In the Upper Bay area of the Susquehanna Flats and surrounding tidal rivers, largemouth bass begin to stir in March. Yellow perch spawn in early March depending on the weather. The hungry bass eat yellow perch fry since the colorful perch are the first species to hatch in the upper reaches of the bay’s tidal tributaries. White perch hatch in April, then herring, followed by largemouth and striped bass in May. Largemouth bass eat some[...]

Results of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2017 young-of-year striped bass survey in the Chesapeake Bay shows the fish is reproducing in strong numbers. The annual survey’s index is 13.2, above the 64-year average of 11.7. Striped bass, popularly known as rockfish, is Maryland’s state fish. The fish spawns in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries each spring. The survey is conducted annually to track the reproductive success of this important species and help[...]

It is during this time that the staging and spawning of Maryland’s Yellow and White Perch is in full effect. It is a great activity for all ages and is a great way for anglers with or without a vessel to get in on the action. It is an inexpensive activity that I have enjoyed since childhood and now serves as a break from regular annual maintenance and upgrades to my charter boat The Marylander[...]

You can choose your own adventure in the heart of Maryland, at the crossroads of diverse cultural and natural landscapes. With big-city draws of Baltimore and Annapolis, maritime adventures along the Chesapeake Bay, eclectic artist spaces in the cities and downtown, rural relaxation around Carroll County, and suburban splendor in between—the Central Region is truly the heart of it all. Back to the Map

Included in that wide span of surf is Assateague State Park, located on Assateague Island. This is the only oceanfront park in Maryland and is a barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Sinepuxent Bay on the west. This park is a great spot for weekend camping. Its 300 pet-friend sites fill up fast so be sure to book early. Assateague’s two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing[...]

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 8, and continues through Jan. 31, 2018. “Archery hunting continues to be an effective part of our comprehensive deer management plan and is often the most effective control method available in densely-populated suburban areas of Maryland,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. For the 2017-18 season, the bag limit for white-tailed bucks is one per[...]

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[...]

Prepare for your summer fishing adventures at the all-new Fishing Pavilion, sponsored by Rudow’s FishTalk Magazine. Browse the latest in accessories, shop custom lures crafted by local anglers (Some craftsman only onsite Saturday and Sunday,) listen to top fishing experts, and enjoy the opportunity to share fishing stories with other anglers at happy hour. As always, the show will be packed with center consoles and other fishing boats to tour after checking out the fishing[...]

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[...]