Annapolis, Md. -- It was a very interesting weekend for sure and I hope that all of you faired through it without too many problems. Over here on the eastern shore we received a lot of wind and rain causing problems with downed trees, flooded roads and houses built in flood plains. I was working the Fisheries booth at the state fair in Timonium on Friday and when I started to get close to Route 50 on my way home, I couldn't help but feel empathy for all those attempting to head west. The bumper to bumper traffic stretched all the way to Easton. As I crossed the Bay Bridge I noticed a line of small boats headed for the ramps at Sandy Point State Park to be hauled out as a safety measure. There was even a convoy of YP (Yard Patrol) boats from the Naval Academy headed north to the safety of Baltimore I suspect.
Irene did a good job of stirring up the bay and ocean waters and fishing should begin to show changes from the stretch of summer doldrums we've experienced due to high water temperatures. Water temperatures are on a downward move into the seventies and saltwater and freshwater fish will begin to become more active. If you find yourself in cloudy water conditions when fishing think of dark colored lures, lures with rattles and spinners that send vibrations through the water to help fish locate your offerings.
A look at the Conowingo Dam shows mid-day power generation that is within normal releases; although waters are discolored to some degree fishing in the upper reaches of the bay show promise. Water temperatures are slowly decreasing and are now holding around 78-degrees. Fishing below the dam hole should improve with these water releases and the cooler water temperatures for striped bass and smallmouth bass as well. White perch fishing has been good in the lower Susquehanna and tidal rivers and creeks of the upper bay. Fishing for striped bass tends to focus around chumming and chunking at the Love Point area and to a lesser degree near channel edges near the mouth of the Magothy and around Hart/Miller Island.
Trolling is a good option along channel edges and structure with medium sized spoons, bucktails and swim shads in tandem or behind umbrella rigs. Live lining, jigging and chunking near the pier bases at the Bay Bridge also has been productive this week.
Middle bay region fishermen are finding Spanish mackerel all the way up to the Bloody Point area by briskly trolling small Drone spoons behind inline weights or planers. Slower trolling speeds offer the opportunity to catch striped bass. Most of the bluefish in the middle bay region are still in the 12" size range although a few 18" bluefish show up now and then. The False Channel is still holding striped bass and fishermen got right back into the saddle right after Irene passed by and winds calmed. Spot are still available in shallower waters and are being live lined or chunked on the channel edge at the False Channel. Breaking fish composed of a mix of striped bass, small bluefish and Spanish mackerel are being spotted throughout the region and there is plenty of action this week.
Fishing for white perch and spot continues to be good in Eastern Bay, Hackett's Bar and the lower sections of most of the tidal rivers in the region. Croaker fishing along channel edges in the evening or deep during the day seems to be tapering off. Cooling water temperatures have spurred the shallow water fishery for striped bass and white perch along the shorelines of the bay and tidal rivers. Casting surface lures, jerkbaits, swim shads or spinnerbaits is a great way to enjoy some early morning or evening action.
Fishermen in the lower bay region are finding plenty of striped bass holding at the Gas Docks with an appetite for live spot within a day of Irene's passing. The shallows of the Patuxent are holding a good supply of spot so most private and charter boats have been anchoring up to form a fleet on any given day. Breaking fish composed of striped bass, Spanish mackerel and bluefish can be found chasing bay anchovies throughout the entire region. Casting metal into the melee is always fun and jigging underneath is a good way to find the larger striped bass. Trolling nearby at a good clip with small Drone spoons behind inline weights or planers is a good way to catch Spanish mackerel. Fishermen are reporting there are some larger bluefish in the vicinity of the Middle Grounds and large red drum are being caught and released from the Middle Grounds up to Hooper's Island. Fishing for a mix of large spot, croakers and flounder continues to be good in the Tangier Sound area.
The few recreational crabbers that have been on the water after Irene reported that they were not disappointed with the crabs they caught from the Elk River south to Crisfield. Just about everyone reported the crabs were hungry, a lot of small ones and that crabs are fattening up.
