Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway Called the “Everglades of the North” and one of the “Last Great Places,” Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge features a mixed landscape of forest, marsh and shallow water habitats. Containing one-third of the state’s tidal wetlands, Blackwater hosts a striking biodiversity. It was established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary, but is also home to the largest breeding population of American Bald eagles on the[...]
Tips for Taking Newbies Fishing Eliminate the Pressure – Prioritize the experience, rather than how many fish the beginner angler actually catches. Going out on a boat on the Chesapeake Bay, sitting on a riverbank, or paddling around on a pond are enjoyable experiences in and of themselves. Take advantage of this fact and make sure that having fun is “job number-one.” Use KISS Fishing Methods – Trying to explain the fine nuances of pin-point[...]
Maryland offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, from the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay to freshwater lakes and rivers. To maximize your chances of success, it's essential to have the right lures and tackle in your arsenal. Here are the top six lures and tackle you need to successfully catch fish in Maryland. Soft Plastic Swimbaits: Soft plastic swimbaits are incredibly versatile and effective for targeting a variety of species in Maryland waters, including[...]
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[...]
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[...]
Flathead catfish, known for their size and fight, have become a prized catch among anglers in Maryland. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a novice looking to hook your first big one, here’s a comprehensive guide to catching flathead catfish in the state. Best Locations in Maryland Flathead catfish are primarily found in large rivers and reservoirs. Some of the top locations in Maryland include the Susquehanna River, which is one of the premier spots[...]
“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 avid hunters, one of the best and most rewarding things we can do is pass the love for our sport on to the next generation. The good news is that it’s fairly easy to get kids interested, as many are naturally interested in wildlife and nature, but some will take to it slower than others. You can start by watching turkeys and deer at close range and show your kids the little things. Just[...]