Overview With its network of rivers, creeks and tidal marshes, Southern Maryland is like a playground for catfish anglers. The Patuxent and Potomac Rivers, among others, provide fertile grounds for blue and flathead catfish, enticing anglers with the promise of thrilling catches. Southern Maryland's picturesque landscapes and tranquil waters offer a serene and immersive catfishing experience. Whether casting from the shoreline or navigating the waterways by boat, anglers can enjoy the peacefulness of nature while[...]

We decided early in the year that we wanted to try something new and looked to test our luck in Talbot County for some teal during the early September season, so we planned a trip to scout public land late last summer. This would be my first full season with a boat that I purchased from a friend last year so I was excited to explore some new opportunities. The main goal of the scouting[...]

Some of the mill ponds date back as far as the 18th century. Dams were built to capture water from creeks and small rivers. The water was then used to power gristmills, saw mills, and textile mills. All but one of the mills are now gone, but their retention ponds are still here for our recreational use; and they are loaded with fish. The ponds hold a variety of species, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie[...]

About White Perch Ask anyone in Maryland to tell you the first fish they caught, and the most likely answer will be a white perch. (Morone americana). Close cousins to striped bass, they’ll take an artificial lure quicker than a whipstitch on a shad dart. They’re prolific in most tidal streams, and they are great fun to catch. Not just for kids either - there are plenty of full-grown adults, including this old stump jumper[...]

When George Washington chose to build Mount Vernon on the banks of the Potomac, he ensured that the waterway would forever be known as the “Nation’s River.” Ever since, this beautiful stretch of water has occupied a special place in our imaginations. The Potomac River originates in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and carries nutrients into the Chesapeake Bay. It is one of the bay’s largest tributaries—second only to the Susquehanna River. Interestingly, a[...]

progging NOUN (also proging, praggin, progueing) The action or process of foraging, delving; searching or hunting about, especially for timber or firewood (British regional), or for food (United States regional [especially Chesapeake Bay], Caribbean, Irish English). Also occasionally: the wood or food for which one forages. Got winter cabin fever? The rivers of the Chesapeake Bay can help. Prudent cold weather fishing forms a great excuse to get outside with friends (don’t go alone at[...]

The single-leaf iron and concrete bridge was built in 1932. It’s the focal point of the historic little town that serves as the county seat of Worcester County. It’s also the dividing line between good and great yellow perch fishing on the Eastern Shore. I swing wide around the tight corner at the town’s only red light, checking my mirrors to make sure my 16-foot jon boat trailer doesn’t clip the curb and resolve that[...]

If there is one fish that has antifreeze for blood, it is the chain pickerel. I have caught them along ice edges using the ice as an ambush source. Cold weather in Maryland from late October to late May is pickerel time. The pickerel can be found in many brackish waters as well as ponds and lakes. The aggression of these fish is what most pickerel fishermen like about them. This is the perfect fish[...]

Sometime in mid-March my pulse quickens. Subtle signs, imperceptible at first, announce the arrival of spring. Daffodils and crocus appear. Even our dormant lawn starts to show signs of life. No longer do I need to pass the time watching countless fishing videos on YouTube or scrolling through tackle websites announcing the latest fly rod built with space age technology. It is time to dust off my fishing tackle and make plans to fish the[...]