Anglers in two states and two federal jurisdictions that do not have saltwater angler registries or licenses will be required to pay a $15 fee next year so that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can collect information about the health of the fish populations.

While 22 coastal states either had licenses or established a collection system by the deadline, New Jersey, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands failed to meet the cutoff.

The Maryland General Assembly last April modified the existing $15 sportfishing license to include anglers surf fishing and fishing in the coastal bays; the license provides NOAA with the information it needs for the National Saltwater Angler Registry. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has established a free system that will collect information when saltwater anglers buy an annual license.

NOAA says the registry will create a phone book of anglers that can be tapped by fisheries managers to get an accurate picture of who is fishing for what and when. The old data collection system was criticised as unreliable by state fisheries managers, conservation groups and a panel of scientists advising Congress.

Anglers are exempt from registering if they are under 16; only fish on federally permitted charter, party or guide boats; hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling permit; or are fishing commercially under a valid license. People who hold a valid fishing license from an exempted state, such as Maryland, are automatically entered into the registry, and do not need to contact NOAA if they fish in another state. They do, however, still have to hold a license from that state.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 1:24 PM | Permalink
        

The most popular hunting day of the year--the opening of modern firearms deer season--did not pass without incident in Frederick County.

On Saturday, a 51-year-old hunter suffered internal injuries and to his back and ribs when he fell 15 feet from his tree stand near New Cut Road in Rocky Ridge. The victim told Natural Resources Police officers his foot slipped off the top rung of the ladder. He was not wearing a safety harness at the time of the accident.

Raymond Daryl Weeks, 51, of Frederick was charged with negligent hunting after an officer found a shotgun slug embedded in a house in the 7900 block of Jackson Court. Also, officers were called to the 8300 block of Water Street in Walkersville for someone shooting at a house.

NRP says investigations are continuing in both of those cases.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:05 PM | Permalink
        

Joan Cwi, a member of the Baltimore Bird Club and our tireless point woman on chimney swifts, says this year's migration was a "double suker punch" for the loyal bird watchers who wait for them each year.

The birds were both late and changed locations, she says. Here is her account:

It didn’t look promising even when scouting in advance. The annual "Fall Chimney Swifts at Dusk" field trip was scheduled for the evening of Sept. 12, but there were no swifts using our two traditional roosting places.

As you may recall, in mid-September we generally have between 3,000 and 7,000 swifts roost in the Hampden Bookbindery/Mill Center or Druid Hill Conservatory chimneys at this time of year. The swifts have routinely used the Hampden chimneys for 30 years, according to Alice Nelson, our local expert who lives in the area, and then started alternating between the Hampden and Conservatory chimneys a couple of years ago. (These chimneys are only about a half mile apart across the Jones Falls valley, as the swift flies.)

This year the swifts did not use any of these chimneys. We alerted potential attendees who might attend the scheduled field trip about the dearth of birds via our email list and MDOsprey, but three intrepid birders came anyway to the Conservatory on the 12th.

No luck that night, so we divided into “swift chaser” teams to see if we could find other potential chimneys they might use en masse, with little results. Although there had been reports of minor roosting events (200-600 birds), we could not find any chimney being used with the usual fall migration numbers.

Then two and a half weeks later things changed. On Sept. 30, one of our swift fans went to the Ambassador Dining Room and observed over 3,000 swifts going down the chimney of the Temple of the Scottish Rite (at 39th and Charles streets).

I went again the next night and despite the rain counted 2,500 using the chimney. Two days later I had dinner at the Ambassador with friends, unfortunately too late in the evening to see the swifts ourselves.

I stepped out on the veranda to show friends the chimney, and people at nearby tables started telling me they had seen “thousands” of birds a bit earlier and wanted to know about them. So I gave them the big swift talk and distributed handouts (which I had so cleverly brought with me).

So what is happening? To be honest, we just don’t know. We speculate that due to the lingering hot weather (and hence lingering bugs) migration was late. But that doesn’t explain why they changed chimneys once again after faithfully using the Hampden chimneys for so many years.

We sure have our work cut out for us figuring out where the next swift watch will be. Other seasonal swift factoids:

For the first time since we started Lights Out Baltimore! monitoring three years ago, this fall we found a dead Chimney Swift, the victim of collision with glass. And more than 200 Chimney Swifts were killed along a section of I-295 in the District of Columbia. The conjecture is they were flying low due to foggy conditions gathering low-flying insects and hit by cars.

Cedar Waxwings gathering roadside berries are sometimes reported killed in large numbers by cars, but this is an uncommon report for swifts.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

A 7-year-old boy was killed by his 10-year-old brother in a deer hunting accident over the weekend.

It happened in Virginia, not Maryland, but the news is sobering, nonetheless.

It's almost impossible to fathom the horror of the moment. We are a society that likes our blood on flat screens, with ear-shattering sound effects and a power-off switch, thank you very much.

The shooter will have a lifetime to think about that split second when his younger brother darted in front of him. Their father will replay the scene until the day he dies.

According to news reports, the father and his two boys were hunting on private property Saturday afternoon south of Charlottesville. The younger boy, carrying a pellet gun, shot and missed a deer. His brother, armed with a .410 shotgun, tried for a follow-up shot.

But the younger boy ran into the line of fire and was stuck in the back with the shot, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

The investigation continues, so we don't have all the facts. Unfortunately, people already are saddling up their high horses. But safety questions come to mind as we enter the height of deer hunting season in Maryland:

Why was the youngster allowed to shoot at a deer with a pellet gun? The fire power of the gun in the hands of an unskilled hunter was unlikely to bring the deer down, only wound it. Virginia law mandates at least .230 caliber.

How well could one man supervise two armed boys? Virginia law requires that hunters under the age of 12 must be “immediately supervised” by a licensed adult. They might have been the best-behaved sons in the world, with a healthy respect for the guns they were carrying, but national statistics show that youths under 19 are disproportionately involved in hunting mishaps, including self-inflicted injuries and deaths.

Had the two boys taken a hunter safety course? Children under the age of 12 are not required to have a hunting license or hunting education in Virginia. It might not have changed the outcome, but it couldn't have hurt.

Closer to home, a 10-year-old Baltimore County boy hunting with his father on the Eastern Shore was killed in 2003, when he shot himself in the chest with an arrow. The boy, who had never handled a crossbow before, was climbing down from a tree stand, the crossbow in hand, when the accident happened.

The crossbow was faulty. The boy had never participated in the state's hunter safety program and did not have a hunting license. So many mistakes in one, single outing.

Were these two deaths avoidable? Almost anything is avoidable. In the Maryland case, I'd have to say, yes. In the Virginia case, it would be pure speculation at this point.

But if there's any good to come from these deaths, any teachable moment, it's this: If you're a first-time hunter, take the safety course. If you're about to go out with one, insist that they do.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

A Tilghman waterman, Jerome William Janda Jr., 55, has been charged with multiple striped bass violations as part of an investigation into illegal fishing activities in Talbot County.

Natural Resources Police officers on surveillance on Nov. 10, saw Janda Jr. and his fishing vessel leave Knapp’s Narrows without navigational lights at 2:35 a.m. and travel to a pound net on the south side of Poplar Island. The officers watched as the watermen fished the pound net and then motored to Lowes Wharf to unload their catch.

The officers found Janda Jr. and the two occupants on the vessel, Jerome William Janda III, 28, of Tilghman, and Burton Robert Curtis, 25, of an unknown address, loading untagged striped bass onto a truck. The officers seized 2,731 pounds of untagged fish.

Commercial fisherman are allowed to catch striped bass by using three gear types: hook and line, drift gill nets and pound nets. Each gear type has specific poundage of fish that can be caught by each gear during specific periods of the year. A striped bass pound net and striped bass drift gill net license can not be held by the same licensee at the same time. All commercially taken striped bass must be tagged and checked into a designated check-in station.

