If there's one thing everyone knows about Maryland, it's our love affair with crabs. The Maryland Blue Crab is a staple of the Chesapeake Bay's dining heritage, offering visitors and locals alike a classic Maryland food experience. From Crisfield, MD ( known as the Crab Capital of the world) to nearly every restaurant in the state, cracking into a crab is what Maryland is all about. If you're looking to catch some of your own[...]
These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish are known for their distinctive, sharp teeth and vibrant, spotted coloration. Found in the Atlantic Ocean, Spanish mackerel migrate seasonally, providing excellent fishing opportunities along the Maryland coastline, especially in the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waters. Best Time to Fish The prime season for Spanish mackerel in Maryland typically spans from late spring to early fall, with peak activity occurring from July to September. During these months, the water temperatures are[...]
Maryland is celebrated for its access to water. It’s the birthplace, nursery, and playground for many Atlantic fish, teeming with life and migrating animals from all over the world. Because the state’s unique habitats, its marine biodiversity is hard to match. The state’s range of salinity levels makes it easy to see how so many different species of fish thrive here. All these elements and factors have made Maryland a suitable host for just about[...]
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[...]
Blue Catfish Blue catfish are the largest of the North American catfish and can easily exceed 100 pounds. They are generally slate blue on the back to silvery/white on the underside and have a deeply forked tail. The native range of blue catfish extends from Minnesota and Ohio southward into Mexico. They prefer the large river basins of the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri River drainages. However, due to extensive introductions, their current range incorporates several[...]
Flathead catfish, known for their size and fight, have become a prized catch among anglers in Maryland. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a novice looking to hook your first big one, here’s a comprehensive guide to catching flathead catfish in the state. Best Locations in Maryland Flathead catfish are primarily found in large rivers and reservoirs. Some of the top locations in Maryland include the Susquehanna River, which is one of the premier spots[...]
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[...]
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[...]