we're definitel paying for it when groups of state employees go out to tag, pay for their charters etc when it would otherwise be a working day. i'm not faulting it on this point, just saying.

now,as far as opinion goes; if they're considering 40% reduction in catch, why pay to promote catching them at the same time? and this next part is my greedy opinion but it sometimes feels like too many boats out there already. i'd like to see them spend our money promoting the many golf, baseballl, and football-watching opportunities this great state offers.

but if they're determined to spend money on promoting catching fish - i say it should be the dam snakeheads. not sure if they're stoppable but if we're going to put a bounty on someone's head,...

lastly re diamong jim - no one got diamond jim, so each of the 11? imposter-catchers split $25K and won a topaz gemstone from local jeweler.

The Diamond Jim fishing challenge is a fun event. I have gone for the past 5 years and always have a good time talking with friends and other folks there. Like Skip said, the parking and entrance fee for all in your vehicle is free for the MD seafood festival. Charter boats should advertise more because 2 out of the 11 were caught on charter boats. Got to meet Lefty Kreh this year too.....Gary


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was it 2/11? i thought he said 7/11 were caught on charters, but i'm really not sure. i remember him going on some bit about it being unprecedented before announcing that number.

i agree that charters should be advertising the potential for big $$$ fish. do you think otherwise non-fishermen somehow hear about the contest, buy a license, etc to fish on their own rec'ly, motivated by the diamond jom contest?

ps - imagine how much more tackle would be sold if there was an entirely different species featured as diamond jim, more opp's for charters etc,..