Twenty-two years ago, Chesapeake Channa (aka northern snakehead) were introduced to a small pond in Crofton, Maryland. Since then, their population has exploded—channa inhabit the murky shallows of just about every tributary of the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. While these fish taste great and are exciting to catch, doing your part to help remove these invasive critters from our local waterways is trickier than it may seem. Let’s dive into exactly[...]

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[...]

Understanding Maryland's Turkey Population Maryland boasts a robust turkey population, making it a prime destination for hunters eager to pursue these magnificent birds. With a diverse landscape that includes forests, farmlands and wetlands, the state offers ideal habitats for turkeys to thrive. The Eastern wild turkey, the most common subspecies found in Maryland, can be spotted across various regions of the state, from the wooded areas of Western Maryland to the agricultural fields of the[...]

Hunt & Hike Family Road Trips, Part 1: Western Maryland Maryland has one of the most varied outdoors in the country. From freshwater rivers, thousands of miles of Chesapeake Bay coastline and the Piedmont Plateau, to thick forests, dozens of hills, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachia, the state’s geography is full of beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. For Maryland hunters and out-of-state visitors, that means there’re plenty of unique outdoor activities and experiences[...]

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 a monster snakehead, 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. Snakehead While[...]

Dove hunting in Maryland offers an exhilarating way to kick off the hunting season, blending the thrill of fast-paced shooting with the serene beauty of the late summer and early fall landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, gearing up properly is essential for a successful hunt. This article will walk you through the key equipment you'll need, as well as some of the best places to go dove hunting in Maryland. Shotgun[...]

Don’t let your fishing rod hibernate! Winter months bring great fishing experiences to Maryland. Whether it’s on the ice, out on the Chesapeake, or on the open ocean, you’re sure to reel something in. Tautog Fishing When to Fish January offers the best opportunity to catch trophy-sized tautog in Maryland. The current world record of 28.8 lbs. was caught off Ocean City in January of 2015. The Maryland tautog (aka blackfish) season opens January 1st[...]

He wrote: “They fasten red wool...round a hook, and fit on to the wool two feathers which grow under a cock's wattles, and which in color are like wax. Their rod is six feet long, and their line is the same length. Then they throw their snare, and the fish, attracted and maddened by the color, comes straight at it, thinking from the pretty sight to gain a dainty mouthful; when, however, it opens its[...]

As the water begins to cool, northern snakehead start to move from the shallow waters to find deeper holes for the winter. You’ll need to switch up your baits to catch them. The baits I lean on heavily in the winter are simple but effective. They include chatterbaits and in-line spinners, as well as spinner baits and live bait. Always be sure to use the right baits for your location and purpose. I use the[...]