What’s wrong with this picture?

On Wednesday night, the men and women of Maryland’s Natural Resources Police and their families packed the basement of an Annapolis church to honor their own. After a salute to the flag and a prayer, they paid tribute to colleagues who plucked shipwrecked boaters from the Chesapeake Bay, recovered the bodies of drowning victims to give families some peace and busted bad guys who stole fish and wildlife that belonged to all of us.

The governor sent regrets. None of the state’s leading political lights or major outdoors groups showed.

Afterward, as they have in the past, officers and loved ones took pictures and chatted while enjoying a cornucopia of light refreshments: two bags of potato chips, one bag of pretzels, two small cans of peanuts, five plastic tubs of store-bought cookies and five two-liter bottles of soft drinks. Then they cleaned up after themselves and went home.

Next month, about a mile from the church, members of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation will gather at a fancy Annapolis hotel. If the event holds true to its history, politicians and others high up on the food chain, will drink up and chow down while praising each other for performing great works in the name of our natural resources. Representatives from recreational fishing and hunting groups, the charter boat association and conservation organizations will exhaust themselves in endless rounds of speechifying and back patting.

Odds are the governor or other political poohbahs will drop by. Someone will be selected “Sportsmen’s Best Friend,” although why this crowd gets to pick for the rest of us escapes me.

Have we lost all sense of what’s important? Are we so busy making sure we get credit for stuff that would have happened anyway that we can’t recognize who is really getting the job done?

NRP is working at 50 percent of the manpower it had 20 years ago. Officers are retiring by the droves with no real replacements in the pipeline. An academy class that was supposed to be 15 is now down to nine, and another class won’t be funded until early next year, at best. A bill to increase manpower was gutted by the very state lawmakers who have piled on duties while showering officers with hollow words of praise.

Forget about them eating cake. Hand them a bag of knock-off Fritos and remind them to put the folding chairs away and be sure to buss the tables before they leave.

Look, I’m not saying anglers, hunters, conservationists and politicians can’t have a good time at their own expense to feel good about whatever it is they felt they did well. More power to them.

But what if the Foundation, CCA, MSSA, Trout Unlimited, the Maryland Bass Federation, the charter boat association, the waterfowlers, the Maryland Aquatic Resources Council and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation each pitched in $50 and state lawmakers replaced empty platitudes with $10 a piece?

Why, the Natural Resources Police officers and their families might be able to have some name-brand snacks or, heaven forbid, some of those little finger sandwiches that get served at the fancy events.

When I asked the officers about the lack of love shown by the outdoors community, they smiled and shrugged. Sadly, they’ve come to expect nothing more from us.

The Foundation and its members need to get a grip on what’s really important. It wouldn’t kill them to cut down on the alcohol and fancy framed keepsakes and put that spare change toward making next year’s NRP awards ceremony a proper thank you. The outdoors community should say, “Next year, folks, come hungry.”

Foundation members don’t have to manufacture best friends. They already have them. They wear green uniforms.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

It's hard to believe that one of the most important books in the environmental movement was written in an unassuming suburban Maryland ranch home just outside the Capital Beltway.

But that's where Rachel Carson wrote "Silent Spring," which warned of the dangers of indiscriminate use of chemicals to tame nature.

The home, normally closed to the public, will be open Saturday from noon to 4. Guest speakers will discuss topics ranging from how to build a chemical-free golf course to keeping pets safe from Lyme disease.

The Rachel Carson Council, which oversees the site, will serve organic refreshments. The home is at 11701 Berwick Road in Silver Spring. 

Carson was born in Pennsylvania on May 27, 1907. She worked as a writer for what is now the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and supplemented her income writing outdoors and environmental features for the Baltimore Sun under the name R.L. Carson.

After writing several popular books about marine life, Carson moved to Silver Spring in the late 1950s and turned her research skills as a biologist on studying the effects of pesticides on the environment.

The result was "Silent Spring," a book she finished even as she battled breast cancer. It was released in 1962 to anything but silence.

Chemical companies tried to smear her and belittle her work. Politicians labeled her a communist and wondered aloud why she remained unmarried.

But "Silent Spring" was chosen for Book of the Month Club, was serialized by The New Yorker and received a positive review by the New York Times. She testified before a presidental science panel and was the subject of a CBS profile.

The cancer spread and Carson died of a heart attack on April 14, 1964 at the age of 57. She was buried in Rockville.

Although critics claim to this day that Carson advocated the banning of all pesticides, it is clear in reading the book that she urged careful management of chemical sprays, not prohibition. 

Carson has been honored by many conservation groups and in 1999, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

Her childhood home in Pennsylvania has been preserved and there's a National Wildlife Refuge on the Maine coast, where she studied and wrok, that bears her name.

If you have the time Saturday to see her Silver Spring home, it's worth a visit.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

In a packed church basement in Annapolis last night, Natural Resources Police honored officers for their work in law enforcement, rescue, conservation and boating safety.

Cpl. Michael Friend was named Officer of the Year for his tireless efforts to catch drunken boaters on Deep Creek Lake, pursue wildlife poachers and carry out dangerous underwater recovery operations and for his work on behalf of charities such as the annual Polar Bear Plunge that raises money for Special Olympics.

Friend, whose conservation work was recognized in 2008 by the National Wild Turkey Federation, is known for his ability to “improvise, adapt and overcome any situation,” NRP Capt. Bob Davis said.

John Griffin, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, called the police force a “vital link to our healthier future,” noting that NRP is one of just two law enforcement agencies to have statewide jurisdiction.

The secretary praised NRP, which has lost half of its manpower due to budget cuts over the last two decades, for its continued commitment.

“NRP has had to sacrifice more than others,” he said. “We’ve asked you to step up your efforts and you haven’t let us down.”

Griffin, standing in for Gov. Martin O’Malley, said the governor “wants to do what he can to rebuild the force” and urged the officers to ignore talk by state lawmakers to merge NRP with other police forces to create “a mega-police agency.”

“I think that would be a disaster,” Griffin said. “Your origins are here … Your best home is where your roots are.”

Officer First Class Frank Sutton received the Conservation Officer of the Year for his successful pursuit of commercial oyster, striped bass and crab poachers and his investigations of wildlife poachers.

Cpl. Jeffrey Sweitzer was named Boating Safety Officer of the Year for his work on Deep Creek Lake to get drunken and speeding boaters off the water.

A 22-year veteran as a Maryland Park Service ranger and NRP, Cpl. Mark McMillan was selected by the National Wild Turkey Federation as its Officer of the Year. Maryland Park Service

Superintendent Nita Settina presented Sgt. Shawn Garren her agency’s Officer of the Year Award for his work in St. Mary’s County.

Six officers received a Certificate of Merit for service above and beyond the call of duty in a life-threatening situation: OFC Murray Hunt III, OFC Patrick Thompsen, Cpl. Cameron Brown, OFC Rodney Smith Jr., Cpl. Maximillian Schulte and OFC Benjamin Lillard. The first four officers saved boaters and kayakers in distress while the latter two rescued waterfowl hunters trapped in a brutal winter storm on Hart-Miller Island.

