With a week to go and only three impostors reeled in, it's looking less likely that the $25,000 tagged striped bass known as Diamond Jim will be caught.

Each of the fake DJs were worth $500, which pays for a boatload of tackle and bait. Still, it would be nice to see the big money paid out.

Even without the big bang, there's still the second, and larger, component of the state's sixth annual fishing contest.

Letters are going out today to the 2,000-plus anglers registered for the Maryland Fishing Challenge grand prize drawing on Sept. 11 at Sandy Point State Park.

The contest runs through Labor Day, and the Department of Natural Resources intends to follow up by phone and email with those who catch citation-sized fish from now until closing.
Historically, that's not a huge number of players.

Since there's a lot that can slow processing by the citation award centers (mostly tackle shops), the contest rules allow an angler’s copy of the citation award entry form to act as his or her invitation to the drawing.

Anglers gain free access to the park--which also is the site of the Maryland Seafood Festival--by displaying the car mirror hang tag that accompanies this week's invitation letter, having a citation award certificate, or showing a completed copy of the citation award entry form. Contest officials say any form of proof will do.

Anglers who can't be at the randowm drawing for a cruise, a boat and trailer and outdoors gear prize packages can designate a proxy. Just remember, a proxy may represent only one angler.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:50 AM | Permalink
        

Guide Ken Penrod of Life Outdoors Unlimited filed his weekly bass fishing report:

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: two and a half stars; clear with algae and floating grass; 79 degrees; 1 foot at Point of Rocks.
Bass fishing has improved in spite of the continuing drought There is substantial floating grass that makes fishing with action-like lures impossible—and it’s still tough on boaters, but things are looking up.

In the vicinity of Whites Ferry and Edwards Ferry, there has been a pretty good topwater bite and on those few cloudy days, we were able to catch bass all day. From Edwards, fish up river or down but concentrate on grass edges of wood cover with Mizmo tubes or the KP Series of teaser tubes. From Whites Ferry, we recommend that you motor to the center of the river and then drive upriver where we slowly drift—often simply holding position with a trolling motor. Big Mouth spinnerbaits cast to grass edges or Case Magic Stiks and Campground Special tubes are the ticket.

Around Lander, we do well in either direction where we continue to recommend Case Magic Stiks and Campground Special teaser tubes. Bass need some current when the water is hot. Cast over submersed ledges and allow the current to deliver your offering—as it would if it was natural.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: three stars; stained; 75 degrees; 4.2 feet at Harrisburg; 3.5 feet at Newport on the Juniata.
Bass fishing has picked up, as the river rose about a foot and the accompanying stain is actually a help to bass anglers. I don’t know how long the water will hold, but now is the time to go. Contact 1-888-881-7555 for current river conditions.

From Riverfront Campground in Duncannon, at the Juniata confluence, anglers are catching quality smallmouth bass between the Sherman Creek ledges and the Buffalo Ledges by casting Rattlin’ Rapalas, Campground Special tubes and Case Salty Shads. There is a topwater bite most days, early and late in the day. John Cunningham (717-877-2704) has boat rentals.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: two stars; 82 degrees; algae and floating grass in areas.
Bass fishing has been pretty tough for most of us this week and there are areas where you can catch blue crabs easier than you can catch a bass or two. The drought has allowed the salt-wedge to creep upriver and the commercial crabbers are creating land-mine-llike conditions for boaters in many areas.

In Washington waters, the river between Key Bridge and Little Falls is perfect now. Remember: It’s no wake and you must wear life jacket water. The fishing is good for bass and walleye and there are very few boats to interfere with your plans. Use Rapala DT 04 crankbaits (Hot Mustard) and green pumpkin tubes.

The bridge foundations--especially Key Bridge and Long Bridge--are holding all three bass species. The Washington Channel has a bunch of small stripers along the dropoff, but don’t get too close to General’s Row or you will be visited by the Harbor Patrol. By the way, lots of catfish action along channel drops, and some of these fish are huge.

Around the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, bass fishing has been pretty poor, although there are some very big largemouth bass is Penrod Cove, WW Barges and the submersed remnants of the former bridge. We do best with Rapala DT 06, 10 and 12 crankbaits or the Luhr-Jensen Hot Lips in firetiger pattern.

We also suggest Hog Island; boat docks and grass beds just south of Hog Island; Fort Washington Lighthouse dropoff, Bulltown Cove and Pomonkey Creek. Our grass baits include buzzbaits, Big Mouth spinnerbaits, Case Magic Stiks and frogs.

In the vicinity of Mattawoman Creek, it’s tougher to catch good bass within the “6 mph zone" lately. We do better between Smallwood State Park and the main river, with 6-inch Case plastics, both wacky style and Texas rig. Other decent stops should include Occoquan Bay grass and rocks; Leesylvania jetties; narrows in Chickamuxen and grass beds between Quantico and Chopawamsic Creeks.

DEEP CREEK LAKE: two stars; 75 degrees; lower than normal; clear.
Typical summer results here, but the water is cooling and before long the mass of pleasure boats will be gone and the fish will calm down. Brent Nelson (bbnelson@comcast.net) reports “decent” fishing from grass beds both uplake and near the dam. But during the middle of the day, it’s just tough. See http://www.fishdeepcreek.com for lots of regional information.

POCOMOKE RIVER: three stars; 78 degrees; normal color.
Largemouth bass fishing has been pretty good most days, and very good on days when a low tide occurs between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. We are casting Penrod Special spinnerbaits, Rapala DT 06 crankbaits, Mizmo tubes and Case Magic Stiks to spatterdock and cypress knee cover. Never hesitate to cast a buzzbaits. Best areas are near the Landing, Nassawango Creek and Cemetary Pond.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 6:00 AM | Permalink
        

Think of this weekend as a tune-up for next weekend's long Labor Day holiday (no pressure). Try one of these activities, steal one from a co-worker or neighbor or go back to a family favorite.

1.) Peddle power. Bike around BWI Thurgood Marshall International Airport on the 12.5-mile paved path. Watch the airplanes land. Park at the Dixon Observation Park on Dorsey Road or on the east side of I-97. Pack water and snacks. Bathrooms are at the Amtrak station.

2.) Going in a circle isn't your idea of fun? Airplanes make you nervous? Try the nearby 13-mile B&A Rail Trail, which runs from Glen Burnie to Annapolis. At the sourthern terminus, park in the lot off Route 450, just off U.S. 50 after it crosses the Severn River. At the northern end of the trail, you can park at the Dixon Observation Park and ride the spur trail to B&A or at Sawmill Creek Park just east of I-97. There's plenty of food stops on the B&A and restrooms at two ranger stations. Find more here.

3.) Take the kids fishing at Carroll County's Piney Run Park in Sykesville. The floating docks are safe for little feet. Panfish hang around the carefully built underwater structure just waiting for a worm. The 300-are lake is a reservior, so water is clean. There are trails, playgrounds and clean bathrooms. The boat house rents canoes, kayaks and row boats for $8 an hour or $30 a day. Peddle boats rent for $7 for a half hour. The entrance fee is $5 for a carload of county residents and $10 for nonresidents.

4.) On both Saturday and Sunday, Fort Frederick State Park will have reenactors conducting a French and Indian War muster. The fort is terrific and the reenactors know their stuff. Period crafts and vendors will be on site. The fort will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entrance fee is $3 per person for Maryland residents; $1 more for nonresidents. Learn more about the fort here.

5.) On Saturday, look for shark's teeth and other fossils with a naturalist during a 1-mile hike at Charles County's Purse State Park (no, I never heard of it, either). Bring water, bug spray and sunscreen. Wear hiking shoes, but bring along water shoes or flip flops for wading at the edge of the Potomac River. The program is free and runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more about the park (I did) here.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 6:54 AM | Permalink
        

So, I'm sitting here on Chappaquiddick Island, minding my own business and plotting my next attack on the blue fish just beyond the deck, when a press release arrives indicating that news is breaking out just beyond the horizon.

Recreational and commercial fishing folks are holding a floating demonstration today at the mouth of the harbor to Vineyard Haven to protest the Obama administration's fishing policies.

Swell.

I have no problem with folks protesting the continued employment by the federal government--specifically NOAA — of a man who appears to have used his power and our money for his own purposes.

