Maryland Fishing License? to See Whether the Area You Are Fishing Resident Trout Stamp

Home , Antietam Creek, Bohemia River, Carroll Creek (Maryland), Casselman River, Catoctin Mountain Park, Choptank River

dnr.maryland.gov MARYLAND GUIDE TO FISHING 2021 AND CRABBING

STATE

Photo by George Monk Photo by Karon Hickman RECORDS Photo by James McWhinney page 47

Also inside... • License Information • Seasons, Sizes Photo by Eric Packard Photo by Trey Lewis and Limits • Fish Identification • Public Lakes and Ponds • Tidal/Nontidal Dividing Lines Thomas Detrick, age 15 Photo by Eva Register Photo by Brett Poffenberger Elizabeth Lee Photo by R. Lee • Oysters and Clams

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Anglers Brennan Horton, age 10 and 38 Jace Horton, age 7 Photo by Eric Packard

Photo by Steven Wolinski 24

page 40 Photo by Nathan Horton Photo by Martin Fish Company 43

CONTENTS Photo by Brandon Yancey 44

What’s New��6 Special Management Areas Blue Crabs��40–41 Trout��24–25 Department of Natural Resources Artificial Reefs��42 Addresses and Phone Numbers��8 All Species��26 Oysters and Clams��43 Natural Resources Police Information��8 Bass Fishing��28 Highly Migratory Species Maryland Wildlife Crimestoppers��8 Potomac River Boating and Sharks�� 44–45 and Safety Information��29 License Information��10–13 FishMaryland�� 46 Fish Identification��30–31 Recreational Crab License Award Species and Minimum Sizes��46 and Crab Pot Registration��13 Public Lakes and Ponds ��32–33 Sport Fish State Records Rules License Free Fishing Areas��13 Tidal/Nontidal and Procedures�� 47 Dividing Lines�� 34–35 General Definitions ��14 State Records�� 47 Invasive Species��36–37 Sport Fishing Regulations Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles��48 Nontidal��16 Striped Bass�� 38–39 Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays, Atlantic Ocean��17 Angler Karee DuVall caught a 24" Brown Trout Seasons, Sizes and Limits in Wills Creek on July 3, 2020 Nontidal��18 LICENSE FREE FISHING DAYS!

Chesapeake Bay DuVall Karee by Photo and Tidal tributaries��20 In Maryland, anyone may fish without a recreational A tlantic Ocean, coastal bays fishing license on June 5, June 12 and July 4, 2021. and tributaries�� 21 All other fishing regulations apply. Put-and-Take Trout Fishing Areas� � 22–23 Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission This commission is comprised of individuals from across the state who represent the interests of various recreational fishing constituencies. The meeting schedule, agenda, summaries of past meetings, member affiliations and contact information are at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries.

Commissioners Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL Larry Hogan, Governor Mr. Jason Andrick Mr. Eric Packard Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Secretary Trout Unlimited, Nontidal, Tidal Coldwater Fisheries Fisheries Maryland Department of Ms. Beverly Fleming Mr. David Sikorski Natural Resources Marine and Ocean Coastal Conservation Fishing and Boating Services Surf Fisheries, Association Assateague Mobile Mr. David M. About this Guide Tawes State Office Building Sportsfishermen's Sutherland 580 Taylor Avenue, B-2 Association Annapolis, MD 21401-2352 Marine Conservation Mr. Sewell Frey and Economics This high-quality regulation guide is 410-260-8300 Aquaculture Industry offered to you by the Maryland Department 800-688-3467 Mr. Roger Trageser Captain Edward Green Nontidal, Tidal of Natural Resources through its unique dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries Tidal Fisheries, Largemouth & partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing. [email protected] Charter Boat Captain Smallmouth Bass Fisheries, Maryland The revenue generated through ad sales Captain Phil Langley significantly lowers production costs and Background photo by Eric Packard Bass Nation Tidal Fisheries, generates savings. These savings trans- St. Mary's Lake in Southern MD Charter Boat Captain Mr. James Wommack late into additional funds for other impor- Tidal, Marine Fisheries Mr. Steven R. Lay tant agency programs. Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission Liaison If you have any feedback or are interested in advertising, please contact us Mr. Scott Lenox at 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE Marine Fisheries DEPARTMENT'S Dr. Raymond P. Graphic Design: Morgan II Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, EMAIL LIST Nontidal Fisheries Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski Western Maryland dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/email.aspx Mr. John Neely Nontidal Coldwater, Tidal Fisheries This publication is intended as a guide only. Rules are subject to change. It is the The Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is a publication of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and angler's responsibility to know and abide Boating Services. Political advocacy ads, ads promoting alco- by all rules. For statutes see the Natu- hol or tobacco and ads of a sexual nature will not be accepted. ral Resources Article of the Annotated The department is not responsible for advertising claims Code of Maryland. For regulations see contained herein. The department disclaims any liability the Code of Maryland Regulations, Title regarding product pricing, claims, descriptions, availability, or condition. No warranty is expressed or implied concern- 08. Maryland statutes and regulations ing product errors, omissions or misprints. can be found at the following web sites: This program receives Federal financial assistance from • Statutes: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/Statute_ 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Web/gnr/gnr.pdf Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and • Regulations: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhome.html basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against STAY CONNECTED! in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more • Follow Fishing and Boating Services: information, please write to: • Twitter— twitter.com/mddnrfish Office of Fair Practice Department of Natural Resources This guide is also • Facebook—facebook.com/ 580 Taylor Ave., C-3 - Annapolis MD 21401 marylanddnrfisheries/ Telephone: (410)260-8058 Email: [email protected] available online at • Share your fishing story on the Office of Civil Rights Angler’s Log—dnr.maryland.gov/fish- Dept. of Interior 1849 C Street, NW eries/pages/recreational/anglers_log.aspx Washington, D.C., 20240

2 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 Outfitting Maryland Anglers Since 1997 OutfittingOutfittingOutfittingFISH, SNAP MarylandMarylandMaryland & TAG Anglers Anglers Anglers #HookedOnTD Since SinceSince 1997 19971997 FISH,FISH, SNAPSNAP SNAP & & &TAG TAG TAG #H #H #HookedOnTDookedOnTDookedOnTD

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Larry Hogan Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio

