DNR limit on number of rods

[DanMarino]

I haven't been fishing the Upper Potomac very long. This will be the 8th year. But in all that time, I've only seen 2 DNR officers. Only 1 time did the officer check my license. I've experienced at least a dozen trips where I have witnessed what appears to be illegal fishing done by groups/families on the river. Hand lines with multiple hooks. English appeared to be a second language for the groups of people. I've never observed any DNR officers or Park Police dealing with them.

I image there's even more abuse of the regulations on the Chesapeake Bay. As heavily taxed as Maryland citizens are, the money must not be making it into the DNR's budget.

[bignose]

The DNR, especially concerning Freshwater enforcement, is severely impacted by recent budget cutbacks, as is their over all ability to provide adequate coverage statewide.
So don't be blaming them.
In Howard County, I have been told that there is only one officer for the entire County.
And a lot of the enforcement is limited, for example, the DNR won't come into the Columbia Ponds unless requested by the Columbia Association because they are considered private property.
The only time I have been stopped locally by the DNR is when they are checking for illegal trout poaching around opening day, along the Patapsco River.
I've been stopped twice on the Upper Potomac, both times on holiday weekends, and a couple of times in saltwater.
Our Charter Boat got boarded and checked last year.
They are spread pretty thin.

[HJS]

Guys will start bringing inflatable dolls on their boats to pretend they have more bodies on board... like in HOV lanes.

These inflatable dolls you speak of... are they the ones called HOs that guys frequent take out on their boat???

[Mark]

Most of us carry cell phones. Given the scarcity of enforcement officers would it be improper if we called the DNR with flagrant violations at the moment we witness them? Would the DNR respond to a citizen's complaint?

I've only been checked three times in approximately 40 years of fishing in MD and one of those times was last summer at the mouth of Weems Creek. I was actually glad the DNR officer took the time to check me.

[bignose]

DNR Catch a Poacher 24 hour hotline

1-800-635-6124

and most newer cell phones have cameras built in, but you would probably have to be willing to testify.

[Mark]

Thank you.

We should program that number into our cells.

[sparky1423]

Just received an email from the DNR that an emergency regulation will be held in February to remove the 3 rod limit provision. The DNR is taking into consideration the negative impact on local tackle shops and sport fisherman.

[bignose]

Much ado about nothing

You can tell that it is a cold winter and people are getting cabin fever.

[whenican]

DNR gets around....I was checked 3 times in 1 day by 4 different officers in HoCo. Last yr I was checked maybe 20 times....yea, I couldn't believe that either. I don't mind I'm not breaking any regs....it must be the kayak?

[Slobber Bob]

Just received an email from the DNR that an emergency regulation will be held in February to remove the 3 rod limit provision. The DNR is taking into consideration the negative impact on local tackle shops and sport fisherman.

Good, I hope they remove it. I don't fish with more than 2 rods on my kayak ever but fish with 3-5 rods when surf fishing. Most others I know that are serious about surf fish usually have 3+ rods a person too.

[bignose]

I have tried trolling with 4 rods solo from my small boat. There were a few times when things got wild and wooly (school of small bluefish) so that I felt like a one armed paper hanger.
So I cut back to three rods and was O.K. with that.

It's pretty hard to paddle with that many rods trailing behind you.

3 rods per person is more than enough, under most circumstances. I don't want to carry that much stuff with me, I'm at the point where I am trying to simplify my fishing…….

Even that has some leeway for abuse.

I'm wondering if 3 rods per licensed fisherman is better.
If you have ever been to Conowingo Dam on a Spring weekend, you know what I mean.
Families, each kid with 3 rods (even 4-5 year olds) can take over the beach area below the dam, and create "combat" fishing situations. I avoid this area for that reason. I see the same happening on some of the piers.

And I am not wild about planer boards. Too many guys running 100 foot lines on either side, all thinking that they have the right of way………
Just me being a curmudgeon.

[buzz]

I have tried trolling with 4 rods solo from my small boat. There were a few times when things got wild and wooly (school of small bluefish) so that I felt like a one armed paper hanger.
So I cut back to three rods and was O.K. with that.

It's pretty hard to paddle with that many rods trailing behind you.

3 rods per person is more than enough, under most circumstances. I don't want to carry that much stuff with me, I'm at the point where I am trying to simplify my fishing…….

Even that has some leeway for abuse.

I'm wondering if 3 rods per licensed fisherman is better.
If you have ever been to Conowingo Dam on a Spring weekend, you know what I mean.
Families, each kid with 3 rods (even 4-5 year olds) can take over the beach area below the dam, and create "combat" fishing situations. I avoid this area for that reason. I see the same happening on some of the piers.

And I am not wild about planer boards. Too many guys running 100 foot lines on either side, all thinking that they have the right of way………
Just me being a curmudgeon.

+1 bignose

Right there with ya. You only got 2 hands... 3 Rods is enough for anyone.

[J.A. Veil]

You only got 2 hands... 3 Rods is enough for anyone.

Sorry, but I don't agree. I routinely troll with 4 spinning rods from my Manta Ray. I rarely hook two fish at once -- if I do, I wind them in one at a time. On most trips I catch at least one fish on every one of the four rods. That makes me want to keep 4 lure options (style, depth, location) in the water as often as possible.

I think if you prefer to troll hard plastic plugs that move around a lot, four rods would be too much. But I troll almost exclusively with jigheads and soft plastics.

[sparky1423]

Sorry, but I don't agree. I routinely troll with 4 spinning rods from my Manta Ray. I rarely hook two fish at once -- if I do, I wind them in one at a time. On most trips I catch at least one fish on every one of the four rods. That makes me want to keep 4 lure options (style, depth, location) in the water as often as possible.

I think if you prefer to troll hard plastic plugs that move around a lot, four rods would be too much. But I troll almost exclusively with jigheads and soft plastics.

John, since you are pedal powered now, I expect at least six lines in the water!

[bignose]

It seems to be a moot point since the DNR is planning on getting emergency legislation passed to rescind this.

The most rods we run on the Charter Boat is 6, with tandem bucktails during the Spring season, plus a dummy line.
I don't want to tell the Boss or the clients, but trolling for rock is quite often a colossal bore, 8 hours of burning gas, dodging the knuckleheads, with 15 minutes of chaos. Better still in 15 knot winds and 2-3 footers.
Not what I would do for fun, but it finances my "bad" fishing habits. lol

I honestly don't care how many rods somebody runs, we've all seen those aquatic porcupines on the bay with 30+ rods.
If that's the way you want to, or feel that you need to fish, O.K.

I have a much bigger issue with planer boards (they ought to be illegal on weekends at the very least), but that's just me. I've had my fill of dodging them.