Good on them.

But what really bothered me was this line: NO FISHERIES MANAGEMENT BY EXECUTIVE ORDER!!!!!!!

The caps and exclamation points are strictly those of the authors of said release.

Fishermen are upset that on July 19, President Obama, with the stroke of a pen, established an ocean protection policy.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance, sponsors of today's maritime protest, railed against the action, calling the president "King Obama."

RFA founder Jim Donofrio said Obama was attempting to circumvent the legislative process, saying the president was "signing his name to decrees as if he were king."

What a difference three years makes, eh?

In October 2007, President Bush signed a meaningless executive order "protecting" striped bass and red drum from commercial fishing. The order, whipped up during a visit to the Chesapeake Bay (where he didn't catch a thing), banned the sales of those two fish caught in federal waters.

Except those two fisheries were already closed under other federal laws.

Still, Bush created fisheries law with the stroke of a pen.

And not one peep about King George from anyone.

Think I'll go fishing.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:25 PM | Permalink
        

Walter Courtenay, aka Dr. Snakehead, is perhaps the foremost authority on the invasive species, northern snakehead, which showed up in a Crofton pond in 2002 and has since reared its toothy head in lakes and rivers throughout the region.

When a northern snakehead was netted by a waterman at the mouth of St. Jerome Creek, on the Chesapeake Bay side of St. Mary's County, it raised eyebrows.

The fish, an aggressive predator, has spread thoughout the Potomac River and its tributaries south of Washington. But scientists hoped the salinity of the bay would keep it bottled up in the river and would prevent infestation beyond Point Lookout.

Now, it's a question of how long it will be before snakeheads slither their way north to a new watershed--the Patuxent River.

Courtenay, who continues his research at the U.S. Geological Survey, emailed me from his office in Florida:

"Amy Benson at our USGS lab (who is keeping records of new reports of snakeheads, along with many other exotics) ... confirmed that she had not yet received a report on this capture from St. Jerome Creek from folks in Maryland.

"She went into our Introduced Aquatic Species (AIS) database to look for the nearest location to St. Jerome Creek where one or more northern snakeheads had been captured and found one -- in St. Mary's Creek, lower Potomac near Chesapeake Bay.

"If snakeheads from St. Mary's Creek found lenses, or pockets, of lower salinity water around [Point Lookout] separating that location from St. Jerome Creek, then it would be easily possible for migration into St. Jerome Creek.

"Such an event would likely require increased amounts of fresh water passing through both the lower Potomac and from St. Jerome Creek (and any other freshwater sources entering the upper Chesapeake from above).

"Two questions remain: (1) did that movement happen or; (2) did someone move one snakehead from the Potomac to St. Jerome Creek? If another (or other) snakeheads show up in St. Jerome Creek, that will provide the likely answer.

"If there are other snakeheads that made it into St. Jerome Creek, they will likely move upstream there to stay."

The frustration here for state and federal wildlife managers is that they spent the summer of 2002 trying to prevent snakeheads from entering the Patuxent River from the Crofton pond. The river, the longest one within Maryland, is home to sensitive wildlife areas, such as the Jug Bay Sanctuary.

Now the concern is, will snakeheads invade the watershed from the other direction.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:50 PM | Permalink
        

Guide Ken Penrod of Life Outdoors Unlimited filed his weekly freshwater fishing report.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: two and a half stars; clear with algae; 75 degrees; 1 foot at Point of Rocks.
The river is very low and recent rains did little to alleviate the drought, but smallmouth bass are biting quite well most days.

At Whites Ferry, plan your day for low-light conditions because mid-day with a clear sky equals poor results. You can move to the middle of the river and then run upstream to the riffle within sight of the power plant stack. Use KP Series teaser tubes, Case Magic Stiks and Penrod Special spinnerbaits. If you are there at dawn, try topwater baits but don’t try to force-feed the fish. My rule is: bass get 15 minutes to convince me that they want topwater baits.

At Lander, we like our chances upriver best but the going is difficult due to vegetation and low water. Fish the submersed ledges with tubes and stiks.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: two stars; clear; 74 degrees; 3.2 feet at Harrisburg, 3.3 feet at Newport on the Juniata.

Bass fishing has been good on cloudy days and poor on cloudless days, but that’s true for any body of water during summer conditions. The low river conditions keep motor-boat traffic to a minimum but floats and wet wading can be very productive. John at Riverfront Campground is renting his river boats to anglers that are taken upriver several miles for a float back to the campground. Those that launch from the campground simply move to the middle of the river and float downstream while casting Rattlin’ Rapalas.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: three and a half stars; 84 degrees; much floating grass; algae. Pretty good fishing in most sectors for catfish, black bass and small rockfish.

In the waters around Washington, Danny Grulke reports very good catfish action for fish (blue catfish) to 50 pounds. Dan’s recipe is simple: Medium-heavy to heavy action rods; 20-pound to 30-pound main line; barrel swivel; No. 100 shock leader; 8/0 circle hook; egg sinkers (1 to 3 ounces); cut shad in ¼-pound chunks or live blue gills; 14-30 feet of water near flats, anchored.

We're catching bass in a number of places, including rocky cover above Three Sisters for smallmouth; Key Bridge and Long Bridge foundations for all three species of bass; Washington Channel for stripers and largemouth bass. We recommend Rapala DT-06 10 crankbaits (Hot Mustard and Firetiger); Clackin’ Rap; Big Mouth spinnerbaits (Penrod Special and Golden Shiner); Mizmo tubes (Penrod Purple and Green Pumpkin); andCase Magic Stiks (Green Pumpkin/Gold and white.)

In the vicinity of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, some days are tough and some days are very good. The larger bass come from Fox Ferry, Penrod Cove, Hog Island and Fort Washington Light on Rapala DT-10 crankbaits and Mizmo tubes.

The grass bass, in coves near Belle Haven, Hog Island, shoreline above Broad Creek and Swan Creek will eat a buzzbaits some mornings but spinnerbaits, frogs and Case Stiks are solid presentations. To the south, Bulltown Cove, south side of Gunston Cove; Pomonkey Creek and Hallowing Cove and feeder creeks are good spots most days.

Around Mattawoman Creek, the upper creek isn’t as productive as it was in July but you can still catch some nice bass from the grass beds in front of the spatterdock with Case Magic Stiks and Penrod Special spinnerbaits. We do a better job in grass beds between Smallwood State Park and the main river with frogs, Stiks and Johnson Spoons. Other good places to visit include Chickamuxen Creek; Occoquan Bays and River; grass between Chopawamsic Island and the creek and grass mats in Mallows Bay.

DEEP CREEK LAKE: two stars; clear but lower than normal; 80 degrees.
LOU guides, Capt. Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner, say fishing has been difficult since the fish kills but they are able to satisfy vacationing clients by fishing grass beds near the dam. See www.fishdeepcreek.com for details.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 9:15 AM | Permalink
        

After looking over the list of most popular boating songs compiled by the Discover Boating, an outreach arm of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, I can't believe what I'm seeing.

There's enough holes in the list to sink it to the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay. I know I'm an old fart, but geez.

Where's Sloop John B? The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald? Anchors Aweigh?

The Banana Boat Song? A Pirate Looks at Forty? Sail on Sailor? Sail Away?

The Discover Boating list was compiled after it "surveyed a network of boating experts and people who love life on the water to select some of the most popular songs about—and best enjoyed while—boating," according to the press release.

Here's the list:

Boats by Kenny Chesney

Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) by Looking Glass

Come Sail Away by Styx

If I Had a Boat by Lyle Lovett

Into the Mystic by Van Morrison

Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Redneck Yacht Club by Craig Morgan

(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding

Son of a Son of a Sailor by Jimmy Buffett

Southern Cross by Crosby, Stills and Nash

Dock of the Bay is a great song. Otis Redding died too young. I could listen to Steve "Soul Man" Cropper play all day. But a boating tune? Really? What part of sitting on a dock is boating?

Have you ever tried to SING Brandy? That chorus sure goes down smooth, eh?

Reading the list again only raises more songs.

