Tips for Taking Newbies Fishing Eliminate the Pressure – Prioritize the experience, rather than how many fish the beginner angler actually catches. Going out on a boat on the Chesapeake Bay, sitting on a riverbank, or paddling around on a pond are enjoyable experiences in and of themselves. Take advantage of this fact and make sure that having fun is “job number-one.” Use KISS Fishing Methods – Trying to explain the fine nuances of pin-point[...]
Autumn affords Marylanders the opportunity to appreciate the ever-changing weather and approaching harvest throughout the state. While farmers are harvesting crops in the fields, sportsmen and sportswomen on the Chesapeake Bay are capitalizing on one of Maryland’s most bountiful seasons. Fall fishing on the Chesapeake Bay provides great opportunity for anglers before the winter months. With warm and favorable conditions, early to mid-September will yield a wide variety of species in the mid-Chesapeake Bay Region[...]
Fun to catch, these fish travel in schools, moving from salt water to coastal marshes throughout the year—providing anglers an extremely passionate fishery. But don't get them confused with the small stream trout anglers catch in Western Maryland. Key Distinguishing Markings: Spotted sea trout are dusky gray on top fading to silver at the belly. The upper body is marked with numerous dark spots which extend into the dorsal and tail fins. The dorsal and[...]
Great Chesapeake Invasives Count Running from April 1, 2024 to March 30, 2025, the Great Chesapeake Invasives Count, presented by the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA Maryland) and Yamaha Rightwaters, is more than just a tournament—it's a call to action. Anglers can participate for free, competing for monthly prizes like rods, tackle and more while contributing valuable data for marine research. Through a mobile app, participants can log their catches, including details such as total[...]
Fish & Hunt Maryland is dedicated to showcasing the world-class hunting and fishing found in Maryland. There is no better day of the year to highlight these activities than September 26, which is National Hunting and Fishing Day . Launched in 1971 by Congress, NHF Day has consistently recognized hunters and anglers for their leadership in wildlife and conservation. Countless regional and local organizations host state and national events to bring together sportsmen and women[...]
Included in this 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-friendly sites fill up fast so be sure to book early. Assateague’s two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing[...]
Freshwater With water temps ranging between 68-75 degrees, fishing across the state is at its peak. Anglers have reported prime spawning conditions when targeting bass, snakeheads are still being spotted guarding fry balls, and fishermen and women are consistently catching brown and brook trout on dry flies in the streams and creeks. Prime locations include Loch Raven Reservoir and Deep Creek Lake. Located just north of Baltimore, Loch Raven is ideal for any angler. This[...]
The website for the Chesapeake Conservancy and the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay office, www.FindYourChesapeake.com, includes a section devoted to virtual trips, tours, and other online experiences for those who are self-isolating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource is amazing for those who are looking to explore new water and fishing opportunities. Fish & Hunt Maryland picked five river tours from their offerings that are great summer fishing destinations: The Patuxent River[...]
Three years ago, I decided to make the transition from hunting casually for a week a year for elk or mule deer to someone who does not stop hunting. That journey started with a sika deer hunt with Muddy Marsh Outfitters through the Sisterhood of the Outdoors. I started hunting 13 years ago after moving to Colorado from Maryland. Now as an avid hunter, I often kick myself for not enjoying the bounties of hunting[...]
The White Marlin Open (WMO) is a 48-year-old, deep-sea fishing tournament held annually in Ocean City, Maryland. It awards prize money for the biggest catches of white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and shark. The first tournament, held in 1974, drew 57 boats, 150 anglers, and paid a total of $20,000 in prize money with the top award being $5,000. Today it is known as the “World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament,” and has awarded more[...]