My rod hadn’t been in the water for five minutes when the tip bounced a few times then pegged over in a heavy arc as a bulky blue catfish tried to rip it from the rod-holder. As I wrestled the outfit from the holder, line was peeling out at a steady pace. Steady give-and-take pressure ensued and eventually my friend Alvie scooped up the big whisker-fish with his oversized net. As the yard-long beast gyrated[...]

As we all try to practice social distance to stay healthy, it’s a great time to get outside and spend a day fishing. Surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and filled with rivers, ponds and reservoirs, Maryland is full of opportunities to make a catch, including the invasive and tasty blue catfish. Ten to 12 years ago Maryland anglers were just getting on a roll with big, barrel-chested blue catfish that were[...]

However, he still has at least one picture from that day. It’s a picture of him, his son, and others holding up the giant blue catfish he caught. That fish, at 84.0 pounds, still holds the Maryland blue catfish state record to this day. “I’ve had the picture posted on the wall in my garage forever,” said Jones. He added that the plaque given to him by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for breaking[...]

Striped bass, locally known as rockfish, are a prized catch in Kent County. These iconic fish migrate along the Atlantic coast, entering the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to spawn. The spring and fall seasons are particularly popular for targeting striped bass in Kent County waters. The 2024 spring season begins on June 1. Anglers often find success fishing for striped bass in the early morning or late evening, when the fish are most active[...]

Captain Mike Starrett has been guiding anglers on the tidal Potomac River for almost 30 years. He specializes in largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, the invasive Northern snakehead, and blue catfish, also an invasive species. He and his partner, Captain Dave Snellings, work together, each in their own boat, keeping in touch by VHF marine radio to find fish for their clients. It has been my pleasure to fish with both gents. Saturday, November 16[...]

Why A Maryland Catfish Trail? In our waters, the Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, as well as the Northern Snakehead, pose a significant threat particularly in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Of specific concern, these fish play a role in disrupting the ecological balance by consuming copious amounts for Maryland crabs, white perch and rockfish. Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has highlighted this pressing issue, underscoring the need for collective action. Explore Maryland's Catfish Trail To[...]

White Catfish The white catfish is the only species native to the Chesapeake Bay, and it's the smallest of the large North American catfish species. White catfish lack scales and possess an adipose fin, as well as a single, often serrated spine in the dorsal and pectoral fins. They are bluish-gray on their back and sides and white underneath. Their tail is moderately forked and they have a noticeably broadhead, large mouth and stout body[...]