Tidelines Fall 2017

Official Publication of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association

FALL 2017 ISSUE

2017 CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR

COMMON MISTAKES

TOURNAMENT SERIES

ANNAPOLIS PD & MSSA TAKE KIDS FISHING

FALL MAUL: YOU WANT TO DO BATTLE WITH SOME HEFTY SEA-RUN STRIPERS THIS FALL? TUNE IN, AND TUNE UP YOUR TACTICS.

Page 2 | FALL 2017

7 ANNAPOLIS PD & MSSA TAKE KIDS FISHING

12 FALL MAUL

22 COMMON MISTAKES

YOU WANT TO DO BATTLE WITH SOME HEFTY SEA-RUN STRIPERS THIS FALL? TUNE IN, AND TUNE UP YOUR TACTICS.

DEPARTMENTS

A Message from MSSA President Frank Holden A Message from MSSA Executive Director Dave Smith

2/ 3/ 8/

2017 Captain of the Year Standings

26/ Chapter Updates

ON THE COVER: Lt. Russ Coward holding the 1st place flounder in the 7th annual Mid Atlantic Flounder Tournament.

FALL 2017  | Page 1

A Message from MSSA President FRANK HOLDEN

As fall 2017 arrives so should some really great fishing. What started as a dismal spring really has turned into a pretty good year. Livelining was a good as it gets with consistent catches all over the bay. My apologies to the lower bay guys but the upper bay was red hot again this year. We never know when the tables will turn again and the fish come back south in the summer. Chumming and trolling were the keys to success. Bottom fishing has been consistent with White Perch and Catfish at about every lump and hump north of the bay bridge. We can only hope this fall has the same great fishing as we have had all summer long. Speaking of fall the MSSA Fall Tournament is right around the corner on November 17-19. Now is a great time to get your crews together and make plans to fish this final gem of the MSSA Tournament Series. It’s a 3 day tournament when you can fish two days so if your vacation days are getting scarce you can still have the same chance as anyone else who can fish on Friday. Again this year there are two different divisions for amateurs and pros so you won’t need to compete against the pros. We hope to see you at the weigh stations. I’ll be weighmaster at Chesapeake Beach so stop by and let me weigh your winner. The 2016 winner took home $35,000 so come out and try your luck. Many thanks to everyone who helped make the Summer Classic just a big success-especially the members who fished that day. We had 61 boats in this first annual event. The weather that day was probably the best I’ve ever seen on the bay in late summer and yielded some surprisingly large fish. I hope by now many of you have received a letter sent to your homes detailing some financial challenges MSSA is now facing. The very last thing we ever wanted to do was to ask for financial help but 2017 has proven to be a tough for MSSA financially. Our spring tournament was down about $40,000

in profit and we have been working hard to overcome that obstacle. The recent Summer Classic was a big help as was suspending chapter membership rebates. We decided to put this edition of Tidelines on line like the summer edition. These three items has erased almost half of that loss. So how about pulling out that letter and sending a few dollars our way? With over 4,000 letters sent out just $20 a piece would yield huge results! I don't expect everyone to contribute but how about helping us out? Anything helps and many of your fellow members have already answered the call and decided to help out. How about you? Don't forget-$20 is just a start. No donation is ever too BIG! If you’d really like to cement your commitment to MSSA why not consider becoming a life member into MSSA. This is a one-time $500 membership that can be paid in quarterly installments? It’s a great way to help out in a big way. MSSA sends out bi-weekly e-mail blasts packed full of information about what’s happening in the next few weeks throughout MSSA. These are a great way for us to communicate with all our members in a bi-weekly basis. It’s free and very easy to register for these notifications. Just go to https://www.votervoice.net/MSSA/Register and fill out the registration information. Not only does this hook you up with the e-mail blasts but when the legislature meets in the winter it’s a quick easy way for you to contact your legislators and asked them to support recreational fisherman and our interests. Got a small business-there are very affordable advertising options on these e-mail blasts too! In closing I’d like to thank everyone for what they do every single day to make MSSA strong. Many of you attend chapter meetings and may be involved in chapter activities. Strong chapters are the lifeblood of MSSA and your hard work makes MSSA the great organization. Keep up the good work everyone and I hope to see you on the bay.

Page 2 | FALL 2017

A Message from MSSA Executive Director Dave Smith

Dear MSSA Members, I am writing this message with great optimism for 2018 while reflecting on an educational 2017. This year brought some teachable moments from an organizational standpoint and I believe we will be stronger moving forward. I would like to personally thank everyone who has supported the MSSA through its tournaments, chapter meetings, volunteering, membership, and those who supported our giving campaign just recently. As described in the letter, this was something the MSSA has never done, so thank you for making it a great success and allowing us to continue our mission. 25th Fall Classic Rockfish Tournament As we move closer to the 25th Annual Chesapeake Bay Fall Classic I would encourage everyone to find a crew and fish this amazing tournament and take advantage of Maryland’s Fall Trophy striped bass fishery. This time of year, is considered by some better than the spring fishery. I can say that with last year’s winning fish coming in at 55 pounds, they might be on to something. The Fall Classic is a three-day tournament, allowing anglers to fish only two of those three days. This allows a more even playing field for all our tournament anglers. The tournament will take place November 17-19 (Friday-Sunday). There are 8 weigh stations conveniently positioned throughout the Maryland Chesapeake Bay, from Sandy Point State Park to Point Lookout State Park on the Potomac River. Captain/Registration meetings will begin November 13 at Island Tackle Outfitters on Kent Island, with special guest BOE Marine. BOE Marine has generously donated a $3,000 Simrad Electronics package to be given away to a captain who registered before November. Join thousands of anglers as they compete for some big fish and even bigger payouts! You can register online at www.mssa.net/fallclassic or call the MSSA Headquarters at 410-255-5535. Membership: We Need Your Voice I would like to encourage everyone to begin renewing your memberships as soon as possible so we can ensure cards and all member issues can be addressed before the beginning of the year. Your membership allows the MSSA to be the voice of Maryland and there is no doubt your voices will be needed during the legislative session in 2018.

