The 21st annual Chesapeake Bay Fall Classic Striped Bass Tournament concluded this past weekend with 160 boats and an estimated 600 anglers competing for their share of $60,000.
Historically, The Fall Classic has awarded over $80,000 in cash and prizes. However this year’s cold front kept some of our “regulars” on land. Captains and anglers saw winds range from 15 knots to gusts up to 50 knots. Temperatures barley reached 40 degrees on Saturday and were in the mid twenties on Sunday.
“I am truly amazed at the determination and skill level we saw from our Captains and anglers this year. There is no doubt in my mind that Maryland has some of the best anglers in the country after what we saw this weekend,” said Dave Smith Executive Director of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association (MSSA).
MSSA hosts this this tournament and others throughout the year, both on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. MSSA is the largest Sportfishing organization in the region with 14 chapters and nearly 7,000 members, focusing on youth involvement and protecting the rights of recreational anglers.
Tournament Results
1 st Place: Robert Harris from Prince Frederick
Weight: 47.15 pound striped bass
Weigh Station: Calvert Marina
Payout: $29,275
2nd Place: Phil King from North Beach, MD
Weight: 39-pound striped bass
Weigh Station: Chesapeake Beach
Payout: $14,245
3rd Place: Jason Rizzo from Queen Anne
Weight: 37.45-pound striped bass
Weigh Station: Sandy Point State Park
Payout: $9,330