They say that March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. So far this month March has been all “winter,” with below average temperatures and howling winds. But despite less than favorable conditions, there has been a slow but steady migration of one of the tastiest fish that swims in our Chesapeake Bay tributaries…that being the ever-popular crappie. Yes, Maryland has been blessed with tidal river systems on both the Western and[...]

Black Crappie Distinguished by their broad, compressed body mottled with dark spots, black crappie also have large eyes, rounded back (dorsal) and belly (anal) fins. Many of Maryland’s tidal systems such as the Upper Choptank, Nanticoke, Marsheyhope Creek, Wicomico, Blackwater, and the Pocomoke have historically yielded both healthy size and numbers of black crappies on the Eastern Shore. White Crappie White crappies are marked by vertical bars, rather than the irregular spots of black crappie[...]

Alright, let’s set the stage…its cold, and you haven’t fished for several weeks because of the chill. However, the meteorologist is calling for a warm spell that just might be your best excuse this winter to get out on the water. If the recent chill hasn’t put an ice covering on Maryland waters, then you have a pretty good shot at catching some wintertime crappies throughout the state. Here’s a game plan for success and[...]

Gear Although ultra-light rods from five to six feet have been the panfishing standard for many years, an increasing number of panfishers are opting for the longer rods that tape seven to ten feet for longer casts and better leverage when hoisting slabs out of brush or away from man-made wooden structures. Crappies can hunker down tight to them during the cold. We use B&M crappie poles from eight to ten feet and Wally Marshall[...]

Long before the water temperatures start to warm up, various panfish species are feeding and starting to actually move into shallow, sun-warmed coves, offering angler’s a long-awaited reboot from the previous fishing season. Hungry from the winter’s lack of aquatic abundance and lower water temperatures, bluegills, crappies, and yellow perch will be making movements to the shallows and are vulnerable to sensitive, light-tackle presentations. Though many of our regional parks and lakes are not yet[...]

Even though the groundhog said we have six week of winter left, here in Maryland you don’t have to wait for the spring to make your catch. Maryland’s lakes and ponds throughout the state are full of winter panfish opportunities if you know where to look and the proper gear to use. Not only is it a great way to spend a weekend with the family, but panfishing is also a great way to keep[...]

Some of the mill ponds date back as far as the 18th century. Dams were built to capture water from creeks and small rivers. The water was then used to power gristmills, saw mills, and textile mills. All but one of the mills are now gone, but their retention ponds are still here for our recreational use; and they are loaded with fish. The ponds hold a variety of species, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie[...]

Fish like to hang out near physical structures, whether it is underwater grasses, undercut streambanks, rocks or dock pilings. So now think about a tidal embayment once filled with many, many huge wooden ships, long abandoned mostly only visible above the tidal waters during low tides. You have just described Mallows Bay. Once you launch your kayak, canoe, jon boat, or bass boat from the boat ramp at Mallows Bay Park in Charles County, you[...]

Imagine a fish which is sleek, silver and strong that strikes lures with sledgehammer force and then gyrates in spectacular leaps propelling itself well above the surface. The runs and mad dashes are long and powerful, testing light tackle to the max. Now, envision that this fish has just traveled hundreds of miles and still has incredible strength for a fish that averages 16 inches long and weighs in at a two-pound average. Yes, we[...]