The Maryland $1,000,000 Fishing Challenge Ends with a Bang as Governor Ehrlich and Boog Powell Award Grand Prizes
Four lucky anglers win two boats and two trucks

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., Baltimore Orioles legend John Wesley “Boog” Powell and tournament sponsors today closed out the 2nd Annual Maryland $1,000,000 Fishing Challenge: The Return of Diamond Jim by awarding nearly $150,000 in prizes.

	Roy Haller from Lavale, Maryland won a grand prize, 20-foot center console Sailfish 206CC motorboat and trailer from Boater’s World.
	John Hutchins from Broad Run, Virginia won a grand prize, 18-foot 7-inch Tracker Nitro 591 motorboat and trailer from Bass Pro Shops.
	Quinton Mitchell from Baltimore, Maryland won a grand prize, 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 pick-up truck from Toyota Maryland
	Frank Hendricks from Monkton, Maryland won a grand prize, 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 pick-up truck from Toyota Maryland
	Jim Andersen from Elkton, Maryland won the chance to win $1,000,000 but walked away with the consolation prize, 162 quart ice cooler, full of fantastic gifts including a $2,500 shopping spree at Boater’s World, $100.00 Gift Certificate to Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis, four Baltimore Orioles tickets compliments of Clear Channel Radio, and a gift basket from the Maryland State Lottery Agency.

Governor Ehrlich, Boog Powell and sponsors randomly selected the five prizewinners by spinning an 8x5 foot wheel.

“I am grateful and I really needed a new car too,” said Quinton Mitchell who beamed with excitement during the ceremony.

“I appreciate everyone putting this on,” said Roy Haller. “This contest will bring more attention to the bay and fishing in general.”

Due to the success of last year’s inaugural tournament, this year’s contest was extended to 13-weeks, ending on Labor Day, September 4 and expanded to include the Chesapeake Bay and it tributaries throughout the State. The principle objective of the contest was to generate enthusiasm and increase participation in recreational fishing in Maryland. More than 1,500 hundred tagged fish of multiple species were released throughout Maryland yielding great results. One hundred and thirty-nine anglers from seven different states caught 146 of those certified tagged fish, which qualified them for the grand prize drawing. For more information about the 2nd Annual Maryland $1,000,000 Fishing Challenge log onto www.dnr.state.md.us/fish4cash.