Gigi Barnett
Reporting

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(WJZ) ANNAPOLIS The first day of this year's rockfish season opened up with new restrictions for fishermen. But despite the new rules, many took to the waters bright and early to welcome in the new season.

Dick Franyo's Boatyard Bar and Grill is the only one on Eastport that hosts a catch and release fishing tournament on opening day. But thanks to the new set of restrictions, fishermen in his tournament can't keep their catch.

"We're breaking new ground. Because there were so many large fish caught during spawning season last year, early, they would not allow any fishing tournaments until May 1, but we want to do one on opening day," Franyo tells WJZ's Gigi Barnett.

Barnett says that even though it's the start of the season, there are still many restrictions for fishermen. For example, they can only catch one fish per day and it can't be smaller than 33-inches. Even the bait is scrutinized.

But despite those restrictions along with a new report by MaryPIRG which found high levels of mercury in Maryland fish, fishermen are still eager to make a catch.

"The anglers and the outside people have been aware of these issues for 10 years, so it's nothing new," says Joe Evans, Prop Talk Magazine Editor. "Really what it's about is getting out on the water and enjoying it with your family and friends."