July 4, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12274 .

9. Severn River, Sherwood Forest, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Sherwood Forest Club’s Main Pier on July 3, 2012 (rain date of July 6, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12282.

10. Somers Cove, Crisfield, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Jersey Island on July 4, 2012 (rain date of September 2, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12231.

11. St. Mary’s River, Carthagena Creek, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge barge located in Carthagena Creek on June 29 2012 (rain date of June 30, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12233.

12. St. Mary’s River, St. Mary’s City, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge barge site located at the end of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland pier on July 6 2012 (rain date of July 27, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12233.

13. Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 300 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Park Island on July 1, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12274.

14. Upper Potomac River, Mount Vernon Cut, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens on July 4, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 11 a.m. Chart 12288.

15. Upper Potomac River, Oxon Hill Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the National Harbor Commercial Pier on June 30, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 11 a.m. Chart 12289.

16. Upper Potomac River, Oxon Hill Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge floating platform located adjacent to the Gaylord National Harbor Resort on July 4, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at approximately 9 p.m. Chart 12289.

17. Upper Potomac River, Oxon Hill Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the National Harbor Commercial Pier on July 4, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at approximately 9:45 p.m. Chart 12289.

Mariners are urged to transit these areas with caution, to keep a sharp lookout for other watercraft in these areas, and are reminded to heed the directions of patrolling law enforcement and public safety officials. Absent specific guidance, mariners should remain 300 yards from any fireworks discharge site. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at telephone number (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

 Mariners are advised that, as described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Section 100.506, the following safety zones are established within the Captain of the Port Baltimore Zone for fireworks displays planned during the 2012 Independence Day holiday period:

18. Anacostia River, Washington, DC, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°52′16″ N, 077°00′13″ W, located approximately 500 yards southeast of the shoreline near Washington Nationals Ball Park. This safety zone will be enforced on July 3, 2012, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (no rain date) for a fireworks display scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m. Chart 12289.

19. Baltimore Inner Harbor, Patapsco River, Maryland, within a 150-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°16′55″ N, 076°36′17″ W, at the entrance to Baltimore Inner Harbor, approximately 150 yards southwest of Pier 6, and Northwest Harbor (Western Section), Patapsco River, Maryland, within a 250-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°16′37″ N, 076°35′54″ W, located near the western end of Northwest Harbor. These safety zones will be enforced on July 4, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12281.

20. Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, within a 150-yard radius of the two fireworks barges in approximate position 38°41′36″ N, 076°31′30″ W and 38°41′28″ N, 076°31′29″ W, located north and south of the jetties at Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. This safety zone will be enforced on July 3, 2012, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Chart 12263.

21. Choptank River, Cambridge, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks launch site located at Great Marsh Point, Cambridge at 38°35′06″ N, 076°04′46″ W. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2012 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12266.

22. Middle River, Baltimore County, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°17′45″ N, 076°23′49″ W, approximately 300 yards east of Rockaway Beach, near Turkey Point. This safety zone will be enforced on June 30, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (no rain date) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12278.

23. Northeast River North East, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°35'26'' N, 075°57'00'' W, located approximately 400 yards south of the North East Community Park. This safety zone will be enforced on July 3, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (no rain date) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Chart 12274.

24. Patuxent River, Solomons Island, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in an area bound by the following points: 38°19′42″ N, 076°28′02″ W; thence to 38°19′26″ N, 076°28′18″ W; thence to 38°18′48″ N, 076°27′42″ W; thence to 38°19′06″ N 076°27′25″ W, thence to the point of origin, located near Solomons Island, MD. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12284.

25. Potomac River, Prince William County, Virginia, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°34′08″ N, 077°15′34″ W, located near Cherry Hill, Virginia. This safety zone will be enforced on June 30, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 1, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12289.

26. Potomac River, Charles County, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°20′36″ N, 077°14′09″ W, located near Fairview Beach, Virginia. This safety zone will be enforced on July 14, 2012, from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (with a rain date of July 21, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 10 p.m. Chart 12288.

27. Severn River and Spa Creek, within an area bounded by a line drawn from 38°58′39.6″ N, 076°28′49″ W, thence to 38°58′41″ N, 076°28′14″ W, thence to 38°59′01″ N, 076°28′37″ W, thence to 38°58′57″ N, 076°28′40″ W, located near the entrance to Spa Creek in Annapolis, Maryland. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2012, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12283.