Dear Anglers, As our state and our nation faced the unprecedented challenges of the past year, Maryland’s tremendous natural resources once again proved invaluable. Our state parks reported record attendance as hundreds of thousands of Marylanders took to the great outdoors, including our diverse waterways and unparalleled fishing destinations. Maryland’s world-class experiences include wild rivers, peaceful lakes, the ocean, and the nation’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay. With that vast array of waterways come a vast array of fishing opportunities that are hard to rival. As Maryland anglers showed us last year, that includes record-setting catches of Longnose Gar, Florida pompano, and Gray Triggerfish. While fishing provides fun (and socially distant) recreation, it is also an important component of our conservation and management efforts for aquatic species. In that vein, we continue to urge recreational and commercial anglers to help with one of our most important environmental initiatives: reducing the number of destructive invasive species in our waterways, such as blue catfish, flathead catfish, and northern snakehead. These species pose a direct threat to the ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and the most effective method of removal is to catch them and eat them. Fortunately, they make exceptional meals. With no catch limits or season limits, we encourage you to join the food fight. If you see these or other local seafood options on the menu at a Maryland restaurant, please order them! Now more than ever, we encourage you to buy local to support Maryland’s seafood industry, Maryland’s economy, and Maryland’s natural resources. By participating in the responsible stewardship of our waterways, you are preserving time-honored Mary- land traditions to share with future generations. At a time when it matters most, please enjoy all that our natural resources have to offer, and have a memorable year out on the water! Sincerely,

Larry Hogan, Governor

Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Photo by John Mullican

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2020 State Records: • Big Scale Pomfret (Atlantic, 2019) • Sheepshead (Chesapeake) DID YOU KNOW? 22.1 lbs., Norfolk Canyon 12/28/2019, 14.1 lbs., Target Ship, Angler: Jeff Rosenkilde Lower Bay 08/09/2020, • Changes are coming for striped • Gray Triggerfish (Atlantic) Angler: Daniel Mastronardi, Jr. bass? Keep up to date with the 6.0 lbs., shipwreck 14 miles off the • Longnose Gar (Chesapeake) changes at eregulations.com/maryland/ coast of Ocean City 10/25/2020, 18.3 lbs., Marshyhope Creek 03/02/2020, fishing/striped-bass/. Angler: Logan Liddick Angler: Samson Matthews • You don’t have to have a paper copy • Florida Pompano (Chesapeake) • Flathead Catfish (Invasive) of your license with you? Make sure 5.0 lbs., Black Walnut Point Fishing 57.0 lbs., Lapidum Boat Ramp, you have an electronic copy (phone or area, Tilghman Island 09/06/2020, Susquehanna River 12/27/2020, another device) and a photo ID with Angler: David D. Shrock Angler: Joshua Dixon you when you’re fishing. • You have to register your crab pot every year? See page 13 for details. • You have to have a license or be registered to fish in the Chesapeake Bay, its tidal tributaries, the Atlantic Ocean, or its coastal bays? See page 10 for details and exemptions. • You could get your fishing or crabbing privileges suspended if you break the law. • There are new rules for brook trout? Logan Liddick of Carlisle, PA Daniel Mastronardi Jr. of Samson Matthews of See pages 22-26 for more information with his State Record, Rhodesdale, MD with his Dorchester County, MD with Atlantic Division, State Record, Chesapeake his State Record, Chesapeake 6.0 lbs. Gray Triggerfish. Division. 14.1 lbs. Sheepshead Division. 18.3 lbs. Longnose Gar Photo © Sean Simmon S MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY Visit safewaters.com for facility information

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6 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 LEGENDARY FISHING AWAITS! SALMON RIVER, PULASKI NEW YORK

t only takes one light tackle hook-up for you to understand Iwhy they are called Steelhead. Anglers from around the world will tell you that these underwater light- ning bolts do more than steal your bait. By the time they have had their way with you, they’ll have stolen your heart and soul. Wheth- er heading upstream for a fall feeding frenzy or dropping back to Lake Ontario in the spring, these 5-10 lb. “chromers” will give you the freshwater fight that brings you back for more.

Let this be your year to experience the legendary waters of the Salm- on River -- long regarded as one of North America’s premier steelhead destinations!

