$25,000 Diamond Jim on the Loose

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Diamond Jim component of the 2012 Maryland Fishing Challenge has entered its third and final phase as Chesapeake Bay charter captains and Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) biologists recently caught, tagged and released more than 150 striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay. One of the tagged fish is the official Diamond Jim worth $25,000 to the angler who catches it between August 1 and midnight September 3, with the other tagged rockfish known as imposters worth at least $500 each. New this month, gift certificates have also been provided by a handful of generous, local tackle shops. So far this year, four potential Diamond Jim fish have been caught and are awaiting certification.

     “The Maryland Fishing Challenge is a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy our State’s great outdoors,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “I encourage all Marylanders and visitors to join in making lasting memories by fishing in our beautiful waters.”

     As an exciting added incentive, six Maryland fishing tackle stores -- All Tackle of Annapolis, Clyde’s Sport Shop of Landsdowne, Fishbone’s Bait and Tackle in Pasadena, Herb’s Tackle Shop of North East, Marty’s Tackle Shop in Edgewater, and Tochterman’s Tackle in Fell’s Point in Baltimore -- are each offering a $1,000 gift certificate to the angler that catches the authentic Diamond Jim.

     Additionally, the angler who catches the August Diamond Jim will receive a set of one-carat total weight, round, brilliant diamond stud earrings worth approximately $4,000 from Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis. Zachary’s is also providing five- to six- carat blue topaz charms for anglers who catch imposter fish. All told, the value of Diamond Jim for the month of August, including the Zachary’s Diamonds and the tackle store gift certificates, is $35,000.

     “The Chesapeake Bay is one of the best places on earth for weddings, proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, and of course, fishing,” said Zachary’s Jewelers owner Steve Samaras. “It just seems appropriate that the quest for a rockfish named Diamond Jim should have diamonds as a prize. All of us at Zachary’s are happy to provide these jewels with sincere hope that on September 8, we will have a winner.”

     Over the summer, more than 300 imposters worth at least $500 each and one genuine Diamond Jim will be pursued by anglers. Each month Diamond Jim goes uncaught the bounty increases - from $10,000 in June, to $20,000 in July, and $25,000 in August.

     The Hunt for Diamond Jim is a special summer feature of the Maryland Fishing Challenge, with roots that ran in the late1950s. The original contest featured a single, tagged striped bass worth $25,000. DNR revived this fun, family event in 2007 to highlight Maryland’s State fish, promote recreational fishing, recognize angler achievement and inspire natural resources stewardship. The contest still features a guaranteed $25,000 payout: If one of the three authentic Diamond Jims is not caught by midnight Labor Day, the cash prize will be split equally among the anglers who catch imposters this summer.

Now in its eighth year, the Challenge showcases Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay as a premier sport fishing destination with accessible, affordable, diverse and high quality fishing for anglers of all ages - from the crystal mountain streams, to the central Maryland lakes and the mighty Potomac River, down to the Chesapeake Bay, the Coastal Bays and the Atlantic Ocean.

     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 will be 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.

     Anglers who catch and register any of the more than 80 Maryland Angler Award eligible sport fish species receive certificates of achievement and free passes to the Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale, which will be held in conjunction with the Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point State Park on September 8, 2012. This year’s Celebration will include chances to win a boat, trailer and motor package from Tracker Marine, a tropical vacation package from the World Fishing Network, tackle packages from Bill’s Outdoor Center and Bass Pro Shops and collectable Maryland Fishing Challenge shirts from Under Armour.

     The Maryland Fishing Challenge runs annually from the day after Labor Day through the following Labor Day each year. All fish must be caught recreationally by rod and reel. The Angler Award species list and the official Maryland Fishing Challenge and Diamond Jim contest rules are located at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge.

     Catch a fish is included in the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, issued by Governor Martin O’Malley in April 2009. The Bill is part of the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, an initiative to ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards.

     Anglers are invited to follow Diamond Jim on Facebook at facebook.com/diamondjim.md, and DNR Fisheries atfacebook.com/MDDNRFisheriesService and on Twitter at @mddnrfish.

