Monthly Archives: January 2009

Watermen charged in illegal striped bass sales

State and federal investigators have broken up a black market involving watermen and fish dealers who sold millions of dollars’ worth of striped bass, illegally taken from the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, to shops and restaurants across the country, according to court documents filed in federal court this week. Watermen charged in illegal stripedContinue reading “Watermen charged in illegal striped bass sales”

Deep-water fish get protected areas from North Carolina to Florida:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has established eight marine protected areas encompassing a total of 529 square nautical miles in south Atlantic federal waters to shield deep-water fish species and their habitats from fishing. Fishing for snappers, groupers, tilefishes, grunts, porgies and sea basses is prohibited throughout the protected areas, which are located offContinue reading “Deep-water fish get protected areas from North Carolina to Florida:”

Delisting procedures started for Fountain

In paperwork filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company disclosed it was notified that it was subject to immediate delisting unless it appealed the exchange’s decision by Feb. 2.“In light of current economic conditions in general and, in particular, conditions within the marine industry, the company does not believe it can regainContinue reading “Delisting procedures started for Fountain”

Element 21 Sports Company has developed award winning fishing products

Element 21 Sports Company has developed award winning fishing products. Element 21’s Carrot Stix(TM) represents the latest in cutting edge technology, using a newly developed proprietary method of integrating nano level cellulose bio-fibers into the rod. With sponsors like Boyd Duckett and many others on all the fishing tours, Element 21 fishing line is oneContinue reading “Element 21 Sports Company has developed award winning fishing products”

FISHING REPORT Richmond Times-Dispatch

  Dr. Julie Ball reports anglers are heading to the oceanfront in pursuit of striped bass. Water temperatures have dropped over the past few weeks, but anglers are hoping the few scattered warmer days will encourage striper activity within range. Smaller, school-sized stripers are taking lures for anglers casting around the pilings and all fourContinue reading “FISHING REPORT Richmond Times-Dispatch”

Outdoors: State record could be in forecast for ’09 anglers –

Rockfish: Though the 2008 Young of the Year Index was down appreciably, it won’t affect striper numbers and availability this year. In the past year though record fuel prices severely impacted the effort, the catching wasn’t bad. Pre-trophy (catch-and-release) fishing was very good, much of the spring trophy season was likewise and the fall migrationContinue reading “Outdoors: State record could be in forecast for ’09 anglers –”

Jan. 29 Fishing Report: Black bass picking up as February approaches Wilmington, NC

Stuart Smith reports that black bass fishing has been the most consistent fishing over the past week. Some grouper are still being caught with lots of sharks mixed in. Bluefin tuna fishing has been very slow. Source: Intracoastal Angler. Jan. 29 Fishing Report: Black bass picking up as February approaches | StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News |Continue reading “Jan. 29 Fishing Report: Black bass picking up as February approaches Wilmington, NC”

NC congressman wants beach driving rules loosened

A North Carolina congressman who tried to block strict new rules for driving on Outer Banks beaches last year is trying again. Republican Rep. Walter Jones said Wednesday that small businesses on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands are being hit by the economic downturn, but also by federal rules that bar or restrict access to someContinue reading “NC congressman wants beach driving rules loosened”

Fishing Report

Boaters targeting keeper rockfish have consistently been returning to the dock at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center with limits of fish in their coolers. Charters running out of Oregon Inlet also have been connecting with good numbers of striped bass over the 30-pound mark, with the top weigh-in reported by the Oregon Inlet Fishing CenterContinue reading “Fishing Report”

Indictment: Embezzlement funded Suffolk pair’s shopping spree

Suffolk couple accused of embezzling more than $2 million purchased a 42-foot fishing boat called the Matador, a $44,000 Lexus and two $32,000 Toyota FJ Cruisers, a federal indictment unsealed this week alleges. Karen A. Hiles and James G. Hiles are charged with conspiracy, uttering, mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.Continue reading “Indictment: Embezzlement funded Suffolk pair’s shopping spree”

VMRC votes to open up Maryland waters to Virginia charters

A two-tiered guide license system was approved, one license open to all charter boats plying Virginia’s saltwaters and the other limited in number but to be honored by Maryland as part of a reciprocal agreement that Maryland officials have tentatively accepted. The new licenses are on sale now. VMRC votes to open up Maryland watersContinue reading “VMRC votes to open up Maryland waters to Virginia charters”

