By Andrew P. Napolitano
The president's men trash the Constitution to pursue antagonists
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
During the current open season for trophy striped bass in the lower portions of the Potomac River and Maryland's part of the Chesapeake Bay, conflicting reports are heard from boaters who are out by the hundreds looking for big rockfish.
A little more than a week ago, when water and air temperatures were unusually warm, there were fears that, like the largemouth bass, the striped bass of the Chesapeake Bay would arrive sooner than normal and begin their spawning run.
April is a time of year when most fish species begin to think of reproducing. Piscatorial love is in the air, or rather in the water.
Over the past six days, local and distant sport fishing has gone into overdrive.
Outstanding catches of striped bass and occasional hookups with spotted sea trout are possible over many areas of the Chesapeake Bay.
Rain might raise the water levels of mountain rivers, but Western Maryland fishermen don't believe it can stop them from going after smallmouth bass in the Potomac.
Generally speaking, the weekend outlook for local anglers of all stripes appears to be good in spite of renewed rains in some areas. Much of the precipitation has been strongly localized. For example, a cloudburst in parts of Frederick County on Tuesday muddied a Potomac feeder. But the Monocacy, the waters above the rain-soaked area, was in good enough shape for smallmouth bass fishermen. In fact, the Washington County portions have given up good numbers of bass, even a few heavy walleyes.
Magic is about to happen for the fresh- and saltwater anglers in the Washington area. Never mind occasional days of rain; they'll go away. Never mind that odd 85-degree day that shows up now and then during September. Just as sure as steamed, spiced crabs and venison steaks are Mueller household staples, the hot days are decreasing; cool weather is on the way, and along with it some of the best fishing since spring.Magic is about to happen for the fresh- and saltwater anglers in the Washington area. Never mind occasional days of rain; they'll go away. Never mind that odd 85-degree day that shows up now and then during September. Just as sure as steamed, spiced crabs and venison steaks are Mueller household staples, the hot days are decreasing; cool weather is on the way, and along with it some of the best fishing since spring.
We have mostly good news for weekend anglers in the Washington area. The heavy rains that fell throughout the region, which ruined many basements and even house foundations, are quickly receding and clearing. Even the mountainous portions of the Potomac, Rappahannock and James rivers will be very fishable in a day or two. In fact, you could visit them now and probably hook a few smallmouth bass. On Wednesday, the Point of Rocks section of the upper Potomac stood at a little over three feet. It had been as high as nine feet last week.
Here's a surprise for all who suppose that this week's fishing will have to be postponed because of the aftereffects of Hurricane Irene. From nearly every corner of our region comes word that the water is fine, certainly good enough for fishing and, if anything, the catches might be better than usual. It happens frequently after strong storms blow through our area.
It may not appear as if autumn is on its way, but several cooler-than-normal August nights already have improved the fishing in a number of local waters — something that is sure to happen everywhere later next month.
Every saltwater fisherman from New England to New Jersey by now has heard that a potential world record striped bass (aka rockfish or striper) of 81.88 pounds was caught by Greg Myerson, of North Branford, Conn.
As slightly lower temperatures beckon anglers of all stripes over the coming days, bass fishermen have asked if there's a problem in the upper tidal Potomac River regarding the apparent disappearance of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAVs) — the fish-hiding weed beds that are a necessary part of a bass hunter's day.
The proliferation of large blue catfish in the upper tidal portions of the Potomac River is astounding. In a river that not too many years ago wasn't even home to this tough piscatorial adversary, the Potomac already has given up several in the 60-pound range and, a few days ago, an angler up around Fletcher's Cove in Georgetown came to the concession building to show off a 55-pounder. It is believed that these catfish could have migrated north from Virginia's James and Rappahannock rivers.
It wasn't all that long ago when New Orleans super chef Paul Prudhomme came up with his famous blackened redfish and seafood lovers everywhere loved the dish.
"Not only that," he said, "we're still seeing plenty of white perch caught.
He said that the District of Columbia's striped bass season will begin May 16 and then you may catch and keep two stripers between 18 and 36 inches per day.