A Superintendent’s Commendation was awarded to Sgt. Aaron Parker, Cpl. Melissa Scarborough and OFC Devin Corcoran for a midnight rescue of two boaters clinging to a cooler after their boat capsized in the Chesapeake Bay. OFC David Rice received a Commendation for solving a break-in at a state facility.

Lt. Greg Bartles, Cpl. John Atkins Jr. and two civilians—Philip Jarusek and Roger Youngerman—received Certificates of Appreciation.

NRP also celebrated the promotions of Robert Kersey Jr. to lieutenant and Aaaron Parker and Robert Ford to sergeant.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:00 PM | Permalink
        

Could it be? Dare we think it? Two consecutive weekend days with not a drop of participation? Quick, before the weather gremlins change their minds and unleash a torrent, let’s make plans. Here’s a few suggestions to get started:

1) Sharpen up those photo skills Saturday before the summer vacation season starts. Jim Stimpert will lead a session on composition, lighting, choosing lenses and other basics at Monkton Station at Gunpowder Falls State Park. The day will begin at 9 a.m., with classroom instruction and then (weather permitting), move outside for some field work. Bring your camera (SLR or compact) with you, as well as a tripod if you have one. The cost is $3. Save a spot by calling 410-592-2897 or emailing llangrehr@dnr.state.md.us.

 

2) On Saturday, join the Howard County Bird Club, REI Columbia and the Howard County Conservancy for an Earth Day celebration at the conservancy’s beautiful 232-acre Mt. Pleasant Farm in Woodstock. The day will begin at 8 a.m., with a bird hike led by the club. A tree planting and trail maintenance and service projects will follow at 9. Master gardeners will hold a plant sale and children can make Earth Day crafts. The Nature Center will be open. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds.The farm is at 10520 Old Frederick Road. Event details are at 410-465-8877 or at the conservancy's website.

3) If you’ve finally decided to take the plunge—figuratively, not literally—into paddling sports but need some guidance, tap into a wealth of experience at REI Timonium on Saturday at Paddle Fest 2011. Representatives from local clubs, from the Greater Baltimore Canoe Club to the Canton Kayak Club, and water experts such as the staff of Aqua Ventures will offer free advice on everything from boats and gear to launching sites and vacation destinations. Each Paddle Fest attendee will receive a coupon for 15 percent off the purchase of a full priced boat (coupon exclusions apply). The event will run 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Details: 410- 252-5920.

4) Feeling your oats? Try this strenuous Saturday hike with the Sierra Club’s Howard County chapter that travels through three states over about 10 miles. You’ll enjoy the breathtaking overlooks above Harpers Ferry at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, visit the town and walk the C&O Canal towpath. Meet at the Bagel Bin in the Enchanted Forest Shopping Center off U.S. 40 for an 8:30 a.m. departure. Details? Call Tim Ryan before 9:30 p.m. at 410-248-2974 or email him at timothy_ryan@urscorp.com.

5) On Sunday, take a 30-minute guided tour on an electric tram through forest, meadows and wetlands around the National Wildlife Visitor Center at the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel. The open-air vehicle is perfect for little kids and others who enjoy the outdoors but may find walking difficult. The refuge, which encompasses 12,841 acres, was established in 1936 by executive order of President Roosevelt. It is the only National Wildlife Refuge in the country established to support wildlife research. After your ride, visit the visitor center or take a short walk on one of the well-marked trails. Tram tours are at 11:30, 1, 2 and 3 and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $3 for adults, $2 for those over 55 and $1 for children 12 and under.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

The folks who oversee Maryland's public lands have come up with a new way to see one of the prettiest locations: a run-paddle-pedal in and around Wye, the island and Wye, the river, and Wye, the road.

The Wye-Tri Adventure Race on May 7 just opened its registration window to those over the age of 14 in good shape who have $15. It will be held rain or shine, but extreme weather (on Wye, that can mean fog, squalls or lightning) will lead to a delay or interruption in the event. 

The Eastern Shore competition begins with a 2.5-mile run over wooded and open field trails along Dividing Creek, transitions to a 0.75-mile paddle on the Wye River and Granary Creek, and ends with a 4.5-mile bike ride along Wye Island Road and back onto the island’s trail system.

Maryland Park Service organizers say participants can use any size or style of kayak, with a limited number of rental boats available on race day for a $5 fee. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory for those under 16 years of age and strongly encouraged for all participants.

Competitors must have their kayaks and bicycles in place by 7:30 a.m. and be present for a pre-race meeting at 7:45. The starter's gun will sound promptly at 8.

For more information or to register for the Wye-Tri Adventure Race, call the Wye Island NRMA office at 410-827-7577 or the Tuckahoe State Park office at 410-820-1668 or download the registration form online.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 10:24 AM | Permalink
        

It took only 26 hours for Park Quest to reach capacity.

State officials announced that, as of noon, all 1,000 spots for the second summer-long event were taken.

 -- Candus Thomson 

Posted by Chris Korman at 12:44 PM | Permalink
        

The computer elves at Park Quest just told me that apparently some Questers impatient with the speed of their Internet connection hit the register button twice.

A hand count of all teams shows about 60 slots are left. A spokesman for the computer elves says that given the high interest level since registration opened at 10 a.m. yesterday, they expect to reach the cutoff of 1,000 families by the end of the day.

So if you slept in (or the boss made you do some work thing first on the company computer) and thought you missed the chance to participate in the Maryland Park Service's Park Quest 2011, you just got a reprieve.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 9:31 AM | Permalink
        

It took less than 24 hours for Park Quest to reach to brink of capacity.

At 8 a.m., the total number of families signed up for the summer-long Maryland Park Service adventure stood at 998, just two shy of the cutoff.

The free event, which begins May and ends in early September. involves 24 state parks across the state in a challenge that combines geo caching, team problem solving and hiking, peddling and paddling to answer questions and get a stamp in a Park Quest Passport. Teams that complete 10 Quests will be invited to the Finale at Gunpowder Falls State Park to compete for prizes.

In just its fourth year, Park Quest has grown from a half-dozen Eastern Shore Parks and 100 families to an event that with little promotion attracts 1,000 teams.  

In June, as the Sun's Outdoors Girl, I'll attempt to replicate last year's success and complete all 24 parks in seven days--Park Quest 24/7. I'll blog after completing each challenge.

Hope to see you out there, fellow Questers.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:33 AM | Permalink
        

Guide Ken Penrod, owner of Life Outdoors Unlimited, says this week's shortened report is due to last week's brutal weather: Simply, the Mid-Atlantic region took a pounding."

