Chesapeake Catch helps Maryland anglers collect and share valuable information about key Chesapeake Bay sport fish – for fun and for conservation.
Every angler has a fish story – the “big one,” or the “one that got away.” Now, using Chesapeake Catch, anglers can easily record their catch on their mobile device, creating a personal log—along with photos—that they use to share info with other anglers, learn about what’s being caught and compete for bragging rights.
The data collected here, such as fish species, size and location caught, will be used to better inform fishery managers responsible for Chesapeake Bay fish populations. The featured fish are rockfish (striped bass), redfish (red drum), speckled trout, croaker, yellow perch and shad caught in Maryland waters.
Chesapeake Catch is partnership of leading anglers with ties to Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Maryland, Maryland Saltwater Sport Fisherman Association (MSSA), other sporting conservation groups and various management committees and councils. Chesapeake Catch gives recreational anglers an important role in better fisheries management.
Self-reporting recreational fishing data is already helping natural resource managers elsewhere to obtain better, more accurate information about fish populations. This collaborative effort will give recreational anglers a stronger voice in management decisions and, ultimately, help to safeguard fisheries for decades to come. Better management means better fishing – now and for later generations.
Don’t let important information “get away” – download the Chesapeake Catch app now, and let your fish stories make a difference.