Editors Note: Given the fact that opening day for Rockfish’s trophy season is only two weeks away (season begins on Saturday, April 19), we thought would it be interesting to see what some professional charter boat captains and marinas think about for the season ahead.
Brian Keehn, president of the Maryland Charter Boat Association and captain of the charter boat Canvasback, informed The Bay Net that this year the fishing portends to start very well. “There are plenty of bait and fish out there right now,” he said. “It looks like this year will be another good year for rockfish.”
His neighbor and captain of the charter boat Worm, Drew Payne echoed the point saying, “People are catching fish right now. We know they are out there.”
Both captains, docked for the season at the Rod & Reel Marina, indicated that they were disappointed in this year’s bookings. According to Payne, “Were down 20 to 30 percent [in charter bookings] over this time last year.” Keehn nodded in agreement. Both fishermen agreed that the price of fuel is a major factor in their expectations. Said Payne, “If diesel fuel gets to $5 a gallon, we’re probably out of business.”
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| Donovan |
When talking with Marina manager, Freddie Donovan, The Bay Net learned that one saving grace for charter boats with diesel engines is that the price they pay does not have any road taxes and therefore is cheaper than the diesel fuel required to operate over-the-road trucks. “The [diesel] fuel is treated with a red dye so that DNR [Department of Natural Resources] can check to make sure we’re not selling the fuel to truckers,” said Donovan. Boaters running gasoline engines are not so fortunate. The fuel sold at marinas is the same price, including road taxes, as at the corner gas station.
Donovan indicated that his marina began noticing a downturn in business before the current fuel pricing crunch. “Last year was one of the best fishing years we’ve had in a long time, but the bookings were down for our charters. People have been cutting back for a while.”
Keehn told the Bay Net that the only thing charter captains can do is to continue working with county, state and state officials to make sure the Chesapeake Bay keeps getting better by guarding against pollution and other contaminants. “All charter boats in general, work to maintain the health and welfare of the bay,” he said.
Looking to the sky, Payne excused himself from the interview saying, “I have to sand and paint my boat before it rains.” He and the rest of the Rod & Reel captains, putting the economy aside, are working hard to be ready for opening day.