OUTDOORS Gone Fishing Drop a line in Maryland’s many waterways for a catch of a lifetime. C BY JIM MEYER Cast your fly in a remote mountain stream, drop a line in a pristine lake or swift running river, go for game fish out on the open Chesapeake, and hunt for the big billfish in the famed Atlantic canyons. With an unparalleled variety of species and habitats, there’s something for every avid angler in Maryland. Catch a Charter for Prize Fishing For seasoned fishermen, there’s no prize bigger than marlin, and if you’re looking to bag some billfish, Ocean City, the White Marlin Capital of the World, is where you want to be. Legendary fighters, white marlin are plentiful off shore and over the canyons, but anglers will also find majestic blue marlin weighing half a ton, tuna and other great game fish. Looking for something new? Try salt water fly-fishing for shark, bluefish, bonito and more. Ocean City definitely offers the right charter for you. Marlin may rule the sea, but when it comes to the bay, the rock are king. Rockfish, also known as striped bass, are prized not only for their tenacious fight, they’re also one of the tastiest fish around. Firm and succulent with a clean flavor reminiscent of tuna, there’s nothing as satisfying or refreshing as a tangy rockfish ceviche and a frosty beer after a day out on the bay. Catch a charter Fly Fishing for trout in the upper bay out of Middle River in Baltimore or right out of the Annapolis dock. On the Eastern Shore, head to Kent Island or Rock Hall. For middle and lower bay, try Deale, Solomons or Point Lookout. is home to the state’s largest fleet of charter boats. Maryland also has fantastic freshwater lake fishing at Deep Creek, the Liberty Reservoir and Loch Raven near Baltimore with largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye and lots of pan-fish. Bag Some Bass If bass is your speed, the Potomac River is home to one of the best largemouth fisheries in the country. Two to five pounders are common, and you can pick up a guided charter right out of National Harbor, Indian Head, Cobb Island, Tall Timbers or Piney Point. Chesapeake Beach in Calvert County Relax by the River Cast a fly into one of Maryland’s world-class brown trout runs on the Savage and Gunpowder rivers. Or, fish in Western Maryland’s pristine mountain streams for native brook trout. The water’s so clear, it’s like the “brookies” are swimming through a rippling sky. Cast Your Net a Little Wider Finally, if you’re looking for something a little different, try your (preferably gloved) hand at ice fishing on Deep Creek Lake. All winter long, you can pull in pike, bluegill, perch and crappie. Or, for the true adventurer, take a shot at bow-fishing. One of the fastest growing outdoors sports, bow-fishing is perfect for catching snakehead and massive, 40-plus pound blue catfish. One thing’s for sure, once you try your luck fishing in Maryland, you’ll be hooked. ✥ Resources PHOTOS: JAY FLEMING Maryland Charter Boat Association www.marylandcharterboats.com Fish & Hunt Maryland Fishing at Chesapeake Beach www.fishandhuntmaryland.com DESTINATION MARYLAND ✥ 33
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2017: Page 33
