Rockfish catch size reduced in Maryland

Maryland Department of Natural Resources moves forward with emergency regulations to reduce the minimum catch size of striped bass.

Anglers in the Chesapeake and its tributaries will be able keep rockfish 19 inches or larger, down an inch. Secretary Mark Belton says the decision comes after talking with conservationists, anglers, and charter boat captains, and believes the move will reduce mortality rates of Striped Bass in the Bay.

Belton says the changes will benefit both fishermen and the species. The emergency regulations first must be approved by the Maryland General Assembly, which Belton expects to happen before the start of the summer fishing season.