Janda Jr. has a pound net license with a 3,760-pound quota. Reviewing his allocation card, it appeared to officers as though the waterman was 1,784 pounds over his seasonal quota.

However, a subsequent investigation found that Janda Jr. was illegally checking striped bass caught in a pound net as fish caught by hook and line. That meant Janda Jr. exceeded his quota by 7,568 pounds (2,273 fish). If the catch had been legally checked in, Janda Jr. would have reached his limit on Oct. 6, NRP said.

The pound net and hook and line seasons run from June 1 to Nov. 30.

On Wednesday, officers charged Janda Jr. with 21 counts of using striped bass allocation permits assigned to another, 19 counts of using striped bass tags assigned to another, 14 counts of exceeding seasonal allocation limit of striped bass, one count of possessing striped bass greater than 36 inches commercial size, one count of possession of undersize flounder and one count of possession of untagged striped bass. He also was charged with one count of operating a vessel at night without proper navigational lights.

Jerome Janda III was charged with one count of aiding and abetting exceeding seasonal allocation limit of striped bass and one count of possession of untagged striped bass.

A court date has been set for Feb. 17 in Talbot District Court. The maximum penalty for each count is $1,000, plus $1,500 for each striped bass. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible, NRP said.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 2:03 PM | Permalink
        

The rifle and shotgun ranges at Elk Neck State Forest in Cecil County will be closed for several weeks beginning Nov. 30 for renovations and repairs.

The 50-yard pistol range will remain open from open 9 a.m. to sunset, Tuesday through Sunday, and on Mondays from 4 p.m. until sunset. Users are reminded that the pistol range is restricted to the use of revolvers and pistols only.

An annual permit is $50 for ages 18 to 61; $25 for anyone 62 or older. Those under 18 can shoot for free when accompanied by a paying adult. A daily permit is $10.

To check on conditions and a reopening date, call 410-287-5675.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:48 PM | Permalink
        

Normally, the members of the Central Maryland Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation are in the business of bringing home wild turkeys.

But every year at this time, members go cold turkey to ensure needy families have Thanksgiving dinner and leftovers.

Just before the holiday, chapter members distributed 400 frozen turkeys to Anne Arundel County churches and food banks, bringing the six-year total to 1,600 birds.

This year, "Turkey Hunters Care" effort involved 43 states and two Canadian provinces to provide more than 20,000 birds to social service agencies. Chapters hold fund raisers thoughout the year to pay for the food drive.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:00 AM | Permalink
        

A lot of you are poised to begin an extended weekend, with a tryptophan drip set on stun and the TV remote "on" switch taped down to prevent any interruption.

Far be it from me to intervene in a holiday tradition. It has been handed down in my family and has served me well for years. But in the event something in the lizard part of you brain twitches and forces you into action, here's five things to get you off the couch and into the outdoors:

1) Indulge in a little blacktop camping Thanksgiving night in the parking lot of Bass Pro Shops Outdoors World at Arundel Mills to be in line when the doors open on Black Friday at 6 a.m.
The 4th Annual Great Turkey Campout begins at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, when customers can set up and enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and smores around the fire pits. There will be prize drawings, a Bass Pro Shops gift card will be given away every half hour and customers can enter for a chance to win a 2011 Toyota Highlander Lease and a Coleman tent and grill package. There's no "lights out." It is, after all a mall parking lot. But the organized festivities end at 8 p.m.

2) On Friday, join the Howard County Sierra Club for a moderately paced 7-mile hike at Patapsco Valley State Park's, Hilton Area. Bring lunch (leftover bird?) and water. Meet at 9:15 a.m. at the parking lot behind the Hilton Area Nature Center, just inside the Hilton Avenue entrance on the right. For details, contact James Perschy, 410-964-1902 or jameshike@verizon.net.

3) If you're tired of turkey, take the family out on Friday night for an "Owl Prowl" at Soldier’s Delight Natural Environment Area, 5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills. A naturalist will lead a one-mile hike as participants listen for and try to call out owls. A discussion afterward will cover basic biology, habitat, diet and conservation. Captive owls from the aviary will provide live visuals. Cost: $5 per person. Meet at visitor center at 8 p.m. Rain or shine. For details: 410-461-5005 to sign up.

4) On Saturday morning, take the kids to the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center at 700 Otter Point Road in Abingdon to learn how to make a ceremonial Turkey Rattle that was used by the Lenape Indians of Delaware before the dawn of the I-95 toll plaza and tax-free mall. It beats fighting over who gets to make a wish and break the wishbone. The workshop runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and is suitable for kids over the age of 8. For more, call 410-612-1688.

5) End the holiday weekend on Sunday with a free guided 4.5-mile hike on Gunpowder Falls State Park's South and the Panther Branch trails. Park naturalists will discuss the scenery of late fall and help hikers identify trees, plants, and other natural and unnatural features along the way. The hike is over rugged terrain so it is not suitable for young children. Bringing snacks and water. The hike steps off at 11 a.m. from Big Falls Road and the Gunpowder Falls River in White Hall and will end at about 2 p.m. Let the park staff know you're coming by calling 410-592-2897 to sign up.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 9:00 AM | Permalink
        

The results aren't official yet, but it appears Bud Cratty and his son, Mitch, reeled in the biggest striped bass at the two-day Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association fall tournament on the Chesapeake Bay.

The father-and-son team from Severn caught a 47.90-pound striper Sunday and checked it in at Sandy Point State Park.

Let me step out of the way and let Bud tell the story:

"It was just Mitchell and myself on the boat, and Mitch took care of all the rod duties.
Unfortunately Mitch was also in charge of bringing the net, which I realized
wasn't on the boat as we were on the way out of the Severn River. Considering
Saturday had been such a slow day of fishing I decided it wasn't worth the time to
go back to the truck to retrieve it.

"We put the planer boards and rods in just west of Buoy 86 and headed southeast.
As we approached the ledge on the eastern side of the channel at 7:45 a.m., the rod with
a 12-inch parachute Mitch had just purchased at Wednesday night's Captains Meeting
at All Tackle started screaming off line.

"I looked behind the boat and saw what appeared to be an average-sized fish jump completely out of the water.

"As Mitch reeled the fish in, he claimed it was a huge fish (but he always says that). Whhen he brought it up along side our boat ("Hooked Up" ) my heart starting pounding,
realizing I was going to somehow get this huge fish into the boat without a net.

"Luckily, the fish was totally spent by the time it got to the boat and I was able
to pin it to the side until I could get my hands into its gill plates and lifted it up into the boat.

"Spending time outdoors with my son is something I'm very thankful for, and the fact that we
both share the same enthusiasm for it makes it even more special.

"Adventures like this past Sunday will put a smile on both of our faces forever."

Although he didn't need to say it, Bud ended with this message to dads and moms everywhere:
"LETS GET MORE KIDS FISHING !!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The other top finishers in the tournament were Rene Ward, no address given, who hauled in a striper weighing 38.95 pounds, and Chris Long, no address given, who caught a 38.60-pound fish.

We're still awaiting some kind of work from MSSA officials as to the awarding of prize money. Last year's tournament had a prize pot of $80,000, with 45,000 going to the top angler.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I say Oprah Winfrey.

You think turkey hunting.

No, really.

The December edition of O, The Oprah Magazine includes a three-page spread about one woman's wild turkey hunt--a first for the magazine and a big boost for the hunting community.

The author, Kimberly Hiss, came late to hunting and kind of backed into the sport when she received an invitation several years ago to go on a mule deer hunt in New Mexico.

“For every turkey wrap or club sandwich I’d ever eaten, something had been killed for my benefit – I’d just never done the killing myself. The deer hunt invitation seemed an opportunity, a challenge even, to reclaim my place in the food chain by assuming responsibility for the meat on my plate,” Hiss writes.

