Who We Are: (Brochure)

The Southern Maryland Chapter of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) is one of 14 chapters around the state to emphasize saltwater fishing, primarily in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  The MSSA works to provide a unified voice to preserve and protect the rights, traditions, and the future of recreational saltwater fishing, as well as the health of the Chesapeake Bay .

The Southern Maryland Chapter serves four primary purposes:

1.        To  cultivate interest in fishing, particularly among youths who will become the fishermen of the future and future stewards of the Bay

2.        To learn about the health of the Bay, using the best available science to understand how various factors increase and decrease fish populations

3.        To support, together with affiliated organizations, public policies and actions that enhance the health of the Bay and optimize its fisheries

4.        To build community and to develop a network of members for sharing information and excitement about fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and to create opportunities for fishing together and improving members’ success

With 640 members—two thirds of whom reside in Calvert, Charles, or St. Mary’s Counties—the Southern Maryland Chapter is one of the two largest chapters of the MSSA.  Dues are $20 per year for individuals and $25 for families, and members receive a monthly newsletter that includes information about what is biting and where. 

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at Solomons Island Firehouse.  Speakers include charter boat captains discussing fishing techniques, Department of Natural Resources staff describing problems and policies, and Chapter leaders sharing their expertise on fishing.

Members participate in several activities that involve youths, teaching them to fish, appreciate the Bay, and practice safety on the water.  They also participate in a variety of local fishing contests.