(AP) – 1 hour ago GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) — The Coast Guard is searching for three people Thursday after two boats collided in the Gulf of Mexico off the Mississippi coast. Lt. Junior Grade Israel Parker said the Eurus London, a 660-foot commercial cargo boat, and the Sandy Point, a 163-foot fishing boat,Continue reading "2 boats collide in the Gulf of Mexico, 3 missing"
Ex-Va. Beach man gets 1st blue marlin catch, release on Reel Escape Charters
Ed Gresham always has high hopes when he comes to Virginia Beach or the Outer Banks. As a former Beach resident, he knows what kind of fishing area waters have to offer. He just didn't think this early in the season could be the time one of his trips would result in his first blueContinue reading "Ex-Va. Beach man gets 1st blue marlin catch, release on Reel Escape Charters"
Tiffany Yachts Loses Founder
Tiffany Randolph Cockrell, founder of Tiffany Yachts, Inc., caring husband and father who was a friend to all especially his children, died peacefully at his home on May 13, 2011. His storytelling and sense of humor will be greatly missed.A memorial service will be held at Faulkner Funeral Home in Burgess, Virginia at 3:00Continue reading "Tiffany Yachts Loses Founder"
Midnight Sun W.W. Enroughty Trip
When we cleared Smith Point Jetties this morning with Berkley and Tommy Mitchell and their crew of anglers, I was looking out at a calm bay, and I knew an already great day was just going to get better; it doesn't hurt when you catch a limit of fish before you get all of yourContinue reading "Midnight Sun W.W. Enroughty Trip"
Massive Great White Shark seen off Martha’s Vineyard
Buddies out mackerel fishing today came upon a giant great white shark like they’ve never seen before “bumping” and “nudging” a dead whale and then circling their boat off Martha’s Vineyard. The line from the seminal shark flick "Jaws" quickly came to mind for the crew --"We’re gonna need a bigger boat." The monster ofContinue reading "Massive Great White Shark seen off Martha’s Vineyard"
Big Friday on Midnight Sun Charter!!
We've had springs where we've caught more fish, but I don't remember a spring where caught as big of fish as we've seen this spring. Forty inch plus fish everyday, it's been unbelievable. I'm telling you, they're all pretty fish. Here's Brian Branson with the toby of the day, and forty-six inch plus Hawg. ThreeContinue reading "Big Friday on Midnight Sun Charter!!"
Heritage Fishing with Captain David Fisher
Kemp Lear and the family came aboard the "HERITAGE" on Sunday and as always this brought top notch fishing with them. Beautiful weather and fishing conditions for some of the nicest people I carry fishing. Mrs. Lear is in her mid 80's and still the first person down the hill and on the boat....Amazing. WeContinue reading "Heritage Fishing with Captain David Fisher"
Feds, states concerned about striped bass poaching, mortality
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission remains concerned about striped bass poaching in both Maryland and federal waters, and is working on a comprehensive plan to combat fishing mortality in general, according to officials. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources discovered illegal drift nets and seized more than 12 tons of illegally caught striped bassContinue reading "Feds, states concerned about striped bass poaching, mortality"
Oregon Inlet, 2011: How we got here
DURHAM -- Within the next few years, Oregon Inlet will likely be permanently closed except to the smallest of recreational boats. Trawlers will have to use Hatteras or Ocracoke inlets or perhaps move to Norfolk, Va. In any event, a way of life must change on the Outer Banks and it's all due to aContinue reading "Oregon Inlet, 2011: How we got here"
Virginia Fishing Forecast: Week of May 5 – 11
Hampton Roads While red drum numbers will increase in the coming week, other species also are on the menu. One area favorite - tautog - now is in a closed season, though. Flounder catches should be improving as waters around the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay warm. Look for some of the best action toContinue reading "Virginia Fishing Forecast: Week of May 5 – 11"
Mile Long Illegal Net Filled With 3 Tons of Fish
Maryland environmental authorities said poachers laid out a mile-long net in the Chesapeake Bay that snagged 3.3 tons of striped bass, commonly known as rockfish. Officers from the Maryland Natural Resources Police took several hours to reel the illegal net out of the water off of Tilghman Island on Tuesday. The net had likely beenContinue reading "Mile Long Illegal Net Filled With 3 Tons of Fish"
New Jersey anglers lose five weeks of fishing for black sea bass
Anglers will lose about five weeks of black sea bass fishing this year under a plan approved Thursday by the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council. This year, they will run from May 28 to Sept. 11 and Nov. 1 to Dec.31. The cutback was not the council’s idea. A 40 percent reduction in landings wasContinue reading "New Jersey anglers lose five weeks of fishing for black sea bass"
Ex-fire captain gets 4 years in deadly boat wreck
Police on the trail of rockfish poachers again
They pulled and they heaved and even employed a crane, but the crew members of the M/V A.V. Sandusky couldn't haul in their bounty yesterday: a huge string of illegal fishing nets filled with rotting, stinking fish. Pamela Wood — The CapitalEngineer Ben Gillis of Kent Island, in hat, and mate Jordan Melvin of Grasonville,Continue reading "Police on the trail of rockfish poachers again"
Team Right Hook makes it on the Sea Tow Board at the 2011 MSSA Championship on The Chesapeake
Congratulations to Captain Sammy Fisher and Team Right Hook for their 4th & 6th place Rockfish for the Sea Tow award this weekend. The fish were 31.90 lbs on Friday and 30.60 on Sunday. They accomplished over 60 plus releases which gives them a great shot on winning the Catch & Release Division!