She bagged a buck and then hunted ducks in Oregon, antelope in Wyoming and geese in Pennsylvania. But Hiss, who works at the magazine, Field and Stream, could never outsmart wild turkeys.

The National Wild Turkey Federation coordinated a three-day hunt last December near Kearney, Neb., to help Hiss put a turkey on her family's Christmas dinner table.

Her account of the hunt is at http://www.oprah.com/food/Women-and-Hunting-Kimberly-Hisss-Humbling-Harvest.

“This is a really big step for hunting,” said NWTF spokesman Brent Lawrence. “Many mainstream media outlets, particularly women’s publications, shy away from positive hunting stories. This wonderful article gives a voice to millions of hunters and provides valuable insight to non-hunters.”

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:29 AM | Permalink
        

The breaching of Simkins Dam on the Patpsco River is days away--yes, I know I've written that a couple of times in the last few weeks. But the folks in charge swear it's all coming together.

In the meantime, the dam cam is up and running so you can see for yourselves just how close things are:

http://www.earthcam.com/clients/noaa/simkinsdam/.

Serena McClain, the point person for American Rivers, the organization driving the dam removal process, says the earliest the heavy equipment will put a notch in the concrete is Monday.

What's the difference betwee a notch and a breach? McClain explains: "The initial notch of the dam will remove between 2 feet to 5 feet of concrete from the structure and allow us to dewater the impoundment.

"Once the impoundment has been dewatered, the contractor will get back in to saw cut the dam and begin breaching--removing--the dam. The contractor (John W. Gleim Jr.) will not be working on Thanksgiving or the day after, so it is likely that the actual breaching of the dam will occur the Monday after Thanksgiving.

McClain says there is a lot of pressure on Gleim to finish the work by the end of the year, so activity will be fast and furious, with lots of heavy equipment shoehorned onto the tiny site next to the river.

"Safety and security of the site are a big concern, and our contractors have asked us (and we concur) to clamp down on visitors to the site. From this point out, consider this site closed unless you have permission or the authority to be there," she says. "If you do, please be aware that safety protocols dictate that you must wear a hard hat and proper footwear at all times."

McClain says if you have any doubts about whether you should be mucking around the site, try asking yourself these questions:

Do you work for Gleim? Are you an approved subcontractor?

Have you provided us with cold, hard cash to get this project done?

Have we provided you with cold, hard cash to monitor this project for us?

Do you own the property?

Have you provided us with a permit to allow us to do the work?

Have we provided you cold, hard cash to provide construction management and oversight?

"If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you have permission to be on site," she says. "If you do not fall into any of those categories, you are welcome to view the removal from our dam cam or from the other side of the river, at your own risk."

You have been warned.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 10:35 AM | Permalink
        

Another beautiful fall weekend is predicted. Lucky us.

I only hope this is restitution for a hideously hot summer and not the set-up for another winter of our discontent. Here's five things to consider this weekend:

1) Bone up on your turkey knowledge Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Gunpowder Falls State Park's Monkton Train Station. The wild turkey is wily and sightings are often by chance.
Learn where wild turkeys live, what they eat, and how they communicate with one another. Kids can practice imitating them with wild turkey calls. The lesson is free.

2) On Saturday and Sunday, prepare yourself and your shotgun or rifle for the opening of deer season on Nov. 27 at the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore's range, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Plenty of lanes for sight-in, no waiting. The range is at 11518 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville Details: 410-461-9855.

3) See ducks, thousands of Canada and Snow Geese during an all-day trip to the Eastern Shore's Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge with the Baltimore Bird Club. Bring lunch. Meet at Nursery Road Park-and-Ride at 7:30 a.m. or at the Blackwater Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. No reservations necessary. Admission to the refuge is $3 per car. Leaders: Pete Webb, 410- 486-1217 or pete_webb@juno.com; and Kevin Graff, 410-557-2456 or whitemarlin2001@yahoo.com.

4) Catch it before it's gone. View Bloede Dam in Patapsco Valley State Park during a 6-mile hike Saturday with the Mountain Club of Maryland. The state is removing dams to restore the river to a more natural state. With Union Dam gone and Simkins Dam on its way out, Bloede will be the next obstacle to tumble. The hike crosses both swinging bridges in the park, provides striking views of the dam from both sides of the river and has a couple of stream crossings. Moderate pace and about 900 feet of elevation gain. Cost: $2 per person. Details: 410-747-2868.

5) Get the whole family out Sunday for a “Winter’s Alive Hike," 9 a.m.-11 a.m., at the Patuxent Research Refuge's North Tract. A naturalist will lead the hike, suitable for ages 5 and up. Free. The North Tract is on Route 198, between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 32. Save a spot by calling 301-497-5887.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

I didn't know David Grove, the young Pennsylvania wildlife conservation officer killed last week in a shoot-out with a poacher.

But I felt his death profoundly because I know lots of Maryland Natural Resources Police officers who do exactly the kind of essential work Grove did.

And it scares me awake sometimes.

Our fish and game cops mostly work alone in lonely places. The bulk of folks they encounter have guns. Back-up is often an hour and a boat ride or ATV ride away.

In Grove's case, other officers were minutes away, but they weren't close enough to save his life when he pulled over a suspected poacher near the Maryland line and a gun battle began. Grove was shot four times and died on the ground behind his cruiser despite efforts by colleagues to revive him. He was 31 and the first Pennsylvania conservation officer killed in the line of duty in 95 years.

A convicted felon is in custody. Christopher Johnson, 27, has been charged with first-degree murder and the prosecutor has indicated he will seek the death penalty.

His trail should be swift and if convicted, his punishment should fit the crime. But that won't bring back David Lynn Grove. His funeral service is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at Waynesboro Area High School in Waynesboro, Pa.

During the last decade, I've hiked, boated and ridden with Maryland NRP officers on patrol. While Hurricane Isabel raged, I watched in fear and amazement as two officers waded into wind-whipped water to ensure pleasure boats were secure in a marina. I've watched them pull boating accident victims out of the water and chase down game law violators at night.

Thankfully, one thing I haven't had to do is write about a Maryland officer dying in the line of duty. It crosses my mind at least once a week.

Over the last eight years, the number of NRP officers has decreased alarmingly. In just the last two years, the authorized strength of the department has been reduced from 280 officers to 247. Of the 227 sworn personnel on the payroll, 42 officers are assigned to duties that have nothing to do with patrol work.

By my count, that leaves 185 officers in the field to provide 24/7 coverage for one-half million acres of public lands from Garrett County to the Atlantic Ocean, 17,000 miles of waterways and state parks that attract 11 million visitors annually. Take out vacations, disability, sick leave and court dates, and the patrol number slips well below 150.

That's not nearly enough to protect us or themselves.

If you have read anything at all about the tragedy in Pennsylvania and care anything at all about Maryland NRP officers, you should be frightened and concerned. You are, after all, their employers.

Unfortunately, few of us know anything about fish and game cops until something bad happens. So here's a little something about Grove that may provide a window into the lives of our own officers.

The Gettysburg Times was wrapping up a profile of Grove the night he died, editor B.J. Small said in a column.

Small recalled Grove as "a credit to WCOs everywhere in the way he worked for wildlife and for sportsmen. I never heard a negative word about him. That Dave loved his job is as clear as a crisp November morning."

Grove attended Grace Academy in Hagerstown, where he played baseball. He earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science from Penn State University in 2004 and was commissioned to a full-time wildlife conservation officer on March 8, 2008.

The thing he disliked about his job? The fact that he couldn't hunt on the opening days of the seasons.

Grove listed three things on his bucket list: “Visit Scotland, hunt elk out west, fish in Alaska.”

Because of a poacher's bullets, he will get to do none of them.

The column ended with Grove's own thoughts about how he wanted to be remembered: “That I did my job with enthusiasm and passion and that I treated people with the same respect that I would want to be treated with.”