28. Tred Avon River, Oxford, Maryland, within a 150-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°41′24″ N, 076°10′37″ W, approximately 500 yards northwest of the waterfront at Oxford. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2012 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12266.

29. Upper Potomac River, Alexandria Channel, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°48′37″ N, 077°02′02″ W, located near the waterfront of Alexandria, Virginia. This safety zone will be enforced on July 7, 2012, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (with a rain date of July 8, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12289.

Fireworks barges and launch sites on land will have signs labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zone will be enforced. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zone during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the COTP or the designated on-scene-patrol  personnel, and upon being hailed by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zone. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674, (410) 576- 2693 or  Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to host 25th annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival

     St. Michaels, Md. -- A collection of antique Silver Arrow Chris-Craft boats headlines the 25th anniversary celebration of the Antique & Classic Boat Festival, to be held at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum over this Father's Day weekend. The event takes place June 15-17 and is hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society (ACBS).

     Made in limited production in the late '50s, the 19' Silver Arrow runabout is considered a collectable treasure today. Powered by a big V-8 Detroit engine, its unique design combines a wood hull with a sleek and sophisticated fiberglass exterior, distinguished by the Silver Arrow's '50s-style tail fins.

     The festival also features more than 100 antique and classic boats, as well as building demonstrations, maritime artists and craftsmen, craft vendors, and a nautical flea market featuring classic old boats, motors, and more. A selection of regional and grilled foods, beer and music will be provided throughout the festival.

     As an ACBS-judged boat show, the festival brings visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest antique and classic boats from across the country, which will be displayed in the water and on land at CBMM. Wood and early fiberglass-classics are featured- from runabouts to yachts, including race boats, work boats, launches, hydroplanes, and utilities.

     Several boat models depicting unique, Chesapeake watercraft will also be on display, including Sea Skiffs, Owens cabin cruisers, and Whirlwind sport boats. The competition culminates in a Father's Day award ceremony, where boat owners will be recognized for their commitment to antique and classic boat preservation and restoration.

     The festival also features "The Arts at Navy Point," where national artists and craftsmen offer maritime-themed items for boat and home. Children's activities include boat-building craft projects, and a youth judging event that educates young girls and boys about the award-winning qualities of preserved and restored classic boats. Along the Fogg's Landing side of CBMM's campus, the festival's "Field of Dreams" features an array of restorable classic boats and motors, along with other items for sale in a nautical flea market.

     Festival hours are Friday, June 15, from 11am to 5pm; Saturday, June 16, from 10am to 5pm; and Father's Day, Sunday, June 17, from 10am to 2pm. The festival includes admission to the museum's twelve exhibit buildings, where authentic, Chesapeake boats and traditions are highlighted. The event is free for CBMM members and children under six, or $13 for adults; $10 for seniors; and $6 for children 6-17. For more information, call 410-745-2916 or visit www.cbmm.org.

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- As we approach the end of April cooler weather has sure put the seasonal calendar back in place; Garrett County even received snow over the weekend. Fishing opportunities abound this week in Maryland from walleye and trout fishing in western Maryland to striped bass and tautog fishing at the Ocean City area. The trophy striped bass season is now in full swing in the main stem of the Chesapeake south of Baltimore and fishermen had a crowded but successful opening day.

     Fishermen looking for catch and release opportunities on the Susquehanna Flats are finding good fishing for male striped bass and report a slow pick on large females. Cloudy water conditions from rain runoff on the eastern side of the flats area was a problem earlier this week and windy conditions did not help matters. Conditions are improving this week and good catch and release fishing should prevail. Spoons, crankbaits and soft plastic jigs have been favorite presentations. White perch are present in very good numbers in the lower Susquehanna and there are always plenty of channel catfish in the region.

     Fishermen were of course out in force on Saturday to work the steep edges of the shipping channel, lesser channels and prominent points. Boats trolling in the upper bay near the Bay Bridge picked at fish along Sandy Point Light south to Thomas Point and Bloody Point. Many of the boats that left the dock in the dark did well at first light and reported that by 7:00 it was pretty crowded out there. Striped bass swimming near the surface do not like engine noise so boat traffic will definitely have an adverse effect on the bite. Fishermen in the middle bay region focused on the steep edges on the western side of the shipping channel but the False Channel and the Gas Buoy area also produced good fishing on the eastern side. The fleet fishing in the southern waters of the bay did well near the mouth of the Potomac, Buoy 72A, Hooper's Island Light, Cove Point and out in front of the power plant. Not every boat caught their limit and even charter captains reported they had to work for their fish. Also worth noting is the fact that not every boat was out trolling; some fishermen had success chumming and others light tackle jigging. Traditionally the fishing will improve from this coming weekend through the first week or two of May. There are still a lot of striped bass in the spawning rivers so there will good fishing as they leave and travel out into the bay.