NRP finds hundreds of pounds of dead striped bass caught in illegal net on Sunday May 1st
BOARD THE SANDUSKY —— Natural Resources Police on Monday morning began pulling more than 600 yards of illegal net filled with hundreds of pounds of dead striped bass.The netting was discovered Sunday by a recreational angler trolling off Tilghman Island.The commercial season has been closed since the end of February and isn't scheduled to reopenContinue reading "NRP finds hundreds of pounds of dead striped bass caught in illegal net on Sunday May 1st"
Si-Tex signs deal with Japanese manufacturer
Tokyo-based Koden Electronics Co. and New York-based Si-Tex Marine Electronics announced an agreement through which Si-Tex will handle all sales, service and customer support functions for Koden products across the United States. Koden is a leading provider of heavy-duty commercial electronics for the workboat, high seas, commercial fisheries and river transportation markets. It provides theseContinue reading "Si-Tex signs deal with Japanese manufacturer"
2011 MSSA Championship on the Chesapeake 28th Annual Spring Tournament
Home » 2011 Championship on the Chesapeake 28th Annual Spring Tournament Leaderboard Championship on the Chesapeake Starts: Apr 29, 2011 12:00PM Ends: May 1, 2011 4:30PM Description: 28th Annual Championship on the Chesapeake Automated text message leaderboard updates were available during this event. Weigh Station Legend: Bay Bridge Boat Show=BB, Breezy Point=BP, Calvert Marina=CM,Continue reading "2011 MSSA Championship on the Chesapeake 28th Annual Spring Tournament"
2011 Rod & Reel Results
2011 Tournament Results - Unofficial Boat names are listed after Tournament Registration Numbers. Weights in pounds. Friday April 29, 2011 Saturday April 30, 2011 Sunday May 1, 2011 1. 124 No Name 43.85 143 Back Draft 38.64 107 Miss Demeanor 45.18 2. 105 Semper Fidelis III 43.50 080Continue reading "2011 Rod & Reel Results"
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet May 11-13 at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, 2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet May 11-13 at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, 2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. The meeting is open to the public. The commission is slated to consider options to allow a commercial hook-and-line fishery for striped bass in the Atlantic Ocean. At its February meeting, theContinue reading "The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet May 11-13 at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, 2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach"
Boat sales remain above water in metro-east, nationwide
As some homeowners remain underwater and gas prices drown consumer's discretionary incomes, boat sales remain afloat. "There has been a resurgence," said metro-east boat retailer Ken Cope. "It's not perfect, but it's a lot better." Cope, proprietor of Cope Marine in O'Fallon, has seen a flow of customers shopping for water craft. He said hisContinue reading "Boat sales remain above water in metro-east, nationwide"
Preparation key to Virginia Beach angler’s success
For Beth Synowiec, catching trophy fish doesn't include dumb luck. Beth Synowiec with a trophy speckled trout from the Elizabeth River. Her 2010 success brought her first Expert Angler award from the Va. Saltwater Fishing Tournament. The Norfolk Anglers Club named her Angler of the Year. (Photo Courtesy of Beth Synowiec) Beth Synowiec withContinue reading "Preparation key to Virginia Beach angler’s success"
32 Yellowfin at the Bay Bridge Show.
Come take a Ride on our 32 Yellofin at the Bay Bridge Boat Show in Stevensville, Md.
Virginia and feds clash over oyster restoration
Joe Fudge, Daily Press file photo State and federal officials are at loggerheads over how to restore oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. In one corner is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which favors building large-scale oyster reefs that are off-limits to the commercial fishing industry. In the other is the Virginia Marine ResourcesContinue reading "Virginia and feds clash over oyster restoration"
1 medivaced from boat that ran aground at Oregon Inlet
One person was medivaced from the charter vessel Carolinian after it ran aground Sunday morning near the Oregon Inlet Bridge. At around 6 a.m. Sunday Coast Guard watchstanders received a call from a a crewmember aboard the Carolinian saying that the vessel had run aground and one person suffered an injury, according to a pressContinue reading "1 medivaced from boat that ran aground at Oregon Inlet"
Team Right Hook at The Colonial Beach Rockfish Tournament.