That's all our NRP officers want.

Our elected officials shouldn't play games with their lives or pretend everything is fine when it's not.

Maryland State Police and NRP have the same statewide jurisdictional authority, but NRP is the ugly stepchild. State Police had an academy class of 60 recruits back in January; NRP had a class of 18 in September 2009, not even enough to cover retirements and transfers. State Police is getting six new Medivac helicopters for $72.2 million; NRP had its helicopter taken away from it by the O'Malley administration.

Maryland State Police should get what it needs to be effective. So should Natural Resources Police.

Either fund NRP so it can be effective or disband it. Just don't leave officers hanging out there alone in lonely places.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Slightly less than half of the jurisdictions on the Eastern Seaboard have banned commercial striped bass fishing. Maryland isn't one of them.

I predicted last week that recreational fishing groups here would begin to push the newly re-elected O'Malley administration and the General Assembly session in January toward squeezing out Maryland's watermen.

In a letter dated Nov. 11, Dave Smith, executive director of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association--the state's largest recreational angling group--took the first step.

Here's his letter to the governor, Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin and Fisheries Service Director Tom O'Connell:

On behalf of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association (MSSA) and recreational anglers in the state of Maryland, I am asking for "Reallocation for Conservation" of the striped bass harvest from the commercial fishery to the recreational fishery. I am making this request in order to protect Maryland residents' best opportunity to enjoy fishing the bay, the positive economic and social impacts of sportfishing in our state, and as a necessary conservation measure.

In recent times there is growing concern for the status of the health of the striped bass population as well as the Chesapeake Bay. This trepidation is not only being expressed by our membership, who regularly fish the Chesapeake Bay for this species, but is evident through some scientific indices and concerns being noted within the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and our own biologists within the DNR.

Concern is also plainly evident in the recent feedback given at public meetings regarding the potential increase in coastal quota for striped bass. Because Maryland is recognized as the primary nursery and spawning grounds to these highly sought after fish, it is our responsibility to act accordingly and make adjustments to our fisheries when necessary.

The Chesapeake Bay is recognized as one of our country's National Treasures and is truly our state's greatest natural resource. Having public access and opportunity to fish this resource is nearly exclusively dependent upon the striped bass fishery and the health of the stock. Striped bass is the most sought after fish by anglers in our bay waters and not only draws hundreds of thousands of anglers from within our state to enjoy our resource but many anglers from outside our area as well. The social and economic impacts of recreational fishing on our state are irrefutable.

Recreational fishing not only has over a $1 billion economic impact and directly provides over ten thousand jobs to our state; it enables families to spend time together and gives our citizens direct interaction with our environment, making for a healthier society. It is because of the need for this fish both economically and socially as it pertains to a gamefish that Maryland must protect the access and opportunity afforded to its citizens to fish for this species.

The commercial harvest of striped bass in Maryland is immensely large and vastly disproportionate to the recreational fishery as opposed to other states along the migratory run. In recent years the commercial striped bass harvest in Maryland makes up nearly one-third of the entire commercial take in pounds from all coastal states and has averaged over 2.3 million pounds for the last few years.

Noting that Maryland watermen tend to take a fish of lesser weight when compared to regions that allow for the harvest of fish over 36 inches, the actual number of fish being harvested comparably is significantly inflated. The harvest is more than 35 percent higher than Virginia, which has the second largest commercial harvest, and more than doubles the commercial harvest of Massachusetts, which has the third-largest harvest behind Maryland and Virginia.

While Maryland has by far the largest commercial harvest in pounds on striped
bass, our recreational harvest ranks fourth among all states. Yet, no other area like the Chesapeake Bay is so dependent upon this one species for its primary recreational fishery.

The value for the fish on the commercial market has been stagnant at best. The 2010 gill net season was even temporarily closed for striped bass in order to prevent watermen from reaching their quota early and in an attempt to hold the value of the fish, as it was said to have been "depressed" according to DNR (Jan. 11, 2010 public notice). A reduction in allocation may only stand to benefit commercial watermen through holding the value of the fish up and allowing a waterman to earn a similar wage with less harvest while being exposed to less risks of being on the water. It may also lend itself to less user conflict on the water as well.

Anglers have also specifically expressed concerns over the winter gill net season and the Young of the Year indices. With the possibility of global warming and the potential for an earlier spawn, some anglers are troubled that the setting of long gill nets may have an ill-effect on fish migrating into the bay to spawn. It is because of this concern that I suggest that the greatest commercial allocation reduction come from this fishery in particular.

Because of these concerns over the health of the striped bass stock and in an effort to conserve and protect the benefits of recreational fishing, I request that this reallocation to the recreational side not go towards expanding the Chesapeake Bay recreational regulations.

Instead, I ask that this reallocation be held and provide security for the recreational seasons that are already in place when target goals are exceeded, such as the 2009 trophy season. This will provide greater security to the access and opportunity that recreational anglers have learned to enjoy while acting as a measure that stands to benefit the overall health of the stock.

On behalf of our members, our state's thousands of recreational anglers, our industry business owners, I appreciate your time on this very important matter. The health of the striped bass population is vital to recreational fishing and recreational fishing is vital to the economies and social fabric of our state. Your consideration and action on this matter is imperative in maintaining the access and opportunity, the health of the striped bass stock, and the future of recreational fishing that so many anglers have come to know and enjoy.

Please feel free to advise how the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association can assist in accomplishing this reallocation. I look forward to an open dialog on this and other issues concerning our fishery.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

This year's Maryland Fishing Challenge and Diamond Jim contest will be featured Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. on MPT's Outdoors Maryland.

Cameras follow anglers at Deep Creek Lake and Savage River in Western Maryland, as well as at the Bill Burton State Park Fishing Pier on the Choptank River who are trying to reel in fish to win prizes ranging from a cruise to a motor boat and trailer.

The elusive tagged striped bass nicknamed Diamond Jim and worth $20,000 escapes capture for another year.

Watch the half-hour show and maybe you'll catch a glimpse of yourself catching fish.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

Good weather and abundant sika and white-tailed deer have pushed this year's hunting totals up from last year, with the bulk of the season still ahead.

Hunters checked in 25,324 deer for the period Sept. 15 to Oct. 31, up 4 percent over last year’s total of 24,384, according to Department of Natural Resources reports. The breakdown is 9,079 antlered deer and 16,245 antlerless deer.

Muzzleloader hunters killed 12,397 white-tailed deer and 532 sika deer, up 11 percent over last year’s early season deer harvest. The early-season archery total dropped 3 percent to 12,395.

The two-week firearms season--when almost half of the annual harvest occurs--begins on Nov. 27.

For the first time, crossbows are legal statewide for the entire deer archery season. For the months of September and October, crossbow hunters killed 3,164 white-tailed deer and 94 sika deer, compared to 8,888 white-tailed deer and 249 sika deer killed with vertical bows.

The Department of Natural Resources also reported today that hunters killed 171 birds in Western Maryland during the one-week fall turkey season, a 14 percent increase over 2009. Garrett County had the highest tally with 76 birds, followed by Allegany (62) and Washington (33) counties.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:43 PM | Permalink
        

State fisheries officials say there is no sign that the virus that caused recent largemouth bass kills in two Virginia lakes is a threat here, but they caution anglers to be careful in how they handle fish and gear.

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries biologists have determined that Largemouth Bass Virus was responsibile for large fish kills at Kerr Reservoir and Briery Lake. The virus, which poses no harm to humans, has not been implicated in fish kills nationally for nearly a decade.

Over the last decade, Maryland Fisheries Service biologists have detected the virus in routine testing of bass populations.

In the Potomac River, three of 14 samples tested positive for the virus: two sites on the tidal river and one smallmouth bass site near Sheperdstown, W.Va.