     More information on the Maryland Seafood Festival is available at www.MDseafoodfestival.com.

     Anglers that catch a tagged striper must not remove the tag. They should put the fish in their 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 3.

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- The calendar says summer is officially three weeks away but most would agree it was summer time weather this past holiday weekend. Warm temperatures prodded folks to get out on the water or at least close to it to enjoy themselves. Fishing, swimming and just being in the company of friends and family were popular past times. For those looking for some good fishing most found it from the ocean waters of the Atlantic to the shaded trout streams in western Maryland. Chesapeake Bay anglers will have a little extra incentive to pursue striped bass this coming month. 

     Fishermen are finding striped bass in the channel areas of the Susquehanna Flats and the lower Susquehanna River by casting crankbaits and soft plastic jigs. Fishing for white perch in the lower Susquehanna is very good this week and fishermen are using small jigs or bottom rigs baited with bloodworms. A few enterprising fishermen have also had good luck with live lining white perch for striped bass in the lower Susquehanna in the area open to striped bass fishing. There seem to always be plenty of channel catfish to entertain fishermen and largemouth bass can be found out in the grass beds on the flats.

     Farther down the bay the striped bass pickings have been slim this week as fishermen trolling and chumming around Love Point, the Triple Buoys, Sandy Point Light and down to the Bay Bridge report very little action. Fishing for white perch in the lower sections of the tidal rivers in the upper bay is good and bloodworms on a bottom rig has been the most popular way to catch them. Hackett's Bar has been a good place to chum for striped bass lately as is the Hill and Thomas Point. Fishermen are reporting that allowing baits to sink to the bottom offers the best opportunity for quality striped bass.

     Water temperatures in the mid-bay region are running about 75-degrees on the surface this week. Fishermen have been trolling medium-sized bucktails and swim shads along channel edges and bottom structure with some success. Most fishermen are describing the action as a slow pick with many of the fish coming from planer board lines. Small to medium sized bluefish are starting to make their presence known this week in the lower and middle bay regions and they range in size from a 1/2lb to 3lbs in size. Cow-nosed rays seem to be having a hard time staying clear of trolling arrays recently and more than a few disgruntled fishermen have reported snagging them and having their hands full trying to get them to the boat to retrieve lures. Light tackle fishermen have been enjoying plenty of action fishing the shallower areas and rips during the early morning and evening hours. Fishermen have been reporting relatively clear water conditions in the middle and lower bay regions this week.

     Fishing for white perch has been very good in most of the tidal rivers in the middle and lower regions of the bay. Fishermen are using bottom rigs baited with bloodworms or casting small beetle spins and soft plastic shads in the shallows and around structure such as docks and rocks. Grass shrimp are a very good option for bait; especially around deep water docks. Many fishermen are reporting that the bumper crop of 2011 year class striped bass are swarming baits intended for white perch in the tidal rivers and have been ranging in size from 6" to 10" in size. Treat them with care; they hold the future of striped bass fishing.

     Fishing for croakers continues to improve and the action has been fairly steady in the lower Potomac and Patuxent Rivers. The Tangier Sound area and Middle Grounds are producing catches of croaker as well as speckled trout and small bluefish. The speckled trout fishing has really been a welcomed addition to fishermen the last couple of years. The black drum have arrived on some of the traditional shoal areas of the bay this week and fishermen have been dropping soft crab baits to them for some hard fighting action.

Crabbing

     Recreational crabbers who stuck their necks out promising Memorial Day crabs were not disappointed if they crabbed the mid bay or lower bay regions tidal rivers and creeks. Most crabbers were able to catch a bushel of good crabs in an outing. There were a lot of small crabs and sooks chewing up baits of chicken necks, bull lips and razor clams. The Kent Island area and the eastern shore tidal rivers and creeks are standouts in regard to very good crabbing this week.

Freshwater

     John Mullican sent us this report from the upper Potomac River. The upper Potomac is predicted to rise from the recent, reoccurring thunderstorms. Some of these storms have produced localized, torrential downpours that have muddied tributaries and caused the river to be cloudy in most areas. The clearest water is currently in the western stretches of the river.

