The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources pursuant to Code of Maryland Regulation 08.02.15.12(I) has announced a modification to the fishing hours and check-in time for the December 2005 commercial striped bass drift gill net season. During the month of December, drift gill net fishing is permitted from 3:00 a.m. until midnight. Harvest must be checked-in within three hours of completing a fishing trip or not later than 9:00 a.m. the day following the harvest date.

The Chesapeake Bay striped bass drift gill net season will open on Thursday, December 1, 2005. These changes will be effective Friday December 2, 2005. During the month of December there is a weekly catch limit of 2,500 pounds. Drift gill net fishing is not permitted on Saturday or Sunday in December.

The above changes to the permitted hours for gill netting and check in will not apply to the 2006 season that opens Monday January 2, 2006.

The Secretary may, by public notice, close a season if the quota is projected to be caught by a certain date.