Yamaha updates production schedule in Japan
Yamaha Motor Co. today announced its updated operating plans for May in Japan. The company said its outboard motors and personal watercraft plants will operate May 9 and beyond. Operational levels will depend on supply conditions for parts, according to Yamaha. The factories will be closed during the "golden week" holidays, which run April 29Continue reading "Yamaha updates production schedule in Japan"
Virginia Fishing Forecast: Week of April 21 to 27
Hampton Roads The tautog bite has been outstanding as of late. Anglers wanting to get in on the action need to hurry, however, as the season closes on May 1 for nearly two months. Inshore and near-shore wrecks - and portions of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel - all are producing quality fish. Flounder actionContinue reading "Virginia Fishing Forecast: Week of April 21 to 27"
Tautog fishing improves in Delaware
Capt. Rick Yakimowicz, off the all-day headboat out of Fisherman's Wharf in Lewes, reports some improving tautog action with catches pushing the 9-pound mark. The fish are starting to show in both the ocean and bay in all of the usual rocky nooks and crannies. Capt. Rick said the fish are really snapping at times,Continue reading "Tautog fishing improves in Delaware"
Marines warn anglers to avoid waters off Quantico
Recreational anglers, tournament participants and fishing guides are being warned to stay away from restricted areas on a Potomac River tributary near the Quantico Marine Base. The Virginia military facility recently closed a portion of Chopawamsic Creek, citing security and changes to airfield infrastructure. Maryland and Virginia fisheries managers met with base officers last WednesdayContinue reading "Marines warn anglers to avoid waters off Quantico"
Whale caught in net off Va. Beach frees itself
A young humpback whale that was tangled in a fishing net late last week off Little Island Fishing Pier in the Sandbridge area is believed to have freed itself. The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team, disentanglement experts from the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service wereContinue reading "Whale caught in net off Va. Beach frees itself"
Wounded Warriors spend a day fishing on Chesapeake Bay
The 46-foot bay-built fishing boat had only just picked up speed on its way out of Annapolis harbor yesterday morning. But Sgt. James Nickelson had long shed his crutches and stood watching the buildings of the city shrink into the distance. Rachel Woolf — For The Capital Sgt. Jesse Bowser examines the 33-inch rockfish heContinue reading "Wounded Warriors spend a day fishing on Chesapeake Bay"
Carolina Skiff fined for safety and health violations
Carolina Skiff was cited for 19 safety and health violations by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The citations, carrying fines of $95,240, were issued after OSHA conducted a follow-up inspection to evaluate the abatement of violations found during a 2008 site-specific targeting program inspection. http://mobile.tradeonlytoday.com/news/detail.php?id=510891
Bigger dredge to help keep Oregon Inlet open
The Army Corps of Engineers agreed Friday to move a larger dredge to Oregon Inlet to keep the channel open for commercial fishing vessels, Gov. Beverly Perdue said Friday. The U.S. Coast Guard on Monday threatened to declare Oregon Inlet impassable for commercial vessels, and Perdue vowed to take all necessary steps to keep theContinue reading "Bigger dredge to help keep Oregon Inlet open"
Dover Man Arrested for Commercial Fishing Violations
DOVER, Del.– Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents have arrested a commercial fisherman on charges related to illegally taken striped bass. Paul A. Satterfield, 36, of Dover, was arrested and charged on April 7 with 53 counts of attempting to sell striped bass prior to having the fish lawfully weighed and tagged byContinue reading "Dover Man Arrested for Commercial Fishing Violations"
9 Charged With Rockfish Poaching in Choptank River
PRESTON, Md.- Maryland Natural Resources Police have charged nine recreational anglers from Delaware and Texas for illegally fishing in a designated striped bass spawning area in the Choptank River. The charges come just days before the opening of trophy striped bass season on April 16. On April 9, NRP officers set up surveillance in theContinue reading "9 Charged With Rockfish Poaching in Choptank River"
Tourney names three locations: Cape Charles, Norfolk, Hampton to host this year’s Black Drum Classic May 20-22 2011
From left are J.E. Smith, Fred Smith, Mark Smith and Jimmy Smith, who were previous winners in the Black Drum World Champion-ship. Now called the Lower Chesapeake Bay Black Drum Classic, it will be held May 20-22. CAPE CHARLES -- The Northampton County Chamber of Commerce presents the inaugural Lower Chesapeake Bay Black DrumContinue reading "Tourney names three locations: Cape Charles, Norfolk, Hampton to host this year’s Black Drum Classic May 20-22 2011"
Richmond man missing after boat hit by swell in Oregon Inlet
A 28-year-old Richmond man is missing after a boat was hit by a swell in Oregon Inlet this morning, Coast Guard Cmdr. Billy Mitchell said. Rescue crews, including a helicopter, have been searching since about 8:30 a.m. for Christopher Panchyshyn. He and two other passengers were ejected from the 26-foot boat when it was struckContinue reading "Richmond man missing after boat hit by swell in Oregon Inlet"
