Coastal Conservation Association Maryland is set to launch the 2022–23 Pickerel Championship tournament on November 1st. Anglers are invited to register for the four month (yes, four month!) long event, which runs through February 28th with prizes and awards given for first, second, and third place finishers in a number of categories and calcuttas. Of course, every participant will be vying for top honors, awarded to the angler with the overall longest three-fish stringer of pickerel. The catch-photo-release tournament is hosted on the iAngler Tournament app, available to download on Apple and Android devices.
The tournament, now several years in the running, has attracted die-hard anglers who enjoy fishing during the coldest months of the year for one of the hardiest species, pickerel. Open to the tidal and nontidal Chesapeake Bay watershed of Maryland, District of Columbia, and Delaware, fishing in the tournament requires a willingness and determination to venture into the creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, and tributaries where pickerel are most active. The fish simply love cold water and will aggressively hit a variety of lures. Shallow water and shoreline cover (tree laydowns, riprap, boulders, docks, grassbeds, etc.) are prime habitat. If you enjoy peace and tranquility outdoors, winter may be your best bet as you’ll often find yourself alone on the water.
Individual registration costs $50 for current CCA Maryland members or $75 for non-members. The good news—your $75 registration includes a 1-year CCA membership! There are also sponsorship opportunities for local businesses. To learn more and to sign up, visit CCA Maryland’s Pickerel Championship website. Happy winter angling!
