Maryland Catfish Trail

Blue Catfish

The Maryland Office of Tourism Development recently announced the new Maryland Catfish Trail, a resource for conquering the invasive species challenge in the state's waterways.

Anglers can explore handpicked locations, including tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River, Upper Bay, and Sassafras Rivers.

The Catfish Trail includes public access points, charters, and guides, and other aids to help anglers successfully target and catch invasive blue catfish.

The site also connects enthusiasts to restaurants and chefs statewide who are serving up responsibly sourced blue catfish cuisine. Restaurants and chefs across Maryland are creating inventive dishes featuring local blue catfish.

Anglers will find more about catching the invasive blue catfish on the Maryland DNR website, and the Fish and Hunt Maryland website. 

Maryland Saltwater Fishing

This article provides saltwater fishing techniques, species overviews, and other information related to fishing in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, tidal rivers, inshore and offshore fishing from Ocean City and Maryland's coastal bays.

Maryland has a wide variety of saltwater fishing. From striped bass fishing on the Susquehanna Flats, down to the state line in the Chesapeake Bay, and From Fenwick Island to Virginia along the coast.

Chesapeake Bay fishing varies widely lots of different environments. Anglers in the bay can fish with bait, artificial lures, employ fly fishing or other techniques.

Over on the ocean side there is surf fishing, jetty fishing, inshore fishing for flounder, trout, bluefish, and others. The open ocean offers anglers a chance to try wreck fishing, offshore fishing, deep dropping, and other activities.

Maryland Flounder Fishing

Flounder

Maryland is well known for its flounder fishing opportunities. Much of the fishing occurs in coastal bays and inshore ocean waters. A separate fishery occurs in the Chesapeake Bay.

Many anglers target flounder and some fish exclusively for these delicious fish. Some anglers target flounder only in certain seasons while others choose to fish the entire season. Fishing varies with season, weather, tides, location and water quality.

Flounder fishing is a spring ritual for many anglers. Locals and visitors alike begin the fishing season each year by drifting the bays and creeks for flounder. The first flounder may arrive along the coast in April, but the main spring run usually peaks in May.

Several key factors affect spring flounder fishing. Water temperature seems to play a critical role in the spring. A rule of thumb is to find water temperature above 55 degrees although fish are sometimes caught in cooler water. Tides and currents are also big factors and every serious angler has their preferred state of tide for a given location.

Flounder fishing changes as the water warms. The movements of flounder decrease and anglers settle into a summer pattern, enjoying the warm days on the bay.

Visiting local tackle shops are an excellent way to get up to date information on local fishing. Tackle shops have flounder fishing rigs, tackle, bait and up to date reports. In addition, some shops rent boats, book fishing charters, guided trips, nature cruises or other adventures.

In mid-summer, flounder are sometimes caught on the many wrecks, shoals and artificial reefs along the coast. Fishing is sporadic but catches can be good when flounder are located. The Artificial reefs off the coast of Maryland yield some excellent catches of flounder.

In summer, flounder are also caught by anglers fishing the surf. This fishery requires only a rod, rod holder and basic tackle, no boat is needed!

Maryland Offshore Fishing

Ocean City Maryland is world famous for offshore fishing. Private boats and fishing charters target a variety of tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi), wahoo, billfish, and other species.

The city proclaims itself the "white marlin capital of the world" and hosts one of the nation's top marlin fishing tournaments. To serve fishermen, the harbors are home to hundreds of fishing charter boats.

In the summer months, fishing can be excellent. Inshore fishing spots include the Jackspot, Hot Dog, Parking Lot, and other hot spots as well as deep sea structure including the Wilmington, Baltimore, Poor Man's, Washington, and Norfolk Canyons. These hotspots vary from around 25 to over 100 nautical miles from port.

Anglers may target bluefin tuna and bluefish along the 20 fathom line in the early season. Yellowfin tuna are sought in deeper water for the most part, often being caught in water from 30 to 100 fathoms. In addition to bluefin and yellowfin tuna, anglers catch bigeye, skipjack and longfin albacore tuna, dolphin fish, wahoo, billfish, and sharks.

Of interest to many anglers are the trips that reach the offshore canyons. Just before reaching the canyon walls are slopes that are often very productive areas. Near the canyon walls, the bottom becomes steeper and rockier. Fish congregate along the drop offs to catch food that is caught in the hard running current.

