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DORCHESTER FISHING CLUB
Chapter 11 Maryland Saltwater Sportsfishermens' Association MISSION The MSSA works through its regional chapters to provide
a unified voice to preserve and protect the rights, traditions, and the
future of recreational fishing, as well as the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
PURPOSES The Dorchester Chapter, like its parent organization, serves four
primary purposes:
1.) Provide services that cultivate interest in fishing (particularly among
youth who will become the fishermen of the future).
2.) Learn about the various factors that affect the fish populations, and the
health of the Bay.
3.) Support the policies of fisheries and enhance the health of the Bay.
4.) Build relationships and networks among members.
MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to anyone interested in joining the MSSA in
support of its mission. Dues are $20 per year, $25 for a family membership.
The Dorchester Chapter has about 250 members of the roughly 7000 members of MSSA.
MAJOR ACTIVITIES Scholarships The MSSA scholarship Foundation provides grants
to qualified college students interested in careers related to the marine environment.
In 2005 ten students received grants totaling $17,000.
  
  
* Reef Program Chapter 11 builds and places concrete reef balls
in
the Choptank River to promote marine growth and enhanced fishing sites.
* Monthly meetings They are held at the American Legion - Post 91
on
Route 50 in Cambridge on the third Thursday of each month. Guest speakers
include scientists, charter captains, officials of DNR and other regulatory
agencies. Much interchange of hands on knowledge about current conditions
and catches for local waters takes place at these meetings.
* Newsletter and Website (
http://www.mssadorchester.com
) updates members on
chapter business, local fisheries, events, etc.
* Partnerships For members who do not have access to boats for
fishing and
those who want instruction in techniques, bait, lures, locating fish etc.
There are opportunities with other members for assistance for many members have
years of knowledge and professional experience. Check the website
( http://www.mssadorchester.com ) for
participants and attend meetings.
* Fishing Trips Chapter Members participate in organized trips to
various
areas of the Delmarva watershed for various species of fish. Eleven trips were
enjoyed in 2005 and a similar number planned in 2006. These trips are productive
for species not common to our local waters and a very enjoyable experience.
* Tournaments In addition to tournaments sponsored by Chapter
11 for its members
there are MSSA sponsored bay wide spring and fall tournaments plus two bluewater
tournaments. Winners have taken home significant prize money. The 2005 spring
tournament for trophy rockfish resulted in prize money, totaling $150,000.
* Parties The annual Chapter 11 crab feast is held in the fall
generally
in October with a Christmas dinner/party in December.
* Representation MSSA represents members in public hearings and
advisory boards of
the Department of Natural Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service and the
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. MSSA lobbies the Maryland
Legislature
on issues concerning fishing and the Bay.
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