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER/JUNIATA RIVER, PA: zero to two and a half stars; fairly clear; 50 degrees; 12.8 feet today at the Harrisburg gauge. On the Juniata, at the Newport Gauge,12.6 feet today. We had to leave these rivers last Friday evening due to flooding. I returned to fish on a rainy Friday and we did relatively well, catch 25 fat bass from the main river and Sherman Creek. Our most productive lures were the Campground Special Small Jaws tube in KP Candy, KP Rose and Green Pumpkin. We did catch a few bass on the X-Rap 10, in Glass Ghost. Jon Drever, Chris Sanno and Mike Breeding fished Saturday with really good results. Again, the tube fished on 8-pound-test monofiliment was the fish-food of choice.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: zero stars; dirty; 8 feet and falling. Needless to say, we did not fish here last week due to high, muddy water. I don’t like it much here when the gauge at Point of Rocks is more than 5 feet and even at that level, there is danger. Our best water is between .75 feet and 4.5 feet.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: two and a half stars; 55 degrees; stained water; much flotsam. There's a lot of muddy water and tons of debris coming into the tidal river from upstream flooding. For the most part, fish have adapted while some fishermen haven’t.

Near Washington, the gorge is rocking and that’s hurting the shad and stripers guys. Rockfish are well upstream, so look a little further downstream for them. Bass fishing in Pentagon Lagoon and the Washington Channel has been pretty good. We use Rapala DT 06 and Thugs to catch drop-off bass, and Case plastics, Big Mouth spinnerbaits and Mizmo tubes.

Near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, spots such as Penrod Cove, Belle Haven coves, Broad Creek and Swan Creek have been fairly reliable. Crankbaits on dropoffs and Case or Mizmo plastics are dynamite in the grass.

Mattawoman Creek is clearing up some and the bigger bass are staged along the wood banks within the 6 MPH area, where Rattlin’ Rapalas, Big Mouth spinnerbaits and the Case Magic Stik is recommended. Between Smallwood State Park and the main river, cast the Rapala Clackin’ Rap over new milfoil. Nearby Marsh Island and both points of Mattawoman are sure bets. Chickamuxen Creek and the shoreline to Tugboat Cove are worth some time. Grass beds in Occoquan, Mallows and Aquia is attracting more bass every day. Things are different on the river this year, caused by a rather cool spring and constantly changing barometer.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:00 PM | Permalink
        

Registration began this morning for Park Quest 2011, the geo cache, history lesson, adventure challenge rolled into one, sponsored by the Maryland Park Service.

This year, the cutoff is 1,000 teams, and believe me, it won't take long to fill up. All you'll need is one adult and one kid and a team name (I'm sticking with Sacagawea). Then, complete 10 of the 24 Quests to be invited to the Finale in September, where you'll compete for prizes.

The premise is simple. Register--it's free--and receive a passport. The passport serves as your ticket to each of the 24 parks and whatever gear is needed to complete the challenge. After a successful Quest, get the passport stamped and move on.

Teams have from May 7 to Sept. 5 to get their 10 stamps--but don't stop there. Last year, I did all 24 in seven days, the Park Quest 24/7, and will give it my best shot again in June. 

A few observations as I look at the 24 challenges:

All but three of the basic Quests can be done on foot. Deep Creek Lake and Janes Island will require paddle power to navigate the course. The Western Maryland Rail Trail's 10-mile challenge will put you on a bike. Seneca Creek is a walk, but you'll have to do it while playing nine holes of Disc Golf to answer the questions.

The above-and-beyond Super Quest at Fair Hills is accomplished on horseback, Susquehanna's version has a mountain bike component, and Patapsco Valley's Super Quest (fee based) puts participants at Terrapin Adventure, a priately operated adventure park.

Seven parks will not allow pets, so leave the ferret and llama at home.

If I had to pick a "warm-up Quest" to see how your team jells, I'd go with Sandy Point: Flat, bathrooms, sandy beach, pretty views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Bridge, ice cream shop at the end.

As for difficulty, 11 Quests are billed as a 2 out of 5 (most difficult) and 13 Quests are billed as a 3. Janes Island can either be a 3 or a 5, depending on the winds when you're paddling. As a Quester who went out just after a tornado warning was lifted and battled some white caps, I concur.

If the Park Quest instructions call for bug spray, for the love of Pete bring bug spray. Assateague, Janes Island and Deep Creek were all buggy last year for me. And bring a hat to ward off the deer flies.

Keep water in your day pack and some iced-down water in your vehicle for afterward.

Even though places such as South Mountain can be fairly leafy and shady, be sure to pack sunscreen.

Speaking of South Mountain, build some time in your schedule to take advantage of the deal at the end of the Quest: a buy one, get one free ice cream cone special at South Mountain Creamery. After a 2-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail, it will hit the spot.

As for me, I'll be firming up my plans with the Maryland Park Service and will be posting them here. The basic plan is to blog my way across Maryland, hitting all 24 sites in seven days.

I'm looking forward to seeing some favorite parks and learning about new ones. It will be good to see some of the kind and helpful park employees who made last year's Quest so memorable.

And I hope to meet up with some of you on the trail, clue sheets in hand, enjoying all our state parks have to offer.

Happy Questing! 

Posted by Candus Thomson at 9:26 AM | Permalink
        

Temperatures in the 70s this weekend, folks. At least that's what the weather-guessers are calling for. Take a few hours for yourself. Here's some suggestions to get you going:

1) Recruit members for your Park Quest 2011 team. Registration for the free Maryland Park Service contest begins at 10 a.m. Monday. The cutoff is 1,000 teams, a number that likely will be met within a week. Now in its fourth year, Park Quest challenges teams to complete puzzles, geo caches and other adventures througout the summer at 24 state parks. Teams get their passports stamped by park staff after each successful Quest. Finish 10 out of 24 and get invited to the Finale in Sepetember to compete for prizes. Sign up at the Park Quest website.

2) On Saturday, join the Howard County chapter of the Sierra Club for a 7-9 mile hike at Catoctin Mountain Park. The jaunt includes stops at Cunningham Falls, Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Bagel Bin off U.S. 40 in the Enchanted Forest Shopping Center, for an 9 a.m. departure. Or contact the leader to meet at the Catoctin Visitor Center. Call James Perschy, 410-964-1902, jameshike@verizon.net.

3) Choose one of two boating activities being offered Saturday at Abingdon's Anita C. Leight Estuary Center. At noon, Birding by Boat leader Phil Powers will help you spot marsh birds of Otter Point Creek. It is suitable for ages 10-adult. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children 10-13. Proceeds benefit Envirothon. The center also is leading a canoeing clean up to celebrate Earth Day. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is suitable for ages 8 and older. The cost is $10. Call 410-612-1688 to reserve a spot.

4) REI Timonium is holding a free bike maintenence workshop Saturday at 1 p.m. The basics will be covered--flats, lubes, adjustments. Save a spot by calling 410-252-5920 or online.

5) Help the staff at Gunpowder Falls State Park spruce the place up on Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Belair Road parking lot. Add your muscle power to crews painting, building a stairway and split rail fence and general trail improvements. Tools, garbage bags, and materials supplied. Bring work gloves, boots, and energy to help get the park ready for summer. Call 410-329-6809 for more information.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

Recreational anglers, tournament participants and fishing guides are being warned to stay away from restricted areas on a Potomac River tributary near the Quantico Marine Base.

The Virginia military facility recently closed a portion of Chopawamsic Creek, citing security and changes to airfield infrastructure.

Maryland and Virginia fisheries managers met with base officers last Wednesday in an attempt to work out a compromise, but left empty handed.

