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[...]

If you are looking for a way to follow social distancing guidelines and have some fun in the fresh air, it’s time to try your hand at shad fishing. Seasoned anglers say the time to go shad fishing is when the dogwood trees are in bloom. Hickory shad start showing in the upper bay tributaries by mid-March; the run peaks in late April and goes into early June. The larger and more sought after American[...]

The popularity of snakehead fishing has been growing by leaps and bounds, and as this invasive intruder has expanded its presence in Maryland’s waterways in recent years people have begun flocking to the state from all across the region to get in on the action. Just about everyone in search of an explosive snakehead strike and the shockingly good fresh fish meal that follows has the same question: where can snakeheads be found? The bottom-line[...]

Brook Trout Brook trout are native to eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, extending as far west as eastern Minnesota. Brook trout are the only trout native to Maryland waters. They are also the only trout species in Maryland with light spots on a dark background. Relatively small, rarely growing over 9 to 10 inches, a 12-inch is a considered a real trophy. Because of their small size, at best Maryland streams support relatively[...]

White perch are semi-anadromous members of the family, Moronidae, that migrate to tidal fresh and slightly brackish waters each spring to spawn.​ Silver in color with a slightly projecting lower jaw and teeth, white perch may reach a mature length of 19 inches but are more commonly found around 7 to 10 inches, weighing from 8 ounces to 1 pound.​ The largest was caught in the Chesapeake Bay and weighed 2.6 pounds. Seasons While the[...]

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[...]

Blue Catfish Blue catfish are the largest of the North American catfish and can easily exceed 100 pounds. They are generally slate blue on the back to silvery/white on the underside and have a deeply forked tail. The native range of blue catfish extends from Minnesota and Ohio southward into Mexico. They prefer the large river basins of the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri River drainages. However, due to extensive introductions, their current range incorporates several[...]