N.C. loses commercial fishing biz to Virginia
Fishermen are bypassing North Carolina processing centers for Virginia because of shifting sands, aging bridge and the depth of the Oregon Inlet. This story states N.C. has lost some 971,000 pounds of flounder because the Outer Banks channel weren't dredged deep enough. Read more: N.C. loses fishing biz to Virginia | Triangle Business Journal
Coast Guard: Reports of illegal fishing charters up over last 2 years
The Coast Guard is warning people who pay to go fishing on the Chesapeake Bay to avoid illegal charter boats. Coast Guard investigators have seen an increase in reports of vessels illegally charging to carry people over the last two years. They say the practice is most common around Kent and Tilghman islands, Rock Hall,Continue reading "Coast Guard: Reports of illegal fishing charters up over last 2 years"
PETA interested in sponsoring ‘Fishing Hurts’ rest stop in Virginia
As a way to boost revenue to help pay for the state’s 42 rest stops, the Virginia Department of Transportation has designed a new program that would allow companies and organizations to pay for sponsorship opportunities at the sites. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, is headquartered in Norfolk, VA. TheContinue reading "PETA interested in sponsoring ‘Fishing Hurts’ rest stop in Virginia"
Ethanol and Your Boat On the Dock with Rick Smith
In previous articles we have discussed ethanol blended gasoline (E10) and some of the issues it is creating for the boating community. Unlike your car, typically your boat will sit for weeks at a time between uses (unless you are a commercial fisherman or pro bass angler). This gives ethanol a chance to work havocContinue reading "Ethanol and Your Boat On the Dock with Rick Smith"
Coastal Properties wins pier contract in Virginia
Coastal Properties Management was awarded its second consecutive contract to manage the marina piers at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, Va. Coastal was awarded the first management contract in 2005 as Yorktown was developing the new facility for use by transient recreational boaters cruising Chesapeake Bay, as well as a base of operations for a localContinue reading "Coastal Properties wins pier contract in Virginia"
Budget woes could silence bay’s talking buoys
It's hard to believe that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is so broke that it might mothball the nine Chesapeake Bay "smart buoys" that mark the nation's first all-water national park. But apparently, that might happen while the "adults" in Congress continue their sandbox squabbling over the budget. With the boating and fishingContinue reading "Budget woes could silence bay’s talking buoys"
Yamaha announces production schedules at Japan plants
Angler says it wasn’t hard to document illegal rockfish charters
Jim Price saw first hand how charter boats out of Virginia Beach and North Carolina illegally fish for striped bass in federal waters each winter. Price, a former charter captain and waterman, told law enforcement officers this week that he was a paying customer aboard two such boats just last month. One of his tripsContinue reading "Angler says it wasn’t hard to document illegal rockfish charters"
Extreme How-To Skills – How to Catch a 1,000 Pound Fish
Charlie Levine, former Senior Editor of Marlin Magazine, has chased all sorts of big-game fish up and down the East Coast, Mexico, Caribbean and beyond. "Anyone can do it," Levine says. "You don't need to be a huge dude to catch a giant fish. I've seen 90-pound girls do it and elderly people, too.Continue reading "Extreme How-To Skills – How to Catch a 1,000 Pound Fish"
Let ’em eat cake, says CCA
Dare County Board of Commissioners voted on Monday to adopt a resolution opposing a bill now in the General Assembly that, if passed and signed into law, will give striped bass - aka rockfish, Red Drum and spotted seatrout gamefish status and thus will make it illegal for commercial fishermen to land and sellContinue reading "Let ’em eat cake, says CCA"
Throw back gamefish bill, Commissioners Say
State legislation to classify striped bass, red drum and speckled trout as gamefish was denounced Monday by Dare County commissioners, who said it would be another blow to the commercial industry and take the popular fish off consumers’ dinner tables. The Board of Commissioners passed a resolution opposing the House bill, which was introducedContinue reading "Throw back gamefish bill, Commissioners Say"
Dredging Today – USA: Great Egg Harbor Inlet Needs Dredging
Everyone was under the impression the Coast Guard was going to do something about it,” said Perry, the owner of the Harbour Cove Marine Services in Somers Point. “Nothing has been done and it’s almost impossible to get through.” Many boaters use the inlet, which connects the Great Egg Harbor Bay with the Atlantic Ocean.Continue reading "Dredging Today – USA: Great Egg Harbor Inlet Needs Dredging"
Menhaden restrictions crucial to Chesapeake ecosystem
The small, oily menhaden is known as "the most important fish in the sea" because it forms the basis of the Atlantic marine food chain. You will not see menhaden at your grocery store, but it is present in the flesh of dozens of fish species that we catch and eat. Many highlyContinue reading "Menhaden restrictions crucial to Chesapeake ecosystem"