Vahevala by Loggins and (Jim not Mike) Messina; Come on Down to my Boat Baby by Every Mother Son; Wooden Ships by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; Sail On by The Commodores.

I'm sure there are lots of others. What tune floats your boat?

Posted by Candus Thomson at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

An Anne Arundel County circuit judge has upheld the rules of one of the state's largest fishing tournaments, dismissing the claim of a professional captain who entered the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association event as an amateur.

Capt. Kayvan Bahrami of Chester entered the 2008 spring tournament on the Chesapeake Bay and took second place with a 42.1-pound striped bass. He stood to win more than $89,000 in prize money, "the largest amount given away by the MSSA in spring tournament history," according to a news release at that time.

But tournament directors determined that Bahrami made his living as a professional, disqualified him and refused to award him the prize money.

Tournament rules prohibit professional charter boat captains who work on the bay or ocean from participating as anglers, operators, or onboard observers in the amateur division. They may, however, enter the charter boat division.

Bahrami skippers the 47-foot Viking cruiser Reel Desire out of Ocean City. The boat can be rented for $900 to $3,600 a day, depending on the type of fishing desired. On his website, Bahrami notes that he "has been offshore fishing for over 20 years and professionally for five years." He has participated in both the White Marlin Open and the Ocean City Shark Tournament as a professional.

Judge Pamela North granted MSSA’s motion for summary judgment, effectively ending the captain's claim for prize money.

MSSA Executive Director Dave Smith called the case "unfortunate for both sides" and expressed relief that the judge upheld the integrity of the rules.

"We could not have a had a better resolution," Smith said in a phone interview. "It's a precedent I hope other groups can use."

Bahrami has 30 days to appeal the decision.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 10:56 AM | Permalink
        

Once upon a time, biologists believed that the deep, cold navigational channel in the Potomac River might keep those voracious aliens, northern snakeheads, on the Virginia side.

Until they appeared in Mattawoman Creek, on Maryland's shore.

Then biologists believed the salinity of the Chesapeake Bay would keep salt-averse snakeheads bottled up in the Potomac. No less an authority than Walter Courtenay, aka Dr. Snakehead of the U.S. Geological Survey, calmed our fears.

Now it appears the fish that occupies a spot on the federal government invasive species hit list has looped around Point Lookout and has gotten as far north as St. Jerome Creek in St. Mary's County.

"They're on the move," said Jonathan McKnight, head of the Department of Natural Resources invasive species team. "The hardest part was to get around Point Lookout. Once you're around the point, it's only a bounce to the Patuxent River."

Don Cosden, the head of DNR's inland fisheries program, said that over the last several years, biologists began seeing snakeheads in Potomac tributaries "farther down than we thought they could go."

They also found them upstream, capturing two snakeheads in the Anacostia River north of the Capital Beltway where DNR stocks trout. One snakehead, said Cosden, had "a really nice rainbow trout in its belly."

Experiments show that while snakeheads can't thrive in water with high salinity levels, "they can and are willing to swim through those areas that are not habitable," Cosden said. "When they find a creek, they make a beeline upstream until they find freshwater."

That apparently explains sightings in the St. Mary's River and Herring Creek, Potomac tributaries.

The appearance in a waterman's net outside the mouth of St. Jerome Creek was a bit of a surprise, however. Luckily, there isn't enough freshwater in the creek to make it a welcoming home. But freshwater can float on top of saltwater to create pathways to new territory.

"They're pretty adapable critters and they have a strong instinct to move when they get some freshwater. If they repeat that behavior enough times, I believe they'll make it to the Patuxent," Cosden said.

McKnight agrees, saying he believes bay waters "will act as a barrier for a time, but I would expect them to continue to move up."

Snakeheads slithered into the headlines in summer 2002, when an angler at a small pond in Crofton reeled in an 18-inch adult. The Department of Natural Resources was forced to poison that pond and another, killing thousands of baby and adult snakeheads, to ensure the fish wouldn't escape into the nearby Patuxent River.

That infestation was caused by a man who bought two fish to make soup, changed his mind and dumped them in the pond.

Later that year, the federal government banned the importing of all snakeheads, natives of Asia. Experts worry that, in time, snakeheads could assert themselves at the top of the aquatic food chain.

The website of the U.S. Geological Survey notes: "Should snakeheads become established in North American ecosystems," it says, "their predatory behavior could drastically disrupt food webs and ecological conditions, thus forever changing native aquatic systems by modifying the array of native species."

Cosden worries that in time snakeheads, which like the same food and habitat as bass, will muscle out the competition. So far, however, surveys haven't shown a dip in the bass population.

"We don't know how abundant they may become," Cosden said of snakeheads. "I think the population has been increasing. There's only so much room and so much food out there. Something's got to give."

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Since my column Sunday about the state's decision last year--but never made public--to remove blue catfish from the list of accepted Maryland fish, I've heard and read comments from a bunch of you.

Almost all of your choice words question the reasoning behind, and motives of, the decision by the Department of Natural Resources and its invasive species experts.

My conclusion: angler Jayson Zorda is being blue listed by DNR, which is making up the rules as it goes along.

Here's a brief recap. On Aug. 6, Zorda, a New York angler fishing the Potomac River, caught what would have been the state record blue cat, a massive beast that eclipsed the standing mark of 67.1 pounds by 12 pounds.

At first the state said it would reject the claim based on an unpublicized decision last year to delist blue catfish. Fisheries Service officials said they didn't want to encourage the spread of an invasive species.

When it was pointed out--by me--that tackle shops were still awarding citations for blue cats over 40 pounds (a mark set by the state) and that almost a dozen anglers were qualified for the Maryland Fishing Challenge and the grand prize drawings by virtue of having caught blue cats, DNR went into a regrouping mode.

Late Friday morning I was told that blue cats would be OK for this year and this Maryland Fishing Challenge, but not OK afterward. Under the revised interpretation, Zorda's application would be reviewed.

Later that day, I was told Zorda's 79-pound blue cat was being disqualified because its measurements were not certified by a state fisheries biologist, as required by the rules.

Rubbish. Two years ago when Ron Lewis set the state mark with a fish that now swims in the tank at Bass Pro Shops at Arundel Mills, the state biologist on the scene eyeballed the fish and accepted the measurements provided by Tim Hagan--the same man who measured and weighed Zorda's fish.

I know. I was there.

After Zorda caught his cat, he and Hagan raced the fish from the Fort Washington pier to the only certified scale available after midnight: the FedEx office in Silver Spring. They weighed it, took more than two dozen photos and then drove back to the Potomac River to release the fish alive.

They submitted the paperwork and photos to DNR on Aug. 9, the first working day after the catch. At that time, DNR did not mention the blue cat delisting or the fact that a biologist had not seen the fish before its release.

Yet somehow, four days after the fact, DNR disqualified Zorda's catch, determining that the paperwork and photos were less conclusive than a drive-by viewing by a state biologist.

What was good enough for Ron Lewis should be good enough for Jayson Zorda.

And there's more. State officials contend that the blue cat is an invasive species that arrived in Maryland in recent years, and they are only trying to stop its spread. When I asked how blue cats differ from largemouth bass and brown trout--two non-native fish who enjoy Maryland citizenship--I was told it had to do with length of stay. Ten years is the magic mark.

Well, several sharp readers noted that outdoors writers in the late 1970s, including Bill Burton of the Evening Sun, wrote of accidental blue catfish catches in the Potomac. And others noted that anglers began targeting blue cats in the early 1980s.

As far as preventing the spread of blue cats, the state acknowledges the fish have been found in the Patuxent and Nanticoke rivers and there have been unsubstantiated catches in the upper Chesapeake Bay.

If the blue cat population is established, and it is, and has spread, as it apparently has, what is delisting going to accomplish?

If anything, this head-in-the-sand attitude is likely to fuel misguided and angry anglers to transplant blue cats to other waterways--exactly what the state is hoping to avoid.

The issue is expected to be on the agenda of the Sport Fish Advisory Commission on Sept. 13. Hagan says he'll be there to argue his case.