Thank you again for your membership and keep on fishing! V/R Dave Smith

FALL 2017  | Page 3

MSSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CLICK AND SHOP! MARYLAND SALTWATER SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION ONLINE STORE

MSSA Officers President. ......................... Frank Holden E-mail: flholden@msn.com Vice President.................... Ed Kucharski E-mail: kucharski2@verizon.net Secretary............................. Bruno Vasta E-mail: captbruno@comcast.net Treasurer........................... Bob Sheehan E-mail: bobsheehan@wallworksusa.com Committee Chairs Membership................................... open Tournament...................... Ed Kucharski E-mail: kucharski2@verizon.net Finance.............................. Bob Sheehan E-mail: bobsheehan@wallworksusa.com Scholarship Foundation President.........Pete Abbott E-mail: abbottgru@aol.com Chapter Presidents Annapolis..........................Bob Sheehan E-mail: bobsheehan@wallworksusa.com Atlantic Coast. ......................Ron Smith E-mail: smitty3894@aol.com Broadneck Magothy............. Skip Zinck E-mail: Skipzinck@comcast.net Carroll County.............. Doug Bauerlien E-mail: totalevasion@comcast.net DC Metro........................ Sam Klausner E-mail: dcmssa@gmail.com

Dorchester County..............Bob Geisler E-mail: bcgeisler@yahoo.com Essex - Middle River....... Frank Holden E-mail: flholden@msn.com Frederick County.............. Jim Lorditch E-mail: jlorditch22@yahoo.com Kent Island..................... Bert Olmstead E-mail: boatman5@ymail.com Northern Bay.................... John Wallach E-mail: jwallach@zoominternet.net Northwest............................Mark Kurth E-mail: rainoutroofing53@gmail.com Perry Hall..............................Joe Zinner E-mail: jazfish@comcast.net Southern Maryland............ Phil Zalesak E-mail: flypax@md.metrocast.net Susquehanna.......................Jim Capetta E-mail: osea@comcast.net Members at Large Annapolis...............................Lee Slagle E-mail: slagle-leeway@comcast.net Dorchester County..............Bob Geisler E-mail: bgeisler@yahoo.com Frederick County.......... Robert Pellicot E-mail: robert.pellicot@wellsfargo.com Southern Maryland............ Steve Sadler E-mail: jssadler@comcast.net

www.mssa.net/store

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facebook.com/JoinMSSA

Page 4 | FALL 2017

MSSA CHAPTER INFORMATION

Annapolis #1 The Annapolis Chapter meets the 3rd Wed. of each month, 7:00 PM, at the American Legion Post #7, 1905 Crownsville Road, Crownsville, MD. For more info. contact: Website: www.mssaannapolis.com Atlantic Coast #21 The Atlantic Coast Chapter meets the 4th Tues. of each month, 7:30 PM, at the Lions Club on Airport Road in West Ocean City, MD. For more info. contact: Website: www.mssa.atlanticanglers.com Broadneck/Magothy #10 The Broadneck/Magothy Chapter meets the 3rd Mon. of each month, 7:30 PM, at the American Legion Post #175, 832 Manhattan Beach Road, Severna Park, MD. Carroll County #8 The Carroll County Chapter meets the 1st Thurs. of each month, 7:30 PM, at the VFW #467, 519 Poole Road, Westminster, MD. DC Metro #24 The DC Metro Chapter meets the 1st Wed. of each month, 7:30 PM, at Steamers Seafood House, 4820 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD For more info. contact: Website: www.dcmssa.org Dorchester County #11 T he Dorchester County Chapter meets the 3rd Thurs. of each month, 7:30 PM, at the Elks Lodge, Cambridge, MD. For more info. contact: Website: www.mssadorchester.com Essex/Middle River #3 The Essex/Middle River Chapter meets the 3rd Tues. of each month, 7:30 PM, at the Commodore Hall, 1909 Old Eastern Avenue, Essex, MD.

Frederick County #22 The Frederick County Chapter meets the 2nd Wed. of each month, 7:00 PM, at the Frederick Moose Lodge, 828 East Patrick St, Frederick, MD. For more info. contact: Website: www.mssafrederick.com Kent Island #7 The Kent Island Chapter meets the 1st Wed. of each month, 7:30 PM, at the American Legion Hall #278, 800 Romancoke Rd, Stevensville, MD. For more info. contact: Website: www.kentislandfishermen.org Northern Bay #12 The Northern Bay Chapter meets the last Wed. of each month and new meeting location is VFW Post 6027, Turkey Point Rd., North East, MD. For more info. contact: Website: www.mssanorthernbay.com Northwest #4 The Northwest Chapter meets the 2nd Tues. of each month, 7:30 PM, at Knights of Columbus Hall, 1010 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD. Perry Hall #6 The Perry Hall Chapter meets the 4th Mon. of each month, 7:30 PM, at the Gunpowder VFW Post #10067, 6309 Ebenezer Road, Perry Hall, MD. Southern Maryland #19 The Southern Maryland Chapter meets the 3rdThurs. of each month, 7:00 PM, at Solomons Fire Hall, 13150 H.G. Truman Road, Solomons, MD. For more info. contact: Website: www.mssasmc.com Susquehanna #23 The Susquehanna Chapter meets the 3rd Tues. of each month, 7:00 PM, at O'Briens Paradise Cove, 7415 Lincoln Highway, Abbottstown, PA.

