Maryland Doubles the Bet that You Can't Catch a Fish

Diamond Jim is Now Worth $20,000

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) joined junior anglers today to catch, tag and release a second round of up to 200 specially tagged striped bass, including one genuine Diamond Jim, currently worth $20,000, into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as part of the 2011 Maryland Fishing Challenge.

“Now in its seventh year, the Maryland Fishing Challenge showcases Maryland’s excellent fishing, featuring accessible, affordable, diverse and high quality opportunities for anglers of all ages,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We hope to further encourage Marylanders to get outside and enjoy the water.”

The first batch of Diamond Jim fish were released in June. This second round brings the number of imposters, worth $500 each, to about 400. A final group of approximately 200 fish will be released in August. This year, for the first time, DNR is guaranteeing a $25,000 payout. If no one catches an authentic Diamond Jim, the $25,000 will be split among those who caught the $500 imposters.

One would hope, for the sake of the fish alone, that the chances of catching a particular individual fish out of the bay during the summer would be fairly low, so having a guaranteed pay out to the runners up in the event the Diamond Jim fish are not caught is generous.  I don't know of many people who go fishing with the assumption that their trips will be paid for with the proceeds of the reward for Catching Diamond Jim, though.

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