At the very least let's hope we get the groundwork started toward a coherent policy, one anglers can have confidence in.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Still don't have weekend plans? Try one of these five outdoor adventures:

Birds and Blossoms
Aug. 21, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
Mattingly Park, Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head (Charles County)
Celebrate the tidal and freshwater marshes surrounded by the Mattawoman Wildlands at the Mattawoman Creek Lotus Blossom Festival. The blossoms are a short paddle from the park, so bring your canoe or kayak, or rent one from Up The Creek Rentals (reservations strongly encouraged; 301-743-3733). Or take a free boat ride to see the blossoms. Folk music, face painting and other activities. At 1:30, Audubon Maryland-DC will dedicate Mattawoman Creek and its forests as an Important Bird Area.

Sunset Paddle
Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; $8 per person
Gunpowder Falls State Park, Days Cove (Baltimore County)
Explore the scenic Days Cove area by canoe and experience the marshlands as they come alive with wildlife activity at dusk. Individuals must be at least 12 years old to participate in this 2.4-mile paddle. Registration is required. Call Sarah Witcher at 410-592-2897.

Hike in circles
All weekend, all day; Free
Sugarloaf Mountain, on the Montgomery-Frederick county line, is privately owned. But everyone is welcome. Color-coded trails allow hikers to make long or short loops up and around the 1,282-foot summit. Pack a lunch and head for White Rocks. Watch out for snakes. Print out at map and learn more at sugarloafmd.com

Tram tours
Aug. 21 and 22; 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
$3 (adults), $2 (seniors 55 and over), and $1 (children 12 and under)
Patuxent Research Refuge, Powder Mill Road, Laurel
Take a half-hour guided tour through forest, meadows and wetlands around the National Wildlife Visitor Center. The tram is a 40-passenger, all-electric, open-air vehicle. First-come, first-served.

Capture the Moment
Aug. 22, 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.; $2
Morgan Run Natural Environment Area, Benrose Lane, Westminster (Carroll County)
Sharpen your nature photography in the field as you see the park through the lens of your camera. Includes one-mile hike. For families and individual adults. Bring camera, digital card/film, tripod, and water. Meet at main parking area.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 5:41 PM | Permalink
        

Guide Ken Penrod, owner of Life Outdoors Unlimited, shares his weekly bass fishing report:

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: two stars; 83 degrees; 1.1 feet at Point of Rocks and falling.
The river rose about six inches during the middle of the week, but is nearing the 1-foot level as of report time. Those wicked storms did little to help the drought. Bass fishing has been pretty good during low-light hours. If you choose to fish during the mid-day hours you should take a radio along for weather updates.

At Whites Ferry, bass fishing has improved. Stay in the middle of the river, upstream of the ferry, and slowly fish Magic Stiks and Mizmo tubes. Use 6-pound test monofilament and 1/8th- to 1/16th-ounce jig heads.

At Lander, the vegetation is troublesome for boaters, but there are plenty of smallmouth bass to catch in either direction from the launch. There is a very strong aquatic hatch in the morning and you can locate large schools of small bass by monitoring their feeding rings. Larger bass will find these schools of young fish and feed on them. The bass we catch are small, but there are plenty of larger fish in this sector.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, Pa.: two and a half stars; 80s; clear; 3.2 feet at Harrisburg, 3.8 feet at Newport.
The rivers rose several inches last week but quickly lost that gain. Bass fishing has been pretty good for those that can get to the “holes,” but boating is hazardous in most areas. There are good aquatic hatches in the morning and evening hours—and that’s the time frame for serious anglers now. Best lures continue to be Campground Special tubes (KP Series), Rattlin’ Rapalas, X-RAPs; buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. For a boat shuttle service, call Johnny Cunningham at Riverfront Campground.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: three stars; mid-80s; much floating grass and algae.
We struggled the first few days, but bass fishing was pretty strong during the later part of the week.

In the District of Columbia sector, the Washington Channel dropoffs, Long Bridge foundations; C&O Canal aqueduct foundations and rocky shores near Three Sisters have been pretty reliable—and there is a good mix of fish on that cover. I really like the Rapala DT06 in Hot Mustard; Mizmo tube in Penrod Purple; Case Magic Stik in green pumpkin/gold and the Clackin’ Rap.

In the vicinity of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, drop shot plastics in Penrod Cove, Smoot Bay and submersed bridge foundations have been quite productive. I use a Mizmo tube with ¼ -ounce bullet weight as my drop shot, then a 4-inch Case Magic Stik on a No. 1 hook (wacky) about 15 inches up the line. Don’t hesitate to cast crankbaits in these areas. My favorites are firetiger and hot mustard Rapala DT06.

Around Mattawoman Creek, we still catch some bass in the “6 mph” zone with Magic Stiks, buzzbaits and Penrod Special spinnerbaits—but not as many as we did in July. The grass beds between Smallwood State Park and the river are still holding up well. Clear blue sky days are tough but those cloudy days are very productive.

We can report fair success in Chickamuxen; Occoquan Bays; Pohick Bay and Pomonkey Creek.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

So, you were lucky enough to reel in another rockfish over the weekend but you're running out of new ways to prepare it.

Fear not. My Park Quest buddy, Maryland Parks Service Ranger David Best, just sent me a tasty suggestion for rockfish nuggets.

The season is far from over. If you have a favorite fish recipe, join in. We'll put them up here at Outdoors Girl. Let's kick things off with Ranger David's favorite:

1 cup Italian bread crumbs or deep-fry seafood mix
1 or 2 eggs
1 quart cooking oil
Small amount of milk
Bottle of Frank's RedHot sauce

Heat oil in deep fryer. Cut fillets into small strips or nugget-sized pieces. Mix eggs and milk together in a bowl. Dip fillet strips to coat in egg/milk mixture. Coat fish with Italian bread crumbs. Place in deep fryer and cook until done or golden brown. Serve with Frank's RedHot.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:12 AM | Permalink
        

The BoatUS Foundation recently reviewed 28 gizmos and services to determine which provided boaters with the best intel to keep them safe from storms.

The review looked at satellite and phone-based weather services for coastal inshore and inland mariners. It included everything from free cellular phone text messaging services to subscription services that provide weather information on a chartplotter.

The winners are:

Best Free Flip Phone Option: NOAA's Mobile Weather, http://mobile.weather.gov/.

Best iPhone App: MarineCast at $5.99, http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/marinecast/id350423381?mt=8.

Best Blackberry App: Mobile Mariner, $4.99 a month, http://www.mobilemariner.com/Default.aspx.

Best Free App: WeatherBug, http://weather.weatherbug.com/mobile.html.

Satellite Weather: XM WX Weather, $9.95 to $29.95 a month, plus activation fee, http://xmwxweather.com/.

The full review is at http://BoatUS.com/foundation/Findings/49.

The BoatUS Foundation is the education and outreach arm of BoatUS, a 500,000-member advocacy group.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 10:55 AM | Permalink
        

Summer is running out. It's time to fill the weekends with the best Maryland's outdoors has to offer.

Here's five ideas for you. Some activities require registration; a few have a fee:

Kayak trip and picnic
Aug. 14, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; $10 per person
Anna C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, Harford County
Paddle to Snake Island for a picnic under shade trees. Bring your own lunch. All equipment supplied. Children under 13 must be with an adult. Wear shoes that can get wet. Call 410-612-1688 to register.

North Point Exploration
Aug. 14, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; free
North Point State Park, Baltimore County
An interactive education program on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay with a park naturalist. Details: 410-592-2897.

Family Night Hike and Campfire
Aug. 14; 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; free
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, Anne Arundel County
Set out at dusk to find clues for some of the Sanctuary’s nocturnal inhabitants. Listen to a chorus of frogs, look for beaver, listen for owls, then return to the meadow for an evening campfire. For families with children over 8. Details: 410-741-9330.

Before GPS: Trailblazing with Compass and Map
Aug. 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; $2 per person
Patapsco Valley State Park, McKeldin Area, 11676 Marriottsville Road, Howard County
Learn how to use a compass and use your wits and eyes to get to anywhere you see on a map. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and bring water. Ages 7 and up. Call 410-461-5005 to sign up.