Possible New VA Record Catfish
Virginia game officials say the state may have a new record blue catfish: a monster weighing in at 109 pounds and 53 inches in length. The big cat was caught by Tony Milam in Buggs Island Lake near the confluence of the Dan and Roanoke rivers. The previous record blue cat weighed in atContinue reading "Possible New VA Record Catfish"
Yamaha closes four factories until next week
Yamaha Motor Co. announced that its outboard motor factories (Fukuroi South, Arai and Kuramatsu) and PWC factory (Kuramatsu) in Japan will be closed today through next Wednesday. See Related Articles Tohatsu says its Japanese facilities avoided harm Engine builders team up for EPA tests Si-Tex factory in Tokyo avoids damage Tsunami costs cripple WestContinue reading "Yamaha closes four factories until next week"
South Jersey Report
The first keeper bass made it to the scales at Scott's Bait and Tackle, Mystic Island. Scott Albertson, owner, and his store always get the juices flowing for bass anglers as the Graveling Point area usually sees the first good numbers of bass moving in. Tom McGeary broke the barrier with his 9.9-pound 29-inchContinue reading "South Jersey Report"
Missouri boatbuilder up for sale
The owner of Black Thunder Powerboats is selling the company and hoping that some "young blood" can come in and keep the nearly 25-year-old manufacturer going. "It's just age, more than anything. It's going to take a fight to get it going again," Don Jenkins, 78, told Soundings Trade Only. "I was at theContinue reading "Missouri boatbuilder up for sale"
NC Fishing Report
Oregon Inlet News of Saturday's pending state record bluefin tuna catch has enticed more fishermen to the Gulf Stream, where some bluefins continue to exceed 200 pounds. Plenty of smaller yellowfin tuna are around, too. Contact: Oregon Inlet Fishing Center 252-441-6301, www. oregon-inlet.com . Buxton/Hatteras Only dogfish have been biting, and fishermen eagerly awaitContinue reading "NC Fishing Report"
Fishing Report – Anglers finding some success in NC
Sea mullet continue to be caught in the surf and off the piers with some spots and croakers mixed in. Red drum are still being caught in the creeks and around the docks. Gulf Stream fishing is producing catches of wahoo, blackfin tuna, big eye tuna and yellowfin tuna. Related Links: Fishing Report -Continue reading "Fishing Report – Anglers finding some success in NC"
Bill would end commercial fishing for striped bass
In the wake of this winter’s uproar over striped bass kills off the Outer Banks, state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would designate the species a gamefish and prohibit commercial catches in North Carolina waters. The House bill also would add red drum and speckled trout to the list of gamefish, putting allContinue reading "Bill would end commercial fishing for striped bass"
Anglers lose court ruling on $900,000 prize
A superior court judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the owners of the fishing vessel "Citation" challenging the team's disqualification from the 2010 Big Rock Tournament. WNCT-TV reports the judge concluded that tournament officials were right to disqualify the boat after discovering one of the crew members did not have a state fishingContinue reading "Anglers lose court ruling on $900,000 prize"
CCA North Carolina seeks game fish status for redfish, trout and stripers
House Bill 353, which seeks game fish status for Red Drum, Speckled Trout, and Striped Bass, was filed in the North Carolina House today (March 15, 2011) on behalf of CCA NC. A game fish designation prohibits the taking of any species by means other than hook and line and also the sale ofContinue reading "CCA North Carolina seeks game fish status for redfish, trout and stripers"
Delaware fishing report
Local wreck and reef reports were off a bit this week, with a slow bite reported on tautog and very few cod landed by charters running out of Ocean City. But with temperatures on the rise, the action should be improving. Anglers targeting blackfish have had good luck on a mix of green crabs,Continue reading "Delaware fishing report"
State bluefin tuna record shattered – North Carolina Sportsman
On Saturday (March 12), Corey Shultz of Waverly, Va. hooked into what is expected to become a part of Tar Heel fishing history. The pending record fish that took a straining Shimano 80 wide to the last quarter of the spool and kept Shultz strapped to the fighting chair for about 2 1/2 hours,Continue reading "State bluefin tuna record shattered – North Carolina Sportsman"
Searchers locate SUV that went off Chesapeake Bay bridge
Searchers have located a vehicle in the Chesapeake Bay after it plunged into the chilly water from the bridge-tunnel earlier this morning. The vehicle, believed to have carried two people, was located between 10:15 and 10:30 a.m. by divers using sonar, police said. Divers, helicopters and a host of personnel from several agencies had searchedContinue reading "Searchers locate SUV that went off Chesapeake Bay bridge"
Fishing allies press case in federal court
