All of Maryland’s natural beauty springs open for the enjoyment of sportsmen and women with the coming of spring. As the days grow longer and the temperatures warmer, it’s time to grab your fishing gear and head out to take advantage of the abundance of perch and trout stocks throughout the state. Three Fish to Chase this Spring Yellow Perch: Yellow perch are a favorite sportfish in Maryland – especially in the Chesapeake Bay area[...]
As summer fades and the first of September approaches, the excitement for the upcoming whitetail deer hunting season in Maryland starts to build. The thrill of the hunt is a culmination of months of preparation, strategy, and patience. As a first-generation whitetail deer hunter, I’ve learned over the last 6 years that proper preparation is crucial to a successful season. Three essential aspects I focus on leading into the whitetail deer season are archery practice[...]
Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) is the first fish that comes to mind when most people think of the Chesapeake Bay. “Rockfish” as we call them, is the State Fish of Maryland and the most sought-after species in the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to my most recent panfish book, I’ve written two books about catching rockfish on artificial lures. I love targeting stripers, but I could never have learned to catch them were it not for[...]
There’s no better feeling than putting together a plan, hitting the water, and slinging your target species over the gunnel - especially when you manage to move on to the next species, and then the next. Every trip on the water may not be filled with multi-species madness, but if you pay attention to the rest of this article you’ll be prepared when the opportunity strikes. Prep For Success The research you do, before you[...]
Fashion news rarely makes it into the hunting scene. However, this year Maryland’s Blaze Pink bill sponsored by Senator Addie Eckart, and created by young huntresses Paige and Brooke Simonsen of Easton, made a huge statement – fashion and otherwise. As a female hunter (one who admittedly has always worn mascara deer hunting, even under my ski mask in case a post-hunting picture with a trophy buck happened to come into play) and, okay, one[...]
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[...]
From the brackish waters (a mix of salt and freshwater) of the Chesapeake Bay’s tributary systems, to freshwater systems that riddle the state, these popular fish can be found all across Maryland. With easy access to fishing spots by land and boat access points, Maryland makes it easy for the serious angler and the first-timer to find a largemouth bass worth talking about. Fishing for Largemouth Bass Largemouth bass can be recognized by the lower[...]
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[...]
It has been written that in a mountain stream pool, a 10-inch brook trout is every bit the predator that an 80-pound tarpon is in its own mangrove environment. If that appeals to you, then this is the Trail site for you. With 120 miles of interconnected wild trout streams, the upper Savage River may be the finest brook trout habitat in the eastern United States, south of Maine. Situated at the mouth of the[...]