Largemouth bass also have tested positive in the Nanticoke, Choptank and Patuxent Rivers and Triadelphia Reservoir. The virus has not been identified in Upper Chesapeake Bay largemouth bass.

But despite its prevalence, the virus has not been linked with any Maryland fish kills.

Virginia and West Virginia have identified the virus in their waters and Pennsylvania biologists have found infected young of year smallmouth bass in the Susquehanna River.

Don Cosden, DNR’s Inland Fisheries Director, says the Maryland largemouth bass population is in "excellent" condition, with catch rates at recent Potomac River tournaments "some of the highest we’ve seen over the last decade."

"We encourage everyone to enjoy the fishing while being vigilant in avoiding transporting fish, debris, bait and potential problems from one place to another," Cosden said.

LMBV spreads by fish to fish contact, through the water or by fish eating infected prey. Infected bass populations typically take three to four years to recover from major contamination.

DNR Fisheries Service biologists offer these guidelines:

Never transfer live fish from one body of water to another.

Never discard fish parts or unused bait in any body of water.

Drain water from live wells, bilges, engines, bait buckets and hoses and pumps before leaving the launch area and clear mud, vegetation and debris from trailers.

Disinfect live wells daily and particularly when moving between bodies of water. Spray or wipe all surfaces with a chlorine solution of three tablespoons of household bleach in one gallon of water. Let sit for five minutes, then rinse with clean water and flush through lines and pumps.

Cosden urges anglers to report dying or dead bass, or bass that are swimming poorly in circles near the water's surface by calling the Maryland Department of the Environment at 800-285-8195 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the work week or 877-224-7229 after hours.

Report a largemouth bass kill to DNR Tidal Bass Manager Joe Love at 410-260-8257.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:18 AM | Permalink
        

The best line in Sarah Palin's new TV show on TLC comes near the end, when the guide on her rock-climbing adventure shouts words of advice from above.

"Don't be afraid to go way to your left," he tells the former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate.

Before you can imagine her response ("I don't pal around with the left.") Palin startles us with an admission: "I don't know if I can do this."

Wow. Weakness in Mama Grizzly.

But except for the rock-climbing adventure and Palin's show of human frailty, the rest of the hour is just a nice travelog with lots of pretty shots of Alaska wilderness and a glimpse of all the expensive outdoors toys at her disposal.

Float plane, bush plane on skis, guides, mondo plush RV -- must be nice.

There's the occasional slap at Joe McGinniss, the creepy journalist living next door who's working on a Palin book, and a look at her life as a Fox News commentator. But other than that, she sticks mostly with the pursuit of outdoors activities.

The show opens with a salmon fishing trip to Big River Lake that is interrupted when a real mama grizzly and her cubs show up to try their paws at fishing.

The Palin party backs up a bit to watch the bears feed and feud. The big bear runs off another bear that intrudes on her cubs' territory.

"No one is going to mess with the future of the species," says Palin in admiration.

Except for maybe that global warming thing. How's that going for ya?

When Palin's husband, Todd, lands the only salmon, she says, "He's bringing home the bacon. It's as it should be."

Stand down Mama Grizzlies.

The occasional unintended laugh aside, the show's pretty pedestrian and makes you wonder how they're going to fill the seven remaining weeks.

Next Sunday: a trip to Homer.

D'oh!

AP Photo/Discovery Communications, Gilles Mingasson / July 2, 2010

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Jay Kehoe, the waterfront director for the Annapolis Yacht Club and a long-time mentor to hundreds of young sailors and Olympians, has been named U.S. Sailing's 2010 Developmental Coach of the Year.

In announcing the award, U.S. Sailing praised Kehoe for "his energy, humor, teaching skills and work ethic over the past 17-plus years as a coach."

Previous winners include Adam Werblow of St. Mary's College of Maryland and Amy Gross-Kehoe, his wife.

Kehoe has directed programs or coached at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Yale University, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Stanford University.

His influence and training techniques have been used in sailing programs across the country. But perhaps his greatest achievement was that he coached, at various times in their careers, five members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team: Andrew Campbell, Amanda Clark, Stu McNay, Charlie Ogletree and Zach Railey.

“His energy and passion for the sport of sailing is evident from the time you meet him, said 2008 Olympic silver medalist Railey in a statement. "His sailors’ achievements are a direct result of his enthusiasm in helping them reach their goals."

Posted by Candus Thomson at 3:26 PM | Permalink
        

The inaugural Monster Rockfish Tournament on the Chesapeake Bay attracted more than 700 professional and amateur anglers and handed out more than $30,000 in winnings late last month.

Anglers reeled in some big fish, but not a state record, which would have been worth $100,000.

The event divided the bay into two regions, with seven weigh-in stations.

Winners in the northern division were: First place, $4,325, Robby Doran of Stevensville aboard Three V’s, 30.30 pounds, 45 inches; second place, $2,755, Al Mazzotta of Baltimore aboard Ice Man, 13.4 pounds, 32 inches; third place, $570, David Skirka of Westminster aboard Spot Hawk, 13 pounds, 31.25 inches.

Winners in the southern division were: First place, $13,300, Robert Harris Sr. of Prince Frederick aboard Lil Kim, 45.3 pounds, 48 inches; second place, $2,765, Robert Klimek of Bryans Road aboard the Finatic, 43.5 pounds, 47.75 inches; third place, $3,285, Marcus Wilson Chesapeake Beach aboard the Hot Rod, 36.65 pounds, 46 inches.

In the Tournament Within a Tournament, David Wenrich of Mechanicsville won $1,575 for reeling in the largest bluefish in the southern region.

The Oct. 30 tournament was sponsored by 98Rock/WBAL.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 10:30 AM | Permalink
        

A Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation Officer investigating reports of poaching near the Maryland line was shot and killed last night, the first time in 95 years that an officer died in the line of duty, authorities said.

WCO David L. Grove, 31, was on patrol at 10:30 p.m. in Freedown Township after receiving complaints of night-time shooting and possible poaching activity in the area when he was fatally wounded.

The Pennsylvania State Police is leading the investigation into the killing. The last time a game officer was killed was on Nov. 7, 1915, when Game Protector Joseph McHugh was shot in the northern Lehigh Valley.

Grove graduated from Grace Academy in Hagerstown in 1997, and attended Appalachian Bible College, in Bradley, W.Va. In 2004, Grove earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science from Penn State University.

“We are shocked and saddened by the killing of WCO Grove,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “He was a bright, young officer who was dedicated to conserving Pennsylvania’s wildlife resources, and promoting our state’s rich hunting and trapping heritage.

“Our prayers and thoughts go out to WCO Grove’s family and friends, as we mourn the loss of one of our own.”

Posted by Candus Thomson at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The weather guesser has promised back-to-back days of sunshine and warm temperatures this weekend--how many more of those do we have to look forward to, eh?

Here's five ways to celebrate our liberation:

1) Be part of the 40th anniversary of Easton's Waterfowl Festival, which runs through Sunday. The festival combines natural and arts and crafts, with antiques and decoys, music, waterfowl calling contest, dog retrieving competitions, raptor and fly fishing demonstrations and lots of food. Ticket prices are $10 and good for all three days; children 12 and under get in free. Since 1971, The Waterfowl Festival has contributed more than $5 million to conservation organizations. For details: http://www.waterfowlfestival.org or 410-822-4567.

2) Before Nuvi, Spot and Google Earth, people trailblazed with compass and map--batteries not included or needed. On Saturday, the rangers at Patapsco Valley State Park will teach you how to use a compass and your wits and eyes to get to anywhere you see on a map. Learn about True North, declination, topographies, landmarks and other key navigational concepts. This is suitable for ages 7 and older. Cost: $2 per person. Save a spot by calling 410-461-5005.