The restricted zone begins north of the base's old landfill, curves along the western shoreline of Chopawamsic Island and follows the contours of the aviation area about a quarter-mile offshore.(It looks a little like an outline of New Jersey).

Some watermen will have permission to work in the area.

Anglers found within that zones will receive a warning to leave. Failure to follow orders could result in arrest or criminal prosecution.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:14 AM | Permalink
        

We continue our open mic segment with an email from Keith Cameron of Elkridge who took exception to some of my comments in Ask Outdoors Girl about felt-soled waders.

The floor is yours, Keith.

I’ve got to agree in part with Dana of Fulton regarding the state’s implementation of the felt-soled footwear ban. First off, I support the ban. We do enough unintentional damage to the environment through sheer ignorance that if we know something is harmful, we should stop doing it.

Having said that, I am disappointed in the state’s efforts to get the word out.

Exhibit 1: The 2011 Maryland Fishing Guide. I would expect that a complete ban on a piece of previously legal gear would be highlighted in big red letters either on the cover or just inside. Not so. You have to go to page 15, which deals with invasive species in general, to find--in the lower left quarter of the page--what appears to be a reproduction of a poster advocating the use of rubber soles. In smaller print you see that “Natural Resource Scientists Strongly Discourage the use of Felt Soled Waders and Boots.” Beneath that, in even smaller print, is a notation that DNR intends to ban felt sole use beginning in 2011. This doesn’t tell you a ban is definitely coming let alone when that ban will become effective.

Exhibit 2: Bulletin boards at state lands. My friend and I went fishing the first day the ban was in effect at Morgan Run. There is a bulletin board in the parking area at the Klees Mills parking area with plenty of room to put up a poster informing fishermen of the footwear ban. Trouble is, there’s nothing there about the ban. It’s not like Morgan Run is way out of the way and inaccessible to anyone without a float plane. Where is the information sharing we should expect from the state?

Exhibit 3: Media coverage. I read the paper. I even take time each Sunday to read your article prior to heading off to church. There has been a dearth of information on this issue. I applaud your efforts to inform the sporting women and men of the state by your Ask Outdoors Girl segment this past weekend, but there just hasn’t been enough information published on this topic. Dana mentions information assistance by Trout Unlimited. I am not a member so I can’t speak with firsthand experience, but my fishing buddy is. He has no recollection of any notice by TU on the footwear ban. The silver lining to this is that the DNR is using the first year as an education year (info from their website). I don’t know if you’ll be kicked off the stream if you’re caught wearing felt soles, but you won’t be getting a ticket.

Thanks for letting me express my opinion and keep writing and supporting Maryland sportsmen.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

Andrew Wendell already has his name in the rafters of the Boatyard Bar and Grill for winning the 2009 edition of the catch-and-release striped bass tournament.

The Pasadena angler made the best of miserable conditions on Opening Day last Saturday to win the event again, with a 42 7/8-inch fish caught at Bloody Point on a green parachute rig five hours into the new season.

Wendell finished second last year and third in the 2005 Fishbones tournament.

Participants in the 10th annual event, which raises money for conservation and youth programs, measured their fish with an official Boatyard stick and took a digital photo to show the judges.

Placing second was Jesse Buckler, who caught a 42 3/16-inch striper at the Bay Bridge on a chartreuese parachute.

Third place went to Glenn Bogarde with a 42 1/8-inch fish caught on a yellow umbrella rig at Matapeake.

High winds and heavy seas led organizers to extend the one-day tournament into Sunday.

Tony Cullember's 42-inch fish, caught on the second day, took fourth place and Tom Pruett's 40 7/8-inch fish rounded out the top five.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 1:15 PM | Permalink
        

Some of you email notes to me about topics touched upon on this blog. Some are funny. Others are angry. Still others raise good points I hadn't thought about.

So rather than keep the good stuff to myself, I thought I'd share the emails with you (after asking the writer for permission).

The first entry is from Diana C. Schramm of Baltimore. The floor is yours.

I am writing with reference to the April 12 article, “Nine out-of-state anglers accused of poaching” and to earlier articles about crab poaching.

The maximum penalty is ONLY a fine of $125 and a POSSIBLE one-year license suspension?

Those fines don’t even come close to the cost to Maryland of catching and convicting these conscienceless poachers, never mind the harm to Chesapeake Bay fisheries. Do charter boat captains who poach even care if they have a fishing license?

Am I outraged? You betcha!

I love eating crabs and rockfish, but in the past 20 years, I’ve eaten whole crabs once and crab cakes maybe three times ayear (and probably a significant portion of those were imported).

Rockfish? Maybe twice. Why? Because I am expressing my concern for our bay’s productivity in a heartfelt, practical fashion, and I know I’m not the only one making these sacrifices.

I propose, instead, the following penalties: Fine each angler market value, $15 per pound for each fish caught, and the equivalent for each poached crab, dead or alive.

I don’t know how much a “huge female” rockfish weighs, but the fine would certainly run into the thousands of dollars.

Throw them in a Maryland pokey until their trials in May and serve them only the rockfish, or crabs, they caught for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After their trials and the payment of appropriate fines, escort them to the nearest Maryland border and let them make their own way back home.

As for the thieving charter boat captains, tow their boats to their wharves and hole them. Let them learn an honest trade, instead.

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

Guide Ken Penrod, owner of Life Outdoors Unlimited, has filed his weekly bass fishing report for the region. Here's his take on things:

SUSQUEHANNA/JUNIATA RIVERS: two and a half stars; clear to stain to muddy; 54 degrees; 16.3 feet Monday, then falling to 13 feet by Wednesday at the Harrisburg gauge. On the Juniata, 17.3 feet Monday, then falling to 10 feet by Wednesday. The Pennsylvania Boat and Fish Commission will recommend total closure for bass fishing between April 11 and the end of June for the 2011 season. Bass fishing was pretty good last week, despite heavy rains and winds. The Juniata was “blown-out” much of the week but the main stem above Duncannon was productive along shore lines and island pockets and push water. Our most productive lures continue to be the Campground Special Tubes in both teaser and small-jaw sizes. Best colors have been from the KP Series, in KP Rose, KP Candy, Juniata Treat, Roadkill Camo/purple flake and Penrod/Purple. We are using ¼-ounce RAB jigheads, 8-pound test Sufix ProMix or Deep Crankin’ monofilament and 6-foot, medium action rods. Our guides and clients caught many bass exceeding 18-inches long. LOU guide Dave Kerrigan has been using tubes and Case Sweet Peas on mid-river Islands. LOU guide Mike Breeding has been “crushing” numbers of bass in pockets and tributaries above Montgomery Ferry. I have been finding big bass and good numbers in Sherman Creek. 