The MSSA, an organization of over 7,000 conservation-minded members and the largest of its kind in the state, is most famous for its advocacy work protecting anglers’ rights and the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country, The Championship on the Chesapeake. The organization uses these tournaments to promote and encourage recreational fishing in the state of Maryland, with a special focus on the state's youth. The roots of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association (MSSA) can be traced to a small group of recreational fishermen who came together to save the prized Chesapeake Bay striped bass whose stocks were becoming severely depleted. They founded the MSSA in 1981 and advocated that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources take stringent, even if unpopular, measures to allow the fishery to revive. The MSSA organized two marches on the Annapolis statehouse and supported a total ban on the harvesting of striped bass by either recreational or commercial fishermen between 1985 and 1990. In the following decades, the MSSA has evolved into the largest organization of recreational anglers and conservationists in the mid-Atlantic region. It has continued efforts to sustain all fisheries, including crabs and oysters; to protect the waters of the Bay, its tributaries and the Coastal mid-Atlantic region; and to enhance recreational fishing. Our vision is a healthy, sustainable, vibrant marine habitat that will be better for the benefit of our children and future generations. For more information visit us online at www.mssa.net or call 410-255-5535. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/JoinMSSA and on Twitter and YouTube.

FALL 2017  | Page 5

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Page 6 | FALL 2017

ANNAPOLIS PD & MSSA Take Underpr i v i leged Kids Fi shing

by Lenny Rudow

A s part of the Annapolis Police Department Youth Summer Camp program, some local kids who have never even seen the Chesapeake—much less caught fish from it—were able to experience bent rods and big smiles this summer. “We hold the Fish Camp to get the community and police together,” said Lieutenant Kevin Krauss, of the Annapolis PD. “There’s a disparity between police and the community we serve, and we want these kids to grow up knowing that we’re there to help, and that we’re people too. We need to close the gaps between us.” There’s no charge for the camp, and kids get to fish in several locations from land. Then, volunteers from the

Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association, like Brennan Shute, step in to help by taking the kids and police officers out on their boats. “I’m lucky and have been able to fish from a boat since day one,” Brennan said, “but seeing these kids go out on the boat and catch fish makes it seem completely new again. The officers love it, the kids pull their first fish over the side, and… it’s just amazing—everyone has a great time.” Those interested in volunteering for next summer’s camp can contact Brennan and his father Greg via their web site ifishMD.com. Anyone wishing to donate and/or volunteer to help support the program can do so via the Annapolis Police Department’s web site or FaceBook page. A special shout-out also goes to Angler’s Sport Center for helping to provide rods and tackle to the kids.

FALL 2017  | Page 7

2017 MSSA TOURNAMENT SERI ES & Captain of the Year TOP CAPTAINS AFTER THREE TOURNAMENTS - NEXT UP…CHESAPEAKE BAY FALL CLASSIC

34th Championship on the Chesapeake

The Summer Classic

7th Mid Atlantic Flounder Tournament

28th Tunament

25th Chesapeake Bay Fall Classic

Place

CAPTAIN

Pro/Amateur

TOTAL 911.25 852.25 771.25 761.05 756.65

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Dave Paugh John Weber Steve Wagner James Dobbins George Wendling Troy Cook George Hall Sam Folland Rob Pellicot Buddy Whetzel Paul Robertson Brett Dean

Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Pro Pro

150

334.4 256.2

114.35 125.45

312.5

228.6

242

195.45 192.45

233

114.3

228.5 271.5 264.5 188.5 218.5 166.5

197.1 236.6 239.6 211.7 229.5 254.5

100

150

105.55 106.05

194.95

729.1 711.1

150

130.9

171.65

100

667.65

150 150

106.7

150 245 150 169

661.2

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

150

100

645

168.75

209.3

108.45

636.5

150

281.25

600.25

Bryan Jones Dale Dirks Roy Butler Josh Gruber Tim Jessilonis

193.6 169.4

244.3 262.6 251.3 253.3 245.7 243.2 239.1 237.4 236.5

104.7

0

542.6

432

174.25

425.55 403.3 395.7 393.2 389.1 387.4 386.5 376.7 339.1 331.5 317.9 313.7 311.2 310.8 313.95

150 150 150 150 150 150

Chris Miller

Jason Gartside John Travers

Jeff Corder

James DeGroft Peter Goodchild Dale Robinson William Coley Bob Granados Charles Hash Travis D'antoni Steve Atwater Robert Harris Greg Andrews Frank Rosati Jeff Ferguson Joe Lorenz

226.7

150

150

189.1

231.5 217.9

100 100 100

213.95

150 150

163.7 161.2

201.1

109.7

150

150

300

199.4 175.1 168.1 174.3 170.9

100

299.4 286.9

111.8

111.75

279.85

100 100

274.3 270.9 263.2 260.4 251.3 221.3

Paul Coco

Darren Wroten Charles Carter

263.2 260.4 251.3

Bob Scotto Steve Smith

221.3

For more information visit www.mssa.net/captainoftheyear

34th Championship on the Chesapeake

The Summer Classic

7th Mid Atlantic Flounder Tournament

28th Tunament

25th Chesapeake Bay Fall Classic

Place

CAPTAIN Pat Rice

Pro/Amateur

TOTAL 219.55

40 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 70 71

Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur

219.55

Joseph Dodson David McAfee Raymond Potter Robert Moreland Timmy Marquess Josh Suchter Randy McElyra Brian A. Jones Robert Stefan Vaughn Herring John Dove