3) Also on Saturday is the state-sanctioned Junior Deer Hunt. Hunters 16 years of age or younger may participate if he or she has a valid state hunting license or is exempt from Maryland hunting license requirements. The young hunter must be accompanied in the field by an unarmed person over 21 who holds a valid Maryland hunting license, or is exempt from hunting license requirements. All deer hunting regulations apply.

4) Once the sun goes down Saturday, join the Westminster Astronomy Club at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, 5100 Deer Park Road in Owings Mills, for an evening of star-gazing. Andromeda and the Leonid Meteor Shower will be visible. The club will supply time machines. The program is free, but donation are welcome. To reserve a place, call 877-794-0606.

5) On Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., meet the staff of the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center at Conowingo Dam on the Harford County side to observe and photograph bald eagles fishing in the Susquehanna River below the dam. Bring your camera and biggest lens, or binoculars, to watch the action. Herons, cormorants, gulls, and vultures also should be abundant. Staff will offer tips on getting the most from nature photography opportunities. Details: 410-612-1688.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 9:58 AM | Permalink
        

The non-consumptive outdoors crowd in the Baltimore-Washington corridor is mighty in number but as scattered as fine grains of sand in the wind.

With the opening of REI Columbia today, they finally have a clubhouse.

The store, on Dobbins Road off Route 175, is the 114th for the Seattle-based cooperative and joins well-established outlets in Timonium, College Park and Rockville.

REI Columbia arrived with a calling card: a $10,000 grant to the Howard County Conservancy to train volunteers and get the word out about its 232-acre farm that acts as a learning center for the 6,000 school kids who visit each year.

And to show they aren't just another pretty check, REI employees showed up at the farm to pull weeds and help restore an old stone wall that borders the Conservancy's outdoors classroom.

"It's such a great partnership," said Allison Anderson of the Conservancy. "They've jumped right in and gotten dirty. They've been a great neighbor already."

Other groups attended the store's reception Thursday night, from the Howard County Striders running club and the 7,000-member Maryland Outdoor Club to representatives of Special Olympics and the Mountain Club of Maryland, the state's oldest hiking organization.

Even other retailers showed up, from employees of iconic L.L. Bean to mom-and-pop shops like Claire and David Horvath of Mother Nature's Store, a local favorite birding supply stop celebrating its 20th anniversary.

REI, with 4.3 million co-op members, 25,000 of whom live in the Baltimore region, is known for its outreach. This year, 137,000 volunteers donated more than 1 million hours nationally on projects such as trail restoration and invasive plant removal.

The co-op donates 3 percent of its operating profits to stewardship efforts--$3.7 million this year alone.

And it tries to prod youngsters to get outside and explore through intitiatives such as Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids--PEAK--which involves giving kids a backpack full of gear, games and lessons.

"We probably get more traction with youth outreach through REI than any other organization," said Greg Miller, president of the Silver Spring-based American Hiking Society.

Store manager Joe Hohn, who opened the Timonium store 11 years ago before transferring to Columbia, said he had more than 400 applications for 50 staff slots.

Hohn hopes to be able to be able to lead an effort to improve bike paths and trails to give residents a reason to get out of their cars and peddle to do weekend errands.

He also hopes that the store can be a kind of catalyst for clubs and organizations to find new members and generate community projects. To make that happen, he made hiring an outreach coordinator--Dennis Large--his highest priority.

While REI is open now, its grand opening celebration is next weekend, Nov. 19-20, with prizes and giveaways scheduled for each day.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 9:10 AM | Permalink
        

Work to remove Simkins Dam on the Patapsco River just outside Ellicott City halted while some logistical details and government approvals were ironed.

Serena McClain of American Rivers, the organization overseeing the dam removal, sent me this update this morning:

I am pleased to report that we received approval on the new bridge crossing from Baltimore County Public Works on Tuesday evening. As of Wednesday, John W. Gleim Inc. was back on site, working on the water diversion. Over the course of this week, the crew will continue to put in the bridge structure and build the causeway out to the dam.

Removal of the fish ladder itself should occur somewhere around Nov. 15 or 16, with notching and breaching expected to occur around Nov. 18 and 19.

Also, we should have the "dam cam" up and running no later than early next week.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 10:24 AM | Permalink
        

The regional agency that oversees fishing along the Eastern Seaboard rejected two attempts this morning to increase the commercial striped bass quota.

At its annual meeting in Charleston, S.C., the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted, 11-3, to maintain the status quo. Maryland, which had voted earlier this year to get public opinion on increasing the commercial harvest, voted in favor of the motion.

The shrinking commercial industry hasn't had an adjustment in quota since 2003. But states are worried that despite a healthy striped bass population, a recent downturn in juvenile population numbers might indicate problems in the near future.

In addition to Maryland, members voting to maintain the status quo were: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Virgina along with the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Opposing the measure were Rhode Island, New York and Delaware. The Potomac River Fisheries Commission abstained.

Later, the representative from North Carolina said he meant to oppose the measure.

A substitute motion by New York representative Pat Augustine to increase the commercial quota by 30 percent failed, 6-9, with Maryland voting against it.

A second attempt, to give commercial fishermen a 10 percent boost in quota for one season, failed, 6-9, with Maryland opposing the motion.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:57 AM | Permalink
        

For a few hours Sunday off the coast of Maine, I was an extra on a Discovery Channel reality show about swordfishing.

Or just plain, old ballast, a role I have performed admirably on many a fishing trip.

Mostly, it was a case of staying out of sight while a black helicopter buzzed the deck of Capt. Linda Greenlaw's swordfish boat, Hannah Boden, getting the footage to fill out the third season of "Swords: Life on the Line."

The casting call was simply a matter of having a drink in my hand (and Greenlaw having one in hers) the night before. Fulfilling my responsibilities was even easier: be on the dock at 9 a.m.

Greenlaw is in her third season of the Discovery show, on her third boat. The first year, it was a horror-show of a vessel called Nighthawk, which the crew changed to something I can't repeat here. The second season was aboard Bjorn II, which sounded more like an ABBA reunion than a fishing boat.

For this fishing season (which will air next year), the captain was reunited with the 100-foot-long Hannah Boden, the sister ship of the Andrea Gail, which went down in the "perfect storm" of 1991. Greenlaw got her big break when author Sebastian Junger called her "one of the best sea captains, period, on the East Coast."

She ran with the opportunity and turned out a couple of New York Times best-sellers, two murder mysteries and a cookbook with her mom, Martha. She tried lobstering near her home on Isle Au Haut, just off the Maine coast, but the deep waters of the Grand Banks called.

Now, re-established, she has introduced her own line of swordfish--caught by her--in one of New England's largest supermarket chains and in specialty shops. More about that in a moment.

The swordfish season is brief--about three months, and the Hannah Boden steamed into Portland, Maine, for the final time last week. The boat's two owners, Jon Williams and Angelo Ciocca, threw their skipper a big welcome home party.

It was at that party that Greenlaw suggested I join her and a few other old friends aboard the Hannah Boden the next morning. A model of efficiency, the captain decided she could do some catching up while driving her boat around in miserable weather.

Cold, windy and grey, the day promised to disintegrate into a gale. Just as we were about to bag it in favor of mugs of hot coffee inside, the helicopter buzzed over the spot on Custom House Wharf where the boat was tied up.

"Anyone who doesn't want to go out for three hours--and the weather is not good and getting worse--get off now," Greenlaw hollered.

A three-hour tour? The weather started getting rough? Where had I heard that before?

The big, green boat nosed out into the harbor, past seals, lobster pots and Portland Head Light. All the while, the helicopter strafed the boat with a video camera mounted in the nose, shooting close-ups. Like, nose-hair close-ups.

"Um, Linda, can you tell the guy in the cap and curly hair to get down?" asked the director over the radio. "And no flash pictures."

