Rock Fishing Rules

[Big Kahuna]

I am just getting back into salt water fishing and so far it has just been some bottom fishing this year but not that productive. I would like to learn something about rock fishing. I have trolled years ago and caught them and blues which was a lot of fun. If someone who is a rock hound could please give me the Cliff notes on the rules... seasons and sizes. I would appreciate it. I have in the past heard horrible tales of what they would do to you if you weren't legal and that was enough to keep me away.
I will be coming out of Yeocomico so will be dealing with MD, Potomac and VA laws. I have been to the various sites with regs but would rather rely on you who have fished to interpret for me. I don't want to lose a boat the first time out if I should be lucky enough to catch a rock. Thanks to all who answer.

[rocksandblues]

2 a day over 18 in MD waters. season is closed in Va waters. Potomac is MD waters, so as soon as you clear your creek.

[jrocket567]

VA's season opens up Oct 4 and runs to Dec. 31 in the bay, and all winter in the Ocean--- new regs this year--
Two fish between 18 and 28 inches, ONE of which may be over 28
same rules as the spring run

JP
"KwikRelease"

[Tom Powers]

Change in plans. They changed the rules a few weeks ago. The new rules are:

Bay Season Oct. 4 through Dec 31

Two fish 18 to 28

OR

One fish 18 to 28 AND one fish over 34

Coastal season (outside of Chesapeake Bay) Season is currently open.

Two fish 28 and larger.

You can not be in possession of fish that are legal for one area but illegal for the area in which you are fishing. ( i.e. you can run back to a bay port with two coastal fish in your possession. Just don't stop to fish for anything.)

[FishyRick]

Here is where you can go to get the latest info:

Potomac River: http://www.prfc.state.va.us
Virginia: http://www.mrc.state.va.us/regulations/regindex.shtm
Maryland: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries

[jrocket567]

Tom-
I had first heard that the rules were going to be like that, but according to the vmrc website, its 18-28 w/1 over 28--

Chesapeake Bay Fall Season .................................................. .......October 4 through December 31
........................................Minimum Size Limit............................................. ... 18 inches
........................................Maximum Size Limit * ......................................... 28 inches
........................................Possession Limit............................................. ........ 2 per person

* 1 fish of the 2 fish possession limit may be larger than 28 inches
typo on the VMRC site??
Thanks
JP
"KwikRelease"

[Purdue1]

Fishy Ricks links are perfect. There are 3 sets of regs. One for MD, one for VA, and the Potomac River has its own set of regs. The links take you to each one.

[Tom Powers]

JP,

I sent in a report to the guy at VMRC that maintains the web page.

Tom

[Sea Gristle]

Dang Tom, you just closed my loophole[wink]

[Coconuts]

If you look at the Virginia Saltwater Review news letter, it mentions the new regs.

http://www.mrc.state.va.us/swr/saltwaterreview.shtm

Mike

[jrocket567]

Thanks Tom, that website had me royally confused and wondering if I'd completely lost it

JP
"KwikRelease"

[Kevin Smith]

BE CAREFUL!!! The Chesapeake Bay VA Regulations have changed for this fall

Chesapeake Bay Fall Season .................................................. .......October 4 through December 31
........................................Minimum Size Limit............................................. ... 18 inches
........................................Maximum Size Limit * ......................................... 28 inches
........................................Possession Limit............................................. ........ 2 per person

* 1 fish of the 2 fish possession limit may be 34 inches or larger; no fish may be kept between 28 and 34 inches.

Chesapeake Bay regulations for both the Spring and Fall seasons described above apply in the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia's Chesapeake Bay tributary rivers, except for the tributary rivers emptying into the Potomac River (see note below for more information on Potomac River striper regulations).

Kevin
Weekend Mistress

[jrocket567]

Dont listen to their website...its still wrong...

JP
"kwikrelease"

[Tom Powers]

The link at

http://www.mrc.state.va.us/regulations/swrecfishingrules.shtm

Was incorrect before and now it is fixed. Where else is it wrong?

Tom