Many of us scroll endlessly on social media as a means to discover when and where the bite is happening…or happened, as it were. We also enjoy posts that pertain to the culture of the Chesapeake Bay, upcoming events, and, especially, local conservation efforts. This potpourri of information is ever-present. This week, we saw a few posts on Instagram, X, TikTok, etc. that made us do a double take. We’re calling it “Social Wows of the Week.” Here’s what caught our eyes…
For starters—and this is a heck of a “wow!”—Captain/guide Tom Weaver, out of Annapolis, actually spotted and casted to tarpon—you read that right, tarpon!—in middle Chesapeake Bay waters on Thursday. Each year, we hear of more and slightly more reports of migratory species from southern waters entering the Bay. What will we see next?
Which leads us to…Dr. Bailey’s Chesapeake Dolphin Watch lab (Univ. of Maryland affiliate) has been pinging with reports of bottlenose dolphin sightings throughout the bay. Check out the latest mapping and download their app for all data.
Meanwhile, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation announced that registration is now open for the 2024 Maryland Rod & Reef Slam fishing tournament. A good reminder to check our latest event additions to the ReelChesapeake.com Events calendar!
Accomplished angler Scott Kemm has been crushing gator-size specks in southern Maryland waters. He’s been on them for a week and change, targeting the toothy species during the striper shutdown (which has since been lifted, as of 8/1). Nice work Scott!
Western shore angler Galen Frazer caught his PB smallie this week out of the Patapsco River. WTG Galen!
The guys and gals of FishTalk magazine—based in Annapolis—headed to the lower Patuxent River to fish for blue catfish with CCA Maryland’s Southern Maryland-chapter leadership. They removed dozens of the fish (an invasive species) and donated them to a local food pantry. That’s good angling and a dose of philanthropy.
On Tuesday—the anniverary of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge’s 1952 eastbound span (original) opening to traffic—the Maryland Transportation Authority shared a few iconic photographs of the bridge being built . Pretty cool photographs!
On this date in 1952, the original (eastbound) span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge opened to traffic. #BayBridge pic.twitter.com/Xj37SobGY3
— MDTA (@TheMDTA) July 30, 2024
On Monday, TikTok/Instagram’s best known Maryland waterman, Luke McFadden, offered an update video on the vandalism, burglary, and subsequent police investigation regarding his dream crabbing boat, which was hit by criminals during the early morning hours of July 25th. Additional updates by McFadden have been made daily in the time since. We’re sincerely hoping for a swift conclusion to the investigation and that the criminals are brought to justice.
@fvsoutherngirl UPDATE on my vandalized boat. We are starting to get the puzzle pieces together. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Call Maryland DNR 410-260-8888 email inquiry can be found in my Linktree. #bodkinpointseafood #fvsoutherngirl #youaintnocrabber #Maryland #crabbing #chesapeakebay #seafood #smallbusiness #commercialfishing #crabber #DIY #crab #crabfishing #buylocal #maintenance #canitcatch #boat #vandalism ♬ original sound – Luke McFadden