Along the edges are lobster traps which are marked by orange buoys or "lobster balls". The buoys attract dolphin fish which in turn attract the larger marlin, swordfish and sharks which feed on them heavily. A trip by a buoy can be uneventful, or one or more lines might be attacked by mahi mahi, tuna, marlin, or other fish.

In the deepwater canyons and surrounding areas, anglers also bottom fish for species such as tilefish, sea bass, hake, and other bottom dwellers. The world record golden tilefish was caught in 2007 off the coast of Maryland. The fish weighed 59 pounds, 3 ounces.

Late August and September often feature the best fishing with anglers seeing larger numbers of tuna as well as an influx of wahoo and bull dolphin. Offshore fishing continues into October, when windy weather and falling water temperatures make fishing less productive.

Maryland Inshore Saltwater Fish

Striped Bass - Rockfish

Striped Bass

The striped bass is the state fish of Maryland and the state's most popular inshore saltwater fish. Also known as rockfish or striper, the striped bass is a very hardy fish, and even takes to life in freshwater. Striped bass are stocked in several Maryland lakes.

Rigs and baits for striped bass vary with location and season. Anglers fish live baits such as spot and eels or troll, jig, cast artificial lures and fly fish for striped bass around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and other spots. The action is nearly year round with populations of local fish as well as migrating schools of rockfish.

Striped bass vary from around 18 inches to over monster fish of 50 inches or more. During the cooler months anglers come to Maryland from all over to enjoy some of the best striped bass fishing in the world.

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are among the most popular fish caught off the Maryland coast. Anglers fish year round for this exceptionally delicious fish, although the fish migrate to deeper water in winter. Peak fishing is usually May and early June and again in the fall.

In the spring, ocean wrecks, reefs, and rough bottom usually hold the most fish. Bigger fish can sometimes be enticed by using larger baits. Favorite rigs for bigger fish include single hook rigs with a whole squid for bait, large bucktail jigs with squid strips and large metal jigs. The larger baits often catch fish with a higher average weight.

Black sea bass are excellent cooked. The meat is firm, white and delicious and can be fried, grilled, baked or broiled.

Tautog

Tautog live in structure such as rocky bottoms, wrecks and reefs. Their preference for structure makes them an ideal inshore species when fishing in the lower Chesapeake Bay and along the coast.

Tackle and techniques are simple and no prior experience is needed to catch these tasty fish. They vary in size from about 12 inches to perhaps 12 lbs or more. They are very tough fighters and excellent table fare.

Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic croaker are popular saltwater fish caught in the Chesapeake and along the coast of Maryland. Croaker or "hardhead" are named because of the "croaking" noise they make. Croakers fight hard and prolific feeders. They are caught on baits such as squid, crabs, clams or bloodworms. Croakers are often caught in large numbers.

Spot

Spot occur in the Chesapeake Bay and along estuaries and coastal waters. Spot are fun to catch and a great fish for anglers of all ages. Anglers seek spot both as a baitfish and because of their excellent value as a seafood delicacy.

Spot are caught using standard 2 hook rigs, using small hooks and small pieces of bait. Popular baits include bloodworms, shrimp, clam and synthetic bloodworm type baits. Spot may also be caught with small jigs or Sabiki rigs.

Kingfish

The southern kingfish, or whiting, is a member of the croaker family. Kingfish have an elongated body and a characteristic single chin barbel. Coloration varies somewhat with habitat, but it is generally gray to brown above with silver undersides and 6-8 broad lateral bars.

Kingfish are an excellent food fish and are sought after by bottom fishermen and surf anglers. These fish are found on sandy bottoms, entering inshore areas in summer.

Red Drum

Red drum can be caught in a number of ways. A popular technique for catching red drum along the Maryland coast is to bottom fish with cut spot, menhaden, peeler crab or other baits. Anglers use a fish finder or other rig and sometimes fish into the evening for large bull red drum.

A second fishery along the coast and the Chesapeake Bay exists for "puppy drum" which are smaller red drum. These fish are exciting to catch, usually by casting artificial lures around structure or by fishing baits in shallow water areas.

Bluefish

Bluefish are commonly caught in Maryland. They are sometimes found in large schools off the coast where they are known for their sharp teeth and ability to destroy even the strongest tackle. Anglers troll, jig, cast artificial lures, and fly fish for bluefish. The fish have dark, oily meat but are excellent smoked.

