Striped bass, locally known as rockfish, are a prized catch in Kent County. These iconic fish migrate along the Atlantic coast, entering the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to spawn. The spring and fall seasons are particularly popular for targeting striped bass in Kent County waters. The 2024 spring season begins on June 1. Anglers often find success fishing for striped bass in the early morning or late evening, when the fish are most active[...]

As you can imagine, when a fish has a name like “northern snakehead,” there are going to be things about them that are good, bad, and ugly… but luckily, they’re also tasty. In Maryland, the love-hate relationship is so strong, there’s even a highly anticipated tournament series for them. About the Northern Snakehead First, the bad and ugly – what is a snakehead? As an invasive species in the Maryland area, the northern snakehead first[...]

Maryland has always been known for its world-class deep sea fishing, along with trophy rockfish opportunities. However, a fairly recent species has set claim to Maryland's tidal streams, creeks, rivers, and even some parts of the bay. Northern snakeheads are freshwater fish that resemble native bowfin. Tolerant to low salinity waters, snakeheads have well toothed jaws and palates, and can breathe atmospheric air through the use of a simple labyrinth organ. This invasive species relatively[...]

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[...]

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 In the Capital Region of Maryland, catfish anglers are greeted with a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, creating an ideal backdrop for fishing adventures. The Potomac River and its tributaries offer prime catfishing opportunities among historic landmarks such as the C&O Canal and top attractions like National Harbor. Anglers can target blue catfish in these diverse waterways, enjoying the thrill of reeling in impressive catches against the backdrop of urban skylines and[...]

Overview Catfishing on Maryland's Eastern Shore presents anglers with a network of brackish waterways, each teeming with opportunities to reel in impressive catches. The Chesapeake Bay, along with its tributaries such as the Choptank and Nanticoke Rivers, provides fertile grounds for Blue and Flathead Catfish. These estuarine environments offer a unique mix of freshwater and saltwater, creating diverse habitats where catfish thrive. With abundant forage and ample cover provided by marshes, oyster reefs, and submerged[...]

If you haven’t had the pleasure of biting into some crispy, fried blue catfish, you are truly missing out. They’re easy to catch, easy to clean, and easy to cook. What’s more, they’re invasive. Just about everything alive in the Chesapeake Bay will be better off each time you enjoy dining on these fish. It is illegal to throw them back, so why not reap the rewards of your hard-earned catch? Here’s a great way[...]

At Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, the snakehead prowls the shallows, offering anglers the chance to test their skills against one of the region's most aquatic predators. Here, the snakehead prowls the shallows, offering anglers the chance to test their skills against one of the region's most formidable predators. With its tranquil ambiance and abundant wildlife, fishing for snakeheads at Blackwater becomes not just a pursuit of a trophy fish, but also a glimpse into the[...]