Karen Talbot (1972- ) Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), 2007. charcoal, colored pencil and ink; 9 x 6 in. (22.9 x 15.2 cm). Originally published in Fur-Fish-Game, January 2008. Unframed. Collection of Karen Talbot, Unsold.

Artist's Notes. May 2009. Laguna Beach, California - I completed this illustration over a year ago for an article my husband, Ret Talbot, was publishing on fishing for striped bass on the Susquehanna Flats on the Upper Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. I grew up in Maryland and love the Chesapeake. While Ret and I have spent many an early morning or late night with fly rod in hand chasing stripers (or rockfish, as they are frequently called in Maryland), we have also closely followed the conservation status of this magnificent fish. Ret has written many articles on the subject, and I have enjoyed illustrating the striped bass with an eye toward educating the public about the species and the plight of the Bay in general.

When we moved to California, no one was more surprised than Ret when he landed his first striper on the fly while fishing Huntington Beach. As it turns out, the striped bass was introduced to the West Coast in 1879, and while it may have been good for recreational fishing, it has created some real problems for the ecosystem.

I continue to feel a strong connection to this fish and all it represents. From my own childhood memories growing up near the Bay to my passion for the Chesapeake Bay itself and the fond recollections of many a fly fishing excursion with Ret, the striped bass is a touchstone species for me. I am pleased to be giving a portion of the proceeds from my work this year to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, which has been a stalwart ally of this fish.

Karen is working currently on a series of California fishes, including the striped bass. Some of these original pieces will be for sale in Karen's booth at the Sawdust Art Festival during the summer of 2009. If you want more information, please contact karen at karen@karentalbotart.com.