Great First Impressions at Matoaka Beach!

[Atoothsatooth42]

After a long hiatus from the Miocene of the Chesapeake bay in MD, I have made my return as I visited Matoaka Beach! I must say, ever since the closing of Bayfront Park (aka Brownies Beach) to non-residents, I nearly abandoned the public sites of the Chesapeake bay. Subconsciously, I suppose I deemed them to be less productive compared to Bayfront Park without so much as a single attempt. Today, I have realized my naivety. 

 

It was a fantastic day for fossil hunting, high 60s, subtle breeze and low tide during the late morning to boot. Upon my arrival to the Cabins, my journey to the beach was short, a simple stroll from the beach parking to the office for a pass, as well as an easy walk down through a bamboo forest had me on the beach almost instantly. This place is incredibly scenic during this time of year! 

 

 

 

It didn’t take long for my eyes to lock in to “fossil hunting mode,” the fossils came steadily, a ray plate here, a crab claw there, until I was only 20 yards from the main entrance when my eyes settled upon this incredible 1.75 inch Hastalis, my largest in my collect to this point: 

 

 

 

The bar is now set high, as I continued on down the beach. There were surprisingly more people than I expected on a November morning, but as I made way down the shoreline, I found myself suddenly alone. Every 10 feet at times it felt like I was picking something up. I must have went a decent 2.5 miles down the beach before turning back, it seems to go on endlessly! One day I will try to make the journey up to the mythical Scientists Cliffs. 

Very happy with my haul after today. Please enjoy the other in-situ pictures I was able to grab!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is safe to say that my expectations were absolutely SHATTERED after my first trip to Matoaka. I had always seen the trip reports of public locations in Calvert County, many being satisfyingly productive, but perhaps my expectations were set unfairly low, and I’m happy that I’ve had the chance to reevaluate. Looking forward to giving Flags Pond a try next!

Edited November 1 by Atoothsatooth42

[automech]

Great job!! It's been too long since I've been there. A  late fall/winter hunt might be in order with my chest waders.