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: one star; 22 feet Monday and then falling to 13 feet on Wednesday at Point of Rocks. Not much to report because the river had a major rise and the weekend storms will make conditions unsafe for at least a week.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: two to three and a half stars; 58 degrees; a muddy mess with abundant flotsam. Until the rains came bass fishing was pretty good throughout the river and tributaries but now the river was like a mine-field and mighty muddy in most areas. Many weekend tournaments were cancelled—and it was a full moon. LOU guide, Capt. Keith Barker, has been working the upper tidal river where he has been treating his bass clients with nice, chunky bass and even a few rockfish. In the Washington area, the shad run has been strong and the rockfish were moving up in waves but the flooding will chill that for a while. The Washington Channel and Pentagon Lagoon will stay fishable during dirty water times but that may snap-shut soon. Rapala DT crankbaits, Case Magic Stiks and Mizmo tubes are a mainstay. Be careful here during the early week.

Around the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Penrod Cove, nearby barges and bridge foundations, points and dropoffs in Smoot Bay and coves near Belle Haven Marina have been worthy. Nearby Swan Creek, Piscataway Creek coves and grass beds between Brad Creek and Pomonkey Creek have been fair to good. Pohick Bay and Dogue Creek grass beds may be the best in this area, where Big Mouth spinnerbaits and Rattlin’ Rapalas do the deed. In the vicinity of Mattawoman Creek look for muddy conditions much of the week. Grass beds between Smallwood State Park and main river have been the best and the Clackin’ Rap and Big Mouth spinnerbaits seems to be best. Nearby grass beds in the Occoquan, Chickamuxen and main stem to Mallows are worthy.

NEW RIVER, Va.: two stars; 50 degrees, flooding. Tom Maynard, of New River Angler reports a 7-foot rise recently but they did catch and release a six-pound plus smallmouth last week on a Campground Special teaser tube.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:00 AM | Permalink
        

Few assignments have been as rewarding as a morning five years ago on Morgan Run with fly fishing instructor Philip Krista and Sgt. Russell Martin, a wounded veteran learning the mechanics of the craft and forgetting the medical challenges awaiting him back at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Project Healing Waters, founded in 2004, gets wounded vets back outdoors to enjoy sports again with the help of volunteers.   

Maryland Trout Unlimited has invited David Folkerts from Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing to its monthly meeting Wednesday evening to discuss the program and its needs. The chapter was an early supporter, providing basic fly fishing, fly casting and fly tying instruction.

Folkerts served as an Army Ranger in Taji, Iraq, where he sustained injuries from an IED blast in April 2005. The captain was evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for continuing treatment, where he became involved with PHWFF.

After medically retiring from the Army, David became a full-time employee with PHWFF.

The meeting will be at 7:30 at the Towson branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 320 York Road.

Maryland TU was founded in 1971 and has more than 600 members.

Baltimore Sun photo of Russell Martin and Philip Krista by Andre' F. Chung / 2006

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

The only time I ever came close to causing a hunting accident happened during a turkey hunt.

I won't bore you with the particulars except to say that I thought I had a clear shot until my friend's head popped up from the far side of a downed tree. It scared me to Sunday school and did nothing for my steady hand.

Monday is the start of the month-long spring wild turkey season. Last year hunters killed 2,847 wild turkeys, a 2 percent decline from the 2009 total of 2,910. The western counties proved to be the best hunting grounds. Garrett County led the state with 345 birds, followed by Allegany (327) and Washington (303). Charles and Dorchester (213) rounded out the top five.

Approximately 10,000 hunters pursue turkeys annually during Maryland’s spring season and about 25 percent are successful in taking at least one turkey.

The National Wild Turkey Federation has offered up a quick 10-point safety checklist. Even if you've been hunting for 500 years, it wouldn't hurt to give them a quick read. 

Leave the area if you suspect there's another hunter already working the same bird.

Resist the urge to stalk turkey sounds. It is nearly impossible to sneak up on a turkey. It is also unethical and could lead to an accident.

Select a spot that is in open timber rather than thick brush: wearing camouflage clothing and eliminating movement is more critical to success than hiding in heavy cover.

Sit against a large stump, blow-down, tree trunk or rock that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head when calling wild turkeys.

Never wear bright colors, especially not red, white, blue or black because these are the colors of a wild turkey gobbler. Watch out for red, white or blue on your socks, T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, hats, bandannas, etc. Wear dark undershirts and socks, and pants long enough to be tucked into boots.

Remain still and speak in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence to other hunters if necessary. Never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert another hunter of your presence.

Keep your hands and head camouflaged when calling.

Maintain a clear field of view when using a camouflage blind or netting.

Ensure your decoy is not visible when you are transporting it. Stash the decoy in your vest and make sure the head is not sticking out. If you harvest a wild turkey during your hunting trip, you also should cover the bird's head and body when carrying it out from your hunting spot.

Put your gun's safety on and approach the downed bird with your firearm pointed in a safe direction after firing. Never run with a firearm.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

Northern snakeheads are like the distant relative who eats you out of house and home and won't leave.

The toothy invasive fish from Asia arrived with great fanfare in a small scummy pond in Crofton a decade ago and has unfortunately become part of the landscape. In the Potomac River and its tributaries, it competes for food and habitat against established species such as largemouth bass.

Efforts to slow its spread have failed and professional bass fishermen don't have time or interest in killing snakeheads that snap at their lures.

The Department of Natural Resources hopes recreational anglers interested in winning a prize, will become snakehead wranglers. 

From now until the end of the year, anyone who catches a northern snakehead with a hook-and-line and posts the catch including a photo of the dead fish on DNR’s Angler’s Log website will be entered into a year end drawing.

To be eligible, anglers should report the location of their catch and include a photo with a ruler or another measuring device in the image to indicate the size of the fish.

Prizes include a $200 rod and tackle package, a 2012 Potomac River Fishing license and a Maryland State Park Passport, which allows unlimited day-use entry for up to 10 people in a vehicle, unlimited boat launching at all facilities and a 10-percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.

If the snakehead has a tag inserted in its back, anglers are asked to call 800-448-8322 and report the tag number. As a way of saying thanks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will give you a special edition hat and a certificate.

The contest isn't expected to rid local waters of the unwanted guests, but every little bit helps.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 1:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The weather forecast for Saturday's start to the spring striped bass season looks more like an audition for the opening of Gilligan's Island.

High winds (gusts to 40 knots) and high seas (four feet) will toss many tiny ships and many cookies. Throw in a chance of nasty thunderstorms and the picture is complete.

So the organizers of Eastport's Boatyard Bar and Grill 10th annual catch-and-release tournament have adjusted accordingly.

Restaurant owner Dick Franyo says the "measure in" of digital photos has been moved from Saturday to Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registered anglers who wish to be considered must be on line by 4:30. The winners will be announced at 5.

Franyo says competitors can fish both days as long as they make the cut-off time.

Good luck and stay safe.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:07 AM | Permalink
        

The weekend holds a lot of promise, if it doesn't get blown to Europe. The trophy striped bass season and flounder season begin Saturday. The day also is the state's Junior Turkey Hunt for young hunters, which is the warm-up for the start of the spring season on Monday for geezers like me.

But right now, the first part of the weekend--like the previous two--is literally a wet blanket, this time with strong gusts. Sunday looks brighter but breezy.