Related Information

Ocean City Maryland Saltwater Fishing

Deep Creek Lake Northern Pike Survey

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is asking Deep Creek Lake anglers to participate in a northern pike survey.

Survey forms are available at the following tackle shops: Deep Creek Lake Outfitters, McHenry; The Bassin’ Box, LaVale; Backbone Mountain Sports Shop, Oakland; and Nicklow’s Wholesale Bait, Addison, Pa.

Completed forms are due April 30, 2015 and may be returned to the Department via:

Mail: Maryland DNR Fisheries Service; 301 Braddock Road; Frostburg, MD 21532;

Fax: with cover letter to: (301)689-7200; or

Email: to: matt.sell@maryland.gov (Please include “Northern Pike Survey” in subject line).

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

2014 Maryland Free Fishing Days

Maryland Free Fishing Days:
June 7, 14 and July 4, 2014

Maryland's 2014 free fishing days are June 7, June 14 and July 4. No fishing license, stamp or registration is required to recreationally fish in State waters on these days.

Maryland also features 23 unique license-free fishing areas, where anglers can fish without a license throughout the year. However, a free Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration is required in these areas except on free fishing days.

As always, anglers must adhere to fishing regulations, including size and possession limits, which are available online in the digital 2014 Maryland Fishing Guide. Printed copies of the guide are offered at most Maryland tackle shops and any of the seven Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Service Centers.

Anglers 15 years and younger do not need a license to fish, year-round.

source: Department of Natural Resources

Ocean City Md Striped Bass Fishing

The striped bass, also known as striper, or rockfish is one of the most popular saltwater fish caught at Ocean City, Md. Unlike most saltwater fish species, striped bass are caught during all four seasons; spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Productive areas for catching stripers around Ocean City include the north jetty, south jetty, Rt 50 bridge, Rt. 90 bridge, Verrazano Bridge, coastal bays, and beaches along Ocean City and Assateague Island.

Casting lures is a popular technique for catching striped bass. Popular lures for catching stripers include bucktail jigs, jigs with soft plastic bodies, metal jigs, crankbaits, topwater plugs, gotcha style plugs, spoons, and others.

Striped bass are also caught using a variety of live and cut baits. Around bridges and jetties, live eels and spot are popular. For surf fishing, anglers employ cut baits including bloodworms, menhaden, mullet, spot, soft crab, sea clams, and other baits.

Although fishing for these heavyweight gamefish can be very specialized, anglers occasionally catch striped bass while flounder fishing.

Striped bass make excellent table fare. Fish kept for the table should be kept cold.

Stripers can be cleaned using either of three techniques;

scale first and fillet, leaving skin on;
remove the skin first by peeling off, then fillet;
or fillet first and then cut skin from fillet.

What Fish Are Biting In Maryland?

The first half of the 2013 Maryland saltwater fishing season has been challenging for most anglers. As always, the weather has been a limiting factor. Another factor is the lack of blue crabs in many areas. The good news is that a variety of fish species have showed up in good numbers, giving anglers a range of options.

In the upper Chesapeake Bay, catches include striped bass and white perch, with good catches being reported in Eastern Bay and other traditional fishing spots.

Several species of fish are present on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Striped bass (rockfish), white perch, speckled trout, croakers, and spot have been caught in Tangier Sound and near the mouths of the Nanticoke, Wicomico, Manokin, Big Annemessex, and Pocomoke Rivers. Much of the action has been in shallow water around grass beds, points, and stumps.

Anglers have also had sporadic success catching croakers, spot and kingfish along the channel edges in Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. Some anglers have also reported small gray trout in the same areas.

One of the lesser known runs of fish has been the influx of legal sized red drum (redfish) and speckled trout along the coastal bays of the Eastern Shore. These fish first appeared around Virginia seaside inlets during spring flounder runs. By mid-June, both species had made their way north into Maryland's coastal bays. At Ocean City, anglers are catching legal sized red drum, striped bass, sea trout, and flounder near jetties, bridges, and channel edges.

As with other fisheries, offshore fishermen have been hampered by windy weather during the first half of 2013. Notable catches have included thresher and mako sharks, school-sized tuna, and a few large bigeyes. With major tournaments coming in August, more and more Maryland offshore fishing boats will be targeting white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, dophin fish, wahoo, and other deep water species.

2013 Maryland Freshwater Trout Regulations

In Maryland, a number of new trout fishing regulations are in effect for the 2013 fishing season.

