Maryland Waterfowl Regulations Meeting

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed late season waterfowl hunting regulations at 7 p.m. on August 19 at Chesapeake College.

The proposed seasons and bag limits will be announced in early August after DNR receives the framework from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

source: MD DNR

What Fish Are Biting In Maryland?

The first half of the 2013 Maryland saltwater fishing season has been challenging for most anglers. As always, the weather has been a limiting factor. Another factor is the lack of blue crabs in many areas. The good news is that a variety of fish species have showed up in good numbers, giving anglers a range of options.

In the upper Chesapeake Bay, catches include striped bass and white perch, with good catches being reported in Eastern Bay and other traditional fishing spots.

Several species of fish are present on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Striped bass (rockfish), white perch, speckled trout, croakers, and spot have been caught in Tangier Sound and near the mouths of the Nanticoke, Wicomico, Manokin, Big Annemessex, and Pocomoke Rivers. Much of the action has been in shallow water around grass beds, points, and stumps.

Anglers have also had sporadic success catching croakers, spot and kingfish along the channel edges in Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. Some anglers have also reported small gray trout in the same areas.

One of the lesser known runs of fish has been the influx of legal sized red drum (redfish) and speckled trout along the coastal bays of the Eastern Shore. These fish first appeared around Virginia seaside inlets during spring flounder runs. By mid-June, both species had made their way north into Maryland's coastal bays. At Ocean City, anglers are catching legal sized red drum, striped bass, sea trout, and flounder near jetties, bridges, and channel edges.

As with other fisheries, offshore fishermen have been hampered by windy weather during the first half of 2013. Notable catches have included thresher and mako sharks, school-sized tuna, and a few large bigeyes. With major tournaments coming in August, more and more Maryland offshore fishing boats will be targeting white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, dophin fish, wahoo, and other deep water species.

July is Lakes Appreciation Month

July is Lakes Appreciation Month in Maryland. Marylanders are encouraged to visit and enjoy their favorite lake, pond or reservoir during Lakes Appreciation Month and discover ways to help protect and enhance these vital resources.

Maryland contains 60 man-made lakes of five acres or more, all of which are open to the public. Maryland lakes provide a number of recreational activities, ranging from fishing and swimming to boating and water sports

Maryland's largest impoundment is Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland. Deep Creek lake features 18 species of fish, camp sites, boat rentals, and other resources. Another large lake, Liberty Reservoir, contains landlocked striped bass up to 40-pounds.

Lakes Appreciation Month is a nationwide initiative by the North American Lake Management Society. The non-profit organization promotes partnerships between citizens, scientists, and professionals in order to protect lakes and reservoirs in North America.

source: MD DNR

Ocean City Receives 5 Star Beach Rating

In 2012, Ocean City Beach 6 was one of thirteen American beaches that received a 5-star swimming water quality rating from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

NRDC issued star ratings to 200 popular beaches around the country. The star system awards up to five stars to each popular beach for exceptionally low violation rates and strong testing and safety practices.

Criteria include testing more than once a week, notifying the public as soon as tests reveal bacterial levels violating health standards, and posting closings and advisories both online and at the beach.

Ocean City Beach 6 Superstar Beach Rating (5 out of 5 stars)

 * Less than 5% of water samples exceeded national standards in 2010, 2011, and 2012

 * Less than 5% of water samples exceeded national standards in 2012

 * Local officials post advisories without re-sampling

 * Closings/advisories posted online and at beach

 * Water quality monitored more than once a week

source: Natural Resources Defense Council