Thursday, January 27, 2011

2011 Maryland Fishing Guide Now Available

The 2011 Maryland Fishing Guide is available now at all DNR Service Centers and at local license agents across the state. A digital version is also available online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/

source: MD DNR

Monday, January 24, 2011

2011 Bay Bridge Boat Show

Bay Bridge Boat Show
Thursday, April 28         Noon to 6pm
Friday, Saturday, April 29-30    10am – 6pm
Sunday, May 1            10am – 5pm

Tickets:
Adults $12.
Children (7-12) $4.
Under 6 Free.
Two day ticket $19     

The annual Bay Bridge Boat Show in Stevensville, MD is scheduled to open its doors with special features April 28 – May 1, 2011.  In its twenty-ninth season, this show is recognized as the largest spring recreational boating extravaganza in the mid Atlantic.

The Marina facility has been completely renovated with high quality floating docks and a more efficient show layout. The revised exhibitor price list will allow your organization to display more boats or boating gear for less money. New show features and regional advertising are expected to attract more visitors to the show than any time in recent history.

For the 2011 show, several attractions are planned:

Delmarva Dock Dog Competition


MSSA Rockfish Tournament Weigh Station

Expansive Food Court

Children’s fishing activities and demonstrations by AllTackle on the weigh station

Daily seminars co-sponsored by Chesapeake Bay Magazine and Annapolis School of Seamanship

Live entertainment at the Pool Bar & Grill

Racing hydroplanes from Kent Island Racing Association

For tickets and complete details:

www.usboat.com
Phone 410-268-8828

Friday, January 21, 2011

How To Buy and Cook Maryland Rockfish

Striped bass, also known as rockfish, is the official state fish of Maryland.  It is known for its firm texture and delectable flavor.

According to Maryland Department of Agriculture, a three ounce cooked portion of Maryland rockfish contains 105 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, vitamins, minerals, .8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids and zero carbohydrates.  Omega-3 fatty acids are help in lowering cholesterol and have many other important benefits for eyes, skin and even mental health.

Rockfish may be poached in a seasoned broth and used in salads, soups, and even fish cakes.  A favorite is to simply brush the fish with a small amount of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper then bake at 450˚F for 10 minutes per inch of thickness of fish. This traditional Maryland fish is also delicious stuffed with crab imperial or an oyster dressing for special occasions or cut up into strips and fried for a tasty treat.

Look for the following when purchasing fresh rockfish:

Fresh fish should have a mild sea breeze aroma.

Whole fish should have bright, clear and shiny eyes.

Scales should be shiny and cling tightly to the skin.

Look for bright pink or red gills.

Steaks and fillets should be moist with firm and shiny flesh.

The flesh should spring back when pressed.

Look for Maryland rockfish at your favorite restaurant or retail market.  For a free striped bass recipe brochure call the Maryland Department of Agriculture at (410) 841-5972 or toll-free in Maryland 888-841-5828 or visit our website at www.marylandseafood.org.

ROCKFISH WITH LEMON AND CAPER DRESSING

MARYLAND ROCKFISH:

4 fillets, 6 to 8 ounces each, about 1 inch thick
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

DRESSING:

2 medium lemons (or 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


SEASONINGS:

1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Prepare the dressing: Cut a 1/2-inch slice off both ends of each lemon.  Cut each lemon in half lengthwise.  Lightly brush or spray the cut sides of the lemons with 1 teaspoon of the oil.  In a non-stick skillet, sauté the lemons on high heat until nicely browned, 4 to 6 minutes, turning once.  Remove the lemons from the pan and cool.  Squeeze the lemons through a sieve into a small bowl.  Discard the rinds and seeds.  You should have about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.  Add the capers, then whisk in the 3 tablespoons oil to form a dressing.  Whisk in the rest of the dressing ingredients.

In a small bowl, mix the seasonings together.  Generously brush or spray the rockfish on both sides with remaining oil and seasonings.  Place fillets, skin side down on clean, slightly oiled pan.  Bake at 450˚F until the rockfish just begins to flake when you poke it with the tip of a knife about 10 minutes.  Whisk the dressing one last time.  Serve the fish with the dressing poured over the top.  Serves four.

source: Maryland Department of Agriculture

Monday, January 10, 2011

Annapolis MD Anglers Night Out

Every other Tuesday through the end of March, anglers from around the Bay will gather at the Boatyard Bar & Grill in Annapolis MD to eat, drink, and spin interesting fishing stories, fairy tales, and anecdotes.

The series features fishing movies and documentaries shot around the world shown super-size on the Boatyard's large, high-definition projection screen. The event is held in the Boatyard Market Section with seating limited to 40, so be sure to get there early. Dinner and drinks start at 6 p.m.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Winter Youth Programs At Gunpowder Falls State Park

Gunpowder Falls State Park welcomes visitors and their families to participate in its winter youth programs.

Children of all ages can explore the park, discover nature, and learn about the outdoors with the guidance of park rangers and an enthusiastic group of instructors from the Maryland Conservation Corps. Kids will enjoy hands-on activities including crafts, games, hikes, and other great projects designed to increase outdoor awareness.

Each of the following series includes one session per week for six weeks:

The Junior Rangers program is for children ages 9-12. Friday sessions are held at Days Cove from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. February 11 through March 18. Saturday sessions are held at Monkton Station from 1 to 3 p.m. February 12 through March 19.

The Park Pals program is for children ages 5-8. Friday sessions are held at Days Cove from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. February 11 through March 18. Saturday sessions are held at Monkton Station from 1 to 3 p.m. February 12 through March 19.

The Sprouts program is for children ages 3-4, accompanied by an adult. This series only holds Friday sessions at Days Cove from 10 to 11 a.m. February 11 through March 18. Sprouts are welcome to stay and play (supervised by a parent) whiles their older siblings complete Junior Rangers or Park Pals sessions.

The program costs $25 per child for Junior Rangers and Park Pals and $15 per Sprout. The program cost is reduced to $10 for each additional child from the same family.

Registration is limited to 20 children per Junior Ranger session, 15 children per Park Pal session and 10 children per Sprouts session. Early registration is recommended!

To register or for more information, call 410-592-2897.

source: MD DNR