Even though the groundhog said we have six week of winter left, here in Maryland you don’t have to wait for the spring to make your catch. Maryland’s lakes and ponds throughout the state are full of winter panfish opportunities if you know where to look and the proper gear to use. Not only is it a great way to spend a weekend with the family, but panfishing is also a great way to keep[...]

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[...]

Hand-sized, pan-sized. Any species that can be legally harvested at a small enough size to fit in the skillet is considered a panfish. For anglers who love lots of action, easy access, and fried fish, panfishing covers all the bases. It's also a great way to introduce kids to fishing, with easy-to-catch species and quick rewards that build confidence and keep them engaged. Sunfish There are over 30 species of sunfish, or “sunnies” in North[...]

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[...]

The Eastern shore of Maryland is home to winding rivers, miles of marshes, and the emerald green waters of the Tangier sound. Monster fish dwell in the depths, drawing in anglers from across the country and producing (in my opinion) some of the best fishing in the world. These backwaters are often best accessed on a kayak, and by the end of this article you’ll know exactly where to go and what to throw for[...]

However, he still has at least one picture from that day. It’s a picture of him, his son, and others holding up the giant blue catfish he caught. That fish, at 84.0 pounds, still holds the Maryland blue catfish state record to this day. “I’ve had the picture posted on the wall in my garage forever,” said Jones. He added that the plaque given to him by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for breaking[...]

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[...]

Long before the water temperatures start to warm up, various panfish species are feeding and starting to actually move into shallow, sun-warmed coves, offering angler’s a long-awaited reboot from the previous fishing season. Hungry from the winter’s lack of aquatic abundance and lower water temperatures, bluegills, crappies, and yellow perch will be making movements to the shallows and are vulnerable to sensitive, light-tackle presentations. Though many of our regional parks and lakes are not yet[...]

Imagine a fish which is sleek, silver and strong that strikes lures with sledgehammer force and then gyrates in spectacular leaps propelling itself well above the surface. The runs and mad dashes are long and powerful, testing light tackle to the max. Now, envision that this fish has just traveled hundreds of miles and still has incredible strength for a fish that averages 16 inches long and weighs in at a two-pound average. Yes, we[...]