Maryland offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, from the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay to freshwater lakes and rivers. To maximize your chances of success, it's essential to have the right lures and tackle in your arsenal. Here are the top six lures and tackle you need to successfully catch fish in Maryland. Soft Plastic Swimbaits: Soft plastic swimbaits are incredibly versatile and effective for targeting a variety of species in Maryland waters, including[...]

Maryland offers a diverse and exciting array of fishing opportunities during the summer months. From the mighty Chesapeake Bay to the state's numerous rivers and lakes, anglers can target a variety of species, including catfish, snakehead, rockfish (striped bass), redfish, and Spanish mackerel. This article explores effective techniques for catching each of these species, with tips and strategies for a successful summer fishing adventure in Maryland. Blue Catfish Blue Catfish are a popular target for[...]

Overview From the sprawling Chesapeake Bay tributaries like the Patapsco River to the quiet waters of Loch Raven Reservoir, Central Maryland provides anglers with plenty of target opportunities for Blue and Flathead Catfish in various habitats. These waterways boast abundant food sources and ample cover, including submerged structures and rocky outcrops, creating ideal conditions for catfish to thrive. With their accessibility and plentiful populations, the bodies of water in Central Maryland provide an excellent setting[...]

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[...]

Maryland is celebrated for its access to water. It’s the birthplace, nursery, and playground for many Atlantic fish, teeming with life and migrating animals from all over the world. Because the state’s unique habitats, its marine biodiversity is hard to match. The state’s range of salinity levels makes it easy to see how so many different species of fish thrive here. All these elements and factors have made Maryland a suitable host for just about[...]

A multitude of species migrate in and out of the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay throughout the year, and there's nothing I anticipate more than the return of redfish. Also known as red drum, channel bass, spottail bass, or simply reds, this popular game fish is celebrated for its distinctive flavor and challenging fight. Renowned for their beauty, redfish fight fiercely and taste so good that if we didn’t regulate them, there probably wouldn’t[...]

My rod hadn’t been in the water for five minutes when the tip bounced a few times then pegged over in a heavy arc as a bulky blue catfish tried to rip it from the rod-holder. As I wrestled the outfit from the holder, line was peeling out at a steady pace. Steady give-and-take pressure ensued and eventually my friend Alvie scooped up the big whisker-fish with his oversized net. As the yard-long beast gyrated[...]

1) Duck and Goose Hunting on the Eastern Shore There’s a reason the state dog is the Chesapeake Bay retriever. Located right in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway, Maryland is steeped in duck and goose hunting tradition, and the Eastern Shore is home to some of the best waterfowl hunting anywhere. 2) Surf Fishing at Assateague Island National Seashore The barrier island of the Maryland coast is home to amazing surf fishing, so pitch[...]