216.1

216.1

207.45 198.95

207.45 198.95

197.6

197.6

45 Willie Zimmerman

Pro

196.15

196.15

Amateur

196.1

196.1

Pro

195.55

195.55

Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Pro Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Pro Pro Amateur Amateur Pro Amateur Amateur Pro

194.9

194.9

194.75 193.55 192.95

194.75 193.55 192.95

191.3

191.3

Philip King

191.15

191.15

54 Brian Van Teagarden

190.7

190.7

Robert Beard

189.75 182.15 179.35

189.75 182.15 179.35

Edward Bellafiore

Gene Walker

58 Christopher Linetty

178.9

178.9

Charles Dowling Frederick L. Gers Dan Winters Ken Peterson John Keefer Hubert Hinkle Tyler Spaulding

178.85 178.85

178.85 178.85

177.9 177.7

177.9 177.7

177.25

177.25

176.4

176.4

176.05 175.95 175.75

176.05 175.95 175.75

Kevin Hawk Nathan Coker David Kropp

175.5

175.5

69 Bern Panzenhagen

174.15 173.55

174.15 173.55

Rodney Irish David Donar

172.7 172.4

172.7 172.4

72 Charles Woodward

Rhonda Barnhart

172.35

172.35

Greg Toth

172.3

172.3

Daniel Arnold

172

172

Tim Dabbs

171.85 171.75

171.85 171.75

Thomas Musser

Gary Fitch Karl Foster

171.1

171.1

170.95

170.95

Brandon Moore Sid Gorman Patrick Krogel John Appleton Joe Blackburn Frank Holden Jason Brown

170.4 169.2 168.7

170.4 169.2 168.7

168.55

168.55

168.1 168.1

168.1 168.1

167.85 167.75 166.75

167.85 167.75 166.75

Jimmy Lee

Daniel Deroose

89 George Henderson

166

166

90

John Anderson

165.5

165.5

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FALL 2017  | Page 11

By Lenny Rudow

FALL MAUL You want to do battle with some hefty sea-run stripers this fall? Tune in, and tune up your tactics.

If you missed out on those big stripers this spring, now's the chance to get back in action.

Page 12 | FALL 2017

C onsidering how difficult this year’s spring season was, there’s quite a good possibility that this fall will represent your best opportunity to catch trophy-sized stripers in 2017. There is no way to predict, of course, whether the bulk of those big sea-run fish will decide to hang a right-hand turn when they hit Cape Charles as they head south for the winter or not. But some surely will, and considering how much bait is in the Bay right now, those fish should have plenty of temptation. On top of that, a healthy number of 30-inch-plus rockfish have already popped up this fall. Whether or not you should go after those big stripers is a foregone conclusion—the question isn’t will you, but how you will choose to do it. Fall Flash-back Historically the best way to target sea-run fish coming back up the bay is by trolling a spread very similar to the one you towed for spring trophies. Like spring trophies, these fall fish usually aren’t schooled (though you will encounter tight pods of them at times) nor are they often relating to structure. That means trollers should use standard spring “collision fishing” tactics. Dust off your planer boards, strain the water with as many lures as you can handle, and hope a fish runs into one. There are, however, some subtle differences between spring and fall trolling. The biggest one is the unpredictability of the fish, themselves. Some seasons the big fish show up north of the bridge, other seasons they’re down by Point Lookout, and some seasons the best bite is somewhere in-between. To try to predict where they’ll show up ahead of time this fall or even to state that they will show up for sure would be going out on a limb, to say the least. Another thing that varies is where you’ll find them in the water column. Again, like spring most of the seasons most of the fish are caught relatively close to the surface. But not always. Old-timers will remember a decade or so back when there was a nice fall run of big fish near the Bridge, which stayed deep and were most effectively targeted by up-sizing your weights and trolling umbrella rigs down near bottom. Older timers will remember that almost three decades ago cow stripers swarmed around the base of the bridge rockpiles. The bottom line? Don’t just set a spring spread and troll, troll, troll until the cows come home. Yes, you want your top producers for spring set behind the boards—mostly tandems dressed with shad,

of course. But also get some lines as deep as you possibly can, and have a few running at mid-depth, too. When you see fish down deep and can’t seem to reach them, pull the throttle back, shift into neutral for a moment, or pull an abrupt turn to cause your lures to sink. Jig a Pig If trolling isn’t your style, you may want to try jigging on big fall fish. And if you’re after the large resident fish or if the big fish are orienting to structure more than usual (a possibility this year, especially if water temperatures continue to run higher than normal) than jigging is probably a better bet anyway. The where-to part of this equation is, again, a toss-up. That said, channel edges, wrecks and other structure in the 25’ to 35’ range can pull in decent fish at this time of year, and sometimes as we get extremely late into the fall the powerplant warm-water discharges will attract some hefty stripers. One important item to note: if the fish are widely scattered in open waters, trying to jig them up is usually a longshot. So keep up to date on the fishing reports. (It won’t shock anyone to hear me say I’d suggest going to FishTalkMag.com, Fridays after noon). If what you’re hearing about is trollers picking up scattered fish in open water, jigging won’t be your best bet. No matter where the fish may be hanging, you’ll do better on the larger fish in specific if you leave your four to seven inch soft plastics and those half-ounce heads in the tacklebox and instead reach for eight to 10 inch baits and one to two ounce heads, preferably skirted to offer the largest profile possible. No, you won’t catch as many 20 to 24 inchers with these bigger baits, but there’s no doubt that in chilly water, the fish over 30 inches just aren’t terribly interested in expending a lot of energy chasing morsels. They want the whole meal. Generally speaking you’ll want to use a slower retrieve or allow for a slower drop than when water temps were high. Sometimes late in the year, you’ll spot good marks sitting more or less inactive, right on bottom. In this scenario, rigging with a soft, flexible paddle-tail that has a lot of wiggle without needing much speed, then dragging it along just off bottom, is a good move.

