12/20/2025
Maryland Department of Natural Resources continues to neglect its state fish and the fishermen who depend on the resource.
These proposed new changes:
•Increase Fishing pressure and mortality on the Atlantic Coasts Striped Bass Spawning Stock during the month of April when these fish are moments away from spawning. The same stock that is currently failing to meet reproduction benchmarks and has been strategically protected for the past several years.
•Extends the Summer Striped Bass Fishing Closure to an entire month of August, depriving the general public of this resource when it’s most popular to do so.
•Is a deterrent for Summer tourism in Maryland including restaurants, tackle stores, hotels, and air bnb’s.
•Eliminates two additional weeks of the Summer Fishery when it is the most popular time period to access Striped Bass in Maryland.
•Permanently eliminates a future Trophy Season in Maryland where anglers historically would be able to harvest the same size Striped Bass as Coastal requirements that are post spawn.
These proposed changes are not just for Charter Boats Industry of Maryland, this applies to all Recreational Fishermen in Maryland as well. This is a pivotal time of the year when families spend time on the Chesapeake Bay and their voice has not been heard.
Regulatory changes over the past several years have decimated small businesses in Maryland and have crippled local communities. The Fishing Community and Industry in Maryland needs your help.
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