     Fishing for smallmouth bass has been very good. Try topwater baits early in the morning or during the evening insect hatches. During the day tubes, plastic jerkbaits, and crankbaits have been effective. Channel catfish have been very active and readily taking lures fished for other species. Chicken livers or cut bait will find nearly constant action from the cats right now.

     Freshwater fishermen in Deep Creek Lake have been enjoying very good fishing for walleye and medium sized smallmouth bass. Trout fishermen are enjoying the peace and good fishing that occur in western region trout streams as spring moves into summer.

      Largemouth bass fishermen are enjoying excellent fishing opportunities this week in freshwater lakes, ponds and tidal waters. The largemouth bass are now in a post-spawn mode and as water temperatures rise they are slipping into a summer mode of feeding behavior. Targeting grass with topwater lures and soft plastics is a favorite tactic as is casting spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and crankbaits around the edges of grass, spatterdock and sunken wood. Old docks and similar shade are good places to target when the sun gets high in the sky.

At the Ocean

     Ocean City fishermen continue to enjoy excellent fishing in the surf for large striped bass that are moving through the area. Large menhaden baits, clams and even sand fleas have been good baits. Black drum are also being caught in the surf and of course there are lots of rays, skates, dogfish and pesky crabs.

     In and around the inlet fishermen report striped bass and small bluefish are being caught in the inlet at night. During the day fishermen are seeing the first sheepshead being caught and the last of the good tautog fishing. Flounder fishing around the inlet and back bays is good when water conditions are favorable.

     Sea bass fishing on the offshore wrecks has been very good this week and deep drop fishermen are catching tilefish. The first white marlin was caught and released over the weekend and canyon trollers are catching a mix of wahoo, yellowfin tuna and dolphin. A few mako and thresher sharks are also being caught.

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- The upcoming weekend will be an extended one for many families as folks get together to not only honor those who have sacrificed so much that we may enjoy the freedoms we have but to also get together for family outings such as fishing. The Ocean City area is hopping with all kinds of fishing opportunities, freshwater fishing for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, trout and bluegills is very good and striped bass, croakers and white perch will aim to please bay fisherpersons this weekend. Pack up the kids and give that local pond a try or fish the bay or ocean and enjoy some time together.

     Thursday May 24th, fisheries biologists will be out tagging the first group of striped bass for the 2012 Diamond Jim Fishing Tournament. Young anglers will be doing the catching throughout the bay and biologists will be tagging the fish with lime green colored tags. This first round of Diamond Jim fish will be eligible starting June 1st until June 30th and can be worth up to $25,000 if a lucky angler catches Diamond Jim. To find out more about Diamond Jim and the Maryland Fishing Challenge check out the following link.

     Fishermen are finding some striped bass action in the Susquehanna Flats area channels and the lower Susquehanna River up to the boundary line at the Susquehanna State Park boat ramp and enjoying the fact that they can keep a fish. Crankbaits, soft plastic jigs and swim baits worked close to the bottom have been a favorite choice. There is excellent fishing for white perch in the lower Susquehanna and most fishermen are using small jigs with good success. Channel catfish are abundant and some fishermen have been specializing in catching large flathead catfish in the dam hole on large gizzard shad baits and large swim shad lures.

     Fishermen farther down the bay are describing fishing for striped bass as a slow pick for those under 28" in length with a large one thrown in now and then. Fishing for striped bass seems to be in a transition at the moment; some fishermen are putting the blame on May worm spawns, others mention mahogany tides and others talk about bait. At this stage only the striped bass have the answer and it will take every trick in each fisherman's bag of tricks to cut down the odds in their favor.

     Many fishermen are trolling with 6" swim shads in tandem or umbrella rigs along channel edges or any good looking bottom structure. Chumming and chunking for striped bass is beginning to become more productive this week as many boats begin to make the switch. Light tackle fishermen have been checking out all their favorite locations such as sharp channel edges, the Bay Bridge piers, points and coveted ballast stone pile locations to jig for suspended fish. Many savvy fishermen or just lucky fishermen through trial and error are finding cooperating fish throughout the bay this week.

