December 26, 2025 — On the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, fifth-generation charter boat captain Troy Wilkens is fishing for striped sea bass. Lately, Captain Troy says business has been slow, largely, he believes, due to overbearing state and federal regulations.
One recent rule reduced the number of striped bass his boat can carry at a time, from two fish per person down to one.
And Captain Troy says similar regulations have piled up, choking both his business and his passion.
“This was supposed to be my retirement. I come out here and do this, and it just doesn’t work out,” he said with a shake of his head. “It’s like every year they ask for something else. You need to sacrifice a fish. You need to use circle hooks