Be safe on the water. Play it by ear. And consider these options:

1) On Friday, kick things off at "Sportsmen's Night" at the Bowie Baysox second home game of the season. Any fan who presents a fishing, boating, hunting or crabbing license or duck stamp to the box office the day of the game may purchase up to four lower reserved seat tickets for half price, at $7 each. On-field promotions for the night feature hunting and fishing themes. The game begins at 7:05. Prince George's Stadium is at 4101 Crain Highway in Bowie.

2) If the weather isn't too bad Saturday, get the kids out fishing at historic Fletcher's Boat House on the C&O Canal in Washington. Family and Youth Casting Call is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It typically attracts 700 kids, who learn the basics of the sport from volunteers. In addition to fishing, there will be scavenger hunts, art activities, touch tanks and other demonstrations. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service. The fish are running, so the action should be good. Check the website for the fine print. 

3) Fishing isn't your thing? Pull on the oil skins or Gore-Tex jacket and take a moderate 9-mile hike on the C&O Canal towpath with the Howard County chapter of the Sierra Club. I'm a big fan of the rocky Billy Goat Trail, with its dramatic views of the Potomac River. You'll get some great photos of roiling water and a profusion of wildflowers. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a lunch. Hikers will gather at 8:30 a.m. at the commuter lot ar Route 32 and Broken Land Parkway. Give Ken Clark a shout for more at 443-280-4050 or kenclark7@live.com.

4) On Sunday, learn about the life of Continental soldiers during the American War of Independence from members of the recreated 1st Virginia Infantry at Fort Frederick State Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $3, adults; $2, children ages 6 to 12. More at 301-842-2155 or at the park website.

5) Also on Sunday, knock the rust off your marksmanship skills and maybe win a turkey, ham or bacon at the annual Turkey Shoot, noon to 4 p.m., at the ramges of the Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association, 3400 Northwind Road, Carney. The cost is $3 per round, with ammunition supplied by the club. For details, give Greg a shout at 410-598-4970.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:56 AM | Permalink
        

Maryland recreational anglers may have the option next year to check a box on their license application and make a donation to a non-profit artificial reef program that has put fish friendly habitat in the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Sport Fish Advisory Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend the proposal to DNR officials.

The Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative began in 2007 and involves more than 60 fishing and conservation groups, foundations and corporations. It has created or restored a dozen reefs in the bay and ocean to provide habitat for fish and oysters. 

With donations and state grants, MARI has raised $2.1 million since its inception and spent about $1.9 million.

But with the poor economy, money has been hard to come by.

MARI spokesman Ed Liccione said a voluntary check-off box on the state's fishing license application could help pay for new reef initiatives.

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

For the sixth year, Scenic Rivers Land Trust is opening the gates Saturday to a portion of the newest Anne Arundel County park that is usually off limits to the public.

Walk for the Woods is a free event at the Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville. The 630-acre tract consists of woods, wetlands and stream valleys that are part of the South River Greenway and protected by easements held by the land trust and the Maryland Environmental Trust.

The gates will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free. Donations will be doubled by a matching challenge from the Biophilia Foundation.

Hikers can strike out on their own or sign up for one of nine guided walks. The event is both kid and (leashed) dog friendly.

In the event of heavy rain, the hike will slide over to Sunday. Details, directions and more are at 443-597-0063 or the land trust website.

Photo by Janet Norman

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:36 AM | Permalink
        

If you do it right, spring trout fishing leaves your hands tingling.

Freezing fingers means you’ve been casting and catching, reaching into icy cold water to seize your reward: a glistening, vibrant trout, just like the ones in Field and Stream.

For 90 kids from Baltimore’s recreation centers, Saturday’s overcast skies and the frigid waters of Dead Run in Leakin Park weren’t obstacles to overcome but part of a day they’ll remember for a long time.

In the parking lot, volunteer guides from Maryland Trout Unlimited poured coffee for themselves while distributing free rods and reels to the kids. After a quick welcome and nature lesson from MDTU’s Jim Gracie, who also chairs the state’s Sport Fish Advisory Commission, everyone scattered in search of nearly 1,000 rainbow trout stocked the night before.

Sounds easy, right? Fish go in the water at certain spots, fish come out 24 hours later. Ah, if only things worked like that. Instead the guides and beginning anglers participated a familiar rite of spring—figuring out where the fish are hiding and what will coax them to bite. Log? Deep pool? Bridge underpass? Worms? Corn? Pieces of feather and flash? Marshmallows?

Yes, Cynthia Conaway, a teacher at Hilton Elementary School, and her daughter, Sarah, 5, were trying marshmallows until, “Sarah ate the bait,” mom reported. Luckily they brought worms, too, which Sarah seemed less likely to snack on.

City Catch, as it is called, began in the 1980s under the Schaefer administration, when Baltimore had 125 recreation centers. Two kids were selected from each site based on a conservation-related contest. The inaugural event made Good Morning America, when William Donald Schaefer himself threw out the first fish in Herring Run, bordering Morgan State University.

The program languished under the next administration but found new life afterMartin O’Malley took over. Sadly, the number of recreation centers—critical for recruiting kids—is fewer than half of what it once was.

“It’s the easiest thing we raise money for,” says Gracie, who grew up in nearby Edmondson Village and fished Dead Run and Gwynns Falls as a kid.

Tony Tochterman, a long-time advocate of teaching youngsters to fish, supplied at cost the rods and reels that the kids got to take home. Steve Munsey, owner Stubby Steve’s, a Virginia-based artificial lure maker, supplied the bait. The Baltimore Recreation and Parks Department cooked up a hot dog lunch.

The strategy of giving each kid his or her own gear is simple, Gracie said. “They won’t come back if they don’t have any way to catch fish.”

Some kids rejected bank fishing in favor of plunging right into the stream.

“My shoe is oozing water, not a good sign,” said Tracy VonHendricks, 13, before ignoring the omen for another close encounter with Dead Run.

Just below the Winans Meadow pedestrian bridge, early success gave way to a lull experienced anglers expect but kids don’t understand.

Tom Gamper of TU lost his go-to lure, a Copper John, and the switch to other artificials didn’t pan out. With 30 minutes to go before lunch, Gamper tied on an olive wooly bugger and let fly to a deep pool on the opposite bank. Like magic, the fish responded. So did the four boys from the Robert C. Marshall Center, who each reeled in a rainbow.

“It was big and it was hard pulling it out. It was a fighter,” said an excited Troy Fennell, 12, who couldn’t take his eyes off his 10-inch catch. “I’m going to have someone cook it up for me.”

Gamper grinned. “This is what it’s all about,” he said. “The sound of laughter and trout splashing in the water.”

And there was one more happy sound, the one fishing advocates love to hear: “I’m coming back here tomorrow,” said Khalil Blalock, 12.

Photos:  Tracy Von Hendricks, 13, gets a casting lesson from Matt McGlone (1). Trayshod Durant, 14, with a rainbow trout (2). Troy Fennell, 12, with a rainbow trout (3). Sarah Conaway, 5, experiences her first worm (4).

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

Guide Ken Penrod, owner of Life Outdoors Unlimited, has traveled far and wide--well, Maryland and Pennsylvania--to find the best of the region's bass fishing.