Atlantic rockfish: These fish rock

  Roger Blackburn, left, and Janice Doyle each wrestled with a rockfish off the Virginia Beach coast aboard The Waterman with Capt. Mike Standing.  Giant schools of the voracious predators produce a lot of simultaneous action. Flocks of gannets skimming over the water are a good clue as to where the rockfish can be found.Continue reading “Atlantic rockfish: These fish rock”

Lawmakers Confirm Cuts in Local Aid @ Vineyard

Members of the Island commercial fishing industry were on hand to express concern over a bill currently at the state house which would put harsher regulations on commercial fishing of striped bass. Buddy Vanderhoop, a longtime Island fisherman who said he makes 100 per cent of his income from the trade, said commercial fishing hasContinue reading “Lawmakers Confirm Cuts in Local Aid @ Vineyard”

Big Step for Striper Conservation

In Florida, striped bass populations that thrive in the northern part of the state are decommercialized, which means that they cannot be commercially harvested and cannot be sold. Now Massachusetts lawmakers are considering similar conservation measures to protect their valuable stocks of the popular gamefish. Big Step for Striper Conservation

GENE MUELLER: Virginia a kingpin on Atlantic Coast

Virginia is considered by many to be one of the kingpins along the Atlantic Coast. For example, the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament last year again included an imposing list of entries by sport anglers. The tournament is a free annual contest in which anybody who matches or exceeds certain weights for a variety of speciesContinue reading “GENE MUELLER: Virginia a kingpin on Atlantic Coast”

Whale of good time in Atlantic

The birds were flying in a frenzy off the mouth of the Chesapeake and Capt. Stu Burgoon Jr. swiftly piloted his 44-foot Hook Mash to where he figured the action was, but this time he was fooled. It wasn’t striped bass that were under the gulls and gannets, it was a surfacing humpback whale wellContinue reading “Whale of good time in Atlantic”

FISHING REPORT | Richmond Times-Dispatch

CHESAPEAKE BAY/OCEAN Dr. Julie Ball reports striped bass within the 40-pound range continue to patrol local waters. The milder temperatures from earlier in the season slowed the winter cool-down, but the recent cold weather is causing water temperatures to drop quickly. Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle reports large pods of bait and beehives ofContinue reading “FISHING REPORT | Richmond Times-Dispatch”

Bluefin bite hooks anglers – Sports – News & Observer

OCEAN ISLE — In the darkness of an early January morning, the lights of the dock at Ocean Isle Fishing Center revealed a bustle of activity.   Finding success during a recent run of good fishing, charter captain Brant McMullan ties off a large bluefin tuna after reeling it in off the coast of OceanContinue reading “Bluefin bite hooks anglers – Sports – News & Observer”

Slap-on-the-hand treatment for rockfish violators – Inside Outside

Want to frustrate me completely? Want to make me nuts? Catch a commercial fish thief who shows no regard for our natural resources, state or federal laws, conservation principles, or anything else. Then inform this scofflaw that he’s subject to a terrible fine: $250. Slap-on-the-hand treatment for rockfish violators – Inside Outside – Washington TimesContinue reading “Slap-on-the-hand treatment for rockfish violators – Inside Outside”

Virginia Beach Frostbite Challenge Final Results:

Congrats to all the winners!!!LEVEL I: 3 FISH BAGBacklash 108.7 lbsKatherine Jeanene 93.8 lbs LEVEL II: BIGGEST FISHBacklash 42.6 Level III: DAILY 3 FISH BAGDay 1 Backlash 108.7Day 2 Katherine Jeanene 93.8Day 3 Harpoon 84.8 LEVEL IV: JUNIOR ANGLER LARGEST SINGLE FISHDustin Dean 37.3 LEVEL V: LADY ANGLER, LARGEST SINGLE FISHMargaret Millican 42.6 Over $16,000Continue reading “Virginia Beach Frostbite Challenge Final Results:”

Boaters, pilots reminded to switch to digital Feb. 1

The U.S. Coast Guard is reminding boaters and pilots to switch to digital emergency beacons by the end of this month. Beginning Feb. 1, the Coast Guard and other service and rescue personnel will respond only to digital 406-MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, or EPIRBs, for distress calls. Boaters, pilots reminded to switch toContinue reading “Boaters, pilots reminded to switch to digital Feb. 1”

NOAA Establishes Eight Marine Protected Areas to Provide Safe Havens for Deep-Water Fish