Gunpowder River Tubing Trip
Aug.15, noon to 3 p.m.; $5 per person
Gunpowder Falls State Park, Monkton Train Station, Baltimore County
A 1.8-mile hike up the Torrey C. Brown Trail followed by a two-hour float down Big Gunpowder Falls to Monkton Station. Wear sun block, swimsuits or shorts and shoes that can get wet. Tubes and PFDs are provided. Participants must be at least 16. Call 410-592-2897 to register.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

Here's this week's fishing report from the Keith Lockwood with Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

UPPER BAY: Fishermen seem to be targeting white perch and striped bass. White perch action has been very good, with the fish holding to underwater structure such as shoals and reefs. They can be caught on bottom rigs baited with bloodworms, grass shrimp or peeler crab or by jigging.

Fishermen relying on jigging are using a sinker or a jig such as a metal jig with a small dropper fly tied about 18 inches above. Small bluefish, striped bass and croaker can also show up on the end of a fishermen’s line at times also.

Structure, such as Man O War and Belvidere shoals, as well as channel edges near Pooles and Hart/Miller islands and the mouths of the regions tidal rivers are all good places to fish for white perch.

Striped bass are being caught mostly by chumming around Rock Hall and Love Point and by live-lining spot and jigging. The best chumming is taking place during the early morning hours and the largest fish are being caught on fresh menhaden baits or live spot fished close to the bottom.

Fishermen are live-lining spot along steep channel edges and underwater structure, such as the Bay Bridge piers. Jigging close to underwater structure has also been paying off for fishermen in the early morning hours and late evenings.

Trolling small- to medium-sized bucktails and small spoons behind inline weights or planers has also been accounting for a mix of bluefish and striped bass. Fishermen describe the action as a slow pick at best.

MIDDLE BAY: There are a number of options this week. As usual, striped bass are at the top of the list but white perch, bluefish and croakers are right behind. Anglers are finding a mix of bluefish and striped bass chasing bait either on the surface or below the waves, often in the early morning and evening hours.

The mouth of the West River, Eastern Bay, the west side of the shipping channel and the west side of Poplar Island have been good places to look for action. Most anglers are casting lures to surface fish and jigging to fish holding deeper.

More and more bay anglers have been discovering what Ocean City anglers have known for years: the versatility of the Got-Cha lure. They can be kept up high in the water column or allowed to sink deep and they stand up to bluefish.

Live-lining spot continues to be a very popular alternative to chumming, which has really fallen out of favor with boat captains in recent years. The supply of bait-sized spot has been sufficient for anglers in the tidal rivers recently. Recreational fishermen need to be reminded that spot can be caught only by hook and line and not in spot traps.

A lot of boats have been trolling with good success by using No. 2 Drone spoons and similar-sized Clarks and Crippled Alewives behind inline weights or No. 2 planers. The best action for a mix of striped bass, bluefish and an occasional Spanish mackerel has been during a good tide. Spanish mackerel catches have been incidental so far in Maryland waters. Fishermen are catching them in southern Virginia waters, so there is hope more of them will arrive soon.

Shallower white perch fishing can be enjoyed by casting small lures such as spinner blade lead head crappie lures, spinners or small Rat-L-Traps. A word of caution though; the perch are holding tight to old submerged breakwaters and similar structure and lures will be lost.

Croakers are being caught at night in the lower sections of the regions tidal rivers and shoal areas in the bay next to the deeper channels. The larger croakers continue to hold deep during the day and tend to limit their feeding forays to the evening hours. Some of the largest croakers are not only being caught on bottom rigs baited with the usual baits but also by slowing jigging across the bottom with a small jig head baited with peeler crab, shrimp, clam or squid.

The crab pot lines at the mouths of some of the larger tidal rivers have been a good place to try for super-sized croakers. You may snag a ghost pot now and then, so bring extra jigs. Crabbers have been using razor clams and that tends to attract the croakers to the pots.

Recreational crabbing has been good in most of the tidal rivers and creeks throughout all three regions of the bay. Hot weather is once again driving crabs from the shallows and most crabbers are reporting the best action in 12-feet of water or more. Crabbers are seeing a lot of small crabs on their baits and a large portion of the legal-sized crabs tend to be light due the recent full moon.

FRESHWATER: Trout fishing in the western portion of the state can offer some respite from the heat and plenty of peace since most trout waters are shaded and running cool.

Warm water has made fishing difficult at Deep Creek Lake. has been tough due to warm water temperatures and a lingering fish kill. The upper Potomac River can offer some fun fishing for smallmouth bass in the 12-inch to 14-inch range. The feisty little fish are jumping on a wide variety of lures, such as tubes cast into some of the deeper pools.

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be best in the early morning and late evening hours. Any kind of shade in the form of old docks, overhanging brush or thick grass will be a good place to target. Cool feeder creeks will also attract them.

Bluegills will be holding near lily pad fields or grass edges, offering some good fishing with a light fly rod and rubber-legged poppers, or on a spinning rod with a simple bobber and worm or cricket bait.

OCEAN CITY: Anglers continue to target flounder in the back bays and in and around the inlet. The throwback ratio continues to be high, but using larger baits can shift the odds in a fisherman’s favor.

Triggerfish and a few tautog are being caught at the inlet jetties during the day on sand fleas, and bluefish and striped bass are being caught at night. Surf fishermen are catching a summer mix of kingfish, croaker, spot, small bluefish and flounder in the early morning and late evening hours. At night, large sharks are being caught and released in the surf.

Wreck fishermen are finding a mix of sea bass and flounder on the wreck sites and occasionally finding croakers closer to the beaches on the run back to the inlet. Offshore fishermen are catching a mix of yellowfin tuna, white and blue marlin as well as dolphin and an occasional wahoo.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:07 AM | Permalink
        

Looking for an outdoor freebie this weekend?

The National Park Service has waived entrance fees at all 146 pay parks (the other 246 sites are free all the time).

Go to Fort McHenry Saturday for some demonstrations by reenactors or travel to Antietam for living history lessons. On Sunday afternoon, take a hike through the Paw Paw Tunnel, the largest structure on the C&O Canal.

Go to Gettysburg National Military Park or take a ranger-led tour of Montgomery County's Glen Echo Park (you'll want to spend $1.25 for a ride on the 1921 Dentzel Carousel).

More ideas are at http://www.nps.gov.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Team Missing Parts in Action, the three disabled Army veterans who reached the summit of 19.340-foot Mount Kilimanjaro Saturday, finally reached a place on the descent from Africa’s highest peak where they could send photos from their time at the top.

Retired sergeants Dan Nevins, Neil Duncan and Kirk Bauer are on their way home now.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 5:19 PM | Permalink
        

Guide Ken Penrod, owner of Life Outdoors Unlimited, files his weekly fishing report.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: three stars; .9 feet at Point of Rocks; 85 degrees. Much vegetation. Despite very low, exaggerated water flows, bass fishing is good. The levels reported at some of the monitoring stations are influenced by displacement cause by massive vegetation—so the river is actually lower. Consider float trips from one launch to another such as: Brunswick to Lander or Point of Rocks; Lander to Point of Rocks or Mouth of Monocacy; Mouth of Monocacy to Edwards Ferry.

At Lander, we are still “getting around,” although the vegetation is a pain in the butt. We continue to catch bass on Case plastics and Campground Special tubes. There is a good aquatic hatch in the morning so always try your topwater offerings. We recommend 6-pound test monofilament now coupled with long casts.

At Whites Ferry, we fish upriver of the ferry, staying in the center of the river and slowly drift downstream. Best baits continue to be Campground Special (teaser) tubes in the KP Series.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, Pa.: two and a half stars; clear; 80s; 3.1 feet at Harrisburg; 3.3 feet at Newport. It’s tough to get around in motorized boats due to low water but those that engage in downriver floats are catching fine bass in the morning and evening with topwater lures, Rapala jerkbaits, Rapala Clacking Raps, Campground Special tubes and Case plastics.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: three stars; high 80s; algae. The tidal Potomac is heads and shoulders above other regional water as far as results go. Bass fishing, especially in healthy grass beds, is good to excellent in many of the sectors. The top producing lures for grass bass are buzzbaits; Penrod Special spinnerbaits; frogs; Case Plastics and Mizmo tubes. Find deeper grass by monitoring your sonar and cast Rattlin’ Rapalas and Rapala DT04 crankbaits. Pitch, punch or flip creature baits in grass matts.