In converting the New England groundfishery to a virtual commodities market for members of fishing cooperatives, the federal government denied participants their right to a referendum while dispossessing small players and destabilizing fishing ports from Maine to North Carolina, industry lawyers argued in federal court Tuesday. Further invalidating the rule-making process was the influenceContinue reading "Fishing allies press case in federal court"
Dirks: Striped bass populations could be in serious peril
The future of striped bass fishing hangs in the balance. The struggle between commercial and recreational fishing playing out in the Northeast will determine the quality of angling for future generations. Within the last decade or so, the Hudson River has produced a bountiful harvest of spawning fish. However, fishing creel surveys conducted upContinue reading "Dirks: Striped bass populations could be in serious peril"
Virginia charter outlaws: Be afraid, be very afraid
t was surprising to read the account in the Virginian-Pilot about last week's raid by federal agents on charter fishing boats tied up on the Northern Neck and Rudee Inlet. As first reported by the Sun, special agents of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration armed with search warrants boarded at least four boatsContinue reading "Virginia charter outlaws: Be afraid, be very afraid"
Startled tourists welcome 600-pound dolphin aboard –
A Florida charter boat out to watch dolphins got a little more than it asked for when a 600-pound dolphin leaped onto the deck of the 24-foot pontoon boat, news-press.com reports. "When we pulled up … the boat was three quarters full with water and had the biggest dolphin I had ever seen," Lt.Continue reading "Startled tourists welcome 600-pound dolphin aboard –"
Coast Guard considers shutting down Oregon Inlet
A Coast Guard captain said Friday that he is prepared to close Oregon Inlet to recreational and commercial boat traffic within weeks if sand continues to accumulate in the dynamic waterway faster than dredging can remove it. The buildup of sand - shoaling - around the Bonner Bridge has increased exponentially, elevating theContinue reading "Coast Guard considers shutting down Oregon Inlet"
Fishing groups aim fire at commercial nets – Maryland parks and outdoors
Maryland's two largest recreational fishing groups are calling on the Department of Natural Resources to reevaluate the use of commercial striped bass nets. Coastal Conservation Association Maryland Friday afternoon called on DNR to expand its study of gill nets, which were used last month by poachers to capture 12.6 tons of striped bass, toContinue reading "Fishing groups aim fire at commercial nets – Maryland parks and outdoors"
Va. boats raided in federal rockfish investigation
Several Virginia fishing boat captains were confronted Thursday in what officials said is the result of a three-year undercover investigation into striped-bass fishing in federal waters known as the Exclusive Economic Zone. The zone is an area between three and 200 miles off the coast where fishing for striped bass, also known as rockfish,Continue reading "Va. boats raided in federal rockfish investigation"
Efforts To Open Rock Fishery Off Coast
A petition drive is underway, led by a grassroots recreational fishermen’s organization based in the resort area, to urge the government to reverse a decades-old moratorium on fishing for striped bass in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a 200-mile swath of open ocean just outside the state’s three-mile band closest to the shoreline.Let UsContinue reading "Efforts To Open Rock Fishery Off Coast"
Fishing Report CHESAPEAKE BAY/OUTER BANKS
CHESAPEAKE BAY/OUTER BANKS Dr. Julie Ball reports larger striped bass are moving into the bay on their way to spawn. Fish weighing 40 to 50 pounds are cruising off the oceanfront and near the mouth of the bay. Jack Counsil (Norfolk) caught a 51-pounder. Large schools of rockfish pushing around 25 to 30 poundsContinue reading "Fishing Report CHESAPEAKE BAY/OUTER BANKS"
Feds move against charter boats poaching striped bass
A three-year federal undercover investigation into Virginia-based charter boats illegally fishing for striped bass more than 3 miles off the coast led to the seizure Thursday of electronics and records from a number of vessels. Special agents from the law enforcement office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration served search warrants on atContinue reading "Feds move against charter boats poaching striped bass"
High-tech gear helps reel in fish poachers
A growing number of maritime agencies are waging high-tech battles with poachers illegally fishing the nation's waterways. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police officers cut striped bass from an anchored gillnet in Chesapeake Bay. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police officers cut striped bassContinue reading "High-tech gear helps reel in fish poachers"
Should marlin be Catch & Release only?
THE continued slaughter of marlin by the long line fleet is creating a lot of anger and disappointment in rec fishing circles. The vast majority of Aussie sport and gamefishermen are vehemently opposed to the commercial exploitation of iconic gamefish like marlin – turning these majestic fish into sushi is not sustainable, nor doesContinue reading "Should marlin be Catch & Release only?"
