Wanted: Essex-Middle River Fishing Enthusiasts

People who fish in Maryland waters are in demand.

The Department of Natural Resources is asking local anglers to share what they are seeing while casting their lines.

With data collected through the "Angler Survey," state officials can keep tabs on regional fish populations.

Fish populations that the state is interested in documenting are the northern snakehead, striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pickerel, summer flounder, blue crabs, crappie, bluegill, bluefish, white perch, yellow perch, muskellunge and catfish.

“Over the past 10 years the survey has been in place, volunteer anglers have provided information that is crucial in analyzing fish populations,” said Dr. Linda Barker, recreational fishing data coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources, in a prepared statement.

"For some species, this survey is the only source of information on released and discarded fish, we really can’t gather this information any other way," Barker said.

Fishery managers use information from the surveys to make decisions about things like harvest, stocking and conservation.

Survey participants are eligible for prizes like $100 gift cards to Bass Pro Shops. Winners are drawn at random at the end of the year, according to natural resources officials.

“We are hoping that the prizes will encourage all anglers, including those who get skunked on trips, to participate," Barker said. "Information on trips with no caught fish is just as important as reports from days when the fish are plentiful.”

To participate in the Angler Survey, follow this link.

Have you been fishing in the Essex-Middle River area lately? Tell us in the comments!