FALL 2017  | Page 13

Remember to keep your eels in a Tupperwear container on ice, so they’re easier to get on the hook, and use a paper towel or a rag to hold them. Bring in and let out line as needed to keep that eel dragging right on bottom as it goes up and down the edges of those lumps. And wait for at least three bumps from a fish before setting the hook or applying any tension to the line. So, what’s it going to be—trolling, jigging, or live-lining? Any way you cut it, one thing is for sure: the fall of 2017 is probably going to offer you the best shot yet at catching the biggest striper of the year.

Truth be told, winter had set in by the time this monster was caught... but fish this size do enter the bay during the fall some seasons.

Living Large Fall is also an excellent time for live-lining. Yes, live-lining. Sure, the spot have departed, but they aren’t your only option for tempting big stripers. Cast-netting or snagging bunker is one way to fill the livewell, and put an irresistible treat on the end of your line. By the time you read this, there’s a good chance it will be too late to effectively cast net with anything smaller than a fast-sinking 10’ net. The peanuts have almost certainly moved out of the creeks by now, and may have even departed completely from the rivers. But if you keep a big treble hook handy and tie it about a foot above a one- ounce sinker, as long as pods of bunker can be spotted on the surface, you can snag them. Just remember to allow at least a gallon of water for each live bunker, or they’ll die in the well. Also be sure to hook them through the back or through the top jaw, only, or they’ll die rather quickly. That said, offer up a live and kicking menhaden and no self- respecting striper will reject it. Another live bait option that works well in the fall is live eels. True, this tactic has dropped off in popularity since the eeling heydays of the 90’s. But in the last two seasons anglers (eeling the lumps on the south side of Pools, in particular) have been having plenty of success dropping eels down to the bottom. Added bonus: it’s rare to get small fish bothering the eels, and generally speaking, 30 inch class fish are the norm when you get a bite.

Keep eels in Tupperwear or a similar container, on ice, and use a paper towel to grab them.

Page 14 | FALL 2017

Register at www.mssa.net • 410-255-5535 Support Maryland’s Largest Sportfishing Advocacy Organization - Est. 1981 Captains Meetings November 13 | Island Tackle Outfitters, Kent Island November 14 | Commodore Hall, Essex November 15 | The Lighthouse Restaurant, Solomons Island November 16 | Alltackle, Annapolis

25 th Annual Chesapeake Bay Fall Classic Nov 17-19, 2017 8461C Fort Smallwood Rd - Pasadena, MD 21122 • Email: fish@mssa.net - Website: www.mssa.net - Telephone: 410-255-5535

CAPTAINS ’ MEETINGS: (Schedule Change) ALL Meetings to be held – 6PM to 8PM Monday, Nov 13 th – Island Tackle – Chester Tuesday, Nov 14 th – Commodore Hall – Essex Wed., Nov 15 th – Lighthouse Restaurant- Solomons Thurs, Nov 16 th – Alltackle - Annapolis CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR BONUS POINTS Are you fishing on your own boat, (Do you own the boat)? LAY DAY CHOOSE A DAY TO NOT FISH

DIVISION: Amateur_______ Pro _______ CAPTAIN Name: If Member, ID Number: Address: City/State/Zip: Cell Phone: Email: (CELL PHONE & EMAIL NEEDED FOR UPDATES DURING TOURNAMENT) ALTERNATE CAPTAIN (Optional)

FRIDAY □ SATURDAY □ SUNDAY □

YES

NO

Name:

Address: City/State/Zip: Home:

ENTRY FEE (Member & Non-Member Fees) : Members: $250 - before Nov.1 st $275 - after Nov. 1 st Non-Members : $275 - before Nov 1 st $300 - after Nov 1 st

Cell:

eMail: MEMBERSHIP CHAPTEROPTIONS: Annapolis Atlantic Coast Broadneck/Magothy

$

ENTRY TOTAL

TOURNAMENTWITHINTOURNAMENT Each TWT is a separate & OPTIONAL selection NOT included in the Main Tournament Entry Fee. You may enter any combination of the TWTs. Please see official tournament Rules & Regulations for more information. $50 $200 (2 heaviest) $100 $300 (One Winner Only) $150 TWT TOTAL $

Carroll County

DC Metro

Essex-Middle River

Dorchester County

Kent Island

Northwest

Frederick County

Northern Bay Susquehanna

Perry Hall

Southern MD

Captain Individual

New

Renew

1 Year $25 1 Year $30

3 Year $65 3 Year $70

Family

Chapter (select one): Alt. Captain

New

Renew

MAIL CAPTAIN’S PACKET OPTIONAL – if unable to attend any Captains’ Meeting $20 Mail Packet Fee MAIL PACKET TOTAL $

Individual

1 Year $25 1 Year $30

3 Year $65 3 Year $70

Family

Chapter (select one):