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Licensing and Registration Service Centers Natural Resources Police Offices Fisheries • Licensing and Registration Service 24 Hour Assistance: Fisheries Information Centers offer the following: boat dealer 800-628-9944 or 410-260-8888 410-260-8300 or 800-688-3467 licenses, commercial fishing licenses, hunting licenses, off-road vehicle permits, Use these phone numbers for emergencies, Trout Stocking Information recreational fishing licenses, vessel regis- to report natural resources violations or ask 800-688-3467, press 1 trations, vessel titles, state park/forest questions on fisheries regulations. (updated weekly during stocking season), information and safety class information or daily during stocking season at All offices are open Monday through Friday, for hunters and boaters. Public hours are dnr.maryland.gov/pages/trout/stocking.aspx 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through • Albert Powell State Trout Hatchery • Somerset, Wicomico Friday, except state holidays. Before Hagerstown, 301-791-4736 and Worcester counties visiting, always call ahead to see if an • Bear Creek State Trout Hatchery appointment is required. 32144 Mt. Olive Road Salisbury, MD 21804 Accident, 301-746-8148 • Annapolis Service Center 160 Harry S. Truman Parkway • Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot and Fisheries Work Centers Annapolis, MD 21401 Queen Anne’s counties • Cooperative Oxford Lab 410-260-3220 3001 Starr Road Oxford, 410-226-0078 Queen Anne, MD 21657 866-344-8889 (toll free in Maryland) • Matapeake Work Center • Bel Air Service Center • Anne Arundel and Stevensville, 410-643-6776 501 West MacPhail Road Prince George’s counties 1070 East College Parkway • Ocean City Work Center Bel Air, Maryland 21014 Ocean City, 410-213-1531 410-836-4550 Annapolis, MD 21409 866-623-3187 (toll free in Maryland) • Calvert, Charles Freshwater Fisheries Regional Offices • Centreville Service Center and St. Mary’s counties • Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, 120 Broadway Avenue 2160 Old Washington Road Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Centreville, MD 21617 Waldorf, MD 20601 Wicomico and Worcester counties 410-819-4100 • Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Millington, 410-928-3604 866-439-1708 (toll free in Maryland) Howard and Montgomery counties • Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, • Cumberland Regional Service Center 3738 Gwynnbrook Avenue Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties OPEN Tuesday and Thursday only Owings Mills, MD 21117 Brandywine, 301-888-2423 13300 Winchester Road, SW • Frederick and Washington counties • Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard Cumberland, MD 21502 2011 Monument Road and Montgomery counties 301-777-2134 Myersville, MD 21773 Woodbine, 410-442-2080 866-679-0906 (toll free in Maryland) • Allegany and Garrett counties • Frederick and Washington counties • Essex Service Center 11701 Mountain Road N.E. Thurmont, 301-898-5443 or 9724 CLOSED Tuesday and Thursday Flintstone, MD 21530 1338 Eastern Blvd. A • Allegany and Garrett counties Oakland, 301-334-8218 Essex, MD 21221 Law Enforcement Division 667-401-0760 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 866-535-8319 (toll free in Maryland) 410-573-4514 • Frederick Service Center 1601-A Bowmans Farm Road Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Safety MARYLAND WILDLIFE Frederick, Maryland 21701 and Environmental 24-Hour Hotline CRIME STOPPERS (240) 236-9950 877-224-7229 (toll free in Maryland) 866-679-0906 (toll free in Maryland) Emergencies on Boats The Maryland Natural Resources Police • Salisbury Service Center VHF-CH 16 has partnered with Maryland Wildlife 251 Tilghman Road, Room #2 Crime Stoppers to prevent poaching of our Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle fish and wildlife resources. You can report Salisbury, MD 21804 Stranding Hotline 410-713-3840 poaching and wildlife crime while remain- 866-812-1678 (toll free in Maryland) 800-628-9944 ing anonymous and be eligible for a cash • Solomons Service Center reward. You can call or text Maryland 14175 Solomons Island Road, South Wildlife Crime Stoppers at 1-443-433- Solomons, MD 20688 4112 or email [email protected]. 410-535-3382 You can also report violations from your 866-688-3823 (Toll free in Maryland) Good habitats and good fishing go hand-in- phone using the Maryland DNR App! hand. Report freshwater pollution to authorities using Water Reporter with pictures and accurate INFORMACIÓN GPS locations. Download Water Reporter IMPORTANTE EN ESPAÑOL to your smartphone from TO REPORT A FISH KILL your iTunes or GooglePlay dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/espanol account for free. 800-285-8195 or 877-224-7229

8 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 You’re going to LOVE Kent CountyMD

Visit Maryland’s Eastern Shore on the Upper Chesapeake Bay With dozens of licensed fi shing captains and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay, Kent County is where your fi shing experience begins. You’ll also fi nd terrifi c restaurants, historic towns, wineries, a distillery, and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.

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dnr.maryland.gov 9 FISHING LICENSES, STAMPS AND SALTWATER ANGLER REGISTRATION

Fishing Licenses and Fees Who Needs a Trout Stamp? A trout stamp is required for anyone 16 years Fishing licenses, stamps and registrations are valid for 365 days of age or older to catch, attempt to catch or from the date of purchase, unless otherwise specified. possess trout in nontidal waters.

Resident Nontidal Sport Fishing License...... $20.50 How Do I Know Whether I Need a Tidal Resident 7-Day Nontidal Sport Fishing License...... $7.50 or Nontidal Maryland Fishing License? To see whether the area you are fishing Resident Trout Stamp...... $5 requires a tidal or nontidal fishing license, Resident Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License...... $15 please see Tidal/Nontidal Dividing Lines section on page 34. Resident 7-Day Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License...... $6 Resident Senior Consolidated Sport Fishing License...... $5 Maryland Saltwater Angler (65 years or older. License includes tidal, nontidal, and trout stamp. It may be Registration Exemptions purchased at any time in the calendar year in which you attain the age of 65) Anglers fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal Non-Resident Nontidal Sport Fishing License...... $30.50* bays, Chesapeake Bay or tidal tributaries must be registered with the state unless one Non-Resident 7-Day Nontidal Sport Fishing License...... $7.50* of the following applies: Non-Resident 3-Day Nontidal Sport Fishing License...... $5* • You are under 16 years of age. • You are fishing with a licensed fishing guide *Or the same fee charged to visiting Maryland anglers by a non-resident’s home state, or from a licensed commercial fishing pier. whichever is higher—dnr.maryland.gov/pages/service_fishing_license.aspx • You are fishing on a free fishing day—the Non-Resident Trout Stamp...... $10 first two Saturdays in June and July 4. • You possess a valid commercial tidal fish Non-Resident Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License...... $22.50 license. Non-Resident 7-Day Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License...... $12 • You possess a Potomac River Fisheries Commission recreational fishing license. Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Boat License...... $50 • You possess a Chesapeake Bay and Coastal 1. Passengers onboard licensed boats do not need a license. However, they must Sport Fishing License. have a free Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration (see below). 2. An individual Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License and a compli- To Obtain a License or Saltwater mentary individual crabbing license are included for the person who purchases Angler Registration: this license. Go to compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompass- Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration...... Free portal, visit a Licensing and Registration Unless individually licensed, an annual registration is required for: Service Center or visit a license agent (select 1. Passengers on boats with Bay and Coastal Sport Boat Licenses. tackle shop or outdoor outfitter). 2. Anglers fishing in designated License Free Fishing Areas. 3. Waterfront property owners and family fishing on private property. Purple Heart Recipient Discount 4. Anglers in possession of a Virginia saltwater recreational fishing license or on a Any Maryland veteran who has received a Virginia-licensed boat. Purple Heart for injuries sustained defending our nation qualifies for a 50 percent discount on Maryland hunting and fishing licenses.

Penalties Complimentary Licenses The department may suspend an individual’s fishing license or privilege if that indi- A complimentary license is available to Mary- vidual is convicted of, or pays a fine for, violating certain fishing rules. A full copy land residents who are 100 percent service- of suspendable fishing violations can be found in the Code of Maryland Regula- connected disabled veterans or former pris- tions 08.02.13.05. To view this regulation, visit dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhome.html. oners of war. The license incorporates the Individuals who are suspended for violating fishing rules in Maryland may also be nontidal angler's license, trout stamp and Bay suspended in other states under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. and Coastal sport fishing license. Applicants must furnish a letter of disability or a letter of certification from the Veterans Administration with their initial application. BECOME A CHARTER BOAT GUIDE These licenses must be obtained at a Depart- ment of Natural Resources Service Center and Have you ever been interested in a charter boat or fishing guide but not sure where to begin? cannot be obtained at independent retail loca- If you would like to become a guide or want to find out what to expect from your hired fishing tions. Locate your nearest Service Center by vis- guide go to dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/bass/guides.aspx iting dnr.maryland.gov/pages/service_centers.aspx. A complimentary license is also available to residents and nonresidents who are blind.

