Rockfish Fishing Tour 2023
Apr 26, 2023 at 9:00 AM in Things to Do by
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023 - Saturday, May 6, 2023
Chesapeake anglers excited about the start of the rockfish season can enjoy their favorite sport and support three great causes by entering the Annual Boatyard Bar & Grill Opening Day “Catch & Release” Rockfish Tournament.
Participating fisherman not only compete for great prizes, they also give back to the Bay and their community since proceeds from the tournament benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation®, the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland and the Annapolis Police Foundation's Youth Fishing Camp. By enjoying a day on the water with friends and a fun party, they assist CBF with their “Save the Bay” efforts, help the CCA-MD protect the fishery, and introduce local kids-at-risk to Chesapeake fishing through The Annapolis Police Foundation’s Youth Fishing Camp – these kids establish long-lasting bonds with Annapolis police officers at the camp, a two-week program created by the late Lt. Brian Della.
Opening Day is the first “real” day of Spring for anglers, and the event’s “catch and release” philosophy helps sustain the rockfish population in the Chesapeake Bay. No fish are brought in to be measured - the winners are determined from the digital photos of the fish taken next to the Boatyard Measuring Device, better known as the “yardstick” (even though it is 48"" long to accommodate the best fish!) or as the ""fish-sticks"".
It all begins the evening before the tournament, when the captains gather at the Boatyard to pick up their skippers bags, slurp oysters and “trash talk” to the other captains. On the day of, awards and prizes are handed out and the after-party celebration with live music and great food happens in the Boatyard Bar & Grill’s parking lot - incredibly fun! As the Official Media Sponsors, PropTalk, FishTalk and What's Up Magazine catch up with the anglers from the 100 or so registered boats and their “fishing stories”. Our last tournament party was about 1000 strong of captains, anglers, family. friends and locals!