We hope you’ve been staying up to date on all the recent fishing news lately; see Angler Alert: Maryland Commercial Black Drum Re-opening Proposed, and Mandatory Circle Hooks and Menhaden Caps in the News, to get the low-down on what we see as the most important developments as of late. It’s been coming fast and furious, but there have also been some developments on the fishing tournament front. Competitive anglers, take note:
New Chesapeake Striper Tournament in the Making
A new tournament series is in the planning, according to the recently-formed Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing Association. The big kick-off is scheduled for May 5 and 6, with trophy striped bass as the target. Multiple weigh stations on the Western and Eastern shores will make Bay-wide participation possible in Maryland’s portion of the Bay. Four calcutta levels are available on top of the main entry, at $250, but unlike most previous tournaments in our area, the split is 60/40 tilting in favor of the prize-winners. If a good number of boats join up, this could lead to a significant take! For more information, email tournament director Joe Thorpe, [email protected], or visit cbsfa.club.
Chesapeake Beach Gets Competitive
May 4 through 6, the Rod N Reel Pro-Am – the longest-running spring tournament on the Chesapeake – takes place out of Chesapeake Beach, MD. This tournament is in its 37th year, and last season, over $57,000 was handed out in awards. A $10,000 grand prize is guaranteed, and new for 2018 there are more daily prizes, early bird specials, and additional weigh stations have been added in Edgewater (at Anchor Yacht Basin) and at Calvert Marina. Added bonus prizes will be awarded to private boats daily, the top lady angler, wounded warriors, and in the children’s categories. Visit rodnreeltournament.com to learn more.
Congrats to Zach!
The CCA Chestertown pickerel tournament wrapped up after weeks of freezing weather kept anxious anglers off the water, but Skip Powers managed to pull out the Open Division win, while Alex Perez won for Kayaks, Mike Dunlap took Fly, and Aiden Dunlap scored a win in the Youth category. David Baden took home some cash after winning two calcutta days. Special congratulations go out to FishTalk’s Art Director and premier pickerel predator Zach Ditmars, who took second place in the Kayak division. Go Zach, go!
Back at the Boatyard
The Boatyard Bar & Grill Spring Fishing Tournament is set to kick off the new striper season and the 2018 tournament trail on Saturday, April 21. Remember, this is a catch and release tournament with the winners determined by photos taken with an official Boatyard Bar & Grill tournament ruler. Proceeds go to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland, and the Annapolis Police Department Youth Fishing Camp. While we love fishing for these great causes, we’re not sure which is better: the time on the water or the after-party. Expect the Boatyard Bar & Grill parking lot to be flooded with anglers, because last year the tournament party was about 1000 people strong. That’s where winners get presented with a bevy of cool prizes. More importantly, however, tournament winners become etched into Boatyard Bar & Grill history, as their names and the outlines of the fish they caught are painted onto the rafters. To learn more or enter, visit boatyardbarandgrill.com.
Anglers are Throwing Down on Tilghman Island
On May 4th and 5th, the organizers of the Patapsco Open will be hosting the 2018 Tilghman Island Throwdown, a two day daily trolling only tournament out of Knapps Narrows Marina and Inn. Each day will have multiple winners including 2 fish stringer and longest fish. Lowes Wharf Marina is offering free slip rental when you book your room, but limited space is available. For more information, visit the Patapsco Open Fishing Page on facebook or to register, call 443-336-3315.