With Maryland’s long history as one of the 13 original American colonies, the scenic byways that run through the state are perfect for a road trip where the family can enjoy memorable sites, drive through key historic areas, and experience Maryland’s unique character. Parker’s Creek and the Star-Spangled Banner If you’re looking for a daylong, outdoor experience, Parker’s Creek offers large tracts of forest with diverse topography. Dry upland woods, ravines and forested wetlands span[...]

Maryland is a great place to perfect your angling skills as a novice. We offer a ton of large and smallmouth bass populations (a great fish for first-timers), as well as charter boat opportunities that bring you out with an experienced captain chasing striped bass. Here in Maryland, you’ll learn how to set a hook in no time. Head out to western Maryland and experience the fishing opportunities of Deep Creek Lake. Or, take to[...]

Maryland’s plentiful white-tailed deer populations offer hunters great opportunities to bag one of our state’s trophy bucks. We also have the unique opportunity to hunt the exotic sika deer. These small deer are only found – and can only be hunted in the wild – in their native Japan and right here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Hunting geese and ducks in Maryland is a big deal. In the heart of the Atlantic flyway, Maryland is[...]

Fishing for Marlin The white marlin is a popular game fish, which can be caught by trolling at or close to the surface. The largest fishery for this species occurs in the summer, between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Baits including mullet, mackerel, herring, and squid as well as lures can be successful in getting a white marlin to bite on a line. When fishing for white marlin, wear protection on your[...]

Fishing for Tuna The Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus, is one of the most valuable animals in the world. Its commercial value in the Asian sushi and sashimi markets can be as high as $60,000 each for giant tuna. Recreational fishermen on the Atlantic coast pay top dollar for offshore charter boats seeking bluefins. Frequenting the offshore sand ridges and canyons of the continental shelf and slope, these fish are often found wherever there is[...]

Bluegill Members of the sunfish plan, Bluegills are olive green with some light yellow on their belly with dark bands running up and down. They have small mouths and an oval shaped body. Typically about 6 inches, they are found inshore from the Great Lakes to Florida—and here in Maryland in all tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay with salinity less than 18 ppt. Freshwater fish, although they will venture into slightly salty water, blue gills[...]

For information on seasons, sizes and limits for additional Bay species, click HERE.

For information on seasons, sizes and limits for additional ocean species, click HERE.

Maryland Crabs Adult blue crabs can grow up to nine inches. The blue crab is one of the most important species harvested in the Bay, has the highest value of any commercial fishery, and supports a recreational fishery of significant, but undetermined, value. Blue crabs are harvested as hard shell crabs, peeler crabs just prior to molting, and softshell crabs immediately after the molt. Recreational gear includes baited hand lines, mesh rings, collapsible traps, trotlines[...]