10 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 FISHING LICENSES, STAMPS AND SALTWATER ANGLER REGISTRATION

License Exemptions as some impoundments and waterways • You are fishing from a licensed charter are surrounded by buffers. In these areas, boat or licensed commercial fishing pier. Statewide Sport Fishing there are no riparian shoreline owners and • You are fishing from a boat displaying a License Exemptions fishing licenses are required. Anglers with Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fish- You may fish for finfish without a license if: riparian shorelines must comply with all ing Boat License and you have a Maryland • You are under 16 years of age. fishing rules. Saltwater Angler Registration, unless oth- • You are a resident of Maryland, on active erwise exempt. duty with Armed Forces, on leave with Trout Stamp Exemptions • You are an owner or tenant, their spouse, official orders. A trout stamp is not required for possession child or the spouse of their child resid- • You fish on a free fishing day—the first two of trout taken from privately owned lakes and ing on the property and fishing from the Saturdays in June and July 4. ponds or licensed fee fishing lakes and ponds. property's shoreline. • You fish in an area designated by Depart- • Anglers should confirm riparian ownership ment of Natural Resources as a license Tidal Sport Fishing License Exemptions before fishing. Anglers with riparian shore- free fishing area, and you have obtained a You may fish for finfish without a license in lines must comply with all fishing rules. Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration (if Maryland's tidal waters if: required in that area). A list of license free • You possess a valid commercial fishing fishing areas is available on page 13 and license. at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/license- free.aspx.

Nontidal Sport Fishing License Exemptions Contact Fishing and Boating Services for license exemption information concerning: You may fish for finfish without a license • An individual who attends, resides, or is under treatment by a state approved mental in Maryland‘s nontidal waters if you are health facility an owner or tenant, their spouse, child or • A nonprofit organization that works with individuals with physical or mental disabilities the spouse of their child residing on the • A governmental entity or nonprofit organization that works with individuals with property and fishing from the property's physical or mental disabilities who are serving or have served in the armed forces riparian shoreline. Anglers should con- • The primary caregiver or the representative for any of the above categories firm riparian ownership before fishing,

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dnr.maryland.gov 11 RECIPROCAL LICENSES

Virginia in nontidal waters of the Potomac River Youghiogheny reservoirs lying within • A resident of Virginia possessing a valid (mainstem only) opposite the shore the boundaries of Pennsylvania without Virginia nontidal fishing license issued in of West Virginia, either from a boat or a Pennsylvania fishing license. that resident’s name may fish in nontidal either shore, including the North Branch • Reciprocal fishing privileges extend from waters of the mainstem of the Potomac of the Potomac River and the Jennings waters’ edge to waters’ edge. It does not River opposite the shore of Virginia. Randolph Reservoir (opposite the shore include tributaries or fishing from shore. • A resident of Maryland possessing a valid of West Virginia). • The Conowingo Reservoir extends from Maryland Nontidal Sport Fishing License • A resident of Maryland possessing a valid the Conowingo Dam in Maryland to Holt- issued in that person’s name can fish from Maryland Nontidal Sport Fishing License wood Dam in Pennsylvania. The Yough- the Virginia banks of the Potomac River issued in that resident’s name may fish iogheny Reservoir extends from the red opposite the shore of Maryland without the West Virginia banks of the Potomac posts on the Youghiogheny River in Mary- a Virginia fishing license. River, including the North Branch of the land downstream to Youghiogheny Dam • Any holder of a valid Virginia saltwater Potomac River and the Jennings Randolph in Pennsylvania. fishing license may fish in Maryland tidal Reservoir, without a West Virginia fish- waters, regardless of residency, so long as ing license. Potomac River they have obtained a Maryland Saltwater • A Potomac River Fisheries Commission Angler Registration. Pennsylvania recreational fishing license holder may • Any holder of a valid Maryland Chesapeake • A resident of Pennsylvania possessing a fish any portion of the tidal waters of Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License may valid Pennsylvania fishing license issued in Maryland. fish in Virginia tidal saltwater, regardless that resident’s name may fish in the portions • A valid Maryland Chesapeake Bay and of residency, so long as they have obtained of the Conowingo and Youghiogheny reser- Coastal Sport Fishing License holder may a Virginia Saltwater Angler Registration. voirs lying within the boundaries of Mary- fish any portion of the Potomac River land without a Maryland fishing license. mainstem downstream of the I-95 /I-495 West Virginia • A resident of Maryland possessing a valid Woodrow Wilson Bridge. • A resident of West Virginia possessing Maryland Nontidal Sport Fishing License a valid West Virginia fishing license issued in that resident’s name may fish issued in that resident’s name may fish on the portions of the Conowingo and

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12 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 RECREATIONAL CRABBING LICENSES AND CRAB POT REGISTRATION

Licenses and Fees *Recreational Crabbing Boat License Crabbing licenses and registrations are valid for A person that purchases a recreational crabbing boat license 365 days from the date of purchase/registration. receives a decal that must be attached to their boat. When the decal is attached to the boat the individuals on the boat do not Maryland Resident�� $5 need to be licensed to catch crabs. The decal allows the use of Non-Resident ��$10 gear (trotlines and collapsible traps or net rings) that would otherwise require a separate recreational crabbing license. The Maryland Resident who possesses a Chesapeake Bay and decal is equivalent to one recreational crabbing license. See the Coastal Sport Fishing License or a Resident Senior Consoli- licensed boat limits on page 40. dated Sport Fishing License �� $2 The person who purchases the boat license is issued an indi- Recreational Crabbing Boat License* �� $15 vidual crabbing license that can be used when the individual Waterfront Property Crab Pot Registration �� Free is not on their boat.

