Sure, anyone with a pole can fish. But can you do it while floating in a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard?
That’s the “challenge” in the Maryland Seafood Festival’s Paddle Fishing Challenge, taking place on the last day of the festival, Sunday September 10, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.
The paddle fishing competition is new this year, in honor of the Seafood Festival’s 50th anniversary.
All entrants must fish on some type of paddle craft in order to be judged.
The fishing starts on Sunday morning at 6 a.m. Boats must launch from Sandy Point and fishermen have to check in prior to going out. The fishing challenge ends at 1 p.m., at which time all eligible catches will be weighed. The heaviest fish wins.
The cost to enter is $40 per angler, which includes parking at Sandy Point, general admission to the festival, a Maryland Seafood Festival T-shirt and a drink ticket.
All fish must be caught using a rod and reel. Anglers can use artificial or natural bait. They must have a valid Maryland fishing license, and comply with Maryland Department of Natural resources fishing regulations.
Paddlers will have to follow all Maryland DNR and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations, including wearing a personal flotation device and carrying a whistle or noise maker.
Chesapeake Bay Magazine is proud to be a principal media sponsor of the 2017 Maryland Seafood Festival. Join us for the weekend-long celebration. For a 25 percent discount on online ticket purchases before September 1, use code: CBM2017.
To sign up for the Paddle Fishing Challenge, or to buy general admission tickets, click here.
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