Around Mattawoman Creek, Capt. Keith Barker has been doing very well within the 6 mph zone and in the grass beds between Smallwood State Park and the main river. Other areas nearby that hold bass include Occoquan bays; Chickamuxen bay and creek; Chopawamsic Creek and main river shorelines north and south. Danny Grulke recommends “evening fishing” because he and a few friends caught nearly 50 bass one evening last week.

Around the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, there's decent fishing in Penrod Cove and surrounding habitat; Fox Ferry and Blue Plains; the Maryland shore between South Point and Broad Creek; the Virginia shore between Hog Island and and the long boat docks.

DEEP CREEK LAKE: one star; 75-80 degrees; less than normal elevation.
Capt. Brent Nelson (bbnelson@comcast.net) is very concerned about the fish kills that state biologists blame on the “highest ever recorded water temperature in several decades” that has caused two pathogens, gill parasite and Aeromonas hydrophila, to stress and kill fish.
He recommends fishing deeper grass beds near the dam during low-light conditions.

KERR LAKE, Va.: two stars; 85-90 degrees. Guide Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports slow fishing results after the sun climbs high. “The shallow topwater bite is reliable,” says Tim, “but it just doesn’t last long enough.” Tim moves out to deeper water when his morning bite stops where he recommends deep diving crankbaits and Carolina rigged plastics. Virginia inland fisheries officials will report on their recent studies of fish populations sometime this week.

POCOMOKE RIVER: three stars; 75 degrees. Bass fishing spatterdock cover during a falling tide has been above average. Spinnerbaits, Rapala DT06 crankbaits, buzzbaits and Mizmo tubes account for most bass. Nassawango Creek has been best during the last two hours of a falling tide. The spatterdock between Shad Landing and Dividing Creek is reliable, although you may have to fish a lot of water to find concentrated fish.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

The 37th White Marlin Open is over and its $2.13 million jackpot has been divided among the anglers reeling in the biggest fish.

With huge white and blue marlin being weighed in on the second day of the five-day tournament, there wasn't a lot of suspense at the end. But that didn't stop thousands of spectators from stopping by Ocean City's Harbour Island marina each afternoon to see what the sea gave up.

Tournament directors say 255 boats registered to make the run to the fish-rich canyons far offshore, while not the largest turnout, certainly respectable in this economy.

All that was left Saturday was for the winners to pass their polygraph tests.

As expected, Brian Roberts of Berlin took home the biggest check--$856,506--for hauling in a white marlin weighing 97.5 pounds.

In the blue marlin division, James Kontos of Crested Butte, Colo., collected $423,039 for a catch weighing 1,010.5 pounds.

Trey Little of Rockport, Texas, squeaked by Travis Boone of Freeland on the final day of competition to win $283,168 in the tuna division, with a catch of 77.5 pounds. Boone, who had led the division until Friday, had to settle for a $55,780 check.

The angler with the largest dolphin did not take home the largest check. Cory Bubb of Mill Hall, Pa., had a pay day of $4,375 for a 53.5 pound fish. The runner-up, Timothy Warner of New Park, Pa., entered more skill levels and that bumped his take to $25,368 for a 51.5-pound fish.

Only one entry made it to the leader board in the wahoo division. Zachary Gelacek of Pittsburgh, Pa., won $6,875 for a fish weighing 47.5 pounds.

Next year's tournament is Aug. 8-12.

Photos of the 2010 White Marlin Open.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:50 PM | Permalink
        

Hooah!

As most of us slept early Saturday morning, three disabled Army veterans completed a mission they began Monday: to stand atop 19,340-foot Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.

"I am delighted to report that we made it to the top of Kilimanjaro, the rooftop of Africa, at 2:02 a.m., your time, and are standing on Uhuru Peak," Kirk Bauer of Ellicott City said in a telephone call.

Calling themselves "Team Missing Parts in Action," the three retired sergeants joked that they had just one good leg among them.

But despite obstacles that included irritated stumps, artificial leg malfunctions and the effects of high altitude, the veterans literally raced to the top of the mountain, stepping onto the summit a full day ahead of schedule.

"This is just an incredible experience," Bauer said. "We have to give a lot of credit to our guide, Nickson Moshi, and his team from Massai Giraffe Safari. The did an incredible job of pacing us and making sure we were acclimatized."

Bauer, 62, lost a leg during the Vietnam War. Dan Nevins, 39, a graduate of Lansdowne High School who lives in Windsor, Calif., had both legs amputated as a result of injuries suffered in 2004 during the Afghan War. Neil Duncan, 27, of Maple Grove, Minn., lost both legs in 2005 during the Iraq War.

Bauer heads Disabled Sports USA, one of the largest sporting organizations for people--in the military and civilians--with physical disabilities. Team Missing Parts in Action is part of DSUSA's Warfighter Sports Series that helps disabled service members take part in extreme sports.

"This has been one hellova time," said Bauer. "But we still have to get to the bottom. This thing isn't a success until we're all standing at the bottom."

They hope to make it to Marango Gate--the bottom--by late tomorrow.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:32 AM | Permalink
        

Plans called for the three disabled Army veterans, called Team Missing Parts in Action, to reach the summit of 19,340-foot Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest point, on Sunday.

Wrong.

Retired sergeants Kirk Bauer of Ellicott City, Dan Nevins, a Lansdowne High School graduate, and Neil Duncan of Minnesota, are kicking serious mountain behind on their ascent.

They have reached the 18,500-foot level and expect to stand atop the mountain at noon--Baltimore time--Saturday.

Here is this morning's dispatch from Bauer, sent before he turned in:

"Toughest climb yet. Battery failed and knee froze up, so its slow going. Dan’s right stump boil is better today. Will camp high tonight and reach summit...tomorrow."

Bauer, 62, a Vietnam veteran, is a single amputee. Nevins, a 39-year-old Iraq veteran, and Duncan, a 27-year-old veteran of Afghanistan, are double amputees. The men are climbing with spare legs and have vowed to finish the climb on crutches, if need be.

Bauer is executive director of Disabled Sports USA, one of the largest sporting organizations for people with physical disabilities. Nevins works for the Wounded Warrior Project in Jacksonville, Fla. Duncan learned to cycle, mono ski, golf and sail under the programs. The men say they hope to raise awareness and urge disabled people to become involved in sports.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Recreational anglers who like to live-line small fish to catch biggers ones--in this case rockfish--cannot catch their bait fish using traps called "spot pots."

After a legal review by the Attorney General's office, the Department of Natural Resources has issued a statement to remind anglers that regulations allow them to catch fish by hook and line, spear guns, dip nets, bow and arrow and 10-foot cast nets.

But no spot pots. Only those holding commercial licenses can use them.

The issue came up late last month at a meeting of the Sport Fish and Tidal Fish advisory commissions.

The Fisheries Service is concerned that without some way of documenting the recreational catch, it cannot monitor the impact on juvenile spot and other animals such as striped bass, white perch and blue crabs that might be entrapped.

The use of spot pots to catch bait is a small but growing trend. Tackle shops are selling them and some anglers are making their own.

The advisory groups kicked the controversy up the ladder for a legal opinion and created a work group of recreational anglers, watermen and charter boat captains to sort through the matter with an eye toward changing the regulations, if warranted.

Spot pots are not a gear defined in current state fishing regulations. Therefore, the pots may only be used by those holding an Unlimited Tidal Fish License (TFL) or Unlimited Finfish License (FIN).

Commercial fishermen using spot pots must file a monthly harvest report by the 10th day of the following month, as they do with other finfish.

Over the next several months, Fisheries Service biologists will evaluate the sustainability of using spot pots, focusing on whether spot pots should be permitted with or without restrictions or prohibited. If regulations are needed, DNR would hope to have something in place by June 2011.

Until then, DNR is cautioning anglers against "making investments in this gear at this time."

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:34 AM | Permalink
        

You don't have enough boots on the ground to do your job correctly. But to set yourself up to get more officers, you have to pull precious manpower out of the woods and off the water.

If you're Col. George Johnson, the superintendent of the seriously undermanned Natural Resources Police, what do you do?

You temporarily reassign a dozen officers, lean heavily on the ones remaining and hope to heaven that nothing bad happens.