     Water temperatures in the middle bay region this week have crept over the 70-degree mark this week so many of our summer migrants should feel right at home. Fishermen have been catching croakers in the southern region of the bay in the shallower areas in the evenings and deeper waters during the day. The fishing for croakers in the lower Potomac has been good this week with white perch mixed in and lots of blue catfish in the 4lb to 6lb size range. Croaker fishing in the lower Patuxent and the Hooper's Island/Tangier Sound area has been steadily improving. Shore line fishermen have also been catching croakers from prominent points in the Somerset County area and around the mouth of the Patuxent. Croakers have been a bit of a mystery this year so far; especially those coveted 19" croakers; once again despite all kinds of theories only the croakers know what is going on. One very bright spot for fishermen in the Tangier Sound area continues to be the speckled trout fishing. Black drum are starting to show up at traditional locations and the soft crab dunking crowd will surely begin to scan the depths of shoal areas this weekend looking for those heavy blips on their depth finders that often resemble the sonar signature of a submarine.

Freshwater

     Freshwater fishermen are enjoying the aggressive nature of post-spawn largemouth bass over a wide area of Maryland this week. Many fishermen are reporting that the fishing hardly gets any better than this time period when bass are off the nests and looking for something to eat. Fishermen are targeting grass and spatterdock fields with chatterbaits and similar topwater lures as well as plastic craws. Soft plastics, spinnerbaits and crankbaits are good choices for docks, and any kind of submerged structure such as tree tops and sunken wood or rocks.

     Deep Creek Lake fishermen report good fishing for medium sized smallmouth bass and walleyes on crankbaits and minnows this week. Trout fishermen in the western and central regions are enjoying good fishing opportunities for trout in all of the management areas. Flows in some of the creeks have been elevated due to recent rains but should return to good levels by the end of the week.

At the Ocean
     Fishermen in the Ocean City area have a lot to look forward to this week; especially if you like to fish along the beaches. The striped bass migration of large fish is moving through the area and fishermen are making some memorable catches. Most fishermen are using stout surf gear and cut menhaden baits, sand fleas or clams on bottom rigs with good success. This wonderful fishing opportunity will not last much longer, so be sure to not miss it. Fishermen are also catching a few black drum in the surf, sandbar and sand tiger sharks (which must be released) and of course skates and dogfish. A few small bluefish and blowfish are also being caught when fishermen switch up to smaller rigs and offerings.

     Inside and around the inlet tautog are being caught off bulkheads and the south jetty. Small bluefish keep moving in and out of the inlet and are being caught on Got-Cha plugs and spoons. A few striped bass are being caught each night on swim shads and bucktails. Flounder are being caught around the inlet and back bay areas when water conditions are favorable.

     The party boats headed to the wreck sites are finding plenty of sea bass for their fishermen along with tautog and a few flounder. The federal sea bass season for areas beyond 3-miles is now open also. Boats heading out to the canyons are finding some yellowfin tuna and mako sharks.

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- Most of the spring spawning runs of anadromous fish are about over as we continue to move through May and the large spawning striped bass are making their way down the bay. Water temperatures remain stable due to cooler weather and largemouth bass are busy on their spawning beds and carp can be seen thrashing about in the shallows of the state's tidal rivers and creeks.

     Fisheries survey crews reported this week that the hickory shad in the lower Susquehanna and Deer Creek area are showing diminished spawning activity. They also reported large numbers of white perch in the area while electro-fishing. Now that the striped bass catch and release season is over many fishermen have been focusing on white perch and channel catfish in the region.

     Fishermen in pursuit of trophy sized striped bass have been putting in a lot of time trolling the edges of the shipping channel from above the Bay Bridge to the Virginia line. Fishermen saw a pulse of large fish in the middle/upper bay region this weekend at Love, Bloody and Thomas Points. Most of the large fish being caught throughout the bay are running from about 32" to 36" in size and fishermen reported a lot of smaller male fish under 28" were caught over the weekend. Some expressed amazement that a 24" striped bass could manage to get those large parachutes and sassy shads in their mouths.