     More than a few fishermen reported not seeing much difference in white or chartreuse in regard to catching fish and most of the fish caught have been in the 32" to 37" size range. There were some whoppers caught though and we received a call from an award center on the lower Potomac that they were running out of Fishing Challenge entry tickets which are for striped bass over 40" in size.

     Shore based fishermen were not left out of the fun and many found exciting fishing from favorite points, docks and piers along the bay's shoreline. Fishermen were out at traditional locations such as Sandy Point State Park, Matapeake Pier, Point Lookout Pier and prominent points. Reports from Deal Island in Somerset County told of fishermen doing very well on the bayside shore there. Bloodworms, cut bait and soft crab were popular baits but more than a few fishermen reported hungry white perch and blue crabs being pesky on those expensive bloodworm baits. A few croakers have been caught recently and pound net fishermen have been finding them in their nets. The popular theory is that the vanguard is here but holding in deep water because of cool water temperatures in the shallows. Some speckled trout have also been showing up in the lower bay.

Freshwater

     Freshwater fishermen will find plenty of good opportunities this week in the western region for a wide variety of fish. The walleye bite is on in Deep Creek Lake and fishermen are finding something as simple as a minnow and a slip bobber are hard to beat for putting tasty walleye in the fish box. Smallmouth bass can be found off rocky points and largemouth bass are beginning to stage at the entrance of coves. The weekend's snow has done much to bring water flows in the region's creeks and streams back to a level for good trout fishing. John Mullican sent us this report from the upper Potomac. The upper Potomac River remains below normal for this time of year. Last weekend's cold front and rain have increased flows somewhat and levels are predicted to remain good for fishing. Like our crazy spring weather, fishing has been hot and cold - catch the river during a warming trend and the smallmouth have been cooperative. A variety of lures have been productive but I have done best with suspending jerkbaits and 1/8 oz tubes.

     Largemouth bass in many of the waters in the central, southern and eastern regions of the state are beginning to sit on nests now in the shallows or staging near the spawning areas. Fishermen are reporting good success with chatterbaits over or near grass or spatterdock and spinnerbaits worked slowly near the grass or spatterdock edges. Soft plastics and crankbaits have been a good choice near sunken wood and rocks or near docks.

At the Ocean

     Ocean City area fishermen are starting to see the fishing action there pick up as water temperatures at the beaches hovers around 54-degrees. Surf fishermen are catching large striped bass on cut menhaden baits and black drum on crab, Fishbites and squid. Skates and dogfish are chewing up baits and a few bluefish and blowfish are being caught now and then. At the inlet fishermen have been catching a few striped bass at night on bucktails and swim shads and bluefish on Got-Cha plugs. Tautog are entertaining fishermen in and around the Inlet/Route 50 Bridge area and are being caught on frozen sand fleas and pieces of green crab. Flounder fishing has been improving when the water clarity is good and large Gulp baits with a strip of squid have been catching the largest flounder. Minnows and squid have been working well for fishermen drifting around the Thorofare area down to the bridge going out to Assateague. Offshore tautog fishing remains good and boat captains have been reporting limits of large tautog are common around the rails.

Bay Bridge Boat Show Under Way

     Stevensville, Md. -- Recognized as the largest spring recreational boating extravaganza in the Mid-Atlantic, the annual Bay Bridge Boat Show will be held in Stevensville, Maryland, April 19-22.

    More than two hundred new and brokerage boats of every size and style will be on display in the water and on land, including a wide range of water craft from PWC's, inflatables and kayaks, to fishing boats and trailerable sport boats. A large selection of  express cruisers, trawlers, and cruising boats will also be in the water to tour and enjoy.

     Throughout the grounds, an equally impressive assortment of marine-related exhibitors will display and share their products to provide one-stop shopping for spring commissioning. 

     Tickets are $12 for adults and $4 for youth ages 7-12. Children 6 and under may attend for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://www.usboat.com. 

     For a complete description of events and activities surrounding the show, call 410-268-8828 or visit  http://www.usboat.com.