We crouched lower. Any movement around the wheelhouse was done in a combat crawl. Some people crouched in the head or perched on Greenlaw's bunk.

Freed from the weight of thousands of pounds of swordfish in her hold, the Hannah Boden did a drunken roll as the seas and winds built on a patch of water known as West Cod Ledge. Greenlaw and her crew pointed the boat this way and that so the production team could get some dramatic footage to supplement what six cameras aboard the Hannah Boden captured.

From above, the director posed Greenlaw on the bow of the boat, first port side, then starboard, while inside and warm, her friends hooted in delight.

"Where's my stunt double?" Greenlaw shouted over the wind.

Meanwhile, below deck, a visitor got sick.

"At least the guy can say he puked on the Hannah Boden during a Discovery Channel shoot," said Greenlaw, waxing philosophical.

Fame hasn't changed the skipper of the Hannah Boden much. She loves her job: "I like the way I feel on the ocean and I'm passionate about catching fish." She still hates writing: "stepping into your hell" is how she described it to me on the way back to Portland harbor.

But there are changes. She is the legal guardian of a bright, funny 17-year-old girl, Sarai, a story that will be the centerpiece of the book to be hammered out this winter. And, like Charlie the Tuna, Greenlaw has her own brand of fish.

She hopes "Linda Greenlaw hand-selected swordfish" will kick off a trend to keep Maine stores filled with fish caught by Maine fishermen. And she hopes her success will spread the word that swordfish, a once-threatened species, is a healthy species again.

"It is the future," she said. "People are into traceability. They see the fish coming out of the water on the Discovery Channel and now it's on your plate."

The Hannaford Supermarket chain sold her first catch in September--34,000 pounds--in a week. Other high-end shops scarfed up the rest and sold it locally and to specialty shops in Florida, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas.

For the moribund Portland swordfishing industry, Greenlaw's deal may be a tonic.

"For us, we've cut out the middleman. We ended up getting the long dollar back to the boat [owners] and the crew," she said. "That's the name of the game in anything: getting more money for your catch."

Discovery hasn't announced whether Swords will have a life beyond the third season. Greenlaw would like to return.

"I'm having a blast. Why would I change?" she said, grinning. "I might do this a little while longer. It's working pretty well, don't you think?"

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:00 AM | Permalink
        

Jim Muldoon, who calls Annapolis his home port, has been awarded the Nathanael G. Herreshoff and Timothea Larr trophies by U.S. Sailing for his contributions to the sport over many years.

Muldoon, a former president of U.S. Sailing and chairman of St. Mary's College of Maryland Board of Trustees, has been a strong advocate of community sailing programs at the grass-roots level, especially in the areas of youth sailing, training and safety. He received the awards at the organization's annual meeting in Phoenix.

I’ve witnessed first-hand how sailing can change lives,” Muldoon said in a statement. “I believe sailing is transformative. For everything it has brought to my life, I believe I owe that experience to anyone who wants it. That’s why I am so committed to making sailing accessible for everyone -- regardless of economic status and physical or intellectual ability.”

The Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy is U.S. Sailing's most prestigious award, presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport. Past winners have included Harold Sterling Vanderbilt, Harry C. Melges Jr., Gary Jobson and Roy E. Disney.

He also received the Timothea Larr Trophy for his support of sailor education across the country, including at the community level.

Muldoon has advised the Department of Homeland Security’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council, founded The Brendan Sailing Training Programs for Youths with Learning Differences and helped guide the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

As chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, he supported the sailing program and collegiate team and was a major advocate of the college’s new sailing center with classroom facilities for sailing classes and where any student, faculty or staff member can learn to sail free of charge or use the college boats.

Jobson, a fellow Annapolis sailor and current president of U.S. Sailing, praised Muldoon’s achievements: “He has been, and always will be an outstanding asset to U.S. Sailing and the general sailing community.”

Photo courtesy of U.S. Sailing.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:13 AM | Permalink
        

As expected, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Thursday denied a petition calling for a ban on lead in all fishing tackle. The decision follows one in August that would have banned lead in ammunition.

EPA administrator Lisa Jackson said the Center for Biological Diversity, the American Bird Conservancy and other groups had failed to prove that a ban would protect health or the environment, as required by federal law.

Fishing groups, which had opposed the petition, applauded the decision.

“It represents a solid review of the biological facts, as well as the economic and social impacts that would have resulted from such a sweeping federal action," said American Sportfishing Association (ASA) Vice President Gordon Robertson. "It is a common sense decision.”

More than 43,000 anglers voiced their opposition on the ASA website.

Fishing lobbyists argued that lead poisoning of birds and waterfowl was insignificant when compared to habitat loss and degradation. They pointed out that non-lead tackle costs considerably more and doesn't always perform as well.

Jim Donofrio, the head of the Recreational Fishing Alliance, said such a ban would have made it nearly impossible for anglers to make their own bucktails, sinkers and jigs, and would have forced anglers to replace much of their tackle.

Ban supporters expressed disappointment.

“The EPA seems to have lost its will to regulate toxic substances, even in the face of overwhelming scientific information about the harm to wildlife and threats to human health,” said Michael Fry, director of conservation advocacy at the American Bird Conservancy.

Jeff Miller, conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity, added, “The EPA’s failure to act is inexcusable, given what we know about how toxic lead is to wildlife and the extensive science linking lead poisoning in wildlife to ammunition and fishing weights. There are plenty of safe and available alternatives to lead products for these outdoor sports, so there’s no good reason for this poisoning to continue.”

The anti-lead petition, which called for to the EPA to "prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of lead for shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers," was filed on Aug. 3.

On Aug. 27, the agency denied the portion of the petition relating to lead in ammunition because the agency lacks the authority to regulate it under federal law.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 3:22 PM | Permalink
        

Now that the pre- and post-election squawking has subsidied and my head has (kinda) cleared, it's time to look back at one of Gov. Martin O'Malley's answers to outdoors questions posed here: Should the state follow the lead of six East Coast jurisdictions and make striped bass a gamefish available only to recreational anglers?

To his credit, MOM was the only gubernatorial candidate to respond to the questions. On the issue of rockfish/gamefish, he said, "Allocation is ultimately guided by our state and regional commissions, our management plan and Maryland law, which prohibits discrimination for the sole purpose of economic allocation. Each of these directives also receives substantial public input."

After an initial, huh?, the statement bears closer scrutiny.

If Maryland law prohibits discrimination when it comes to divvying up its resources, it appears the state won't be cutting commercial fishermen out of the picture for at least four years.

But MOM, a lawyer, notes that allocation is done in consultation with state commissions (which he appoints) and regional bodies (which obviously allow states to exclude user groups) and draws on "substantial public input," whatever that is.

So the door is at least ajar.

Five states and the District of Columbia prohibit commercial fishing for striped bass. Seven states and the Potomac River Fishery Commission have a commercial season.

I'm guessing Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association and Coastal Conservation Maryland, the two largest fishing groups in the state and proponents of the gamefish movement, could find a sponsor or two for a bill to do just that next session. And I'm also willing to bet money that MSSA and CCAMD could gin up "substantial public input" at hearings before the General Assembly.

Whether state lawmakers (who will be busy turning over mattresses and shaking out sofa cushions to find money to close the revenue gap) will want to spend any time messing with this is another matter.

One the one hand, they could slap an "interim study" label on the bill, tuck it in a desk drawer and be done with it. On the other hand, they might be swayed by economic arguments that recreational anglers bring in more money than the commercial side.

And if watermen couldn't stop MOM's blue crab restoration effort, beat back MOM's oyster recovery/aquaculture program or return MOM's nemesis to office, it's highly unlikely they could stop the Gamefish Express--without the help of MOM himself.

Funny how that works, huh?

Posted by Candus Thomson at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

It'll never happen here--legislative attempts have failed--but three more states have given constitutional protection to fishing and hunting.

