MWA Rockfish Tournament

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Northern
Location: Rock hall

The 16th Annual Rockfish Tournament sponsored by the Maryland Watermen�s Association was held last June 10, 11, 12 at Rock Hall. The private and charter boats in the tournament fished the upper bay to see who could catch the largest rockfish (striped bass) in this three day tournament. Fisheries biologists Richard Schaefer, Brett Coakley and yours truly were present to measure fish that were being entered each day. On my watch, which was Saturday Ray Brilz brought in the largest striped bass during the tournament at 32-3/4� and Nathan Wall brought in the wining fish in the youth division with a 28-1/8� striped bass. One fish that created quite a lot of excitement was the 75lb black drum that Ray Sandy of Winchester, Kentucky caught while trolling a spoon close to the bottom. Many of the boats were trolling along channel edges with Storm Shads and spoons and everyone else was chumming. All in all it was a great event and it was hearting to see everyone having such fun fishing with family and friends.