Maryland Fishing Report by DNR Biologist Keith Lockwood

     Oxford, Md. -- It truly is a wonderful time of the year for fishermen to head down to one's favorite fishing hole and whether your bank fishing or in a boat to enjoy spring at it's best. Many species of freshwater fish are eager to jump on your hook and there are so many choices it can be hard to choose what type of fishing to pursue. Fishermen on the tidal Potomac are sending in a lot of pictures and entries on the angler's log site of snakeheads they've caught. The snakehead contest has turned out to be a lot of fun as anglers share their experiences of catching one of these frightful looking beasts and then finding out how excellent they are to eat. One of our lucky entered anglers is going to win a $200 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops in a random drawing at the end of the contest. Contest Details

     Recently an Internet news story got the whole deal wrong and reported that there was a $200 bounty for each fish. As one can imagine there were calls to fisheries by fishermen from as far away as Texas, ready to quit their jobs and come to Maryland to fish snakeheads for a living.

     Fishermen at the Susquehanna Flats area are finding the waters stirred up by persistent winds lately but those winds are predicted to subside by the end of the week. Mike Benjamin reports that the best fishing is on the eastern side of the flats area and of course this has been the windward side lately so fishing has been rough. Water temperatures on the flats are holding right around 50-degrees and less than that in the river. Fishermen are catching mostly school-sized male striped bass on swimming plugs and to a lesser degree on soft plastic jigs and spoons. Power generation at the dam has mostly been in the afternoon. White perch are becoming more prevalent in the upper bay and are a welcomed bonus to fishermen looking to take some fish home; channel catfish are also very plentiful.

     Fishermen looking for hickory shad at Deer Creek are finding a slow pick at the mouth of the creek and in the river; catching and releasing mostly males. The larger female hickory shad are in the river and the fishing there is expected to gain momentum this week as warmer weather moves in.

     Water temperatures in the middle bay region are around 54-degrees in most areas and large pre-spawn striped bass are making their way towards the upper bay spawning areas. A few fishermen have been practicing some catch and release along the shipping channel edges and out in front of the Calvert Cliffs Power Plant Discharge. One of the reactors is reported to be down for maintenance so there is not much of a warm water plume to attract striped bass. Shoreline fishermen along the bay have also been trying their luck with circle hooks and bloodworms or cut bait at prominent point and fishing piers.

     White perch are moving into the traditional locations at the lower sections of the bay's tidal rivers and are providing some fun action for fishermen fishing with bottom rigs and small jigs. Channel catfish continue to be plentiful in most tidal rivers and fishermen hoping to catch the first croakers at the Bushwood area on the Wicomico River are not finding any croakers yet but plenty of medium-sized blue catfish. Fishermen have been standing vigil at Point Lookout and the Wicomico waiting for the first croakers of the season to arrive.

     Freshwater fishermen have a lot of good choices this week in regard to what type of fishing they would like to do. Smallmouth bass are beginning to move into transition areas nearing spawning coves at Deep Creek Lake and fishermen are finding plenty of action by working crankbaits and jigs along drop-offs and secondary points. The lake was stocked with plenty of trout; which has made for good trout fishing and walleye, largemouth bass and large yellow perch are active. Fishing in the upper Potomac for smallmouth bass, walleye and muskie continues to be very good this week. Trout fishing in the many trout management waters in the western region could hardly be better; it is just a wonderful time of the year to be out fishing in the region.

     Fishermen in the central/southern regions to the eastern shore are finding excellent fishing for largemouth bass in tidal rivers, small farm ponds and larger lakes. The largemouth bass are in a pre-spawn feeding mode and are presenting good fishing in a wide variety of situations. Chatterbaits and other topwater lures over grass, spinnerbaits and crankbaits near grass or spatterdock edges and soft plastics and grubs near sunken wood and docks are all catching fish. The crappie bite is on in lakes such as Deep Creek Lake, Piney Run, Liberty, Loch Raven, small ponds and tidal rivers. It has been a very good trout season so far for put and take trout fishermen.

     Fishermen at the Ocean City area are seeing surf conditions improve this week as the strong winds of last week taper off. Surf fishermen are picking at striped bass, lot's of dogfish and skates and a few bluefish and black drum. Our neighbors to the south tell us a swarm of northern puffers, blow toads or blowfish are headed our way; they can be real bait stealers but a smaller long shanked hook and a piece of squid will never fail to put the some fine eating in your cooler.

