The White Marlin Open (WMO) is a 48-year-old, deep-sea fishing tournament held annually in Ocean City, Maryland. It awards prize money for the biggest catches of white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and shark. The first tournament, held in 1974, drew 57 boats, 150 anglers, and paid a total of $20,000 in prize money with the top award being $5,000. Today it is known as the “World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament,” and has awarded more[...]

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a new hunting license for first-time hunters. The Apprentice Hunting License is available to residents and nonresidents of any age who never held a Maryland hunting license. The apprentice license is $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, and provides the same privileges as other Maryland hunting licenses. It allows anyone interested in hunting a one-time chance to try the sport before committing to the more lengthy[...]

Central Tochterman’s Tackle, at 1925 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore City is the oldest family-owned tackle shop not only in the central region but in the country. Thomas G. Tochterman, Sr. opened the store in February 1916 and they are still at the same address. Originally, Mr. Tochterman sold confections, but soon started selling soft crabs and peelers to local anglers to use for bait. Before long he added bamboo fishing poles and started making cork[...]

They’ll help you discover places like Crab Alley, the famous Wye River as well as the best spots to crab on the Chester and the Choptank Rivers.* Try your hand at dipping crabs as they come up on a line baited with chicken necks or razor clams. The action happens fast, so you have to be quick! It’s no wonder a lot of great lacrosse players come from Maryland. Young kids grow up learning how[...]

What are the Numbers Every boat captain on the Chesapeake Bay can show you a different way to tie your shoe, but the fact is that there is no single correct way or depth at which to troll. It's really just a matter of finding the right fish. One way we help key in on the fish is by covering all depths of the water column. This means running 3-5 rods, with two rods trolling[...]

Some charter boat operations in the Chesapeake Bay region offer just that: a chance to run a traditional trotline on some of the best crabbing waters in the country. They’ll help you discover places like Crab Alley, the famous Wye River as well as the best spots to crab on the Chester and the Choptank Rivers.* Try your hand at dipping crabs as they come up on a line baited with chicken necks or razor[...]

History In Maryland, duck hunting traces its roots to the colonial era, with settlers relying on waterfowl for sustenance. As the state developed, hunting traditions persisted, adapting to changing conservation needs. In the early 20th century, there was a growing awareness of the importance of regulating hunting to protect waterfowl populations. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 marked a significant milestone, granting federal protection to migratory birds and regulating hunting practices. This legislation influenced[...]

Oh, how I love to turkey hunt! Now I love to guide as well. This is my first “paid” guided turkey hunt. I’d been asked in the past and was always too busy with my own hunting or scheduling other shooting and hunting events for my business. After thinking about it, I decided I’d try it; after all, nothing pleases most hunters – myself included – more than turning others on to hunting and enjoying[...]

Maryland offers a diverse and exciting array of fishing opportunities during the summer months. From the mighty Chesapeake Bay to the state's numerous rivers and lakes, anglers can target a variety of species, including catfish, snakehead, rockfish (striped bass), redfish, and Spanish mackerel. This article explores effective techniques for catching each of these species, with tips and strategies for a successful summer fishing adventure in Maryland. Blue Catfish Blue Catfish are a popular target for[...]