Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) is the first fish that comes to mind when most people think of the Chesapeake Bay. “Rockfish” as we call them, is the State Fish of Maryland and the most sought-after species in the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to my most recent panfish book, I’ve written two books about catching rockfish on artificial lures. I love targeting stripers, but I could never have learned to catch them were it not for[...]
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[...]
Maryland has always been known for its world-class deep sea fishing, along with trophy rockfish opportunities. However, a fairly recent species has set claim to Maryland's tidal streams, creeks, rivers, and even some parts of the bay. Northern snakeheads are freshwater fish that resemble native bowfin. Tolerant to low salinity waters, snakeheads have well toothed jaws and palates, and can breathe atmospheric air through the use of a simple labyrinth organ. This invasive species relatively[...]
With the Atlantic Ocean, the country’s largest estuary (the Chesapeake Bay), and countless streams, rivers, inlets, and marshlands, Maryland is a sport fisherman’s paradise. Whether you’re in search of a long fight with a trophy-sized white marlin or a day spent reeling in hefty largemouth bass, Maryland has a bit of everything for every angler. Though the state is home to a wide variety of species, here are Maryland’s five favorite sport fish. 1) Striped[...]
In the spring, Maryland’s Chesapeake swells with silver: shad and river herring. Like salmon, these fish are anadromous: the adults run upstream into fresh water to spawn, then return to the Atlantic Ocean to live for the rest of the year. The new generations develop from fertilized eggs suspended in stream currents to swimming fry and then juveniles, feeding and growing over the summer before migrating to the ocean, where they somehow meet the adult[...]
As you can imagine, when a fish has a name like “northern snakehead,” there are going to be things about them that are good, bad, and ugly… but luckily, they’re also tasty. In Maryland, the love-hate relationship is so strong, there’s even a highly anticipated tournament series for them. About the Northern Snakehead First, the bad and ugly – what is a snakehead? As an invasive species in the Maryland area, the northern snakehead first[...]
There are over 30 State Parks, State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Maryland that offer access to hunters with mobility impairments. Following is information on some of the public lands with accessible hunting areas. Information on additional sites can be found here on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. Cunningham Swamp WMA features a newly constructed 170-foot wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leading to a covered hunting structure that overlooks a wetland built near a beaver[...]
1) Duck and Goose Hunting on the Eastern Shore There’s a reason the state dog is the Chesapeake Bay retriever. Located right in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway, Maryland is steeped in duck and goose hunting tradition, and the Eastern Shore is home to some of the best waterfowl hunting anywhere. 2) Surf Fishing at Assateague Island National Seashore The barrier island of the Maryland coast is home to amazing surf fishing, so pitch[...]
Spring is here and there is no better time to get away with friends and family for a little outdoor activity. To help you with planning, we suggest the following Maryland State Park or park-owned land for a great camping and fishing experience. There are plenty of more options, but these will help to provide some inspiration to get outdoors. Each park offers its own unique opportunities, ideal for experiencing the thrill of the catch[...]
As a child growing up near Middle River on the upper Chesapeake Bay, my father would take us down to the marina docks and we would use our sturdy cane poles to catch a variety of panfish. Nothing was big, and seldom did we bring home enough for a legitimate meal. But it was the beginning of a life-long journey and love for fish and fishing. And for a father-and-child fishing expedition in Maryland waters[...]