Chris Dollar
CapitalGazette.com
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Past articles by Chris:
Chris Dollar: Mass extractions from haul seines could lower boom on white, yellow perch
Chris Dollar writes: If you haven’t heard about a bill winding its way through Maryland’s House of Delegates that would allow commercial netting in three local waterways, join the club. → Read More
Chris Dollar: Amid conflict, pain and suffering, nature can be a balm
Chris Dollar says nature can be a balm for almost everything that ails us. Respectful immersion in its glories is a salve for a battered soul. But like democracy, it takes perseverance and commitment to keep it from suffocating. → Read More
Reviewing rules for spring striper season
On February 4, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved Maryland Department of Natural’s proposal, although not without controversy. → Read More
Chris Dollar: In favor of easing restrictions on Sunday waterfowl hunting
Chris Dollar: Here’s my very brief history on why hunting on Sundays, among scores of things prohibited, has been banned until recent years: Lame puritanical blue laws. → Read More
Maryland unveils plan to cut Chesapeake rockfish catch and delay start of spring trophy season to May 1
Scores of anglers and charter boat captains turned out in Annapolis Thursday to hear the Maryland Department of Natural Resources plan to cut striped bass catch by at least 18 percent in the 2020 season. → Read More
Attention anglers: short- and long-term rockfish conservation hangs in the balance
By the time the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) released its 2018 stock assessment stating rockfish are overfished and overfishing is occurring, much of the damage had already been done. We’re now forced to again begin the arduous task of rebuilding rockfish stocks. Managers have set a minimum reduction target of at least 18 percent along the coast and in Chesapeake Bay. → Read More
Outdoor columnist lists fishing pet peeves
Poorly tied knots and anglers that fool with the drag too much are among the fishing pet peeves of outdoors columnist Chris Dollar. → Read More
Chris Dollar: Conditions not right for yellow perch spawning run
With even colder weather forecast for the next few days, any full-blown yellow perch spawning run will likely be delayed a spell. → Read More
Volunteers lend hand to 'Rock on Warriors'
Then, just when it seemed the bite was about the turn on, the skies opened, rain poured down and wind kicked up something fierce, chasing us into the South River, where we found spot and white perch in more sheltered waters. → Read More
Chris Dollar: Rockfish benefit from live bottom habitat
Man O War Shoals is just east of the Patapsco River, and several miles west of where arguably the summer’s best rockfishing has been going off — Hodges bar to Tolchester. → Read More
Chris Dollar: Fishing requires certain level of optimism
Whether they own it or not, any one who fishes is an optimist. Same goes for crabbers and hunters. No doubt each of us possess varying degrees of this trait, but you must be somewhere on that spectrum that fuses hope with confidence in pursuit of what ultimately is a wild thing. → Read More
What specific lure brings the strikes?
So what specific lure brings the strikes? You can’t go wrong with a parachute or a bucktail; about 2 to 4 ounces seems right. → Read More
DNR reverses course on circle hooks
Whatever the reasons, the upshot is beginning May 16, we’ll again fish on 20-inch rockfish, but won’t be required to use circle hooks when live lining or chumming. → Read More
Outdoors: Some handle cold better than others
I find some recompense in the fact that the late winter storm took it easy on us compared to New England folks, but the blast of cold wind and ice/snow nonetheless jammed up fishing plans and boat prep for many of us. → Read More
Outdoors: Local pickerel fishing is exceptional
Given the chance, what well-rounded angler doesn't enjoy a pickerel fishing sojourn whenever we get the chance? For all of its supposed menacing features — a snakish body all tatted up with green-and-bronze chainmail from gills to tail with a smile of a seasick crocodile — pike are not only top-notch gamesters, but also beautiful. → Read More
Fishing Forecast: Check with DNR for maps, regulations
It's been a week of "more" hereabouts Chesapeake Country — more wind than necessary; more weirdness on the presidential candidates stump, and, perhaps more importantly for readers of this column, more fish are being caught. → Read More
Outdoors: Expect the white perch to be running this week
It was a slow start for the Old Timer perched on the bank, a small spinning outfit in his left hand; to his right, another rod poking out of the PVC tube he'd stuck into the soft ground. Lest you think I'm being flippant with that term, know it was he who described himself as such, albeit offhandedly. Either way, I don't have a moment's unease using it because he was indeed the quintessential… → Read More
Outdoors: Toxic situation brewing for Potomac neighbors
It's rarely good to quarrel with your neighbor, but right is right. What level-headed person thinks dumping polluted water into your backyard is OK? Dominion Virginia Power, and Virginia's water quality agency, apparently. In January, the state granted the energy company a permit to release 215 million gallons of potentially toxic water into Quantico Creek, which feeds the Potomac River. → Read More
Outdoors: A few reflections, observations to ring in New Year
As we wind down 2015, here are some reflections, observations, facts and opinions. Wishing everyone a peaceful and prosperous New Year. → Read More
Fishing Forecast: Head south to catch 'monster' rockfish
It's no big secret that if it's big rockfish you seek, head south, as far as Buoy 72, around Point Lookout and south to the Virginia line. Reports of migrant rockfish running south along the coast from New Jersey have increased in the last few days. In Virginia, monster rock have been taken off Cape Charles around Old Plantation Light, many on eels. On Wednesday, the Virginia Salt Water Fishing… → Read More