Broadneck Fishermen Ready for Spring

With the abundance of water in our beautiful region and the bevy of activity brought on by jobs, school, and family, we often search for a recreational activity that is satisfying, relaxing, and fulfilling. One such activity that is ideal for county residents is fishing.

This Saturday April 16, in the predawn darkness, thousands of enthusiastic anglers will gather on the waters of the bay at 5 a.m. to usher in the opening sunrise of the Striped Bass trophy season. Also known as rockfish, these fish are the truest treat (fried or grilled) and fishing fanatics will hustle up the next month for the chance to take home a big one.

As the waters of the Bay warm up, the rockfish season cools and while in the trophy season, keepers must exceed 28 inches. The short window of opportunity to take home one of these big bad boys will draw hundreds of boats to the edge of the deep Susquehanna Riverbed channel in the middle of the bay.

Rockfish are generally caught by trolling or dragging a baited line though the water from the back of a slowly moving boat. Those of us without a vessel of our own can enjoy fishing from the shore or from a structure above the water such as a bridge or pier. 

Other species available for pursuit include catfish, bluefish, pike, perch, and croaker. Beginning April 17, flounder longer than 19 inches may also be caught at a limit of three per day.

Before fishing, it is important to understand the limits and regulations set forth by the Department of Natural Resources. Both recreational and commercial anglers must adhere to the guidelines presented by DNR and must first obtain a license, even if you are only fishing from your own private pier or boat. 

Licenses can be obtained online. An individual residential license costs $15 or you can buy a license to cover all passengers on your boat. Children under 16-years-old can fish without a license. (Minors may also obtain a recreational crabbing license, if they would like to catch a bushel of crabs.)

So, what do you need to get started? Small children have made every concoction of fishing tackle out of sticks, yarn, and paper clips, using lunchbox leftovers or gummy worms as bait. The truest greenhorn can walk into any of the area’s tackle shops and ask for help.

The gear that you need is actually a function of what you are trying to catch and there is a wide range of products available for all aspiring fishermen. Our county is home to some wonderful tackle shops that specialize in fishing gear for beginners through professional quality equipment. Alltackle on Somerville Rd., near the Annapolis Towne Center, is a one-stop comprehensive shop, where you can pick up a rod and reel, bait, outdoor apparel, sunglasses, and even your own boat. 

On the Broadneck Peninsula, the choice spot for tackle shopping is Anglers, right off of Route 50. This spot is perfectly positioned to lure in anglers on their way to Sandy Point State Park. Anglers stocks fishing supplies, crabbing gear, outdoor apparel, and bait. Locally Anglers is known for their outstanding customer service and early morning hours, opening on weekends at 5 a.m. to accommodate early morning crowds. 

So once you are appropriately armed for your pursuit, you can take to the shores and water of the area and cast your lines. Anne Arundel County provides some outstanding fishing spots.

In the Broadneck area, Sandy Point State Park is especially known for great fishing along the jetties and near the boat ramps. On the Severn River, Jonas Green Park provides a very nice fishing pier on a portion of the older Severn River Bridge. Quiet Waters Park is an ideal fishing setting in Annapolis. In the southern areas of the county, there are excellent fishing wharfs available in Galesville, Deal, and Mayo. For a full listing, check out the county’s website.

In addition to the obvious benefits of outdoor waterfront fun, fishing can also provide a sense of community. As you share the water with others, you share in their celebration as they reel in a “big one” and commiserate the frustration of the “the one that got away.” Participation in the age-old universal activity of fishing is just another great way of celebrating the culture of the region and appreciating the unmatched beauty and adventure of the Chesapeake Bay. So head on out to the water’s edge and cast in a line! Who knows what you might reel in?