Here's his weekly report:

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER: two to three and a half stars; 47 degrees; stained; 10.1 feet at Harrisburg and falling; 7.5 to 9.2 feet at Newport and falling to 7.5 on Tuesday. Some days it was hard to believe that we were fishing on the best river smallmouth bass fishery on the East Coast and on other days we were totally convinced that we were. Heavy rain, sleet and snow caused the main river to jump 5 feet. On Tuesday, the barometer was 20.33, easily the lowest I’ve ever fished in—and bass fishing was incredible. Late in the week the Juniata jumped 3 feet, so this week will be a challenge. Still no walleye or musky. Our favorite tubes last week were the 3.5-inch Small Jaws by Campground Special. Two of our 20-inch bass came on the Rapala X-RAP jerkbait in Glass Ghost. We are casting the jerkbaits on 8-pound test Sufix Deep Crankin’ monofilament and we allow the current to supply the action. LOU guide Danny Grulke is using the Case Sweet P successfully. Mike Breeding likes the CS Teasers and Dave Kerrigan prefers the 4-inch Mizmos. Bass favor current over calm water.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: two and a half stars; pea green; 50 degrees; 4.5 feet at Point of Rocks. The river rose a foot over the last few days and bass fishing has been pretty good. Without rain, the water level will stabilize and you can expect very good results. Our best lures continue to be Mizmo tubes with green pumpkin base. The Whites Ferry and Edwards Ferry areas continue to be productive, especially where chunk rock litters the floor and the current is stalled. Lander is best upriver, where the many tall ledges create pools and bass hunt food in the current lines.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: three stars; some stain; 54 degrees. Goofy weather patterns and changing wind caused problems for many last week. Yet those who found the right spot had awesome results. In Washington, there have been signs of migration. The shad, herring and stripers will appear soon. Bass fishing has been pretty good in Pentagon Lagoon and the Washington Channel, where Rapala DT crankbaits, Mizmo tubes and Rapala Clackin’ Raps account for most fish. Aroud the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, look for staged bass in Penrod Cove, old barge skeletons and points in Smoot Bay. Belle Haven coves, Swan Creek and Piscataway Creek channel markers as well as grass beds before and after Pomonkey Creek have been productive. In the vicinity of Mattawoman Creek, the 6-MPH zone remain productive, especially the outside channel bends and near the confluence. Cast Rattlin’ Raps through the grass beds and rocks. Mattawoman points as well as those at Chickamuxen Creek are great staging areas, so don’t hesitate to start your day there.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 7:00 AM | Permalink
        

I don't spend a lot of time on YouTube, perhaps because it reminds me of the cringe-inducing home movies of my youth.

Too much of a bad thing can make anyone a little camera shy.

But a friend in Ocean City urged me to watch a four-minute shark video, and I've been back several times to marvel at its beauty and simplicity. It's that good.

It was shot last year by Joe Romeiro, a videographer based in Rhode Island, who received critical acclaim in 2009 for his film, "Death of Deity." The human is cave- and shark-diver Cristina Zenato, who lives in the Bahamas.

Watch it to the end. Watch it with the sound on. Amazing stuff. 

Posted by Candus Thomson at 2:58 PM | Permalink
        

If the weather doesn't rear back on its hind legs and give us one last roar, crews working to rebuild the stone fishing jetty at Sandy Point State Park should be finished by May 1.

The pier, a popular spot for shoreline anglers in the shadow of the Bay Bridge, will be higher than the old version and at 8 feet, wider than the original. It will have a flat top to make walking easier and will be slightly crested to prevent water from pooling.

The state Waterway Improvement Fund is paying for the $548,000 project.

I'm hoping there's a little ceremony so that Skip Zinck, the modest angler from Severn who hatched the idea, and Maryland Parks Superintendent Nita Settina, who looked for ways to make it happen, can take well-deserved bows. 

The jetty was deconstructed to make way for the heavy machinery that built the second span of the Bay Bridge. When crews finished, they dumped the boulders back where they were--sort of.

Weather and waves took their toll over the next three decades. The jetty, which guards the entrance to Mezick Pond and Maryland's largest public boat ramp, became an ankle-snapping, knee-skinning disaster.

Zinck took up the cause two years ago and urged me to write about it. Settina saw the column, walked the jetty and added her muscle. The Board of Public Works approved the project last year.

A local firm, Shoreline Design, L.L.C, got to work after the boating season ended last year and is racing to the finish line.

The jetty will add a little more luster to a gem of a state park.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 2:03 PM | Permalink
        

No, it won't be 80 degrees and sunny as it was for the Orioles home opener. But it won't be too shabby out there, either.

So get out there and blow the work week stink off!

1) Take a hike Saturday with Howard County Conservancy naturalists to the Patapsco River. The out-and-back walk is free and starts at 10 a.m. from the Conservancy's 232-acre farm on Old Frederick Road, between Bethany Lane and Woodstock Road. Details: 410-465-8877. 

2) Drop by the Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association's Gun and Outdoors Show Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the group's facility, 3400 Northwind Road, Carney. Hunting and fishing gear will be for sale. Admission is $2; children under 12, free.

3) Before the weather warms, learn the basics of paddling sports at a free clinic sponsored by REI Timonium. Staff will review best kayaks, paddles and other gear and will suggest near-by destinations. The Saturday clinic begins at 10:30 a.m. Details at REI.

4) On Sunday at 1 p.m., take a moderately paced, 5-mile hike at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area with the Howard County Sierra Club to enjoy spring's wildflowers. Meet at the visitor center. Details: Kathleen Sheedy, 410-505-4528 or kathleen.sheedy@gmail.com.

5) Learn about nature photography in the field Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Abingdon's Anita C. Leight Estuary Center. The course is suitable for those 15 and older. Bring your camera to learn about composition and exposure. The cost is $10 per person. Reserve a spot by calling 410-612-1688.   

Posted by Candus Thomson at 11:00 AM | Permalink
        

If the thought of talking about ecosystem management or recreational data collection gets your blood pulsing, the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council is having an open-mic session in Annapolis next Wednesday just for you.

The council, in town for its regular meeting, is inviting the public to comment on anything its heart desires--as long as it has to do with fisheries management.

Tongue tied? The Council's news release has some suggestions: bycatch reduction, catch shares, recent assessment results, allocation issues, research set-aside program.

No? How about coastal and marine spacial planning or annual catch limits?

Don't be shy. You can talk about "anything else that's on your mind," the news release says.

Hey, if you've attended a Sport Fish or Tidal Fish advisory commission meeting and not fallen asleep, this could be for you.

The one-hour session on April 13 begins at 5 p.m. It's being held at the Governor Calvert House. 

Can't make it? Register for the webinar!

Questions, thoughts? Contact Jason Didden at 302-526-5254 or or jdidden@mafmc.org.

What is the MAFMC, you ask?

It's the 25-member board (including Maryland's Howard King, Tom O'Connell, Mike Luisi and Steve Linhard) charged with overseeing fisheries management in the Atlantic's federal waters, three miles to 200 miles offshore.

See you there!

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

With the legislative session in Annapolis set to expire at midnight Monday, there'r still a boatload of bills pertaining to our natural resources and the Department of Natural Resources still wandering in the wilderness.