Who Needs A Maryland Crabbing License Exemptions Waterfront Property Crab Pot Registration Recreational Crabbing License? You do not need a license if you are using Registration - Annual Anyone who uses the following gear: the following gear: An owner, lessee, or tenant of a private • Collapsible crab traps • Handlines shoreline property may use a maximum of • Eel pots for own bait • Dip nets two crab pots, regardless of the number of • Net Rings If you are crabbing without a license using owners or lessees of the property, and must • Seines license-exempt gear, you are still limited to annually register with the department. The • Trotline the unlicensed crabber limits of no more registration is free and it does NOT count Additionally, anyone who uses other legal than 24 male hard crabs and no more than as a recreational crabbing license. gear to catch more than the following quan- 12 soft crabs or male peeler crabs. A license is not needed to use properly registered crab pots; however, you are lim- tity of crabs: You also do not need a license if you are: • More than 24 with a limit of one bushel ited to the unlicensed crabber limits. See • Assisting another individual who has a pages 40 and 41 for details. of male hard crabs recreational crabbing license • More than 12 with a limit of 24 soft crabs • Crabbing from a boat that is displaying a Private property crab pots set in the Atlantic or male peelers recreational crabbing boat decal Ocean, coastal bays and their tributaries do NOT need to be registered, but must be marked with the owner's name and address. A recreational crabbing license is not required in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and their tributaries. See page 40 and 41 for crab catch limits.

LICENSE FREE FISHING AREAS LICENSE FREE FISHING AREAS Maryland features many areas where recreational anglers can fish year-round without • Cambridge—Long Wharf from south end of city-owned bulkhead a fishing license. When fishing in these areas you are exempt from all license and DORCHESTER associated with the Municipal Yacht Basin within Cambridge Creek to COUNTY stamp fees and requirements. You are required to observe all other fishing rules. A the end of east breakwater at mouth of the Municipal Yacht Basin. free MD/PRFC angler registration is also required for anglers fishing without a license in designated license free fishing areas located in tidal water, you may register online • Gambrill State Park—Banks of the one acre pond located within FREDERICK Gambrill State Park boundaries, near the Park’s campground. (Angler through the Maryland licensing system. COUNTY registration not required at this location.) ANNE • Annapolis—MD Route 450 old bridge at the Severn River. ARUNDEL HARFORD • Havre de Grace—Tydings Memorial Park within designated area, and BALTIMORE • Cox’s Point on Back River and Deep Creek. Directions: Eastern Blvd. COUNTY pier at the end of Congress Street. COUNTY (Rt. 150) to Riverside Drive south. KENT • Chestertown—MD Route 213 Bridge over Chester River. • Canton Recreational Pier at Boston Street COUNTY • Middle Branch Park from fishing pier south of the Hanover-Pottee BALTIMORE Street Bridges, to Hanover Street Bridge over Middle Branch. • Crisfield City Dock — City dock/depot area at the end of West Main CITY Directions: Route 2 to Middle Branch Park SOMERSET Street. • Canton Waterfront Park COUNTY • Janes Island State Park—Bulkhead area on Daugherty Creek within • Denton—Pier associated with G. Daniel Crouse Memorial Park on the the boundaries of Janes Island State Park. east side of Choptank River north of MD Route 404 Bridge. • Sharptown—Pier and town dock off Ferry Street on the Nanticoke River. CAROLINE • Federalsburg Municipal Park COUNTY • Salisbury—Designated city-owned bulkhead on the Wicomico River • Greensboro Waterfront Park — Upstream of the Sunset Avenue WICOMICO between Mill Street and Division Street. COUNTY bridge within park boundaries on the Choptank River. • Tyaskin Park—County-owned park on Wetipquin Creek west of Rt. • Charlestown—Town-owned stone wharf on the Northeast River near 349 at Tyaskin. the corner of Conestoga and Water Streets and the historic site of CECIL Charlestown Wharf. • Pocomoke City—City docks from Laurel Street boat ramp to COUNTY • North East—North East Community Park at mouth of North East Creek. US Route 13 overpass and Winter Quarter dock on Pocomoke River. • Perryville Ice House Park — Within the park boundaries of Ice House • Snow Hill—All city-owned riverfront property which includes Byrd WORCESTER Park, Sturgis Park, and city bulkheading adjacent to the municipal Park downstream of the Route 40 bridge on the Susquehanna River. COUNTY parking lot near the Route 12 bridge over the Pocomoke River. • Friendship Landing—County-owned pier and property adjacent to CHARLES the pier off Friendship Landing Road southeast of Ironsides Riverside • Ocean City—Northside Park—Town-owned pier and park at 125th Street. COUNTY Road (Rt. 425) on Nanjemoy Creek. • Ocean City—Chicago Avenue—Bulkhead between 2nd and 4th Streets. dnr.maryland.gov 13 GENERAL FISHING DEFINITIONS

GENERAL DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ARTIFICIAL FLY CHUMMING (INCLUDES CHUNKING) IN AGGREGATE A lure constructed by winding natural or Placing fish, parts of fish, or other natural or A catch of related fish species counted synthetic material such as feathers, fur, hair, manmade attractants upon which fish might together. tinsel, thread, fiber, wire, plastic, cork, or feed, in the water, not attached to a hook, for rubber on or around the hook, and designed the purpose of attracting fish to a particular LIVE-LINING to be cast by means of a fly rod. area so that they might be caught. Using a live finfish on a hook for the purpose of catching other fish with hook and line, rod ARTIFICIAL LURE CIRCLE HOOK and reel, or handlines. The following are considered artificial lures: A non-offset hook with the point turned per- spinners, spoons, plugs and molded facsimiles pendicularly back to the shank. Circle hooks POSSESSION of worms, insects and fish. For the purposes of used in bait fisheries should be non-offset. Any condition where a fish is controlled with these regulations, artificial flies and streamers That is, if the hook is laid on a flat surface, all the angler's intent of ownership. Possession are considered to be artificial lures. parts of the hook lie flat on the surface. limit is the maximum number of fish that an angler may have in their possession after two BAIT CULL or more days of fishing. Any item that emits an odor or scent such After being in possession of a fish, to discard as worms, minnows, crayfish, insects, and or exchange that fish to possess another fish STINGER HOOK food items. The addition of any scent to an of the same species. A hook which trails another hook or hook unit, artificial lure or fly to make it smell like bait, either by direct physical attachment to the makes it bait. DAILY CREEL lead hook or hook unit, or by a connective Daily creel is the number of fish that an device such as a line, swivel or chain, and is BLACK BASS angler can keep after a single day of fishing. part of the same bait or lure. Refers to both largemouth and smallmouth bass. EEZ TROLLING The U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone is where The method of angling during which fish are CATCH the U.S. federal government has jurisdiction attracted to a lure or bait being trailed from a Catch means to take, kill, trap, gather, over natural resources. It begins at 3 nautical boat which is moving forward or backward by harvest or in any manner reduce any fish to miles and extends to 200 nautical miles from mechanical, manual or wind power. personal possession. the Maryland coast.