South Jersey Outdoors First Stripers Weighed
The first keeper striped bass of the year was officially weighed in on opening day March 1, at the Absecon Bay Sportsman, Absecon. Owner Dave Showell actually checked in three keepers that took the store's top three contest prizes for the first stripers caught for the year. Nick Nastasi waltzed into the store with anContinue reading "South Jersey Outdoors First Stripers Weighed"
Delaware fishing report
With stripers reported in the Ocean City Inlet it shouldn't be more than a week or two before jetty and boat fishermen will be catching them in Indian River Inlet. The weekly report from the crew at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center listed good fishing on big stripers, with most fishermen in agreement thatContinue reading "Delaware fishing report"
IGFA looks to future with C&R record claims
THE IGFA (International Game Fish Association) has caught up with the times and made over 120 salt and freshwater species eligible for record claims by being measured and released, rather than be killed and weighed. Species such as sailfish and tarpon, which are easily damaged if removed from the water, can now be safelyContinue reading "IGFA looks to future with C&R record claims"
Rockfish catch under quota despite poaching
Despite all the rockfish found in illegal nets in recent weeks, the February catch came in below the harvest quota. The preliminary total for the last two days of the reopened season, Friday and Monday, was 82,567 pounds. Combined with the legal harvest early in the month and the fish from the illegal nets,Continue reading "Rockfish catch under quota despite poaching"
Striper reels in enough votes to be state fish
The striped bass has been named the official state fish, but it didn't happen without a fight. The biggest opponent to the title came from a much-debated fish that is a mainstay of the striper's diet - menhaden. SB 940 passed easily in the Senate and was forwarded to the House. There, Del.Continue reading "Striper reels in enough votes to be state fish"
Yamaha Outboards and Volvo Penta Pair Up
Yamaha Motor Co. and AB Volvo Penta Thursday announced a strategic alliance designed to utilize each company's strengths to make both stronger. The announcement was made at the Miami International Boat Show and builds on the announcement in December that Volvo Penta and Yamaha signed a technical agreement for the joint development of boat controlContinue reading "Yamaha Outboards and Volvo Penta Pair Up"
2011 Miami Boat Show Attendance Up!
Attendance was up 14 percent at the 2011 Miami International Boat Show, which closed Monday. The National Marine Manufacturers Association, which produces the show, reported 104,168 attendees this year, versus 91,415 in 2010. Strictly Sail Miami, however, was down 8 percent compared with 2009 -the last time it was held as a stand-alone show. AContinue reading "2011 Miami Boat Show Attendance Up!"
Coastal Fisheries Reform Group
CFRG leadership attended the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission meeting in Pine Knoll Shores, NC yesterday and today. On the agenda were the issues of the Striped Bass harvest by Trawl, and the closure of the Speckled Trout Fishery. As you know, thousands of Stripers were publicly wasted in the last few weeks, andContinue reading "Coastal Fisheries Reform Group"
NC Marine Fisheries Commission Reopen Ocean Striped Bass Trawl Fishery
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission has instructed the director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries to reopen the state’s ocean striped bass trawl fishery to allow the remaining quota to be caught. The commission voted 6-2 Friday to allow the fishery to reopen, adding the requirement for 30-minute tow times, to the previousContinue reading "NC Marine Fisheries Commission Reopen Ocean Striped Bass Trawl Fishery"
Boat show is a go. It started today in Virginia Beach
The 58th annual Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show started today at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. No, it's not the show it once was, when the glory days featured anything and everything related to boating and fishing filled the old Virginia Beach Pavilion and spilled over into tents outside. But it's a darned good boatContinue reading "Boat show is a go. It started today in Virginia Beach"
NC Division of Marine Fisheries Meeting Feb 10th and 11th: NC Striped Bass Commercial Fishing
Who will be able to attend? I am writing in response to your e-mail regarding your concerns about North Carolina’s striped bass fishery.The ocean striped bass commercial trawl fishery is currently closed in North Carolina and will not reopen until after the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission meets this week. The commission is slated toContinue reading "NC Division of Marine Fisheries Meeting Feb 10th and 11th: NC Striped Bass Commercial Fishing"
Natural Resources Police pulled up two nets containing striped bass Monday, days after the season was closed
Natural Resources Police patrol boats found two more illegal fishing nets Monday in the waters south of Kent Island and seized another half-ton of striped bass.The first net was hauled out at 2 p.m. near Poplar Island. The 600-yard net, which officers estimated to be in the water since last year, contained "a couple ofContinue reading "Natural Resources Police pulled up two nets containing striped bass Monday, days after the season was closed"
IGFA Record Catches January 2011
Japanese angler Hideyuki Nemoto and guide Seiichiro Tashiro were jigging off Iki Island, when Nemoto hooked into this fish. After a grueling 40-minute fight, the angler and guide had successfully boated this new potential all-tackle and men’s 30-pound line class record greater amberjack. Nemoto’s AJ weighed in at a massive 156 pounds 13Continue reading "IGFA Record Catches January 2011"
Anglers furious about commercial striper slaughters in MD and NC
Prospects for our striped bass season have become dimmer due to illegal and irresponsible commercial fishing in Maryland and North Carolina. Maryland at least took some action after the Department of Natural Resources discovered illegal anchored gill nets killed over 10 tons of stripers last week. As a result the gill net season (floatingContinue reading "Anglers furious about commercial striper slaughters in MD and NC"
Does an MFC member have a conflict of interest in the striper trawler debate?
