Message from the Cap’n — Fall Brings Changes
Message from the Cap’n is a compilation of fishing advice, waterman and weather insights, Chesapeake lore, and ordinary malarkey from the folks who keep their feet wet in the Potomac and St. Mary’s rivers.
The Cap’n
Martins leave Island Creek in late August. They join other Martin groups and journey to South America and overwinter there. Next spring they repeat the cycle once again. This year we were lucky enough to have about 20 nesting pairs that produced almost 100 young birds.
Osprey season was a bust this year. Of 20 nests visible from SeaFruit Oyster House, only 10 produced eggs, only five of those nests hatched chicks, and none of the chicks survived beyond the first week of July. Rainy weather and predators might be contributing causes of mortality. There is a large coalition trying to put limits on the catching of menhaden in and around the Chesapeake, since this is an important fish for migrating osprey and all season long.
By October 1, the last of the adult osprey of the 20 nests had split. One lone male on the farthest south nest of Island Creek overlooked the vicinity for the last time this year, Sept. 29, 2024. They travel to South America to winter there. Next March they will repeat the cycle. We all wish them better luck next year.
Doddard (Angel Hair or Witches Maze) has sucked the life out of many High Tide Bushes and has itself withered and dropped spores to renew itself next year. It is amazing how fast it drains the life out of them.
Crab prices steadily dropping after the holidays. Off the boat crabs now are $80 for Number 1 Mates (6 inches and up) and $20 for Females (Sooks).
Check salinity and temperature here: Potomac – PL | Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (noaa.gov)
Sea Nettles will soon be gone. Cooler weather and water temperatures dictate a die-off of mature nettles.
Till next time, remember “It’s Our Bay, Let’s Pass It On.”
To learn about tours and trips into the Chesapeake, keep in touch with Fins + Claws on Facebook. Catch up on Messages from the Cap’n Member Page. Please visit Cap’n Jack’s lore and share with your social media sites. Or reach him here: [email protected] or 240-434-1385.