Support was overwhelming: 90 percent of Tennessee voters, 89 percent of South Carolina voters and 82 percent of Arkansas voters said, yes.

Only Arizona failed to approve a similar measure.

An attempt this year to put a constitutional amendment on the Maryland ballot by Sen. Larry Haines, a Republican representing Baltimore and Carroll counties, died in committee Feb. 18.

Ten other states already have the provision in their constitutions: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.

California recognized fishing--but not hunting--as a right in 1910. Rhode Island adopted a similar provision in 1844.

Vermont established the fishing and hunting rights in 1777: “The inhabitants of this State shall have the liberty in seasonable times, to hunt and fowl on the lands they hold, and on other lands not inclosed, and in like manner to fish in all boatable and other waters under proper regulations, to be made and provided by the General Assembly.”

Posted by Candus Thomson at 5:43 PM | Permalink
        

The weather guesser has promised back-to-back days of sunshine and warm temperatures this weekend--how many more of those do we have to look forward to, eh?

Here's five ways to celebrate our liberation:

1) Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Easton's Waterfowl Festival, which runs through Sunday. The festival combines natural and arts and crafts, with antiques and decoys, music, waterfowl calling contest, dog retrieving competitions, raptor and fly fishing demonstrations and lots of food. Ticket prices are $10 and good for all three days; children 12 and under get in free. Since 1971, The Waterfowl Festival has contributed more than $5 million to conservation organizations. For details: http://www.waterfowlfestival.org or 410-822-4567.

2) Before Nuvi, Spot and Google Earth, people trailblazed with compass and map--batteries not included or needed. On Saturday, the rangers at Patapsco Valley State Park will teach you how to use a compass and your wits and eyes to get to anywhere you see on a map. Learn about True North, declination, topographies, landmarks and other key navigational concepts. This is suitable for ages 7 and older. Cost: $2 per person. Save a spot by calling 410-461-5005.

3) Also on Saturday is the state-sanctioned Junior Deer Hunt. Hunters 16 years of age or younger may participate if he or she has a valid state hunting license or is exempt from Maryland hunting license requirements. The young hunter must be accompanied in the field by an unarmed person over 21 who holds a valid Maryland hunting license, or is exempt from hunting license requirements. All deer hunting regulations apply.

4) Once the sun goes down Saturday, join the Westminster Astronomy Club at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, 5100 Deer Park Road in Owings Mills, for an evening of star-gazing. Andromeda and the Leonid Meteor Shower will be visible. The club will supply time machines. The program is free, but donation are welcome. To reserve a place, call 877-794-0606.

5) On Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., meet the staff of the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center at Conowingo Dam on the Harford County side to observe and photograph bald eagles fishing in the Susquehanna River below the dam. Bring your camera and biggest lens, or binoculars, to watch the action. Herons, cormorants, gulls, and vultures also should be abundant. Staff will offer tips on getting the most from nature photography opportunities. Details: 410-612-1688.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 3:28 PM | Permalink
        

The Board of Public Works this morning approved a $548,490 contract to reconstruct the Sandy Point State Park fishing jetty.

An Anne Arundel County firm, Shoreline Design LLC., will carry out the project.

The project was suggested by a local diver and avid fisherman, Skip Zinck, who feared for the safety of young and senior anglers who were forced to tiptoe across boulders and the uneven surface for access to the Chesapeake Bay.

The jetty was disassembled during the construction of the second Bay Bridge span and was never returned to its original condition. Over the years, repeated battering by weather and waves just made conditions worse.

Plans to rebuild and modify the jetty were sitting in a drawer, waiting for the funds to carry them out.

After Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina walked the jetty, she began looking for ways to pay for the project. Waterway Improvement Funds were allocated.

Settina said she was thrilled with today's vote. “We are very excited about this improvement to the State Park’s popular jetty, which will benefit thousands of anglers and families who enjoy the simple pleasure of fishing from the Bay’s shoreline.”

Jordan Loran, director of the Department of Natural Resources Engineering and Construction Unit, said the project is expected to take six months, but is dependent on the weather.

The jetty will be 7 feet above mean low water, a significant elevation improvement, and will be about 7 feet to 8 feet wide, "which will make it a little bit easier for people to stand and fish," Loran said.

When completed, it will look similar to the north jetty at Matapeake, built about seven years ago.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:40 PM | Permalink
        

Annapolis sailing legend Gary Jobson will raise the sails on ESPN Classic Saturday to remind us of the sport without all of the messy legal tangles that seem to rob it of its luster.

Super Sailing Saturday is a three-hour block of shows that begins with a look at some of the most daunting conditions faced by long-distance sailors and ends with an America’s Cup 12- Meter retrospective that includes some newly discovered rare footage that will be broadcast for the first time.

Jobson is president of U.S. Sailing, a television commentator and multiple Emmy winner, and an author of 16 books. He is Editor at Large of Sailing World and Cruising World magazines. As tactician, he helped guide Ted Turner to an America's Cup victory in 1977.

At 11 a.m., Jobson presents, "Man Against Nature: Long Distance Racing," an in-depth look at the challenges and rigors of racing sailboats in long-distance competitions. Watch crews of several boats as they race to Bermuda, across the Atlantic Ocean, on the Great Lakes, and even around the world. A major emphasis is on the roughest ocean races on record including the 1979 Fastnet Race and the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race.

At noon, watch 19 amateur crews from 14 counties competed in the 2009 New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, a series of races in identically matched 42-foot yachts. Jobson calls it, "amateur racing at its best."

Finally, at 1 p.m., Jobson plays host to, "Rolex Presents: America’s Cup 12-meter Era Retrospective." Last September, 350 sailors who competed for the America’s Cup in the 12-meter Class between 1958 and 1987 gathered in Newport, R.I., to recall the greatest moments of the America’s Cup. This program features the most exciting moments of 10 America’s Cup and includes interviews with winning skippers Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, Ted Hood and Bill Ficker.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 6:00 AM | Permalink
        

Hains Point in D.C. used to be known for The Awakening, the massive sculpture of a 70-foot man struggling to break free from the ground.

Now that the big man is over at National Harbor, in the shadow of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, it's time to acknowledge the other giant just offshore: carp.

On Saturday, the Carp Anglers Group, one of the nicest and craziest collection of fisher folk I know, will be having its annual fall "Carp-In," where the public is welcome to watch and learn.

Mark Metzger, the chapter president and participant in the 2005 World Carp Championship (with Baltimore's Tommy Robinson), says anglers will show off the latest in carp gear (believe me, it's waaaay different) and explain new baiting and rigging tactics.

The Carp-In will stretch along Hains Point, from parking lot No. 11 to the point itself from 7 a.m. until, well, who knows?

Posted by Candus Thomson at 1:30 PM | Permalink
        

I have this good friend who's a good fisherman, but he's not a fishing buddy.

We know each other through the Olympics: me covering them and him making sure I have the information and athlete access I need.

We spend hours standing around in the cold, trading fishing stories as athletes on luge sleds and bobsleds whiz by at 70 mph. It makes the time go faster.

Every so often, we trade pictures. We jokingly call it fish porn. It helps us get through the winter.

Jon Lundin, who lives in Lake Placid, home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, sent this one today. It will help me in the dark days of January and February. Next year, I hope we become fishing buddies, too.

Jon writes:

I went fishing a couple of weeks ago in Pulaski (on the Salmon River near Lake Ontario). I did well. This is the only one that I kept. I hooked onto 15 fish, landed 10, using a 4-pound tippet. This one weighed 28 pounds, so it took a while to land. I landed eight salmon and two steelhead and one of the steelhead broke my fly rod, so it was a pretty expensive trip. I’m trying to replace it now.

I’m telling you, you have to go on one of these trips and write about it... It’s awesome and no one will believe that you can catch fish this big in such small rivers.

-- Jon L.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)