But some matters are settled.

The General Assembly unanimously approved a measure giving the Fisheries Service more authority to regulate all recreational gear and certain commercial gear: hoop nets, fyke nets, bank nets and fish pots.  If signed by the governor, the bill would take effect on July 1.

The House and Senate also approved Sen. Brian Frosh’s bill to strengthen DNR’s authority to suspend or revoke recreational and commercial fishing privileges and expands the powers of Natural Resources Police officers to search commercial vessels, vehicles that carry fish and seafood businesses. It, too, would take effect on July 1.

Frosh also was successful in his effort to crack down on serial poachers of crabs and striped bass. His bill, passed unanimously in the Senate and overwhelmingly in the House, allows DNR to revoke the license of any waterman caught poaching while his or her license is under suspension for poaching. There have been several instances of repeat offenses just in the last year.

Both houses gave thumbs up to establishment of a two-day junior deer hunt for youths under 16 accompanied by a licensed but unarmed adult. The Wildlife and Heritage Service is charged with setting the weekend hunt by July 1 of each year.

By a vote of 8-3, a Senate committee killed Sen. Richard Colburn’s attempt to merge DNR with the Maryland Department of the Environment. The Eastern Shore senator believes that a combined agency would eliminate overlapping duties and help the public negotiate the regulatory process.

The Senate Education, Health and Environmental Matters Committee also rejected by a 10-1 vote Sen. John Astle’s bill to give the Wildlife and Heritage Service the authority to regulate Sunday deer hunting on private land, except for Baltimore, Carroll, Howard and Prince George's counties and Baltimore City. Since Sunday hunting on private land was approved by the General Assembly nearly a decade ago on two Sundays in a handful of counties, other jurisdictions have opted in or liberalized the season, creating a regulatory mess for both hunters and law enforcement officers.

 But other outdoors groups and anti-hunting activists were able to convinced lawmakers that the bill might allow DNR to make hunting legal every Sunday and restrict their access. A House version of the same measure had a hearing, but has yet to be voted on.

Bills hung up in this house or that with the clock running down are:

A proposal authorizing DNR to suspend for five years the hunting license or privileges of a convicted poacher;

A measure to prohibit the sale of products made with menhaden in Maryland;

A proposal to increase the number of Natural Resources Police officers to 435 by 2021;

A call to restrict oyster sanctuaries to no more than 25 percent of quality Chesapeake Bay bottom (House hearing today).

Posted by Candus Thomson at 12:35 PM | Permalink
        

Editors Brian Bartell and Mike Thron have outdone themselves in the third edition of The Maryland Fisherman's Annual.

The glossy magazine ($9.95) has the usual maps of fishing hot spots, tide charts, boat ramp locations and fishing tips. But it also includes a profile of Lefty Kreh, Maryland's Jedi master, and the origin of his world-famous Deceiver fly.

Features, trivia boxes and fun facts pop up all over the 191-page magazine, which bills itself as "an angling almanac." That's not false advertising.

Most tackle shops have it in stock. Two percent of the proceeds are being donated to the non-profit Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative. 

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Guide Ken Penrod, owner of Life Outdoors Unlimited, offers his weekly bass fishing report for Maryland and surrounding hot spots.

SUSQUEHANNA AND JUNIATA RIVERS, PA.: three stars; 44 degrees; clear; 6 feet, rising to 7 feet by Wednesday. Newport: 5 to 7 feet, with a slight rise this week.

Fluctuating weather conditions made it a tough week, but there are plenty of fine smallmouth bass out there. The guides are fishing both main river haunts and various places in the Juniata. Campground Special “teaser” and Small Jaw tubes have caught 90 perfect of all bass. We especially like Troy’s Trigger; KP Rose; KP Candy; Penrod-Purple and Road Kill attached to ¼-ounce RAB jig heads. We recommend 6-foot to 6-foot-3 medium or medium-heavy rods rigged with 8-pound test. In the Juniata, the shoreline eddys near Amity Hall, Aqueduct habitat and the Confluence are really productive. On the main stem, we fish eddys and islands upriver of the Campground. Bass are not “stacked-up” yet so we find a fish or three in some places and as many as a dozen in others.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: two stars; 2.5 feet at Point of Rocks and steady; 47 degrees; clear.

The river is almost perfect now, holding steady at about 2.5-feet and pea-green. Smallmouth fishing has been pretty good when strong winds and blue skies don’t ruin the day. Bass are still committed to calmed water but staged along the current line. We do best with plastic tubes, Mizmo or Campground Special, in Penrod/Purple, green pumpkin, Troys Trigger, KP Rose and roadkill camo. Use 8-pound test monofilament and medium-action rods. At Whites Ferry/Edwards Ferry, we like the Virginia shore above the ferry and the ledges near Edwards as well as Island shores near Balls Bluff. At Lander, we like the upriver opportunities in front of Catoctin Creek, the ponds above the Saw Buck and the pool below The Fence.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: three stars; 55 degrees; clear most areas.

The cooler weather and strong winds have not helped in many areas, but there have been some hot-spots. In and around Washington, we find bass in Pentagon Lagoon, the dropoff along the Fort McNair side in the Washington Channel and the marina cover near the back-end. Our most productive lures have been the Rapala DT 06 crankbaits, Rattlin’ Rapalas, Clankin’ Raps, Mizmo tubes and jigged Case Magic Stiks. In the vicinity of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Penrod Cove, Belle Haven Cove, Swan Creek docks, Fort Washington Light and Fort Washington Marina have been fairly consistent. Again, tubes and crankbaits account for most fish. LOU Guide Keith Barker likes the 4-inch Mizmo in Green Pumpkin/Gold flake. Around Mattawoman Creek, the wood cover within the “6-MPH” zone, and grass and rocks between the park and main stem, have been pretty good. Never hesitate to cast Rattlin’ Rapalas over the grass beds in this area. Other places to try are both points at Chickamuxen Creek, Occoquan River near the bridges and Maryland shoreline above Mattawoman. 

DEEP CREEK LAKE: two stars; 40 degrees; clear.

Bass fishing has been improving each week but remember, the lake has a climate about 30 days behind ours. Bass are staging on points in the upper coves and creeks. Smallmouth are fairly active between the state park and dam along rocky shores and dropoffs.

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:24 AM | Permalink
        

My eyes deceived me  last week in a post about two photos of the same event: one that appeared in the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association online newsletter, Tidelines, and the other that appeared on the Coastal Conservation Maryland's website.

As a result, I accused MSSA of altering a photo, something it did not do.

The two photos and my own recollection of the event was of a parade float promoting the March 5 Yellow Perch Appreciation Day in the town of North East.

My memory as a spectator, and the CCA photo confirmed, that the float was decorated with two five-foot yellow perch with CCA's name on them.

In the MSSA photo, I did not see wording on the side of the fish.

Rather than the photo being doctored, it is now clear that looks can be deceiving. That doesn't excuse jumping to a conclusion.

The Sun regrets the error. But as the writer and finger pointer, I regret it more.  

Posted by Candus Thomson at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)