BASIC CATCH AND RELEASE A Guide to Skin Wounds FISH HANDLING TIPS and Water Contact Vibrio are bacteria that occur naturally in brackish and salt waters of the HANDLING • Use barbless hooks with artifi- Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as well as coastal bays, especially • Don’t hold the fish out of the cial bait. Barbs can be pinched when the water is warm. If Vibrio or other bacteria come into contact water for more than 30 seconds. down with pliers or filed off. with an open wound they can cause serious infections, particularly for • Wet hands and hold fish by lip • Always have pliers, a de- people with liver disease or a weakened immune system. with one hand and support its hooker or hemostats handy Protect Yourself body with the other hand. for deeply hooked fish. • If you have any cuts or scrapes, avoid warm Chesapeake Bay • Hold fish over water in case it • If the hook cannot be removed and tidal tributary waters. is dropped. from a deep or gut hooked • If water contact cannot be avoided, cover wounds with waterproof bandages. • For videos about safe fish without causing bleeding to the fish, then leave the • Clean any cut or a scrape immediately with soap and clean handling, care and proper water or hand sanitizer then wash as soon as possible. catch-and-release techniques hook in and cut the line as • Wear shoes and gloves to avoid cuts and scrapes. visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisher- close to the mouth as possible. ies/pages/bass/videos.aspx If you develop a wound with unusual redness, swelling RESUSCITATION or drainage, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY DE-HOOKING • Try reviving a fish that is not and let your health care provider know whether • When removing the hook, use lively by opening its mouth you came in contact with brackish or salt water. a soft rubber or small-mesh and pulling it forward to force water over the gills. mde.maryland.gov/vibrio nylon landing net to hold fish, 410-537-3906 or firmly hold the fish with a • Additional information is toll-free 800-633-6101 ext. 3906 wet rag or glove. available at dnr.maryland.gov/ • Use a non-offset circle hook fisheries/pages/catch-and- MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH when live-lining or chumming release.aspx phpa.health.maryland.gov/oehfp/chs/pages/ healthyswimming.aspx | toll-free 866-703-3266 to reduce the potential for See page 45 for shark release deep-hooking the fish. recommendations. MARYLAND HEALTHY BEACHES marylandhealthybeaches.com/vibrio.html visit HAGERSTOWN& washington county, md

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RECREATIONAL GEAR—NONTIDAL Nontidal Sport Fishing These are the ONLY types of gear you may use in nontidal waters It Is Illegal GEAR RULES AND EXCEPTIONS 1. To cut a hole through the ice measuring more than 10 inches in any direction for the purpose of ice fishing. • Must be marked with the individual's name and address or DNRid number 2. To take bait fish from Put-and-Take Fishing Areas or Special • Must be checked daily Trout Fisheries Management Areas. • Unless attached to a boat that is not docked, must be set 3. In Deer and Swan creeks in Harford County: within 100 feet of the shore and either be attached to the • For a person to catch or attempt to catch fish other than by property/private pier/dock or marked by a buoy or pole with hook and line, with line held in hand, attached to a pole BAIT TRAPS a sign • If set on public property, must be set within 100 feet of or rod held in hand, or attended in a manner that the fish the owner voluntarily takes bait or lure in its mouth. • If set on private property, must have permission of the • For a person to possess or use minnows for bait while fishing. landowner • For anyone to use a dip net baited by attaching an attractant • May not be used in any trout management area to the net material or frame. • Only one may be used by each individual 4. To remove the head and tail of fish in possession while at the fishing location, except for snakeheads. The head and tail shall • Individual must be actively in control of the gear remain attached in such a manner as to permit identification HOOK AND LINE, • Snagging is not legal of fish species and total length. ROD AND REEL • May use up to 3 active lines at a time 5. For a person to catch snapping turtles from nontidal waters of AND HANDLINES • May not use more than 2 hook units per line • When ice fishing, 5 tip ups or rods may be used the state by hook and line, trotline, bow and arrow, net, seine, trap, fish pot, or other fishing rig, spear, gig or iron or any device capable of piercing any part of the turtle. NETS • May not bait nets 6. To operate any vehicle on any lands owned or controlled by (general rules that • Except for landing nets, nets may not be used in any Trout the Maryland Department of Natural Resources without writ- apply to seines, dip Management Area nets and landing nets) • A non-resident may only use landing nets ten permission from the department except on those roads, lanes or areas which are open to automobile traffic or which are specifically marked by the department. • Must have mesh no greater than ¼ inch 7. To camp on lands owned and controlled by the department • Must not exceed 6 feet in width and 4 feet in height except on designated sites or with written permission. • Must only be used to catch minnows and bait fish SEINES 8. To swim in any State-controlled lake except in designated areas. • May not be used within 50 feet of a dam or the mouth of any river or tributary 9. In the Battie Mixon Fishing Hole: • Must be emptied on shore • To fish between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. • To use boats propelled by gasoline or diesel power. • May only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within 10. To fish any streams or nontidal waters that contain trout Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. (This does not DIP NETS • May only be used to catch carp, catfish, Northern apply to nontidal impoundments of five acres or more.) snakehead, or suckers 11. To cull trout. • May not be used in any other area or to catch any other 12. Regarding crayfish in the Susquehanna River, Middle Potomac species River, Monocacy River and Upper Potomac River basins, it is illegal to: LANDING NETS May only be used to land a fish caught by other means • Catch or process any species of crayfish unless the head is immediately removed behind the eyes upon capture. • Use any species of crayfish as bait unless the head is removed • Must have a retrieval line attached • May not use projectile gear in any trout management behind the eyes. area, or state-controlled community ponds or lakes • Catch and possess a female crayfish with eggs attached to • May not be used within 100 yards of any human being, the underside of the abdomen. private or public swimming area, international diving 13. To introduce/stock any aquatic species into any Maryland flag, occupied duck blind, or vessel other than the vessel occupied by the individual using the projectile gear waterbody, except baitfish on a hook for the purpose of fish- BOW, GIG, SPEAR AND SPEAR GUN • The distance restrictions will not apply if the individual ing, without first obtaining a pond stocking permit through receives permission from the affected parties prior to the department. using the projectile gear • May not be used to fish for any trout species, walleye, striped bass, striped bass hybrids, northern pike, muskellunge, or muskellunge hybrids including tiger musky, largemouth and smallmouth bass, snapping RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE turtles and any threatened or endangered species Please check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fish- ing and Boating Services regulations page for possible changes at HAND AND NOODLING No special rules dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/regulations/changes.aspx