The waters of western Maryland escaped most of the heavy rain that the eastern side of the state encountered, so most areas were running clear and fishing is good. Fisheries biologist Mark Toms reports that the upper Potomac is little changed from last week, still low and clear. It may have risen ever so slightly but we received more wind then rain. Temperatures have cooled into the mid to upper 70's due to cooler nights.
Largemouth bass fishermen are finding that the bass are breaking out of the somewhat sluggish summer mode of behavior as water temperatures drop into the seventies. Largemouth bass fishing is still best in the early morning and evening hours but bass are aggressively striking a variety of lures near cover such as grass, spatterdock fields and sunken wood. Shallow running crankbaits and spinnerbaits have been good choices as well as soft plastics.
The fishing scene in the Ocean City area is starting to bounce back fairly quickly after Irene's passing. The surf is calming down and once again fishermen are finding a mix of kingfish, small bluefish, large spot, croaker, flounder and even a few pompano in the surf on small baits. A few cobia are being caught in the surf this week by fishermen casting larger baits. Larger bluefish have been coming in through the inlet at night and a few striped bass are caught each night on swim shads or live eels. During the day flounder are the game at the inlet and the Route 50 Bridge area. In the back bay areas flounder fishing picked right up again after the storm and there is also a mix of croaker and small bluefish inside.
Reports from boats headed out to the wreck sites for sea bass or to the canyons for offshore species are scarce so far this week. Most boat owners either hauled their boats out or used two miles of ropes to tie them to something that would hold against the wind and tidal surge. As the week progresses towards the weekend progress will be made to get back out and the traditional September white marlin bite may start as soon as this weekend.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Maryland Celebrates National Hunting And Fishing Day On September 24
Bridgetown, Md. -- In conjunction with more than 30 fishing and hunting clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host Maryland’s 5th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration and Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 at Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor in Henderson on Maryland’s eastern shore. Anglers, hunters and those interested in learning more about the great outdoors are invited to this free, public event.
“National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great opportunity for Maryland families to spend time together while connecting with nature,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Activities such as hunting and fishing teach children the value of protecting our natural resources so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Participants can try fun and challenging hands-on activities including spin casting, waterfowl calling lessons, dog demonstrations and archery and target shooting with skilled instructors. Experienced and novice outdoorsmen and women can check out hunting and fishing displays and demonstrations of outdoor skills.
“This event offers fun and educational hands-on activities for Marylanders of all ages to enjoy,” said Megan Fischbach, DNR’s National Hunting & Fishing Day coordinator. “It is a great way to introduce young people and newcomers to outdoor sports, while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing play in Maryland’s wildlife conservation and management.”
The event will also feature merchandise and food vendors, free giveaways and live music from The Bay Country Gentlemen.
Formalized by Congress in 1971, National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to celebrate the conservation successes of America’s hunters and anglers. Sportsmen and women generate more than $1.7 billion annually, which benefits all who appreciate wildlife and wild places.
Local sponsors of this year’s event include the National Wild Turkey Federation-Maryland Chapter, National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International-Chesapeake Chapter, National Rifle Association, Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association, Cassidy & Associates, Maryland Crossbow Federation, Maryland Trappers Association and the Maryland Bowhunters Society.
For more information call 410-260-8535 or visit dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/NHFD/index.asp.
“National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great opportunity for Maryland families to spend time together while connecting with nature,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Activities such as hunting and fishing teach children the value of protecting our natural resources so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Participants can try fun and challenging hands-on activities including spin casting, waterfowl calling lessons, dog demonstrations and archery and target shooting with skilled instructors. Experienced and novice outdoorsmen and women can check out hunting and fishing displays and demonstrations of outdoor skills.
“This event offers fun and educational hands-on activities for Marylanders of all ages to enjoy,” said Megan Fischbach, DNR’s National Hunting & Fishing Day coordinator. “It is a great way to introduce young people and newcomers to outdoor sports, while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing play in Maryland’s wildlife conservation and management.”