     Most of the spawning striped bass have left the Choptank and Nanticoke Rivers and fish from the Susquehanna Flats area are filtering down the bay this week. The Potomac River has been a hot ticket for the past week for large fish. Fishermen are reporting that the False Channel has been quiet but the western edge of the shipping channel below Breezy Point has been fair as well as Cove Point, Point No Point and Buoy 72A. Most fishermen have been reporting a slow pick for large striped bass this week and report plenty of bait being seen on depth finders. Tandem parachutes dressed with sassy shads in white or chartreuse has been the favorite presentation.

     Shore based fishermen continue to catch some of the larger striped bass moving down the bay but it is slowing down. Some of the better action has been coming from places like Deal Island where fishermen are also catching a few black drum and speckled sea trout. Shore based fishermen can find good fishing possibilities on prominent points with some deeper water or from fishing piers. White perch are spread throughout their normal summer range now and can be caught on small lures or bait. Speckled trout are being caught in the Hooper's Island to Pocomoke Sound region on swim shads such as the Gulp Mullet under a popping cork or just cast and retrieved. Soft crab baits are also a very good way to catch speckled trout and black drum. Croakers are here and pound netters have been catching large ones in their nets. There have not been too many fishermen fishing for them but that will change as interest in the trophy striped bass season begins to wane. A few reports of May worm hatches have come in from the southern region by charter boat captains this week.

Crabbing

     Recreational crabbing seemed to slow down this week as the season's first major shed is taking place. Reports from the Choptank River south reveal recreational crabbers catching less than a half bushel per outing and a lot of small crabs. They are also reporting that clear water has been making it difficult to keep crabs on a trotline and some have been doing better with collapsible crab traps.

Freshwater

     Freshwater fishermen are seeing largemouth bass in a spawning mode in all regions of the state this week and in some areas the spawning is over. Targeting shallow coves, grass and transition areas have a favorite strategy this week with spinnerbaits, plastic craws, chatterbaits and stickbaits. Fishermen are catching snakeheads in the Piscataway and Mattawoman Creeks by targeting grass with surface lures such as frogs, chatterbaits and buzzbaits.

     Trout fishermen are enjoying the generous stocking of trout in many of the state's trout management waters this week and stocking will continue in some areas till the end of May. More than a few trout fishermen have had the surprise of their life this season thanks to the efforts of the hatchery team at the Albert Powell Hatchery to raise large rainbow trout to sizes that fishermen could only dream about a few years ago. We received two reports recently from fishermen that leap into the water to wrangle trout in excess of 10 lbs. up on the bank because they were fishing with 4lb test line and a small landing net.

     Fishermen at Deep Creek Lake report that the smallmouth bass are spawning on rocky points and flats and that the fishing for walleyes and large yellow perch has been very good. Crappie are holding close to shoreline structure in many of the state's lakes and tidal rivers; fishing minnows or small tubes under a bobber can be a good way to catch them. Fishing for channel catfish in most of the bays tidal rivers is excellent this time of the year and most any kind of fresh cut bait such as white perch or gizzard shad makes for a good bait.

     Oceanside

     Ocean City fishermen are enjoying a great run of large striped bass this week along the beaches. Most fishermen are using fresh menhaden baits or fresh sand fleas on a conventional bottom rig with good success. Fishermen are also seeing a lot of skates and dogfish in the surf but also black drum and blowfish. Inside the inlet striped bass are being caught at night on swim shads and bucktails and tautog during the day on pieces of green crab or sand fleas. Flounder continue to be caught at the inlet and back bay areas on squid and minnow combos as well as larger baits such as Gulp baits. The boats fishing the wreck sites are finding good numbers of quality sized tautog for their anglers. Farther offshore fishermen are catching blue sharks, a few makos and an occasional bluefin tuna.

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.