The NC Marine Fisheries Committee (MFC) is meeting next weekend, and one of the issues that will be brought up for discussion is the recent striped bass kills by the trawler boats operating off the Outer Banks. I have written a series of articles about these kills, in which both legal and undersizedContinue reading "Does an MFC member have a conflict of interest in the striper trawler debate?"
More striper kills off the Outer Banks. Feds investigating
The most recent striped bass kill off of Oregon Inlet was another one caused by North Carolina's commercial trawl fishery. Hundreds, maybe thousands of fish were photographed from a helicopter being released from the nets after crews had boated their limit of 2,000 pounds. Keep in mind, that under NC commercial fishing rules, theseContinue reading "More striper kills off the Outer Banks. Feds investigating"
Md. Striped Bass Fishing Season Ending Early
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced Friday that it has shut down the February striped bass gill net season after Natural Resources Police confiscated more than 10 tons of illegally caught striped bass in two days. NRP seized the 20,016 pounds of rockfish from four illegally anchored gill nets found near Bloody PointContinue reading "Md. Striped Bass Fishing Season Ending Early"
DNR to offer reward in rockfish poaching case
The Department of Natural Resources is expected to make an announcement this afternoon in the wake of the 10 tons of rockfish seized from illegally placed gill nets near Bloody Point Light in the Chesapeake Bay. DNR officials are expected to speak regarding the February striped bass gill net season as well as announceContinue reading "DNR to offer reward in rockfish poaching case"
Total of 10 tons of illegally caught striped bass found over three days
For the second consecutive day, Natural Resources Police officers pulled illegal nets from the Chesapeake Bay Wednesday filled to the brim with striped bass. In total, they have seized 10 tons of illegally caught fish, the largest haul of its type since the end of the rockfish moratorium more than two decades ago. After detectingContinue reading "Total of 10 tons of illegally caught striped bass found over three days"
More dead fish spotted as ocean trawling resumes
State officials spotted 251 dead fish off Oregon Inlet and on the beach at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Thursday as the commercial season for striped bass reopened for two days under new rules meant to reduce losses. More fish might be found in the surf and along beaches Friday morning, a spokeswoman forContinue reading "More dead fish spotted as ocean trawling resumes"
Kellam grad finds way to combine loves of teaching, sport
Ric Burnley loves to cast out his knowledge. Whether it's in the classroom getting high schoolers to understand English or at home with his young daughter explaining the world, Burnley is passionate about teaching. He shines the most, though, when he combines his fervor for educating with his love for fishing. "My passion isContinue reading "Kellam grad finds way to combine loves of teaching, sport"
Come See Captain Max King Marine at The Virginia Beach Boat Show
We will have our New 32 Yellowfin on Display: Use the Coupon Below: Captain Max King Marine
Three tons of striped bass seized in illegal fishing net
http://www.abc2news.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=7500 Three Tons of Illegally Caught Rockfish video Natural Resources Police made quite a catch this morning on the Eastern Shore -- what they described as an illegal net filled with three tons of rock fish. And while not all crime involves guns and drugs, I couldn't help but note the poaching stingContinue reading "Three tons of striped bass seized in illegal fishing net"
Anglers register more than 5,000 citations in 2010
Anglers registered 5,069 trophy-size fish for citation awards during the 53rd Annual Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament, which ran from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. This was the 11th year in a row anglers registered at least 5,000 citations since the tournament began in 1958. For the second year in a row, offshore anglers registeredContinue reading "Anglers register more than 5,000 citations in 2010"
Virginia fish management bill dies in committee
A bill to shift management of a small but important Chesapeake Bay fish from the Virginia General Assembly to a state regulatory agency died in committee on Monday. The legislation was the final of several proposals to regulate a menhaden fishery that once operated from Maine to Florida but is now reduced to oneContinue reading "Virginia fish management bill dies in committee"
Hank Sibley Bluewater Yacht Sales 