The event will also feature merchandise and food vendors, free giveaways and live music from The Bay Country Gentlemen.
Formalized by Congress in 1971, National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to celebrate the conservation successes of America’s hunters and anglers. Sportsmen and women generate more than $1.7 billion annually, which benefits all who appreciate wildlife and wild places.
Local sponsors of this year’s event include the National Wild Turkey Federation-Maryland Chapter, National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International-Chesapeake Chapter, National Rifle Association, Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association, Cassidy & Associates, Maryland Crossbow Federation, Maryland Trappers Association and the Maryland Bowhunters Society.
For more information call 410-260-8535 or visit dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/NHFD/index.asp.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Port Condition Yankee Set for Port of Baltimore
Baltimore, Md. -- The Captain of the Port of Baltimore set port condition Yankee for all commercial waterways in the upper Chesapeake Bay at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, in preparation for the anticipated weather impact of Hurricane Irene.
This port condition is a change from the previous condition of X-ray. Port condition Zulu is anticipated to be set at or around 8 p.m. Saturday.
A safety zone for the upper Chesapeake Bay from Smith Island to the C&D Canal has been established. The Port of Baltimore is closed to all inbound traffic. No vessel may enter this safety zone without the permission from the Captain of the Port. All cargo and bunker handling operations shall cease upon the setting of port condition Zulu.
1. Commercial vessels and barges more than 500 gross tons and all tank barges more than 200 gross tons departing the port must receive permission from the Captain of the Port.
2. All commercial vessels and barges that have received permission from the Captain of the Port to remain in port must be at their site in accordance with their application upon the setting of port condition Zulu.
3. Vessels bound for this port shall seek an alternative destination.
Mariners are also advised that drawbridges will remain closed when wind speeds are 34 knots or greater. Due to the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.
The Coast Guard urges boaters to stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities are degraded as storm conditions strengthen. This means that aid from the Coast Guard could be delayed. Boaters are urged to heed the weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories. People should not go out on their boats at this time and should wait at least 72-96 hours after a hurricane has passed through an area before attempting to get underway.
For updates on port conditions in Baltimore, visit the Coast Guard's Homeport site.
For more information on Irene, visit the National Hurricane Center Web site.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan.
For more information regarding port conditions, click here.
This port condition is a change from the previous condition of X-ray. Port condition Zulu is anticipated to be set at or around 8 p.m. Saturday.
A safety zone for the upper Chesapeake Bay from Smith Island to the C&D Canal has been established. The Port of Baltimore is closed to all inbound traffic. No vessel may enter this safety zone without the permission from the Captain of the Port. All cargo and bunker handling operations shall cease upon the setting of port condition Zulu.
1. Commercial vessels and barges more than 500 gross tons and all tank barges more than 200 gross tons departing the port must receive permission from the Captain of the Port.
2. All commercial vessels and barges that have received permission from the Captain of the Port to remain in port must be at their site in accordance with their application upon the setting of port condition Zulu.
3. Vessels bound for this port shall seek an alternative destination.
Mariners are also advised that drawbridges will remain closed when wind speeds are 34 knots or greater. Due to the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.
The Coast Guard urges boaters to stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities are degraded as storm conditions strengthen. This means that aid from the Coast Guard could be delayed. Boaters are urged to heed the weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories. People should not go out on their boats at this time and should wait at least 72-96 hours after a hurricane has passed through an area before attempting to get underway.
For updates on port conditions in Baltimore, visit the Coast Guard's Homeport site.
For more information on Irene, visit the National Hurricane Center Web site.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan.
For more information regarding port conditions, click here.