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- The month of April is upon us and it would seem that temperatures are more within the norm now. Late February and last months warmer than normal temperatures had a profound effect on the traditional white and yellow perch spawns causing them to be earlier than normal. Fishermen have been expressing concerns that the same might also stand true for our spawning striped bass and a big question has been looming out there, like the elephant in the room sort of thing. Will there still be post-spawn striped bass around for the trophy season opener on April 21st?
     Although there was some spawning activity in late March; it was relatively minor and not at all out of the norm. There is usually a small spawn in late March according to striped bass experts. The water temperatures are certainly warm enough in most spawning reaches for spawning activity to take place but many of the striped bass have not arrived yet or if the females are there the eggs they are carrying are not mature enough to be released
     This past week the Susquehanna catch-release-area received an influx of male striped bass so the females will be arriving soon. In other spawning rivers such as the Choptank and Nanticoke Rivers which traditionally have an earlier spawn than the upper bay; the big female striped bass are spawning but only sparingly. Most of the spawning population of females are hunkered down waiting for the eggs they carry to mature enough to commence spawning. That traditionally should occur anywhere from this coming weekend to the end of the second week of April.
     Maryland DNR's Eyes on the Bay water quality website now has a mobile browser application. View the latest water temperature, salinity, and water quality measurements on your phone, from over 15 real-time tidal stations.
     Fishermen at the Susquehanna Flats area who have been putting in their time got a pleasant surprise this week as male striped bass moved into the region in force to provide nonstop action for those armed with soft plastic jigs and spoons. The males of most spawning species are the vanguards of the spawning run so larger female striped bass are anticipated to arrive soon. A few large fish are being reported by fishermen but most fish caught and released are falling in the 16" to 28" size range and are being caught tight to the bottom in water depths less than 15'.
     The hickory shad catch and release fishery in the Deer Creek area has kicked into gear with fishermen catching mostly male fish this week at the mouth of the creek and out in the Susquehanna River. Fisheries biologists were out on the Susquehanna recently electro-fishing for hickory shad brood stock and reported they found more American shad than hickories which is a very pleasant surprise. The adult American shad will be lifted over the dam in a mechanized fish lift so they may continue up the Susquehanna to spawn.
     Fishermen are practicing catch and release fishing for striped bass from prominent points and fishing piers all along the main stem of the bay; chunks of fresh menhaden or bloodworms have been the baits of choice on bottom rigs and circle hooks. A few fishermen have also been out on the bay trolling along the shipping channel edges practicing catch and release also. Water temperatures in the bay are holding around 53-degrees. All fishermen should remember that the spawning tidal rivers are off limits to any kind of catch and release fishing for striped bass until June 1.
     Freshwater fishermen who love their put and take trout fishermen were out in force on the traditional opening day and despite crowds most had a good time and caught trout. More than a few trout fishermen were surprised by a large bonus trout that were as large as 8 lbs on the end of their lines. The hatchery crews took the initiative to hold these trout and grow them up to exceptional sizes and give a thrill of a lifetime to lucky fishermen. Fishermen at Deep Creek Lake were happy to see the floating docks go in at the DNR boat ramps last week and many fishermen are enjoying the fishing action out on the lake for a mix of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye and a northern pike now and then. The fishing in the upper Potomac for smallmouth bass and walleye and muskies continues to be very good this week; water levels in the river are fine and of course the weather is gorgeous on most days.
     Largemouth bass fishermen are experiencing the best of the best this week as hungry pre-spawn largemouth bass are roaming the edges of emerging grass beds, sunken wood, rocky points and drop-offs for something to eat. Fishermen are finding excellent fishing opportunities in small farm ponds, lakes and tidal waters. A wide variety of lures from topwater lures to spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics and grub jigs are all working well; each in its own particular niche. Bluegills are offering plenty of sport this week and crappie fishing is always popular this time of the year.
     Ocean City fishermen continue to see tautog fishing inside the inlet improve as water temperatures hover at the 50-degree mark. All the traditional areas such as the south jetty, the 2nd to 4th street bulkhead, the ends of 5th and 6th streets and the Route 50 Bridge are all offering good fishing this week. Frozen sand fleas and pieces of green crabs are the preferred baits and the very beginning of an ebb tide seems to hold favor for many fishermen. Fishermen inside the inlet are also reporting catching and releasing a few flounder. Flounder season opens April 14th with a three flounder per day limit with a minimum of 17" each.
     Surf fishermen are catching some big striped bass, a few bluefish and plenty of dogfish and skates in the surf on menhaden baits. Offshore the boats taking fishermen out to the wreck sites are catching tautog and boats headed out to the canyon edges are finding tilefish and assorted deep water species.