16 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS

RECREATIONAL GEAR—TIDAL Tidal Sport Fishing These are the ONLY types of gear you may use in tidal waters Chesapeake Bay and tributaries and Atlantic Ocean, GEAR RULES AND EXCEPTIONS coastal bays and tributaries • Must be marked with the individual's name and address or DNRid number It is Legal • Must be checked daily 1. To keep any size white perch if caught by hook and line. • Unless attached to a boat that is not docked, must be set 2. To use an umbrella rig that has no more than two hooks or within 100 feet of the shore and either be attached to the property/private pier/dock or marked by a buoy or pole two sets of hooks. BAIT TRAPS with a sign 3. To catch and release alewife herring, American shad, blueback • If set on public property, must be set within 100 feet of herring, hickory shad and sharks. the owner • If set on private property, must have permission of the It is Illegal landowner • Only one may be used by each individual 1. To have in one’s possession aboard any boat on the tidal waters of Maryland any striped bass cut up or filleted at any time. • Individual must be actively in control of the gear Striped bass must be landed whole. HOOK AND LINE, • Snagging is not legal 2. To have in one's possession aboard any boat on the tidal waters ROD AND REEL • May not use more than two hook units per line of Maryland more than 15 pounds of any fish for which a size AND HANDLINES • For striped bass gear restrictions see Striped Bass or weight limit is prescribed by law or regulation in a condi- section—pages 38 and 39 tion that the size or weight of the fish cannot be determined. • May only be used in tidal tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay 3. To use Sabiki rigs or mackerel trees in Maryland. (Multiple • May only be used from July 1–February 28 hook rigs including Sabiki rigs and mackerel trees are allowed • Must be attended between sunset and sunrise in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Atlantic Ocean.) • May use up to 10 jugs with no more than 2 hooks per line 4. To operate a boat within the area 400 yards below or 400 yards JUGS and no more than one line per jug above the Conowingo Dam. • Must be marked with the individual's DNRid number • May not be used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, all shark species, snapping turtles and Towns such as Ocean City may have special fishing ordinances. any threatened or endangered species Be sure to check local jurisdictions' websites for restrictions.

NETS May not bait nets (general rules for Nets are prohibited in certain county waters at certain allowable nets, times of year. Call 410-260-8300 or 800-688-3467 for STATEWIDE RESTRICTIONS including dip nets) more information. IT IS ILLEGAL CAST NETS Radius may not exceed 10 feet • To buy, sell, or offer to buy any fish or crab harvested under a recreational license. • Must have mesh no greater than ¼ inch • Must not exceed 50 feet in width and 5 feet in height • To use waders or boots soled with felt or any natural or syn- • Must only be used to catch minnows and bait fish thetic porous material capable of absorbing liquid. SEINES • May not be used within 50 feet of a dam or the mouth of • To disturb, take, destroy or possess the nest or eggs of a ter- any river or tributary • May not be emptied from a boat or on the shore or in rapin or snapping turtle. water less than 12 inches deep

LANDING NETS May only be used to land fish caught by other means LEAVE NO TRACE • Be considerate of others. • Do not dispose of unused bait • Must have a retrieval line attached, except for gigs • Take trash with you. on or near the water. • A gig must be propelled by hand • Pack it in. Pack it out. • Recycle or dispose of old • May not be used within 100 yards of any human being, lures and line. private or public swimming area, international diving • Clean your fish at home. flag, occupied duck blind, or vessel other than the vessel • Avoid impacting stream • Avoid discarding dead or occupied by the individual using the projectile gear moribund fish. BOW, GIG, SPEAR • The distance restrictions will not apply if the individual banks and lake shores. AND SPEAR GUN receives permission from the affected parties prior to • Respect private property. using the projectile gear • May not be used to fish for any trout species, walleye, striped bass, striped bass hybrids, northern pike, muskellunge, or muskellunge hybrids including tiger musky, largemouth and RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE smallmouth bass, snapping turtles, all shark species, lobster and any threatened or endangered species Please check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fish- ing and Boating Services regulations page for possible changes and for opportunities to provide comments at dnr.maryland.gov/fisher- HAND AND NOODLING No special rules ies/pages/regulations/changes.aspx dnr.maryland.gov 17 SEASONS, MINIMUM SIZES, DAILY CREEL AND POSSESSION LIMITS

The following tables summarize rules governing the harvest and possession of fish species that anglers commonly catch in Maryland. This summary does not include all regulated species. Full information and updates are available at dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhome.html

NONTIDAL

SPECIES MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS SEASON CREEL LIMIT REMARKS Daily—25 AMERICAN EEL 9 inches Open Year Round Possession—25 Daily—35 in aggregate BAITFISH None Open Year Round (Including Madtoms) Possession—35 in aggregate

12 inches or as provided for by CLOSED Daily—5 in aggregate BASS (Largemouth and Catch and Release is permitted at all times. NONTIDAL NONTIDAL Smallmouth) special regulations. March 1–June 15 Possession—10 in aggregate Daily—15 CARP None Open Year Round Possession—30 Daily—5 CHAIN PICKEREL 14 inches Open Year Round Possession—10 Daily—5 CHANNEL CATFISH None Open Year Round Possession—10 Daily—15 CRAPPIE None Open Year Round Possession—30 HERRING (Alewife and Blueback) CLOSED Catch and Release is permitted at all times. Daily—1 MUSKELLUNGE AND 36 inches Open Year Round TIGER MUSKIE Possession—2 Daily—2 NORTHERN PIKE 30 inches Open Year Round Possession—4