GRAND TOTAL

$

Membership TOTAL CAPTAIN SIGNATURE (REQUIRED) X $

Cash Check

#

Credit Card: Visa Card # Expiration:

American Express

I have read & will abide by the official Rules & Regulations of the tournament & agree to them without exception. The accuracy of the data entered on this application is understood to be the responsibility of the captain/applicant.. It is the responsibility of the captain/applicant to verify the MSSA membership status of his or herself as well as their crew per the MSSA Crew Bonus Rules

/

CAPTAINS’ MEETINGS:

MSSA Office Use ONLY

Date Received:

Amount Received:

By:

BOAT #

number, marina receipt, and any other documentation explaining their situation to avoid law enforcement violations. SEPARATION OF VESSELS: At no time during tournament fishing hours is a vessel permitted to approach another boat or structure unless authorized by an MSSA Weigh Master or in emergency situations. Participants may not return with fish for weigh in after landing or leaving their vessels without a Weigh Master’s approval. Refusal or error may result in disqualification. DISABLED VESSEL: At no time during Tournament Fishing Hours is a vessel permitted to approach another boat or structure unless permitted by MSSA Weigh Master or in emergency situations. In the event a vessel becomes disabled during the Tournament, the Captain must notify a Tournament Weigh-Master as soon as possible that their vessel is disabled. Boats being towed into port must notify a MSSA Tournament Weigh-Master that their vessel is under tow to remain registered. Only registered tournament participants may be on board a disabled vessel under tow. Upon returning to port, the Captain must first check-in with the Weigh-Master to affirm to the Weigh-Master that their vessel was towed to port and that no one boarded their vessel during the tow. Captain must notify an official MSSA Weigh-Master prior to transferring to another vessel or call 410-255-5535 and leave your name, captain#, time, date and reason. RULES & REGULATIONS CHANGES: Tournament rule changes may be made by the Tournament Committee at any time up to the first Captain’s Meeting. It is the responsibility of all participants to familiarize themselves with all the rules and regulations of this Tournament and to abide by these rules and regulations. DISQUALIFICATION: The Tournament Committee reserves the sole and absolute discretion to disqualify any angler, crew, captain, registrant or vessel at any time. Persons may be disqualified from the tournament because of a rule violation, regardless of the severity of the violation. All participants agree to abide by tournament rules and decisions of the Tournament Committee. Decisions as to the disqualification or eligibility of any vessel, crew, or fish weighed in shall be made solely by the Tournament Committee and its decisions shall be final and incontestable. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to disqualify any boat at any time for misrepresentation made on any application or registration form by any member of the boat, any suspicious activity or unsportsmanlike conduct. Any boat disqualified shall be for the entire tournament, and shall result in the forfeiture of all tournament fees and prize money even if the disqualification was made after the prize money was awarded. RISKS and WAIVERS: Tournament participants accept the risks and dangers involved in such activity, and they acknowledge that unanticipated or unexpected dangers may occur. Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless: the MSSA, its officers, directors, members, committee members, its assigns, sponsors, lessees, agents, and employees from any and all liability for any: claim, loss, injury, damage, demands, actions, choses in action, costs, accidents, libel, slander, negligence and/or death suffered by any member, family, crew boat and/or other persons which may occur during their term of membership or participation in a Tournament or MSSA Sponsored activity. The member further releases the MSSA, its officers, directors, committee members and sponsors from any liability for libel, slander, loss, damage, negligence, injury and / or death suffered by any member, family, crew, boat and/or other person which may occur during any term of membership. FUTURE PROMOTION: MSSA members consent to the MSSA’s use without payment or restrictions of any photographs taken during an MSSA event, the angler’s name, boat name, crews’ names, or vessel name for any purpose whatsoever. All photographs submitted to the MSSA via email, facebook page, text, or by any other means, shall be the sole property of the MSSA after submission and maybe used without compensation. CAPTAIN/BOAT NUMBER: Each Captain MUST have in their possession and display at all times, the Boat Number issued by the MSSA. This Boat Number should be included in your Captain’s Packet and the tear off portion must be presented to the Weigh Master before weighing in fish. POLYGRAPH: In consideration for the MSSA’s acceptance of an entry form for a Tournament, each registered Captain and angler specifically agrees and consents to voluntarily submit to a polygraph examination or examinations. The MSSA reserves the right to polygraph tournament winners as well as random tournament participants in any tournament. Each registered Captain or angler agrees to obtain the agreement and consent of each and every occupant of the boat from which he or she fishes during the tournament (including but not limited to the captain and crew) to submit to a polygraph examination or examinations as described above. The method and conduct of all polygraph examinations, and the interpretation of the results thereof, shall be in the sole judgment of the polygraph examiner appointed by the MSSA, whose opinion shall be final. If any registered captain, angler or occupant of a vessel refuses to submit to a polygraph examination, or if any registered Captain, occupant, or angler gives a response which, in the sole opinion of the polygraph examiner, is untruthful, then all registered persons on the boat shall be immediately disqualified without further notice from the MSSA. Any registered Vessel, Captain or angler so disqualified shall not be entitled to any prize, award, or entry fee refund. SPORTSMANSHIP: The MSSA may disqualify any Vessel, Captain, crew, participant, angler or member who is involved in unsportsmanlike conduct; a knowing violation of the Rules & Regulations, or for any reason that the MSSA believes the acts warrant disqualification. Members are also subject to termination of their membership for similar violations. At no time shall any boat captain or crew make verbal or written contracts that in anyway involve the splitting of prize money with another vessel. Any team caught culling or discarding fish immediately following weigh in will be automatically disqualified. KIDS DIVISION: Eligibility in the Kids Division is any child 17 years of age or under as of November 1st, 2017. Only one prize per individual in the Kids Division. FISH ENTERED IN THE KIDS DIVISION WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE MAIN TOURNAMENT OR TWT’s. ALL MSSA CREW BONUS: All Captains may enter the All MSSA Crew Bonus. To be eligible, each captain must fill out the MSSA Crew Bonus form and submit before the start of the tournament. All people on the tournament vessel, during fishing hours must be members of the MSSA. It is up to the tournament Captain to ensure all his members are current. Captains who have an all MSSA Crew according to the stated rules and weighing in the heaviest fish each day will be awarded $500. Captains may win this prize any or all days of the tournament. PRIZE CATEGORIES: (Same for both Divisions – Money will be awarded separately) Main Tournament Captains may only place once in the main tournament First…………………………50% Second ........................... 30% Third ............................... 20% Tournaments Within Tournament (TWTs) Captains may place in multiple TWT’s, but only once in each. TWT’s $50, $100, $150, and $300 are single heaviest fish; $200 is a two fish stringer (combined weight of up to two fish) Prize money: $50, $100, $150 and $200 skill level payouts.Except$300- One Winner