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- It would seem old Mother Nature decided to take a few steps backward in regard to the advance of spring this week and they may be a good thing in regards to adjusting nature's clock. Perhaps this cold front that is sitting upon us will set things straight with spawning runs of striped bass and other andromous fish such as hickory shad and river herring and things will get back to a more normal schedule. One fishery that is certainly on schedule is the traditional opening day of trout season this coming Saturday in the put and take areas. Fisheries crews and the volunteers that help spread the fish out have been busy stocking trout in your favorite fishing waters.

     Water temperatures in the lower Susquehanna River and flats area are holding around 50- 55-degrees depending where one is. Local fishing guides report that a group of striped bass arrived a little more than a week ago and seemed to have nosed into the Elk River where water temperatures may have been suitable for spawning and catch and release fishing is off limits. Fishermen have been trolling with crankbaits, casting jigs, crankbaits and bottom fishing with cut bait in the lower Susquehanna and flats area without much success lately, very few striped bass have been caught and released to date. Usually not all the fish in a spawning population arrive at the same time so there certainly is hope that more striped bass are headed up the bay and due to arrive shortly.

     The white perch have been thinning out in the lower Susquehanna River and upper bay tributaries and moving out into the upper bay area. Channel catfish are plentiful in the region and hickory shad have begun to show up in sufficient numbers to provide some good catch and release fishing late in the afternoons at the Deer Creek area. Chances are that this weekend will be a good time to catch them.

     In general white perch are moving down the tidal rivers of the Chesapeake to settle in to areas that traditionally hold them in late spring and summer. White perch are still being reported at Fletcher's on the Potomac near Washington D.C. but fishing with bloodworms in the lower sections of most other tidal rivers may get you into some nice perch. Fishermen are catching them at Sandy Point State Park and other areas around the bay such as the Bill Burton Fishing Pier on the lower Choptank River.

     Water temperatures in the mid-bay area are running around 50-degrees this week and fishermen have been practicing a little catch and release out along the shipping channel edges by trolling large parachutes and bucktails. The warm water discharge at Calvert Cliffs Power Plant has also been drawing light tackle fishermen to try their luck at jigging near the discharge for striped bass.

     Freshwater fishermen who love their largemouth bass could hardly have better catch and release fishing than right now. Conditions seem to be perfect; largemouth bass are in an aggressive and hungry pre-spawn mode of activity and are hitting just about anything from topwater lures to grub jigs. The bass are cruising near all kinds of cover ranging from underwater ledges and drop-offs to emerging grass beds. 

     Trout fishermen are getting geared up for the big opener this Saturday in the Put and Take areas where fisheries biologist have been busy stocking trout. All manner of fishermen from the fly fishermen in waders to the young fishermen in sneakers will be trying their luck in the hopes of taking a few trout home with them. Powerbait is perhaps one of the best baits for fishing for stocked trout; it seems like candy to them, they just can't resist. Most trout fishermen spent quite a bit of time enjoying the pre-season stockings at many of the put and take waters earlier in the month and late February. The special catch and release trout management areas continue to provide wonderful catch and release opportunities for fishermen not concerned about taking fish home.

     Fishermen in the Ocean City area are beginning to see some surf action as a few bluefish and striped bass are being caught this week by fishermen using bait. Skates and dogfish are out there also ready to chew up baits. Tautog continue to move inside the inlet and fishermen are finding fishing improving as water temperatures reach 54-degrees. Offshore the boats heading out to the inshore wreck and artificial reef sites are finding large tautog for their customers.