Coast Guard, Local Agencies Rescue 2 During Hurricane Irene
Portsmouth, Va. -- Norfolk Fire-Rescue swimmers rescued two people and a cat Saturday when their 30-foot sailing vessel ran aground off Ocean View Beach in Norfolk, Va., during the onset of Hurricane Irene.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads command center received the initial report from a good Samaritan at approximately 8 a.m. that a sailboat was dragging its anchor 400 feet from the beach. Personnel from Norfolk Fire-Rescue, Virginia Marine Resources Commission Police and the Norfolk Police Department responded to the scene.
The sailboat was homeported in Portsmouth, Va., but left Friday for Annapolis, Md., to escape the oncoming storm. When severe weather overtook them, they attempted to deploy their anchor.
Heavy seas and winds prevented rescue personnel from reaching the sailboat. It was ultimately pushed closer to shore and over a jetty, whereupon its keel embedded in the sand.
Norfolk Fire-Rescue then deployed two rescue swimmers to the vessel, who after securing two lines to it, assisted the people and the cat through waist- to chest-deep water onto shore.
"Our rescue swimmers helped the people off the sailboat," said Norfolk Fire-Rescue Capt. Mike Marsala, "but it was an excellent joint effort with Norfolk Police, Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the Coast Guard. This operation shows how well our agencies cooperate in emergencies."
The two sailors were treated for mild hypothermia and taken to a nearby shelter.
The sailing vessel remains aground off Ocean View Beach and does not pose a threat to the Ocean View Fishing Pier or the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
The Coast Guard reminds mariners that emergency response capabilities may be impacted during the storm and urges boaters to stay off the water, if at all possible, as Hurricane Irene travels up the East Coast.
For information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center website at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Mariners can view the latest port updates for Hampton Roads on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads command center received the initial report from a good Samaritan at approximately 8 a.m. that a sailboat was dragging its anchor 400 feet from the beach. Personnel from Norfolk Fire-Rescue, Virginia Marine Resources Commission Police and the Norfolk Police Department responded to the scene.
The sailboat was homeported in Portsmouth, Va., but left Friday for Annapolis, Md., to escape the oncoming storm. When severe weather overtook them, they attempted to deploy their anchor.
Heavy seas and winds prevented rescue personnel from reaching the sailboat. It was ultimately pushed closer to shore and over a jetty, whereupon its keel embedded in the sand.
Norfolk Fire-Rescue then deployed two rescue swimmers to the vessel, who after securing two lines to it, assisted the people and the cat through waist- to chest-deep water onto shore.
"Our rescue swimmers helped the people off the sailboat," said Norfolk Fire-Rescue Capt. Mike Marsala, "but it was an excellent joint effort with Norfolk Police, Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the Coast Guard. This operation shows how well our agencies cooperate in emergencies."
The two sailors were treated for mild hypothermia and taken to a nearby shelter.
The sailing vessel remains aground off Ocean View Beach and does not pose a threat to the Ocean View Fishing Pier or the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
The Coast Guard reminds mariners that emergency response capabilities may be impacted during the storm and urges boaters to stay off the water, if at all possible, as Hurricane Irene travels up the East Coast.
For information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center website at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Mariners can view the latest port updates for Hampton Roads on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Coast Guard Scheduled to Set Port Condition Zulu for Hampton Roads
Portsmouth, Va. -- The Coast Guard Captain of the Port is scheduled to set condition Zulu at midnight Friday for the Port of Hampton Roads due to severe weather.
The COTP is establishing a safety zone that will close the port to all vessel traffic, including vessel transits within the port. Vessel movement is not authorized without prior approval from the COTP.
The COTP anticipates remaining in condition Zulu until severe weather ceases. All mariners are advised to be extra vigilant as the port can expect sustained gale force winds greater than 39 mph during the next 36 hours. Cargo handling operations at all facilities shall be terminated during this time period.
The Coast Guard requests that the public listen to weather information available from other sources and not call the Coast Guard for weather information. For additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center Web site at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
The Port of Hampton Roads Maritime Heavy Weather Contingency Plan explains all port conditions and is available at http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/portDirectory.do?tabId=1&cotpId=26.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website at http://www.ready.gov/ to stay informed and for tips on how to prepare and plan for severe weather.
