As the famous fishing author John Gierach once wrote, "the only thing a psychiatrist can do that a good (fishing) guide can't is write prescriptions.” In Western Maryland’s rolling mountains, rushing rivers and streams, and dense forests, his words have never been more true. With fresh air, scenery, peace and quiet, and plenty of trout to chase, Western Maryland is the perfect location for a fishing trip. Here are five reasons to head west in[...]

Productive winter yellow perch fishing in upper Chesapeake Bay tributaries attracts many anglers. When the days get shorter and the chilly weather comes, yellow perch gather in schools and feed heavily. Yellow perch fishing starts in November and continues into March. After the yellow perch spawn in early March, they scatter and are harder to find. In the meantime, fun fishing can be had from piers and boats. And, fresh-caught yellow perch is tasty and[...]

Drive through the Eastern Shore of Maryland during the hot summer months and you’ll see field after field loaded with bright, cheery sunflowers; their yellow petals popping against the red barns. It’s a picturesque scene for sure, but to the dove hunter, it’s even more picturesque when the sunflowers shrivel to brown. Dove hunting is something my husband and I have enjoyed with friends at a nearby farm since we started dating. These days, our[...]

FishTalk Magazine Feature As part of this road series, Lenny Rudow and FishTalk covered the trip with a featured article. Read a snippet of it below with a link to the full feature. For those traveling to Snakehead country, Cambridge, MD is ground zero. From here your located close to Blackwater River system and the Transquaking, the Chickamacomico, and all the associated tributary area waterways - all of which are jam-packed with snakehead. You can[...]

Maryland has long been a favorite to many sportsmen across the nation. The woods, waterways and heavens bring a smorgasbord of game to the table, year in and year out. Maryland’s deer season runs the first week of September to the last week of January. It is hard to resist by any savvy woodsman. The January late gun season in Maryland is a second to last chance to put some meat in the freezer. It[...]

Central and Western Maryland’s small streams provide fishing experiences in picturesque settings. Checking on stream conditions before heading out is always a good idea, particularly before wading in or paddling. Many Potomac and Monocacy River tributary streams are home to a variety of gamefish. Smallmouth bass, however, remain high on the “hit list” for anglers tossing small crank baits, spinners or even fly-fishing efforts with poppers or streamers. Throw in the ever-present populations of red[...]

What is an Invasive Species? An invasive species is an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native. Invasive species can harm both the natural resources in an ecosystem as well as threaten human use of these resources. An invasive species can be introduced to a new area via the ballast water of oceangoing ships, intentional and accidental releases of aquaculture species, aquarium specimens or bait, and[...]

There’s a thrill when you see it—so many geese sweeping down on a marsh, their calls can be deafening, and their wings eclipse the sky. The expanses of river, marsh, and fields that make up the bulk of Kent County are right along the Atlantic flyway, a migratory funnel that siphons 29 species of waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and swans, by the thousands. These birds fly up to 1,600 miles from their Arctic breeding grounds[...]

Central Tochterman’s Tackle, at 1925 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore City is the oldest family-owned tackle shop not only in the central region but in the country. Thomas G. Tochterman, Sr. opened the store in February 1916 and they are still at the same address. Originally, Mr. Tochterman sold confections, but soon started selling soft crabs and peelers to local anglers to use for bait. Before long he added bamboo fishing poles and started making cork[...]