 - Lion’s Park Pond in Allegany County and Avalon Pond (Lost Lake) in Baltimore County are now Put-and-Take Trout Fishing areas with access for anglers of all ages (local restrictions may still apply).

 - A section of Catoctin Creek within Catoctin Creek Park (Frederick County) has been designated as a Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Area.

 - Governor Bridge Natural Area Pond (Prince George’s County) is now a limited harvest area.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Snakehead Fishing

The northern snakehead is a species of invasive fish that has begun appearing in several Maryland rivers. Originating from Eastern Asia. the northern snakehead quickly adapted to Maryland waterways following its controversial introduction.

In 2002, invasive snakeheads were found in a Pond near Crofton, Maryland. Soon after, additional snakeheads were found in Maryland and the species established itself in the Potomac River.

Snakehead Fish Identification

The northern snakehead fish is recognizable by its long, slender body and a snake-like head. Its dorsal and anal fins are long and its tail is rounded. Adults are brownish with lighter markings along the head and flank.

How to Catch Snakehead Fish

At times, snakeheads are relatively simple to catch. They are often caught using traditional bass lures and can also be caught with live or cut bait. Depending on seasons, locations, fishing pressure, and other factors, they can be aggressive and easy to catch or may simply refuse to take baits or lures.

Potomac River Snakeheads

Northern snakeheads occur in the Potomac River from Great Falls down to the Chesapeake Bay. They have been reported in Potomac tributaries including Little Hunting Creek, Dogue Creek, Pohick Creek, Occoquan River, Neabsco Creek, Quantico Creek, and Aquia Creek.

Other Maryland Snakehead Populations

Northern snakeheads have expanded their range and are now found in nearly all tidal rivers of Maryland. Some of the top rivers in Maryland for catching snakeheads include the Blackwater, Chicamacomico, Transquaking, Nanticoke, Wicomico, Susquehanna, Gunpowder, and Bush.

Invasive Species Status

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, northern snakeheads present multiple threats and could alter the balance of U.S. ecosystems. They are air-breathers and are capable of overland migration. Adult snakeheads are very aggressive in their efforts to protect their young.

Snakehead Regulations

Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission have regulations in effect regarding the possession or release of live northern snakeheads. Additionally, Federal law prohibits the transport of live snakeheads into the U.S. or across State lines.

2013 Maryland Summer Flounder Regulations

2013 Maryland flounder regulations have been set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Recreational anglers will be allowed to keep up to 4 summer flounder per person per day. The minimum size is 16 inches in all Maryland state waters. In Maryland, the flounder season will begin statewide at 12:01am, Thursday, March 28th, 2013.

The fishery is expected to remain open through 11:59 pm December 31, 2013, however DNR could close the recreational season early if projections indicate the recreational harvest target will be caught before December 31, 2013.

source: MD DNR

Maryland Shad Fishing

Hickory Shad

In Maryland, fishing for shad is a springtime tradition. In most locations, shad fishing usually begins in March and continues into early May. Maryland anglers catch hickory shad or American shad during spring spawning runs. In some watersheds, fishermen also catch river herring together with shad.

Popular shad fishing rivers in Maryland include the Susquehanna, Gunpowder, Patapsco, Patuxent, Choptank, Nanticoke, Pocomoke, and others. In addition to mainstem river systems, a number of tributary streams and creeks are known for their shad runs, including Marshyhope and Tuckahoe Creeks on the Eastern Shore.

Productive shad fishing spots often occur along narrow, fast moving stretches of rivers and creeks. In some areas, fishing access is available within national, state, or county parks. In other locations, shad are caught from fishing piers, bridges, dams, dykes, or other man-made structures. Anglers also wade to catch shad or traverse rivers and creeks by small boat.

No bait is required in order to catch shad and river herring. Instead, anglers use small, flashy jigs, spoons, or flies. Depending on the location and other factors, anglers may choose to cast extensively or simply lower their lure into the water and work lures with jigging motion. Bridge and pier anglers often employ specials rigs which feature multiple lures.

In 2012, Maryland, along with most Atlantic states, enacted a moratorium on the harvest of all shad and river herring. Although keeping fish for the table or bait is no longer an option, many anglers still enjoy catch and release fishing for these exciting fish. 

Ocean City Maryland Free Fishing Areas

In 2012, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) designated two popular Ocean City saltwater fishing spots as license-free fishing areas.