The COTP is establishing a safety zone that will close the port to all vessel traffic, including vessel transits within the port. Vessel movement is not authorized without prior approval from the COTP.
The COTP anticipates remaining in condition Zulu until severe weather ceases. All mariners are advised to be extra vigilant as the port can expect sustained gale force winds greater than 39 mph during the next 36 hours. Cargo handling operations at all facilities shall be terminated during this time period.
The Coast Guard requests that the public listen to weather information available from other sources and not call the Coast Guard for weather information. For additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center Web site at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
The Port of Hampton Roads Maritime Heavy Weather Contingency Plan explains all port conditions and is available at http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/portDirectory.do?tabId=1&cotpId=26.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website at http://www.ready.gov/ to stay informed and for tips on how to prepare and plan for severe weather.
Port Condition X-ray Set for Port of Baltimore
Baltimore, Md. -- The Coast Guard Captain of the Port set condition X-ray at 8 a.m. Friday for the Port of Baltimore in preparation for Hurricane Irene.
Condition X-ray is set when gale force winds are expected within 48 hours.
During the next 24 hours the Coast Guard will identify and track all vessels in port, establish contact with emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and work closely with port and industry officials to minimize damage in the event the storm impacts the Port of Baltimore.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Mariners can view the latest port updates for Maryland on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and to take all necessary precautions to prepare adequately for the expected conditions.
If and when port readiness condition Yankee is set, meaning hurricane force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted and all movements must be approved by the Captain of the Port.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please visit http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/.
For information on Hurricane Irene's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan at http://www.ready.gov/.
Condition X-ray is set when gale force winds are expected within 48 hours.
During the next 24 hours the Coast Guard will identify and track all vessels in port, establish contact with emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and work closely with port and industry officials to minimize damage in the event the storm impacts the Port of Baltimore.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Mariners can view the latest port updates for Maryland on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and to take all necessary precautions to prepare adequately for the expected conditions.
If and when port readiness condition Yankee is set, meaning hurricane force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted and all movements must be approved by the Captain of the Port.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please visit http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/.
For information on Hurricane Irene's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan at http://www.ready.gov/.
Port Condition Whiskey Set for Upper Chesapeake Bay
Baltimore, Md. -- The Captain of the Port for Sector Baltimore has set port condition Whiskey at 10 a.m. Thursday, for the upper Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas due to the expectation that gale force winds generated by Hurricane Irene may arrive within 72 hours.
The ports are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in effect. Threatening winds between 39 and 54 mph from a hurricane-force storm are possible within 72 hours.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Mariners can view the latest port updates for the Port of Baltimore on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site. http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/portDirectory.do?tabId=1&cotpId=1
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
Mariners can anticipate the Coast Guard setting port readiness condition X-ray when gale force winds from Hurricane Irene are within 48 hours of landfall.
If and when port readiness condition Yankee is set, meaning hurricane force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted and all movements must be approved by the Captain of the Port.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please click here. http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/
For information on Hurricane Irene's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at the following link. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site for tips to prepare, plan and stay informed at http://www.ready.gov/.
For more information regarding port conditions, click here.
The ports are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in effect. Threatening winds between 39 and 54 mph from a hurricane-force storm are possible within 72 hours.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Mariners can view the latest port updates for the Port of Baltimore on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site. http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/portDirectory.do?tabId=1&cotpId=1
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
Mariners can anticipate the Coast Guard setting port readiness condition X-ray when gale force winds from Hurricane Irene are within 48 hours of landfall.
If and when port readiness condition Yankee is set, meaning hurricane force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted and all movements must be approved by the Captain of the Port.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please click here. http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/
For information on Hurricane Irene's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at the following link. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site for tips to prepare, plan and stay informed at http://www.ready.gov/.
For more information regarding port conditions, click here.
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