White Catfish The white catfish is the only species native to the Chesapeake Bay, and it's the smallest of the large North American catfish species. White catfish lack scales and possess an adipose fin, as well as a single, often serrated spine in the dorsal and pectoral fins. They are bluish-gray on their back and sides and white underneath. Their tail is moderately forked and they have a noticeably broadhead, large mouth and stout body[...]
Maryland has always been known for its world-class deep sea fishing, along with trophy rockfish opportunities. However, a fairly recent species has set claim to Maryland's tidal streams, creeks, rivers, and even some parts of the bay. Northern snakeheads are freshwater fish that resemble native bowfin. Tolerant to low salinity waters, snakeheads have well toothed jaws and palates, and can breathe atmospheric air through the use of a simple labyrinth organ. This invasive species relatively[...]
Where To Go The Eastern Shore Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a variety of choices for everyone in your family, from angler to beach bum. Summer is the perfect time to plan a family trip to the shore, with plenty of lodging and dining options, attractions and activities, not to mention some of the best fishing you can find. For the angler: With wonderful fishing opportunities over hundreds of square miles, this is a hot spot[...]
There’s a thrill when you see it—so many geese sweeping down on a marsh, their calls can be deafening, and their wings eclipse the sky. The expanses of river, marsh, and fields that make up the bulk of Kent County are right along the Atlantic flyway, a migratory funnel that siphons 29 species of waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and swans, by the thousands. These birds fly up to 1,600 miles from their Arctic breeding grounds[...]
Fun to catch, these fish travel in schools, moving from salt water to coastal marshes throughout the year—providing anglers an extremely passionate fishery. But don't get them confused with the small stream trout anglers catch in Western Maryland. Key Distinguishing Markings: Spotted sea trout are dusky gray on top fading to silver at the belly. The upper body is marked with numerous dark spots which extend into the dorsal and tail fins. The dorsal and[...]
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[...]
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites new or experienced anglers to enjoy Maryland’s License-Free Fishing Days June 2, 9 and July 4. This is a unique opportunity for Marylanders to test their fishing skills without the need to obtain a fishing license, trout stamp or registration. “Free fishing days are the perfect opportunity to give the sport a try before deciding whether to get a license,” Fishing and Boating Services Director David Blazer said[...]