But some officers in the field are questioning whether they're being used in an election year to make the O'Malley administration look like it's concerned about manpower.

Here's the deal. NRP has 21 vacancies in a force that can't afford a single one. At least a dozen officers each year retire, resign, are out of commission on workmen's comp or have been forced out due to disciplinary action.

So instead of an authorized force of 247 (a number which someone keeps lowering year after year to make things not seem so bad), NRP has 226 officers.

Last year's academy class of 18--the first real class in years--didn't make a dent.

"We can't wait any longer to fill these vacancies," Johnson told me. "We have to do something."

So, he asked his bosses if he could begin the process of fielding a class of a dozen candidates in the event state revenue begins to improve and an academy can open in October.

But getting a dozen suitable recruits means tests, polygraph exams and background checks on as many as 120 candidates.

Last year, Johnson asked investigators and select field officers to split their time between their regular duties and doing background checks. The result was a slower turnaround on both.

"We found it wasn't an effective way to do a background check," Johnson says. "We want our officers strictly focused to prepare a thorough and efficient document."

So Johnson took two or three officers from each region for up to two months to assist the six investigators assigned to the job.

But some officers are asking privately how manpower can be siphoned off during NRP's busiest summer on record. In fact, a recent NRP news release noted: "From Memorial Day to present, NRP received 5,500 calls for service, of which 909 were maritime incidents, including 150 boating accidents and 230 calls for vessels in need of assistance."

Officers say they are stretched to the breaking point.

"We'd like to think this isn't an election-year ploy by the governor to make it looks like he's worried," says one veteran commander, who spoke on the condition on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak for the department. "Ehrlich did the same thing when he merged the park rangers with NRP to make our force look bigger."

Johnson says that's not the case.

"I told commanders that if it wasn't working, we'd revisit the issue and help out by either sending people back or freeing up some overtome," he says. "We're more than halfway through the summer. We felt this was a fair tradeoff."

Posted by Candus Thomson at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Three disabled war veterans--all leg amputees--are trying to reach the summit of 19,340-foot Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, on Sunday.

Kirk Bauer, 62, of Ellicott City, Dan Nevins, 39, a graduate of Lansdowne High School and Neil Duncan, 27, of Minnesota, set out Monday on the trail.

Bauer, a sergeant in the Vietnam War, is a single amputee while Nevins, a sergeant in the Iraq War, and Duncan, a sergeant in Afghanistan, lost both legs as a result of combat. They are carrying spare artificial legs and have vowed to finish on crutches, if need be.

News from the climb is slowly traveling back to Maryland as the team adjusts and prepares itself for the challenge. Bauer, executive director of Disabled Sports USA, sent back this dispatch and photo on the first two days:

Day One:

It was a great success on all counts. Guide Nickson Massai wanted to keep the climb short to break us in slowly to the altitude and climate. We are climbing from the Rongai Route on the northeast side of the mountain.

He estimated it would take us about four hours to do that first day. In fact, we reached Simba Camp, at 8,500 feet, in three hours. Neil and Dan were smooth and swift except in very steep rocky parts, which was only for short distances.

Rain threatened all day but held out, so we are dry so far. We are working hard at staying dry especially for the high altitudes.

All along the road there are small villages with strips of one-story concrete block shops all connected like a small strip mall. There is everything from grocery stores, bars, restaurants, auto repair, barber and beauty shops, butchers etc.

When we arrived at the ranger station (this is a national park) to register, we certainly got a lot of stares from the other hiking groups and the porters crowded around the site. Many gave us the thumbs up in encouragement, which really pumped us to get on with the climb.

The first part of the trail was a narrow logging road leading to forests of pines that had been planted to provide lumber for the surrounding villages. Once a section is clear cut, the local farmers plant corn. When that is harvested they plant potatoes between the corn rows and harvest them later in the season. They use the land to its fullest.

At about 7,500 feet elevation, we passed a village where the kids were just gaping at Dan and Neil. So, these two started acting and walking like robots passing the kids--probably the best entertainment the kids had had in a while.

Unlike high elevation in, say Colorado, there is lots of vegetation here at 7,500 to 8,500 feet (such as) leafy trees that keep their leaves year round, unlike the East Coast flora.

We were near a corn field when suddenly we heard some screaming coming from the trees to our right. There were blue monkeys and Colobus Monkeys with long white manes hanging from their heads. They were jumping from tree to tree. It was absolutely spectacular.

By some estimates, Neil and Dan are expending 200 percent or more energy than the two-legged animals on this mountain on the climb. But to quote Neil: “We had a great day. Great pace and even trail. Always a lot of work for me, but it was a good day.”

Wednesday is another short climb day with about 2,500 vertical feet. Nickson and his crew want to break us in slowly. We all feel strong and cannot wait to take on the mountain, but we are mindful that this is only the first day.

Day Two:

The team just crossed the 11,500-foot level and hiked nine miles up Kilimanjaro.

It’s very cold today, but we planned for the weather at this elevation and at this time of year. So far, so good.

We are on schedule and plan to reach the summit Sunday afternoon.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Only 20 of the 255 boats went out fishing Thursday, the penultimate day of the five-day White Marlin Open.

That's not unusual in a tournament in which competitors are allowed to fish three of five days. Unless the weather is lousy, everyone goes out Monday, opening day. And everyone likes to fish the final day. So it comes down to picking a third one.

Thursday often loses. But this year, with the big fish coming in early, the wind has gone out of a lot of sails.

Let's face it, it will be hard to top the 97.5-pound white marlin caught by Brian Roberts of Berlin and the 1,010.5-pound blue marlin reeled in by James Kontos of Crested Butte, Colo. Both fish were caught the second day of the Ocean City tournament.

If the standings hold and the winners pass polygraph tests, Roberts will collect $800,000 at the awards ceremony Saturday and Kontos will receive $360,000.

Weigh-ins are held every day beginning at 4 p.m. at Harbour Island Marina.

The White Marlin Open, in its 37th year, is promoted as the world's largest billfish tournament. The total jackpot this year is $2.13 million.

Next year's competition is Aug. 8-12.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:00 PM | Permalink
        

As predicted in my Sunday column, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission did nothing to protect menhaden, a keystone species of the Chesapeake Bay, for the 2011 commercial fishing season.

But it did on Tuesday unanimously approve this motion: "Initiate addendum to consider a range of percent Maximum Spawning Potential (MSP) reference points including the current level, 15 percent, 25 percent and 40 percent."

Oh.

The motion should help expedite action to protect the fish, prized by Virginia's Omega Protein Inc., for conversion into animal feed and heart-healthy dietary supplements. But it doesn't hide the fact that nothing will be in place by the next commercial seaason despite the fact that the species is at an all-time low.

Menhaden are a prime food of striped bass and the bay is the East Coast's largest spawning ground and nursery for stripers. The oily fish also is a filter feeder, cleaning the water of some of the material we're spending billions to eliminate with machines and legislation.

Every spring, Omega sends its fleet out of Virginia's Northern Neck to hunt down the schools of menhaden. Spotter planes direct the boats to their targets. Large nets encircle the fish, which are sucked aboard.

The boats then move on to the next school called in by the planes. It's all very quick and very efficient. Omega is the only company still pursuing menhaden in this manner for the so-called reduction industry.

Maryland doesn't allow the reduction fishery, but Virginia lawmakers embrace and protect Omega like (to use Sarah Palin's new favorite phrase) a mama grizzly.

It is likely the Menhaden Technical Committee and the Multi-Species Technical Committee (those are the scientists with the big, old brains) will spend a year developing new biological reference points for the menhaden population, and when the dust settles, the science will be less than clear as ASMFC ponders a policy decision.

Much hand wringing and hair pulling will follow. Speeches will be made. Then ASMFC will have to decide whether to stand up for a single company or the future of menhaden.

On the positive side, Tuesday's vote is acknowledgement that the stock is at an all-time low and that something has to be done. And the strong support from ASMFC representatives from New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island is heartening as we enter the second decade of the debate about saving the menhaden.

Stay tuned.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

The folks who crowd the piers surrounding the Harbour Island Marina weigh-in station at the White Marlin Open aren't easily impressed.