Northside Park is located where 125th Street meets Assawoman Bay, and features a fishing pier, concessions, playgrounds, a picnic area, walking paths, playing fields and a sports center.

The Chicago Avenue Boardwalk (2nd Street Bulkhead) has metered parking, wheelchair access, and a fish cleaning station.

Anglers ages 16 and older, who would like to utilize free fishing areas without a license, must register with the State (at no cost) by calling 855-855-3906 or online at https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal.

The registration enters anglers into a national database, which is used to help assess recreational fishing activity in tidal waters.

source: MD DNR

New Pre-Season Striped Bass Catch & Release Rules Begin on March 22

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service will implement new regulations March 22 addressing pre-season striped bass fishing. These restrictions will be in effect until the April 17 start of the spring trophy season. The regulations are being introduced to address a serious concern over sub-lethal impacts on pre-spawn female striped bass, that are moving up the Chesapeake Bay to their spawning grounds in March and April.

“It is never easy to restrict the access and opportunity to a resource, but let’s not forget how far we have come from the striped bass moratorium of 20 years ago,” said DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “We are fortunate that all sectors of our fishing community benefit today from the sacrifices of past management efforts. The latest stock assessment raises some concerns that require us to pause and evaluate how our actions may be impacting the long-term sustainability of this resource. If we remain vigilant and prudent in our management of this resource, we will ensure that our premier striped bass fishery will remain available for us and future generations to enjoy.”

Preseason recreational fishing has increased since 2002 causing concern among fisheries biologists and managers over the potential effect of the stress of being caught, handled, and released.

The restrictions apply in all open catch and release areas. The catch and release fishing areas include the Chesapeake Bay from the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia line including Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. Spawning rivers and the Upper Bay spawning area are off limits until June 1 to striped bass fishing.

The Preseason Regulations:

 - Stinger (trailing) hooks are prohibited.

 - Barbless hooks are required when trolling. Simply pinch the barb down to facilitate the careful release of your fish.

 - Non-offset circle hooks or J hooks with a gap of less than a half-inch are required when using natural bait.

 - No more than 6 lines may be employed while trolling regardless of the number of anglers on board.

The spring trophy season runs from April 17 through midnight on May 15 with a creel of one fish and size limit of 28 inches or longer. The open fishing area includes the Chesapeake Bay from the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia line including the Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. From May 16 through December 15, the creel limit is two with a minimum size of 18 inches. However, only one of those two fish may be longer than 28 inches.

To view a chart of open catch and release and spring trophy season areas go to www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/sbrecseasons/sbregmap022.

27th Annual MSSA Spring Rockfish Tournament

The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) has announced its 27th Annual Spring Tournament, "Championship on the Chesapeake", April 30th - May 2nd, 2010. The event is said to be the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country.

"Trophy Season" is marked by the first weekend in May as the coastal stock of striped bass make their way through the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic after spawning in our rivers. With the "Trophy Season" just starting, this tournament is guaranteed to provide three days of fun and excitement on the Bay, as over 650 boats and nearly 4,000 anglers get an opportunity to catch one of these magnificent beauties. The winning fish could be worth $100,000!

All cash and merchandise prizes are for rockfish. The heaviest rockfish on the scales shall be declared the winner of the main tournament. In addition to all main tournament prizes there will be several "Tournament within Tournament" (TWTs) to compete in.

It is important to note that participants should enter in all of the "Tournament within Tournament" (TWTs) to have a chance at the huge cash prize for heaviest rockfish. While this may require more money to enter, this will give anglers a shot at a huge sum of money.

The Spring Tournament is an amateur tournament; however, there is a Professional Division with separate cash prizes and awards. All monies collected from the "Professional Division’s" will be deposited in a special account for their cash prizes. The amateur participants will not have to compete against the Pros.

As the MSSA continues to fight for better fishing in the Bay and elsewhere, the organization asks that participants practice conservation and take part in the "Catch and Release Division" as well. The association asks anglers to release sub-legal rockfish and fish over the daily creel as carefully as possible.

This event is the principle source of revenue for the MSSA. The proceeds from the tournament enable the MSSA to conduct many activities and enhance recreational fishing opportunities for Maryland. The MSSA has been recognized as the "Official Voice of Maryland Recreational Anglers."

For more information, visit: http://www.mssa.net/championship.html