2nd Annual Yellow Perch Appreciation Day Fishing Celebration - 1st Youth Angler Selected for the 2011 Maryland Fishing Challenge Final Awards Ceremony

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Eastern
Location: North East

The Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) and its Upper Bay Chapter welcomed approximately 150 anglers, their families, elected officials and representatives from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to the second annual Yellow Perch Appreciation Day Saturday, March 5, at North East Town Park, North East. MD. The event is a celebration of the restoration of the yellow perch fishery which CCA MD has endorsed for more than a decade and the Department of Natural Resources has supported with an effective management plan for yellow perch. The day allowed many families to fish with their youngsters and teach fishing and conservation skills. Remarks on the importance of conservation of the fishery were delivered by State Senator Nancy Jacobs and Trent Zivkovich, government relations chairman, CCA MD. Mark Astfalk, Elkton, captured the top prize in the fishing tournament with a 21.8 ounce yellow perch.

7 Year old Tyler Parrish of Aberdeen, MD was randomly selected from the event's many youth registrants to qualify as this year's first youth finalist in the 2011 Maryland Fishing Challenge Grand awards ceremony to be held at Sandy Point State Park on September 10th of this year. Tyler will join over 20 other youth anglers selected from a variety of youth fishing events to win prizes including fishing tackle and professionally guided fishing trips. For more information on the Maryland Fishing Challenge, please visit: dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge/.

Photo credits: Ken Tidy & Jim Heime