MAY 4TH, 2020 - OPENING DAY ROCKFISH
Friday, May first, was the beginning of the Trophy Rockfish season, and it was cold, windy, and with hard rain blowing sideways.
There were a surprising number of hardy fishermen who braved the conditions even suspecting that the fish would be uncooperative, which they were. Many trollers were skunked. Others landed one or two. One boat reported a catch of four. The fish are big for the most part, in the 45- to 50-inch range.
The skies cleared in the afternoon and the fishing improved marginally with most boats picking up one or two fish if they were lucky.
Saturday and Sunday were better in the Bay where some boats scored five or more fish. There was a report of one striper that was in excess of 50 pounds.
Fishing brightened in the Potomac where trollers in the area of St. George Island found a hot spot.
In other news, there are plenty of catfish in the Potomac and the Patuxent. They like to eat chunks of fresh alewife.
The white perch are getting started in the creeks and rivers.
Nothing improves May fishing like the first of June.
***St. Mary's County Official Statement: St. Mary's County Park Use Limited to Reduce Spread of COVID-19: St. Mary's County Government owned and operated parks are operating with additional limitations in response to the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order issued by Governor Larry Hogan. Waterfront parks, including Elms Beach, Myrtle Point, and Snow Hill Park, remain closed to the public. Public landings, including boat ramps, piers and gathering spaces are closed to the public. An exception is made allowing commercial waterman with valid licenses to use the public landings. Recreational boating is not permitted under the Governor's Order. All other St. Mary's County Government-owned and operated parks are open under the following specific safety guidelines: exercise activities such as walking, hiking, running or biking while adhering to recommended 6-foot social distancing measures are permitted. Any sports or activities which engage in bodily contact such as basketball, soccer, football are not permitted. Gathering of groups are limited to no more than 10 people in any specific area of the park. Park hours and operations are available at the www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/parks. For the list of all county government operations and COVID-19 resources, visit St. Mary's County Government at www.stmarysmd.com.***
