2015 brings new regulations for Maryland’s rockfish season

Chris and Alex Conner caught this striped bass Opening Day 2014  in the Chesapeake Bay near the Magothy River. (Courtesy Chris Conner)
Chris and Alex Conner caught this striped bass Opening Day 2014 in the Chesapeake Bay near the Magothy River. (Courtesy Chris Conner)
There are changes to rockfish catch regulations this year. As of 2015 one rockfish, per person, on a boat is allowed per day. To keep a rockfish it must be between 28-36 inches long or longer than 40 inches. (Courtesy Cand Thompson/Maryland DNR)
On the first day of rockfish season in 2014 a proud young angler displays his catch. New size restrictions in 2015 are an attempt to prevent over-fishing by decreasing total harvest by 25 percent. (Courtesy Candy Thomson/Maryland DNR)
On the first day of rockfish season in 2014 a proud young angler displays his catch. New size restrictions in 2015 are an attempt to prevent over-fishing by decreasing total harvest by 25 percent. (Courtesy Candy Thomson/Maryland DNR)
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Chris and Alex Conner caught this striped bass Opening Day 2014  in the Chesapeake Bay near the Magothy River. (Courtesy Chris Conner)
On the first day of rockfish season in 2014 a proud young angler displays his catch. New size restrictions in 2015 are an attempt to prevent over-fishing by decreasing total harvest by 25 percent. (Courtesy Candy Thomson/Maryland DNR)

WASHINGTON — Saturday is opening day for Maryland’s 2015 catch-and-keep striped bass season.

This year there are new rules regulating which fish anglers are allowed to keep.

“We’re trying so conserve fish and we have new measurements,” says Maryland Natural Resources Police Spokeswoman Candy Thomson.

Anglers are allowed to keep one striped bass per person, per day, that measures between 28 and 36 inches or more than 40 inches.

The fish between 36 and 40 inches “are some of the best spawning fish,” Thomson says.

Letting them live to breed will help boost numbers of Maryland’s official state fish.

Striped bass, also called rockfish, are known to be fighters that put a big bend in fishing rods when they hit and latch onto a lure.

“You go to other states and people ask us about our striped bass [talking] fisherman to fisherman. So, our fish have a good reputation,” Thomson says with a smile.

Click here to check out the full Maryland Fishing Guide.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

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