Potential Maryland bass regs--catch and release areas in tidal Potomac/upper Chesapeake Bay

[Kyle Noonan]

Maryland DNR is considering making six sections of tributaries to upper Chesapeake Bay, including sections of the tidal Potomac, catch-and-release for largemouth and smallmouth bass: Chicamuxen Creek, Piscataway Creek, Upper Mattawoman Creek, Furnace Bay, Lower Susquehanna River and Lloyd Creek. 

The proposed regulations appear sensible and geared toward improving angler experience for non-tournament anglers. Maryland DNR is accepting public comment on this proposal. 

More information, including a map of proposed catch-and-release areas, here: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/scoping.aspx

[Misha Gill]

Submit your comments by email: fisheriespubl...@maryland.gov

Website doesn't give guidance, but putting "Proposed Catch and Return Areas for Largemouth Bass in Tidal Waters" in the subject is probably the right idea. Comments due by March 10, 2016. 

[D. Walker]

pardon my ignorance.... have only briefly skimmed the article... so would this not allow the bass tournaments in the mattawoman at all? (around small wood state park)

On Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 10:09:59 AM UTC-5, Misha Gill wrote:

Submit your comments by email: fisheriespubliccomment.d...@maryland.gov

[Dalton Terrell]

Davis,

That's my understanding of it. I've heard from a guide who has fished Mattawoman for decades that he believes tournament activity in the area has promoted the spread of Largemouth Bass Virus through live-wells. I don't know if any studies have shown this correlation, but I believe that this policy could be productive for non-tournament anglers and if it is not effective (as determined by declining catch indices) it will be removed in three years.

We'll be sending a letter to endorse this policy on behalf of the club but we certainly recommend our members add to the voice by sending letters individually.

Dalton

[tperkins]

From the map (found here: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/Write-up-Catch-and-Return-Area.pdf) it looks like the area around Smallwood Park would not be closed off to keeping fish. It would start a bit more upriver. 

[Rex Moore]

// "We'll be sending a letter to endorse this policy on behalf of the club but we certainly recommend our members add to the voice by sending letters individually." //

This is an entirely friendly question... just wondering how "on behalf of the club" is determined about a particular issue.

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[TurbineBlade]

Lol -- Dalton's in a tough spot ;). 

I heavily support catch and release fishing, so I'm probably supportive of this.  Additionally, I think it will be fun because it will completely rearrange our current ranking of bass fly fishermen from "among the brotherhood" to "those dirtbags".  The fact that we're all releasing them won't make a damn bit of difference. 

"Don't hold him by the lip with your thumb.  That's bad for the...uh, lip skin and if he struggles, there go his gill rakers.  Now he's gonna die, and all for the sake of you". 

You heard it here first folks -- 

Gene

On Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 1:46:43 PM UTC-5, Rex Moore wrote:

// "We'll be sending a letter to endorse this policy on behalf of the club but we certainly recommend our members add to the voice by sending letters individually." //

This is an entirely friendly question... just wondering how "on behalf of the club" is determined about a particular issue.

On Thu, Feb 18, 2016 at 1:26 PM tperkins <thomas....@gmail.com> wrote:

From the map (found here: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/Write-up-Catch-and-Return-Area.pdf) it looks like the area around Smallwood Park would not be closed off to keeping fish. It would start a bit more upriver. 

On Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 1:16:07 PM UTC-5, Dalton Terrell wrote:

Davis,

That's my understanding of it. I've heard from a guide who has fished Mattawoman for decades that he believes tournament activity in the area has promoted the spread of Largemouth Bass Virus through live-wells. I don't know if any studies have shown this correlation, but I believe that this policy could be productive for non-tournament anglers and if it is not effective (as determined by declining catch indices) it will be removed in three years.

We'll be sending a letter to endorse this policy on behalf of the club but we certainly recommend our members add to the voice by sending letters individually.

Dalton

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[Dalton Terrell]

Rex,

There is no set procedure in place for this, but Kyle, who posted this thread, is our Policy Advisor and I will work with him to draft language to send to MD DNR. But in general, we would like to advocate for issues that positively impact fishing for our members. If you disagree with this specific policy proposal or any that we promote here, please share publicly or privately with me and/or Kyle.

And Thomas, thanks for the clarification there!

Dalton

[Rex Moore]

Nope, I'm fine with this particular issue. I was only wondering if any procedure was in place for having the club advocate for particular issues. 

Seriously, it was a friendly question!  :)

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[Dalton Terrell]

Good deal, if you come across anything of interest for us to advocate, e-mail it to us, we'll consider it.

Dalton

[D. Walker]

good eye Thomas,

luckily the smaller water which is more kayak friendly is protected.

such as the slavins boat ramp!!