Many of the veteran spectators of the Ocean City event billed--no pun intended--as the biggest billfish tournament in the world are used to seeing massive fish being hauled from boat to scales.

But the "wow factor" was high Tuesday as local angler Brian Roberts showed off a 97.5-pound white marlin--the second largest in WMO history. If his luck holds, the fish could be worth $800,000 when the competition ends Friday.

James Kontos, fishing aboard the Let it Ride out of Fair Haven, N.J., is in first place in the blue marlin division with a fish weighing 1,010 pounds that's worth an estimated $360,000 right now.

Travis Boone of Freeland is looking at a possible payday of $270,000 for his 76.5-pound tuna caught on Monday, the first day of the event.

In a 30-minute stretch Tuesday night, the white marlin lead changed hands three times as anglers brought their catches to the dock.

Roberts caught his fish aboard the Shelly II. WMO organizers say Roberts's first time fishing in the event ended badly when the 28-foot boat he was aboard sank.

Two hundred fifty five boats are registered for this year's competition. The total jackpot is $2.13 million.

Weigh-in begins today at 4 p.m.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The application period is open for hunters hoping to claim one of 260 permits for this fall's black bear season.

On-line applicants have until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 1 to file for the lottery at http://blackbear.dnr.state.md.us.; phone applications will be accepted at 1-888-579-6768 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. from Monday, Aug. 23 through Aug. 27.

The drawing will be held on Sept. 2. Applicants can check their confirmation number on line the next day to see if they won or wait to receive an information packet in the mail.

The hunt in Garrett and Allegany counties is set for Oct. 25 through Oct. 30. State wildlife managers have established a target of 65-90 bears and will close the hunt when the threshold is reached.

A $15 nonrefundable application fee--payable by credit card, check or money order--must be received by noon on Sept. 2. Checks and money orders must be made payable to MDDNR Black Bear and mailed to MDDNR Black Bear, P.O. Box 360, Frostburg 21532.

Only one application per person will be accepted. Duplicate applications will result in disqualification and fees will not be refunded.

The Department of Natural Resources will continue to employ its Preference Point System for permit applications. Hunters who apply this year will receive one entry in the random drawing as well as one additional entry for each past consecutive year they have applied. For example, hunters who applied unsuccessfully in 2008 and 2009 will receive three entries in the drawing when they apply this year.

If an applicant is selected in the random drawing, his or her preference points will be reset to zero.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 6:00 AM | Permalink
        

The five-day White Marlin Open has begun, with 255 entries hoping to dip into a total jackpot of $2.13 million.

Two hundred thirty-eight boats left Ocean City and other nearby ports before sunrise to test their luck in the fish-rich deep canyons more than 30 miles off the coast.

Anglers can fish three out of five days, and choosing the best weather and location often separates the winners from losers.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a ridge of high pressure building over the water this afternoon and evening. Winds are out of the east at 10 knots to 15 knots, with seas running 2 feet to 4 feet. By later in the week, southwest winds are expected to pick up to 15 knots to 25 knots and seas will rise to 4 feet to 6 feet.

Last year, Robert Farris of Charlotte, N.C., set a tournament and a state record with a blue marlin weighing 1,062 pounds. Farris won $454,999.

Sean Healey of Prides Crossing, Mass., took the top prize of $903,442 with a white marlin weighing 93.5 pounds.

The weigh-in is every day from 4 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Harbour Island Marina.

This is the 37th year for the tournament, often called the biggest and richest billfish tournament in the world.

Photos courtesy of Thomas C. Scilipoti.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 3:04 PM | Permalink
        

Maryland artist Bob Bealle's 2010-11 Federal Duck Stamp design is going onto a bigger and better stage: a special-edition envelope that will raise money to buy Gulf Coast wetlands for inclusion in the national wildlife refuge system.

The cachet features the Duck Stamp, which depicts an American wigeon painted by Bealle, on a silk rendering of an award-winning photograph by David Moynahan of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Bealle's design was chosen last October over 223 other entries at an annual art competition judged at the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel.

Bealle, a former taxidermist with a family farm in Waldorf, is a three-time winner of the Maryland Migratory Game Stamp competition, most recently in 2008-2009.

The special-edition cachet will cost $25, $15 more than a regular Federal Duck Stamp. It is available from Amplex Corp., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s distributor, by calling 1-800-852-4897 or on line at http://www.duckstamp.com.

Bass Pro Shops is underwriting the first edition of the cachet and will market the envelope and stamp in its retail stores across America and Canada.

Since 1934, sales of Federal Duck Stamp have generated more than $750 million to buy and protect more than 5.3 million acres of wetlands, including habitat in National Wildlife Refuges spread across all 50 states and U.S. territories. In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Duck Stamp money has been used to acquire more than 31,000 acres on 15 national wildlife refuges.

Each year, all migratory bird hunters must buy a Federal Duck Stamp, formally called the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, in addition to state licenses, stamps and permits. The stamps have become popular with collectors and wildlife art enthusiasts as well as people who want to donate to wetland conservation.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:00 PM | Permalink
        

Ken Renrod, guide and owner of Life Outdoors Unlimited, filed this fishing report:

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: two stars; 78 degrees; .8 feet at Point of Rocks; much algae.
Fishing on the upper Potomac River has been difficult due to mass SAV and low water conditions—but bass are massed in deeper water and they are hungry. Downstream floats make sense, but we are still able to use our jet boats in a few areas. The top producing artificial baits continue to be Mizmo tubes, Campground Special teaser tubes, Case Magic Stiks, Penrod Special spinnerbaits and Rapala DT-04 crankbaits.

At Whites Ferry, be careful of the ferry operation and follow the ferry rout to the center of the river and then go upriver until you can see the smoke stack of the Dickerson Power Plant. Cast tubes and stiks while floating very slowly. Cast to grass edges also.

At Lander, we like the upriver area although the grass is thick and bothersome. Case Magic Stiks have been most productive. There are lots of small bass but you should find a “good one” on occasion. Try a float from Brunswick to Lander.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, Pa.: two and a half stars; mid 70s; low and clear; 3.5 feet at Harrisburg, 3.3 feet at Newport on the Juniata.

Fishing has been sporadic throughout the rivers but anglers who can reach the deeper holes are doing well during low-light conditions. The best lures continue to be Campground Special teaser tubes, Case Magic Stiks, Rattlin’ Rapalas and Case Salty Shads.

Sinnamahoning Branch, a tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna River, is a mainstay fishery for our summer youth camp, where our boys catch plenty of smallmouth bass on tubes and Stiks. During one evening outing, the eight boys caught nearly 50 bass.

George Stevenson Dam, on the First Fork branch in Cameron and Potter counties, flows to the Sinnamahoning Brach and then to the West Branch. This electric-motor reservoir is a fine fishery and anglers do very well with Stiks, spinnerbaits and tubes.

Wycoff Run is a trout stream that flows into the Sinnamahoning Branch. Campers caught plenty of wild and stocked trout from this creek—and some did very well with dry flies.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: three stars; mid 80s; algae to the south. Bass fishing has been pretty good throughout the river although certain areas are more productive than others.

In the vicinity of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge vicinity, Capt. Keith Barker (301-509-2102) has found plenty of fish for his clients in Penrod Cove, Charley’s Cove and Belle Haven coves. Wax worms have played a large part in the kid’s pursuit of panfish.
Penrod Cove, Smoot Cove, Fox Ferry, grass beds on both sides of the river south of Belle Haven and grass in Piscataway Creek have been productive during lower water tides with buzzbaits, Penrod Special spinnerbaits, frogs and Magic Stiks.

In and around Mattawoman Creek, fish the spatterdock/grass habitat above Slavins with spinnerbaits and Magic Stiks during the falling tide—and the grass beds between March Island and the main river with frogs, buzzbaits and Stiks during high water. Other productive areas include Chickamuxen Creek, Quantico Creek, Occoquan Bay and grass along the Quantico Marine base.

DEEP CREEK LAKE: two and a half stars; 70s; below normal elevation; clear.
Guide Brent Nelson (410-799-9326), reports tough to fair fishing throughout the lake—but better than normal, given the season. Brent worked grass beds near the dam where he and his clients caught bass up to 3 pounds.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 10:23 AM | Permalink