25 th Annual MSSA Fall Classic – November 17-19, 2017 RULES & REGULATIONS ENTRY FEE: $250-$300 per captain (no limit on crew or anglers). Non Member rates are listed on the application. Tournaments Within Tournament (TWT) entry fees are additional. Applications paid with a dishonored check or credit card shall automatically void the registration. CAPTAINS and MEMBERSHIP: The MSSA strongly encourages all participants and crew to be members of the MSSA. Only captains age 18 years or older may Captain or be an Alternate Captain of a tournament vessel. By registering as a member of the MSSA or participant in a MSSA Tournament, the individual agrees to abide by MSSA’s Tournament Rules & Regulations. The Tournament Committee in its sole discretion may refuse entry of any registrant. NEW - AMATEUR & PROFESSIONAL/FOR-HIRE DIVISION ELIGIBILITY : No Captain registered to fish in the Amateur Division may have on board during tournament hours as: captain, crew, angler, consultant or observer - (“Professionals”). Professionals include, but are not limited to: persons who are or have been (either bay, ocean, freshwater) professional or paid fishing captains, charter boat captains, mates on a charter boat, current holders of a commercial fin- fishing license issued by any governmental entity, professional anglers, persons who get paid to fish, persons holding a license as a fishing guide, any captain or crew of a “For-Hire Fishing Boat”, self-professed professionals, and/or, persons whom are publicly known as professionals, within the past two (2) years . All such persons are encouraged to enter the Professional Division. Call the MSSA main office for further instruction and clarification 410-255-5535. NEW - TOURNAMENT DATES and LOCATION: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; November 17 – 19, 2017 . Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as allowed by MD Department of Natural Resources including the Potomac River. REGISTRATION: You may register at any of the Captains’ Meetings; by phone 410-255-5535; at the main MSSA office: 8461 Ft. Smallwood Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122; or online at www.mssa.net BOAT/CAPTAIN NUMBER: Captains participating in the tournament should attend one of the Captains’ Meetings to secure their Boat/Captain number as it is required at time of weigh in. Crew is also encouraged to attend. Any additional rules or regulations shall be clarified at these meetings. If you are unable to attend you can elect to have it sent via USPS for a $20 fee. ELIGIBLE FISH & FISHING METHODS: Striped bass only 28 inches or more – All fish must be caught by hook and line as described by MD DNR recreational regulations. Wire line is allowed as line or leader; dummy lines are permitted; chumming and live-lining will be permitted. FISHING HOURS: Tournament participants may begin fishing at 6:30 A.M. Planar boards may be deployed but no fishing lines may be in the water before 6:30 A.M. NEW - FISHING DAYS (LAY DAY RULE): You may only fish two (2) of three (3) days. No fishing on lay-days. You MUST declare your ‘Lay-Day’ by 5:00 AM on each day OR the day before. Any day not specifically declared a lay day will count as a fishing day whether your boat leaves port or not. If an entrant doesn’t make any declarations then the first two days will be their fishing days . Text 410-7098774 (Name, Capt. Number, and Lay Day). DO NOT CALL THE MSSA OR TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR TO DECLARE YOUR LAY-DAY WEIGH-STATION HOURS: Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM. No fish will be weighed in after 4:30 PM unless the Captain is in line and has been recognized by the Weigh Master at time of closing. WEIGH IN: FISH MUST BE BROUGHT TO AN OFFICIAL MSSA WEIGH STATION BY BOAT DIRECTLY FROM FISHING BY WATER. Fish must be brought to an official MSSA Weigh-Station by water in the same boat that they were landed (unless authorized otherwise by an MSSA Weigh Master under the Disabled Vessel Rule). Captains or their designee must be present during weigh in and must have the ‘tear-off’ portion of their Boat Number in hand. All fish weighed in will be issued an official Weigh-in Ticket bearing the catch weight. Captains must object to the noted catch weight before a Weigh-in Ticket is issued. Upon receipt of the Weigh-in Ticket , the catch weight shall be deemed accurate, final and agreed upon by the Captain. Captains may weigh in at any time the official MSSA Weigh Stations are open. All fish are subject to examination, internally and externally, as the Weigh Masters deems necessary. All fish weighed in will be prominently marked by the Weigh Masters. Weigh Masters may confiscate or report suspect fish to the Tournament Committee without protest. Weigh Masters are authorized to require Proof of Tournament Registration and/or photo identification at time of weigh in. The MSSA reserves the right to mark the Weigh-in Ticket of any suspect fish, or to require the Tournament Captain to sign a Weigh-in Ticket . WEATHER AND RISK OF LOSS: There is no Weather Committee. Captains and crews enter and participate in this tournament at their own risk. Captains and their crews must make their own judgments whether to fish under the prevailing weather conditions based on the size and seaworthiness of their boat, their seamanship skills and any other relevant factors. Only one day of fishing, by one boat is necessary to qualify as a ‘fishing day’. REFUNDS: Only one day of fishing is necessary to make the tournament official. In the event that there are no available days for fishing the tournament due to an Act of God or natural disaster, 50% of all entry fees and skill level fees will be refunded. In the event that you are unable to participate, a written request stating the reasons therefore for a tournament refund must be received at MSSA’s main office no later than 5:00 PM on November 14th, 2015 (no exceptions). All requests must be in writing and may be delivered via mail, email, hand, or facsimile transmission to the Tournament Committee for its consideration. SELECTION OF FISH FOR WEIGH-IN: Captains are limited to weigh in two (2) rockfish per captain, per day. Striped bass must be at least 28 inches to qualify for weigh in. Fish will be measured from tip of nose to squeezed tip of tail to qualify for weigh in. You can weigh fish on any or all day(s) of the tournament. It is prohibited to sort, cull, high grade, or replace any fish already in possession. Any fish taken into possession by holding in a live well or on a stringer or in any other fish holding devices shall be deemed as part of the daily bag limit. Once the daily bag limit is reached, fishing is NO LONGER permitted. The Captain must choose which fish he wants to be weighed. Captains may NOT use an official Weigh-Station scale to determine which fish to weigh in. TOURNAMENT COMMUNICATIONS: TEXT MESSAGE alerts will also be used during tournament hours and will be the main source of information for our tournament anglers. Tournament updates will be broadcast throughout the tournament. If you wish to receive text alerts, please list your cell phone number on the tournament application. By listing your cell number on the tournament application, you agree to allow the MSSA to send text updates to that phone number. PROTEST: Protests are strongly encouraged to be placed immediately upon knowledge of a rule infraction. Initial Protests may be made verbally to any MSSA Weigh Master. Verbal protests must be followed-up in writing. Written protests must be received within 24 hours from the close of a tournament with the $150.00 protest fee to be eligible for consideration by the Tournament Committee. Protest fees will be refunded in the event a protest is upheld. MSSA reserves the right to withhold payment of tournament prizes until a protest is resolved. Disqualifications are not dependent upon protest process. BOARDING AND OFFICIATING: The Tournament Committee reserves the right to: [1] board any boat at any time for inspection; [2] place an "Onboard Observer" on any boat. Refusals will result in an automatic disqualification of the vessel, captain and crew. FISH ONBOARD: No un-cleaned tournament fish can be on the boat before the start of the day, unless marked by a Weigh Master. Transient boats must keep with them at all times: captain/boat