NOAA has established eight separate marine protected areas encompassing a total of 529 square nautical miles in south Atlantic federal waters to shield deep-water fish species and their habitats from fishing. All fishing for snappers, groupers, tilefishes, grunts, porgies, and sea basses is prohibited throughout the protected areas, which are located off the coast fromContinue reading “NOAA Establishes Eight Marine Protected Areas to Provide Safe Havens for Deep-Water Fish”

Illegal fishing charged; tons of rockfish seized —

Natural Resources Police seized nearly 3 tons of striped bass Sunday from a trawler and charged a Dorchester County seafood processor with illegal commercial fishing in Maryland waters. It was the second time in less than a week that officers had charged Jack C. Colbourne, owner of Colbourne Seafood Inc. in Secretary, with illegal fishing.Continue reading “Illegal fishing charged; tons of rockfish seized —”

Deleware Fishing Report

Striped bass continued to provide quality fishing last weekend for anglers fishing within three miles of the Delaware and Maryland beaches. Locations reported to be producing stripers included Hens and Chickens Shoal off Rehoboth, the lumps between Sea Colony and the Maryland line and Little Gull Bank off Ocean City. Fishing Report | delawareonline |Continue reading “Deleware Fishing Report”

VIDEO: Pilot, marine community avert disaster

Watch how New York’s lower Hudson River commercial marine community sprang into action Thursday, working alongside the Coast Guard and other emergency personnel to rescue all 155 passengers of the downed US Airways plane from the 35-degree water. VIDEO: Pilot, marine community avert disaster

Virginia Beach Contender EEl Bite 01-13-2009

  Had some boys from Harrisburg fishing today the first fish of the day was a 45lb 2 oz fish this and the next 37lber and 28lber all came on the start of the first three drifts. All caught in the 30 ft water ocean side of fisherman’s island. Then the tide died around 10amContinue reading “Virginia Beach Contender EEl Bite 01-13-2009”

Hall team captures open division in rockfish shootout

  Eddy Hall knew he had done something special when he heard his team had won the open division of this weekend’s sixth annual Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout. "I’ve fished around Max King all year," said Hall, talking about last year’s overall winner. "Beating him is a feat in and of itself." Hall team captures openContinue reading “Hall team captures open division in rockfish shootout”

Striper operations in full swing

First fishing question of the day. It’s winter. Coastal waters of the Atlantic are teeming with striped bass. Lots of fish appear to be swimming in the waters out past three miles. What’s all that equal? Tons of internet chatter about who is fishing illegally. And if Coast Guard reports have anything to tell, lotsContinue reading “Striper operations in full swing”

Brunswick sells Albemarle Boats

Brunswick Corp has sold its Albemarle Boats brand to a North Carolina businessman, according to a local newspaper. Scott McLaughlin, who owns several businesses around the state, including Cypress Cove Marina in Columbia, has purchased the boat company and its manufacturing facility for an undisclosed amount. Brunswick sells Albemarle Boats

King rules area in netting big striper

Few have noses as keen for finding big striped bass during fishing tournaments as Max King. In the past four years, King has won the Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout twice. One of the two years that he didn’t win, he fielded two teams that placed fourth and seventh. King rules area in netting big striper |Continue reading “King rules area in netting big striper”

NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAA to Create Saltwater Angler Registry in 2010

NOAA’s Fisheries Service released its final rule today to create a national saltwater angler registry of all marine recreational fishermen to help the nation better protect our shared marine resources. A requirement to establish a registry was included in a statute approved by Congress in 2007. NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAAContinue reading “NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAA to Create Saltwater Angler Registry in 2010”

Saving the bay’s fisheries

Everyone knows that the Chesapeake Bay is in deep trouble. One of the clearest signs is the state of our fishing industry. There are bans on clamming, serious limits on yellow perch fishing and restrictions on crab harvests so severe that the federal government is spending $10 million to help watermen. This is a farContinue reading “Saving the bay’s fisheries”

Northern Neck Fishing Report

Happy New Year! The New Year means a new license for some of us. Make certain that yours is current. January has always been a month for the die-hard fisherman, both fresh and salt water. Even with the milder winters that we have been experiencing, January can be down right chilly. However, with the returnContinue reading “Northern Neck Fishing Report”

Weather slows exciting start to year

Don’t expect great fishing during the first four days of the new year. Unsettled weather is throwing too many monkey wrenches into local anglers’ plans. KEN NEILL / SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES Virginia angler Charles Southall caught this 57 1/2-pound rockfish just before the Chesapeake Bay season closed. Washington Times – GENE MUELLER: WeatherContinue reading “Weather slows exciting start to year”