The sights and sounds of fall are in the air and painting the landscape. As hunters scramble for vacation days and scouting trips, Free State anglers can expand their fishing season by concentrating on the many small, yet diverse, meadow streams and free-flowing creeks that snake through Central and Western regions of the state. A variety of species can be caught during the fall months and even into early winter as long as mild conditions[...]

Fall arrives and the green of summer gives way to an autumn palette of auburn and gold seed heads on our farm. Combine engines roar back to life, punctuated by the familiar sound of wings flapping overhead and the honking of geese returning to their winter havens. The cacophony of ducks – always present at Black Pearl – is now augmented by the twilight bugling of sika deer on the marsh. For the Mullaney family[...]

Some of the mill ponds date back as far as the 18th century. Dams were built to capture water from creeks and small rivers. The water was then used to power gristmills, saw mills, and textile mills. All but one of the mills are now gone, but their retention ponds are still here for our recreational use; and they are loaded with fish. The ponds hold a variety of species, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie[...]

Deep Creek Lake Deep Creek Lake is one of the most well-known bodies of water in Maryland. It offers exceptional fishing for walleye, great action on largemouth and smallmouth bass, and an abundance of pike, pickerel, and crappie. As the largest freshwater impoundment in the state, it attracts many anglers looking for yellow perch and bluegills. The panfish here also grow to epic proportions and the current Maryland state record bluegill came out of Deep[...]

Just this past week, a large push of rockfish have come out of the rivers and are setting up on the humps just north and south of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. There are many ways to target these fish. We have been very successful jigging on them in 15-20ft of water, using 3/4oz jig heads and 4” Bloody Point Chartreuse shad. If the current is strong, we noticed that using 1oz jigs and a 5”[...]

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[...]

Flathead catfish, known for their size and fight, have become a prized catch among anglers in Maryland. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a novice looking to hook your first big one, here’s a comprehensive guide to catching flathead catfish in the state. Best Locations in Maryland Flathead catfish are primarily found in large rivers and reservoirs. Some of the top locations in Maryland include the Susquehanna River, which is one of the premier spots[...]

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[...]