First................................. 50% Second ........................... 30% Third ............................... 20%

FALL 2017  | Page 17

The Summer Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association 1 ST Annual

One Day Rockfish Tournament August 26, 2017 Results

Troy Cook - 1st Place

Fishermohn - 3rd Place

MAIN TOURNAMENT Combined Weight Up To 2 Heaviest Fish

Place

Captain  Troy Cook  John Weber  Chris Mohn

Boat Name  Wallhangers  Loose Knot  Fishermohn

Combined Fish Weight

Prize

1 2 3

 30.9 lbs

$5,265.00 $2,633.00

 25.45 lbs  19.75 lbs

$878.00

SINGLE HEAVIEST TWT (CALCUTTA) Single Heaviest TWT – $50

Place

Captain  Troy Cook  Troy Cook  John Weber

Boat Name  Wallhangers  Wallhangers

Fish Weight

Prize $900 $450 $150

1 2 3

 16.9 lbs

 14 lbs

 Loose Knot

 13.55 lbs

John Weber - 2nd Place

Results

Page 20 | FALL 2017

Randy Swain - 1st Place

John Weber and Team - 3rd Place

Dave Paugh - 2nd Place

MAIN TOURNAMENT Single Heaviest Flounder

Place

Captain

Boat/Team Name

Fish (lb/inch)

Prize Amount

1st

 Randy Swain  Dave Paugh  John Weber

 Adventurous

 10.6 lbs/30″  10.2 lbs/27″  5.6 lbs/ 24″

$1,000

2nd

Nailed It

$500 $250

3rd

 Loose Knot

SINGLE FLOUNDER TWT Single Heaviest Flounder TWT – $150

Place

Captain

Boat/Team Name

Fish (lb/inch)

Prize Amount

1st

 Randy Swain  Dave Paugh

 Adventurous

 10.6 lbs/30″  10.2 lbs/27″

$662 $284

2nd

Nailed It

FLOUNDER STRINGER TWT Up to 3 Heaviest Flounder Stringer – $200

Place

Captain

Boat/Team Name

Total Weight

Prize $1,078

1st

 Randy Swain

 Adventurous

 20.55 lbs  16.25 lbs

2nd

Dave Paugh

Nailed It

$462

OTHER TWT Single Heaviest Fish Other Than Flounder (no sharks, skates, or rays) – One Winner Place Captain Boat/Team Name Fish (lb/inch) Species/Prize 1st  John Weber  Loose Knot  3.8lbs/20.5″  Sea Bass / $500

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