The Lure of Calvert County - Charter Boat Fishing Capital of Maryland

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- April 13, 2005 -- Fishing enthusiasts from all along the eastern seaboard know the bounty the Chesapeake Bay offers. But this year, Bill Schlotterbeck of York, Pa. will get the chance to experience the thrill of catching a big one first hand as the winner of the Calvert County, Md. Department of Economic Development’s (CCDED) drawing for a free charter fishing trip. The drawing, conducted at the 21st Annual Fishing Expo and Boat Show in Timonium, Md., January 13-16, attracted more than 650 entrants. The CCDED sponsored-booth was staffed by 10 of Calvert County’s top charter boat captains to demonstrate the County’s status as Maryland’s Sport Fishing Capital. The grand prize, donated by Captain Bobby Sanders and valued at $500, includes a full day of fishing for up to six people on Sanders’ beautifully equipped 32-foot Carman boat.

Schlotterbeck, 69, is an avid fan of fishing and boating, and is understandably thrilled with the prize. “I can’t believe I actually won,” he said. “I was born in Maryland and grew up around the Chesapeake Bay. It is the greatest asset this country has and I’m looking forward to getting out on the Bay again.” When asked what he hopes to catch on his trip, he answered emphatically, “Stripers – everybody on the Bay wants to catch Stripers.”

Capt. Sanders can’t wait for the start of the spring fishing season on April 16 and looks forward to meeting Schlotterbeck. “I just love fishing,” he said. “That’s how I got started in the charter boat business in the first place; it gives me an opportunity to get out on the water more often and it’s always fun taking people out on the Bay.” Sanders takes his customers where the fish are – from Deale to Solomons and across to the Eastern Shore in the mid-Bay area. “Some people like going out to catch one special trophy fish, others want to catch a lot of fish. Depending upon the season, we can usually accommodate them all,” he said.

CCDED participates in a number of fishing and outdoor shows and conventions throughout the year in order to attract visitors and tourists to the County. Upcoming shows include the 50th Annual Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, February 5-13 in Harrisburg, Pa.; the 17th Annual Solomons Sportfishing Show & Seminar, February 26-27 in Barstow, Md.; and the 32nd Annual Lehigh Valley Outdoor Expo, March 5-6, in Allentown, Pa. Tourism specialist Herman Schieke views the expos and conventions as an excellent opportunity to showcase all that Calvert County and the Chesapeake Bay have to offer. “Being a peninsula, Calvert County is uniquely qualified to be a paradise for fishing and water sports,” he said. “And our charter boat captains are specialists at helping their customers get the most out of their Bay experience.”

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com