Bridges Under Troubled Waters: Upper Chesapeake and Tidal Potomac Fishing Reefs - Paperback

by Lenny Rudow (Preface by), Wayne Young (Author)

Reef structure where striped bass forage in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay waters and tidal Potomac River are explored. An engaging narrative by a hands-on artificial reef builder tells how, where and what to look for at State-sponsored fish havens (artificial reefs) as well as a selection of natural reefs, wrecks, and obstructions. Details include reef construction lore, geologic changes affecting fishing conditions, rebuilding submerged islands, a dash of fishing fun, and expanding use of Reef Balls in oyster restoration. Reef descriptions supported by a selection of before and after pictures, sonar imaging, and computer-generated graphics aid in visualizing specific reef structures and layouts. Internet websites and printed materials sport fishermen can use to find additional details and side-imaging sonar images of wrecks, ruins, obstructions, and natural underwater features such as fallen timber and remnant oyster bars are presented. A selection of color graphics used to produce the greyscale images in the book are found on the Facebook page for this series, "Chesapeake Bay Fishing Reefs", and featured in excerpts by the author found on the FishTalk Magazine Where to Fish webpage.

Author Biography

Wayne Young began service with the Coast Guard in 1968. He performed search and rescue, aids to navigation, waterways management, and port security activities. After this, he joined the Marine Board staff at the National Research Council and served as study director for reports about fishing vessel safety, marine navigation and piloting, beach nourishment and protection, marine simulation for channel design and mariner training, and marine habitat restoration. Later, with the Maryland Environmental Service, his work included dredged material management support for the Port of Baltimore; management of environmental, engineering, and site operations services for island restoration projects; building oyster reefs including the introduction of Reef Balls for oyster restoration; and, management of the Maryland artificial reef program for the Chesapeake Bay. Returning to the Coast Guard after the 911 attack, he assisted in updating national port security policy and then led team development and nationwide application of marine transportation system recovery policies during river flooding and hurricane disaster recovery and the Deepwater Horizon response. Now a recreational boater and fisherman, he investigates reef structures and participates in Reef Ball pours to aid in Bay oyster restoration.