“Citizen science? Not for me. I just want to go fishing.” That’s an understandable reaction. Sometimes all of us want just to kick back and relax on the water. But most of us anglers also want to learn to “think like a fish,” to hone our skills and catch more, even if we plan on releasing some of that catch. It turns out that the more we learn about ecology in our favorite waters, the[...]

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[...]

As a child growing up near Middle River on the upper Chesapeake Bay, my father would take us down to the marina docks and we would use our sturdy cane poles to catch a variety of panfish. Nothing was big, and seldom did we bring home enough for a legitimate meal. But it was the beginning of a life-long journey and love for fish and fishing. And for a father-and-child fishing expedition in Maryland waters[...]

​This year give that special someone an experience of a lifetime. Give the gift of a fishing trip with the family on the Chesapeake Bay, deep out on the Atlantic Ocean, or along one of Maryland's fresh waterways. For the hunters in your life, plan now so they can enjoy waterfowl season this winter, deer season next fall, or one of the many other experiences Maryland has to offer. Don't wait! 2024 is right around[...]

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[...]

The Hagerstown Valley sits atop miles of underground limestone caverns which support Maryland’s largest spring creek, Beaver Creek, which rises up with cool water just below South Mountain in Washington County. The Catch and Release stretch begins below the Albert Powell Fish Hatchery and Interstate 70. This section down to Route 40 has a healthy naturally reproducing stream population of brown trout. Beaver Creek provides fly fishers with this unique, sometimes challenging opportunity to cast[...]

Protected by the Patapsco Valley State Park, the Patapsco River offers a great fly fishing experience for those just starting to pick up the fly rod as well as those who have been fly fishing for decades. The State Park provides multiple points to access the river, each with parking, and the river itself is easy to fish from shore or by wading in the gentle currents. In the spring, you can cast for the[...]

At one time, the property was an active sand and gravel mining operation, now it is restored to its natural environment. Governor Bridge Natural Area offers a unique fishing experience in Prince George’s County right off Route 301 in Bowie. Today, largemouth bass flourish in the eight-acre lake. Fly fishers can also cast for black crappie, redear sunfish and catfish. A loop trail encircles the lake and provides excellent opportunities for hiking, bicycling, nature study[...]

Maryland offers exceptional crabbing opportunities, attracting enthusiasts to its rich estuaries, especially the Chesapeake Bay. This prime habitat for blue crabs makes Maryland a top destination for both seasoned crabbers and newcomers. The state provides a variety of crabbing charters operated by experienced local guides, ensuring you have a successful trip with useful tips and techniques. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing or a more challenging expedition, there's a charter for everyone. And the[...]