It is really hard for me to believe that the State of Maryland actually closed harvest of rockfish for 2 weeks (16 days) this summer, mostly because I simply can't agree with their assessment of low population levels. I've caught more rockfish this summer, and in many many different places, than in any year in memory. Anyhow, here we are now in the midst of this oh so stupid moratorium. At least I've got time to get caught up on sharing what I did right BEFORE the closure.
The brutal heat continued up through 2nd week of August, at which point we received 5+ inches of rain and temps somewhat cooled. I'm writing to report about 2 outings in the weeks that preceded the closure, 7/24 and 8/9/20. The July date was an unsuccessful attempt to repeat our magic in the Manokin 2 weeks prior, despite all the conditions being right (except for the brutal heat and high water temps of 88F+). The trip on Aug9 was 180 degrees the opposite. Water temps had cooled a mere 2 degrees, but apparently it was just enough. We got to the secret place around 3:45 pm. The tide was still coming in slightly, and fishing was slow. We picked up a number of small rock, some skates and rays, some new species of ray that we are just starting to see this year (yay !-not). And then, the tide turned early and quickly picked up steam. Funny how this little funnel area often doesn't match the main tide cycle in the water 100 yards away.
