Drive through the Eastern Shore of Maryland during the hot summer months and you’ll see field after field loaded with bright, cheery sunflowers; their yellow petals popping against the red barns. It’s a picturesque scene for sure, but to the dove hunter, it’s even more picturesque when the sunflowers shrivel to brown. Dove hunting is something my husband and I have enjoyed with friends at a nearby farm since we started dating. These days, our[...]

Central and Western Maryland’s small streams provide fishing experiences in picturesque settings. Checking on stream conditions before heading out is always a good idea, particularly before wading in or paddling. Many Potomac and Monocacy River tributary streams are home to a variety of gamefish. Smallmouth bass, however, remain high on the “hit list” for anglers tossing small crank baits, spinners or even fly-fishing efforts with poppers or streamers. Throw in the ever-present populations of red[...]

As we all try to practice social distance to stay healthy, it’s a great time to get outside and spend a day fishing. Surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and filled with rivers, ponds and reservoirs, Maryland is full of opportunities to make a catch, including the invasive and tasty blue catfish. Ten to 12 years ago Maryland anglers were just getting on a roll with big, barrel-chested blue catfish that were[...]

We are all counting the days until we will be able to get outside and go fishing once it’s permitted. Hang in there, anglers. Hopefully soon we’ll be heading out with our friends and family to fish once again. But at least for now, we can stay sharp and knowledgeable with these tips. Tackle Box Spring Cleaning If you're like most anglers, your tackle box can be bursting at the seams making it almost impossible[...]

The website for the Chesapeake Conservancy and the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay office, www.FindYourChesapeake.com, includes a section devoted to virtual trips, tours, and other online experiences for those who are self-isolating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource is amazing for those who are looking to explore new water and fishing opportunities. Fish & Hunt Maryland picked five river tours from their offerings that are great summer fishing destinations: The Patuxent River[...]

Spring is here and there is no better time to get away with friends and family for a little outdoor activity. To help you with planning, we suggest the following Maryland State Park or park-owned land for a great camping and fishing experience. There are plenty of more options, but these will help to provide some inspiration to get outdoors. Each park offers its own unique opportunities, ideal for experiencing the thrill of the catch[...]

With the summer months just around the corner, one thing on most deer hunters’ minds, other than how soon they can get back in their tree stand, is the buck that slipped out of bow range or the one just across the fence line during gun season. Never mind the hardships and anticipation of deer hunting, here are some activities to pass the time that might help make you become a better deer hunter for[...]

Ready to get back to fishing? White perch are ready and waiting for you. They can be found almost anywhere in the Chesapeake Bay. A relative of striped bass, white perch occupy a range of depths and habitats. Oyster bars, drop-offs and artificial reefs all hold white perch. Seasonal patterns are easy to figure out given that white perch stay in the bay and its rivers their entire lives. Places to find white perch include[...]

Catfish in Maryland While some other states may be able to boast a larger specimen here and there, few can compare with Maryland for the diversity of the water ways you'll fin 'em in. And there's more good news on keeping them for dinner. In many areas the vast majority of eating sized catfish are going to be invasive species. No one is happy to have invasive, so you can feel guilt-free about harvesting blues[...]