This summer I wanted to catch a big rockfish. So this summer, me and my dad learned how to catch them. Our first two times we did not catch any rockfish. But then we figured it out and started to get the hang of it and started catching them. So during the summer my dad and I had a blast. But I still hadn’t caught a big one yet. I asked if I could go[...]

The promise of freezing temperatures may be just the inspiration you need to plan a trip to try your hand at ice fishing. This winter sport offers not only an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the season, but could yield fresh table fare for those willing to brave the cold. In Western Maryland, anglers can typically expect a few weeks of “hardwater” angling. Here are a few choice spots and safety[...]

If you tell someone you are headed to a muskrat-centric weekend, they might look at you a little funny. That is, unless they are from the Eastern Shore. In that case, they’ll tell you that you are in for a treat. First things first—what’s the deal with these muskrats, sometimes marketed in the restaurants of yesteryear as “marsh rabbits?” Most folks get them a bit mixed up with beaver, otter, and the like. They are[...]

I am very fortunate to have been born into a family of avid outdoorsmen. Although I have few memories of my grandfather (his nickname was “Pop Daddy”), as he died when I was 6 years old, my father told me that he had a reputation for being a knowledgeable, self-taught naturalist and avid hunter and fisherman. Folks used to say, "If Pop Daddy isn’t catching them, there is no reason to go." I have wonderful[...]

For more than half a century, Maryland has been hosting youth fishing events. Not only do these events carry on the fishing tradition throughout the state, they also give youngsters a chance to hone their skills and even develop a hobby that can last a lifetime. Getting kids away from their phones and video games and into the outdoors can teach them valuable life lessons, and it’s a great way to spend quality time with[...]

In our state of Maryland, September and October brings more than spectacular foliage. As stockings pick up and anglers concentrate on other species, fall bring with it a pleasant shift in trout fishing opportunities for both fly and spin fishermen. Throw in the fact that many Free State outdoorsmen and women are taking to the woods for the annual deer, waterfowl and small game seasons and one can imagine that many of our better trout[...]

If you tell someone you are headed to a muskrat-centric weekend, they might look at you a little funny. That is unless they are from the Eastern Shore. In that case, they’ll tell you that you are in for a treat. First things first—what’s the deal with these muskrats, sometimes marketed in the restaurants of yesteryear as “marsh rabbits?” Most folks get them a bit mixed up with beaver, otter, and the like. They are[...]

With more than 3,000 miles of shoreline to explore, Maryland really is an angler’s paradise. Discovering Maryland’s distinctive natural resources is now easier than ever. We invite you to get your feet wet and try Maryland fishing at its best. Now, you can sample some of our favorite fishing spots by borrowing high-quality rods and reels from some of Maryland’s most popular state parks or at select local libraries. The Tackle Loaner Program is an[...]

Trout are considered some of the most difficult fish to fool. Once you locate Maryland waters with a population of trout, the challenge becomes identifying trout flies and lures that will trigger strikes. Check out this awesome video about fly fishing in Maryland. Some Top Maryland Trout Locations Savage River & Reservoir Heavily forested hillsides of hardwood trees direct the flow of the Savage River down the mountain and into the reservoir. The river averages[...]