One of the premier East Coast destinations for icing jumbo 12- to 15-inch yellow perch for adventuresome ice-anglers is Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake. At 3,900-acres in Garrett County, the lake also offers a shot at walleyes, northern pike, chain pickerel and huge bluegills once the ice forms. With a 10-fish limit on yellow perch (per angler, per day) the regulation helps to limit the potential for over harvest of these massive, top-end panfish that can[...]
My first rod was flamingo pink with a reel that flashed pink and green lights when you cranked it. That rod isn’t what made me want to go fishing as a kid or spend time on the water. I didn’t fall in love with my FisherGirl-branded cap, or pink camouflage, or even my Barbie tackle box. I fell in love with fighting a fish and watching it get scooped up by the net, being dunked[...]
With the Atlantic Ocean, the country’s largest estuary (the Chesapeake Bay), and countless streams, rivers, inlets, and marshlands, Maryland is a sport fisherman’s paradise. Whether you’re in search of a long fight with a trophy-sized white marlin or a day spent reeling in a monster snakehead, Maryland has a bit of everything for every angler. Though the state is home to a wide variety of species, here are Maryland’s five favorite sport fish. Snakehead While[...]
Depending on who you talk to, some may say the Waterfowl Festival (November 9 th, 10 th, and 11 th) in Easton, Maryland is for fine art, while others will tell you it’s the best place to learn about traditional Eastern Shore heritage, and a hunting buddy might tell you it’s the place to pick up the latest and greatest hunting gear. It truly does have something for everyone and is a great fall weekend[...]
In today’s society, the number of young hunters is declining. I find it a shame that the youth, under the age of 20, will not learn all the invaluable life lessons that can come from hunting that I’ve had the pleasure of learning. Hunting creates bonding time, helps to create memories and new friends, and creates relationships that last a life time. I have great memories and have had bonding time with my grandfather, dad[...]
Dove hunting in Maryland offers an exhilarating way to kick off the hunting season, blending the thrill of fast-paced shooting with the serene beauty of the late summer and early fall landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, gearing up properly is essential for a successful hunt. This article will walk you through the key equipment you'll need, as well as some of the best places to go dove hunting in Maryland. Shotgun[...]
Long before the water temperatures start to warm up, various panfish species are feeding and starting to actually move into shallow, sun-warmed coves, offering angler’s a long-awaited reboot from the previous fishing season. Hungry from the winter’s lack of aquatic abundance and lower water temperatures, bluegills, crappies, and yellow perch will be making movements to the shallows and are vulnerable to sensitive, light-tackle presentations. Though many of our regional parks and lakes are not yet[...]
For decades, world-class fishing in Maryland freshwater tides has attracted the attention of United States presidents like George H. Bush, and nationally-favorited sport fishing organizations like Bass Angler’s Sportsmen Society (B.A.S.S.). It offers hotspots for all of the highly talked about targets including largemouth bass, northern snakehead, striped bass, perch and catfish. Anglers can target all these popular fish in one day, or spread out trips over multiple days. Maryland is a unique state where[...]
Hand-sized, pan-sized. Any species that can be legally harvested at a small enough size to fit in the skillet is considered a panfish. For anglers who love lots of action, easy access, and fried fish, panfishing covers all the bases. It's also a great way to introduce kids to fishing, with easy-to-catch species and quick rewards that build confidence and keep them engaged. Sunfish There are over 30 species of sunfish, or “sunnies” in North[...]