Stay at Home Order: Fishing Thoughts...?

[YakMan1731]

Here's the text of a portion of the "exemptions" from the order from Governor Hogan as of the March 30th press conference:

v. Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running,
or biking, but only in compliance with paragraph III below and applicable
social distancing guidance published by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the Maryland Department of Health
(“MDH”);

The "paragraph III below" is the rule about no gatherings of larger than 10 people.

I've been social distancing and only going outside to go for a run, walk the dogs, get food, etc. I'm curious about everyone's take on this as far as fishing is concerned. Here's my take- If it says you can go hiking, you can go fishing, as long as it's not with a group of people. I assume sitting in a kayak fishing in the middle of the bay/river is not going to be breaking these rules, so I plan on fishing as I have been and being safe while getting gas and loading/unloading near the boat launch where people may be.

What do you all think? Is the Plastic Navy part of the exemption? Or am I being an a-hole by heading out fishing?

Thanks guys.

[Slackdaddy]

I live 1/4 mile from a kayak launch on the PAX river,,
No gas station or convenience store stops needed.

My risk of transmitting or receiving is no more than me sitting on my porch.

I do plan to kayak fish

[Slackdaddy]

Here is the text of todays (March 30) order,, I do not see any exemptions??

https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-con...COVID19-07.pdf

[DuffDynasty]

Matt,

I pretty much came to the same conclusion that you did after reading the "exemptions" section of the order - TWICE! "Exercise" is a pretty broad generic term that could apply to numerous activities. I consider paddling my kayak to be exercise in that it works several area muscle groups as well as the cardio. If I'm lucky enough to hook into a large enough fish - say for instance like that striped monster you recently caught, the effort and energy to land a nice fish I would also consider exercise.

My yak only has 1 seat and I typically fish by myself and not in a group. Secondly, the community that I live in has a private ramp for residents only so no need to use any of the closed state park ramps.

In my opinion, for what its worth, as long as one is keeping a safe distance on the water from others and not breaking any of the park/ramp closings, it doesn't appear that any of the governors order is being broken. If heading out for some fishing/exercise on the water is breaking the order, looks like you have a partner in the "a-hole" category, lol.

Hope everyone and their families stays safe while this pandemic runs its course.

Just my two cents worth.

[YakMan1731]

Here is the text of todays (March 30) order,, I do not see any exemptions??

https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-con...COVID19-07.pdf

Here's the full order, which is a continually updated, amended document from the initial order. Basically, it looks like they're adding onto what has already been posted so that it stays in a central location-

https://assets.documentcloud.org/doc...ED-3-30-20.pdf

I am glad my interpretation was similar to what you guys thought, Duff and Slackdaddy. I have gloves I wear when getting gas, but other than that, kayak fishing requires no interaction with others, thus negating the risk of transmitting. I also consider the paddling exercise, especially because in any given day I may cover 4-6 miles of paddling, and even half of that certainly constitutes exercise.

Odd times gentlemen! Thanks for your thoughts!

[Big Mike]

Independent of the COVID issues, St Mary’s State Park is shutting down on April 20 for 6 months for park improvements. There went one of my main alternate fishing spots for the summer, especially during the July/August rockfish closure. It’s odd that they have no signs at the park, only a notice on the DNR website.

[mi327]

Sounds like Kayaking is ok since it is exercise and can be done alone. I am going to launch at a State Park tonight, if I see a DNR officer or park ranger at the lot I will ask them and report back.

I am pretty sure my shopping run yesterday morning had a much higher risk of exposure then fishing ever will.

[Mark]

Independent of the COVID issues, St Mary’s State Park is shutting down on April 20 for 6 months for park improvements. There went one of my main alternate fishing spots for the summer, especially during the July/August rockfish closure. It’s odd that they have no signs at the park, only a notice on the DNR website.

That's really unfortunate Mike. I was hoping to return to hit those shallow coves this spring during bass season.

Let's hope the fish forget about our trickery during the DNR's shutdown and become more gullible for our lures and flies when the park reopens in November.

[Slackdaddy]

From the MD DNR page:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/COVID-19-DNR.aspx

"Most public fishing areas remain open and anglers are encouraged to safely take advantage of incredible fishing opportunities Maryland has to offer."

[ronaultmtd]

Recreational boating is not authorized under Hogan’s order...

[jtoth]

I wonder about the enforcement mechanism. Will law enforcement patrol Chesapeake tributaries, hunting kayakers?

Seriously, I’d love any inside info on enforcement if anybody has it...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rugbyfish]

Recreational boating is not authorized under Hogan’s order...

This is directly from DNR: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/0...at-home-order/

[ronaultmtd]

Yep...clearly making us decide if we are sustenance fishing for food shortage and putting our legal status in question...If the health experts are correct in their estimates-odds are many of us on the forum will contract the virus, hopefully only the mildest form...I want everyone to know how much I value each and everyone one of our Snaggedliners and wish all only the best through our dark days ahead. Nothing is more important than you and your family staying alive.

[Slackdaddy]

From the Governors order:

""Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running,
or biking, but only in compliance with paragraph III below and applicable
social distancing guidance published by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the Maryland Department of Health""

Kayaking fits right in there with the "Such As"

Recreational boating is not authorized under Hogan’s order...

[Fish123]

I’m struggling to decide wether it’s morally wrong or not. It is a secluded activity but you still gotta stop for gas and what not. It would certainly help me keep my sanity. Yesterday I took my first trip to black water and there were a ton of people fishing roadside.