     In and around the Ocean City Inlet fishermen are finding good fishing for tautog and fishermen are reminded that the new minimum size is now 16". Traditional haunts such as the South Jetty, the Route 50 Bridge, and the bulkheads near the inlet are where fishermen are catching them on frozen sand fleas and pieces of green crab. Offshore the head boats headed out to the wreck sites are catching big tautog and most fishermen are catching their limits.

Coast Guard Announced Proposed Rule for Chesapeake Bay Workboat Race

     Poquoson, Va. -- The Coast Guard proposes to establish a special local regulation during the Chesapeake Bay Workboat Race, a series of boat races to be held on the waters of Back River, Poquoson, Virginia on June 24. This event will consist of approximately 75 powerboats conducting high-speed competitive races on the waters of the Back River. This regulation is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic in portions of the Back River, Messick Point, Poquoson, Virginia during the event.

     Find our more about the proposed rule here.

Former Maryland DNR Staffer Named NOAA Fisheries Administrator

Eric Schwaab, former deputy secretary for Maryland's DNR, promoted

A statement from NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco on the selection of acting assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management

January 5, 2012

Today, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve chosen Eric Schwaab, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries, to serve as NOAA’s acting assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management, a position left vacant by the departure of Dr. Larry Robinson in November 2011. Eric’s official start date is January 17.

The assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management drives policy and program direction for NOAA’s stewardship responsibilities, including ocean resource management, coastal management, and protected resources.

I’m pleased that Eric agreed to shoulder this new responsibility. I’ve been grateful for his leadership as the head of NOAA Fisheries, leading efforts with fishery councils and the fishing industry to meet deadlines to establish annual catch limits, fostering new, productive relationships with commercial and recreational fishermen and women and working to effect significant reform of NOAA’s enforcement program. Eric brings more than 25 years of experience in local, state and federal natural resource management to this new role.

Eric has also been working closely with David Kennedy, the assistant administrator for NOAA’s National Ocean Service, on a number of cross-line priorities — including the response and recovery effort for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, NOAA’s work in support of the president’s National Ocean Policy and recent NOAA wide efforts to better focus coastal and ocean habitat science and conservation effort. In addition to continuing to work closely with the fisheries team on priority fisheries issues, Eric tells me he is looking forward to further strengthening the connections among NOAA’s many coastal and ocean stewardship programs.

With Eric assuming this new NOAA role, Sam Rauch, currently NOAA Fisheries deputy assistant administrator for regulatory programs, will serve as acting assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. Since 2006, Sam has led efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of our nation’s fisheries. He has also been instrumental in development of the new NOAA Habitat Blueprint and on a variety of critical protected resource issues. I am grateful to Sam for his willingness to shoulder broader responsibilities, and I look forward to his leadership.
___________________________________________

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.

Museum Offering Docent Training Starting Feb. 2

     St. Michaels, Md. -- The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, Maryland is offering training for new and existing docent volunteers at the museum beginning on February 2 and continuing on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout February. The training is free and open to the public, with advanced registration needed.

     This training is offered once a year, and prepares participants to lead group tours, interpret the museum’s exhibits, and assist at special events. Anyone who enjoys interacting with people, has a curiosity about the Chesapeake Bay, and would like to help promote the Bay’s cultural heritage is encouraged to participate in CBMM’s volunteer docent training.

     The new volunteer orientation from 10 - 11am on Thursday, February 2 will provide the basic information for becoming a museum volunteer. The orientation is followed with a 6-part intensive training program led by CBMM’s Director of Education Kate Livie, with topics ranging from learning about the museum’s exhibits and collections to developing tour group management techniques. Sessions are scheduled for 10am-12:30pm in CBMM’s Van Lennep Auditorium on February 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, and 23. All sessions must be attended to qualify as a museum docent.

     CBMM docents provide invaluable support to the museum in its mission to promote a deeper understanding of the Chesapeake Bay region and its history. Docents are asked to commit to one, 4-hour weekly shift. Duties can include guiding museum visitors and providing a memorable and positive visit; staffing individual exhibitions and leading demonstrations, classes, and special events as needed; and promoting the museum and its mission to others.

     “Many docents express that volunteering at the museum is one of their most gratifying experiences,” commented CBMM’s Director of Events and Volunteer Program Melissa Spielman. “I often receive comments from volunteers who say that engaging museum visitors from across the country and around the world is inspiring and fulfilling work. That kind of feedback makes me feel the same about my work here also.”

     Pre-registration is required for the volunteer training. To enroll or to receive more information, contact Melissa Spielman at 410-745-4956 or at mspielman@cbmm.org.