SHAD CLOSED Catch and Release is permitted at all times. (American/White and Hickory) 2 striped bass/hybrid striped STRIPED BASS and bass per day, only one of which It is illegal to keep striped bass and hybrid HYBRID STRIPED BASS 18 inches Open Year Round may be over 30 inches. striped bass caught in nontidal streams and (lakes and ponds) Possession—4, only one of rivers. which may be over 30 inches Daily—30 SUCKERS None Open Year Round Possession—60

SUNFISH, including Bluegills and Daily—15 in aggregate Rock Bass (commonly known as None Open Year Round Red Eye or Goggle-Eye) Possession—30 in aggregate

Daily—2 in aggregate Different rules apply for Put-and-Take Areas TROUT—statewide None Open Year Round and Special Trout Management Areas. See (all species of trout) Possession—4 in aggregate pages 22-26. Minimum Size: 15 inches year Open year round— round, and during January 1–April Except on Deep 15 the minimum size is 15 inches Creek Lake and the with a maximum size of 20 inches, Youghiogheny River Daily—5 WALLEYE in the Potomac River mainstem downstream of Route Possession—10 approximately 0.5 miles upriver 42 bridge where it is from Chain Bridge to the spillway in closed from March 1 Cumberland. through April 15. WHITE PERCH None Open Year Round None Nontidal rivers and 9 inches Daily—10 The possession of yellow perch eggs requires YELLOW PERCH streams Open Year Round Possession—20 prior authorization from the department. Nontidal lakes and ponds None ATLANTIC STURGEON, SHORTNOSE STURGEON, AND CLOSED BIVALVES/SHELLFISH Special Closures: 1. Magothy River from the base of Lake Waterford Dam downstream for 3,300 feet is closed to all fishing during February, March and April. 2. Severn River and Severn Run from the Route 3 Bridge downstream for 2,400 feet during February, March and April. Contact Information for Restricted Areas: Baltimore City Reservoirs—for Prettyboy and Liberty (boat permits required) information, rules, and regulations, call 410-795-6150. For Loch Raven call 410-887-7692. Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Lakes—Triadelphia and Rocky Gorge fishing by permit only. For permits, rules and regulations call the information center at Brighton Dam 301-774-9124.

18 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 SEASONS, MINIMUM SIZES, DAILY CREEL AND POSSESSION LIMITS

YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER LAKE (RESERVOIR)

SPECIES MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS SEASON CREEL LIMIT REMARKS AMERICAN EEL 9 inches Open Year Round Daily—25 AMERICAN SHAD None Open Year Round Daily—3 BAITFISH, FISH BAIT None Open Year Round Daily—50 in aggregate BASS – 15 inches Jan 1–April 16 Daily—4 in aggregate No Harvest (Catch and Largemouth, Release) all other dates; No Smallmouth and Spotted 12 inches June 12–Oct 31 Daily—6 in aggregate tournaments during closure. Head must be immediately removed behind the eyes upon CRAYFISH None Open Year Round Daily—50 capture unless used as bait in the water from which taken GIZZARD SHAD None Open Year Round Daily—50 MUD BUGS (dragonfly nymphs) None Open Year Round None MUSKELLUNGE AND TIGER MUSKIE 40 inches Open Year Round Daily—1 in aggregate NORTHERN PIKE 24 inches Open Year Round Daily—2 PICKEREL 18 inches Open Year Round Daily—4 RIVER HERRING None Open Year Round Daily—50 in aggregate SAUGER 12 inches May 1–Dec 31 Daily—6 STRIPED BASS AND 20 inches Open Year Round Daily—2 in aggregate HYBRID STRIPED BASS SUNFISH, YELLOW PERCH, WHITE PERCH, CRAPPIES, CATFISH, ROCK None Open Year Round Daily—50 in aggregate BASS, SUCKERS, CARP AND WHITE BASS 8 a.m. April 17–Sept 6 Daily—5 in aggregate No Harvest (Catch and Release) TROUT AND SALMON (all species) 7 inches Jan 1–Feb 28 and Sept 7–Dec 31 Daily—3 in aggregate all other dates WALLEYE AND HYBRIDS 15 inches Jan 1–March 14 and May 1–Dec 31 Daily—6 in aggregate PADDLEFISH, MUSSELS, CLAMS, AND THREATENED AND ENDANGERED CLOSED

YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER LAKE (RESERVOIR) RIVER LAKE (RESERVOIR) YOUGHIOGHENY SPECIES

dnr.maryland.gov 19 SEASONS, MINIMUM SIZES, DAILY CREEL AND POSSESSION LIMITS

CHESAPEAKE BAY AND ITS TIDAL TRIBUTARIES

SPECIES MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS SEASON CREEL LIMIT REMARKS Jan 1–Aug 31, except open year round AMERICAN EEL 9 inches Daily—25 for spears and baited traps or pots 15 inches March 1–June 15 BASS (Largemouth and Open Year Round Daily—5 in aggregate Smallmouth) 12 inches June 16 through last day in February Daily—1 BLACK DRUM 16 inches Open Year Round Boat Limit—6 BLACK SEA BASS 12.5 inches May 15–December 31 Daily—15 Shore or Private Boat: Daily—3 BLUEFISH 8 inches Open Year Round For-Hire Boat: Daily—5 CATFISH None Open Year Round None CHAIN PICKEREL (Pike) 14 inches CLOSED March 15–April 30 Daily—10 1 cobia per person per day; or up to 2 COBIA 40 inches June 15–September 15 cobia per vessel per day if there are 2 or more individuals on the vessel CROAKER (Hardhead) 9 inches Open Year Round Daily—25 NORTHERN SNAKEHEAD None Open Year Round None Illegal to possess live snakehead fish. RED DRUM (Channel Bass or 18–27 inches Open Year Round Daily—1 Puppy Drum) SHARKS See Highly Migratory Species Section, page 44 SHEEPSHEAD None Open Year Round Daily—4 Snapper species—www.dsd.state.md.us/ SNAPPER SPECIES (includes None Open Year Round Daily—20 many species, please see list) comar/getfile.aspx?file=08.02.05.29.htm SPANISH MACKEREL 14 inches Open Year Round Daily—15 Must be landed with head and fins intact. SPOT None Open Year Round Daily—50 SPOTTED SEATROUT 14 inches Open Year Round Daily—4 STRIPED BASS See Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass Section, page 38 SUMMER FLOUNDER (Fluke) 16.5 inches Open Year Round Daily—4 January 1–May 15: Daily—4 TAUTOG 16 inches CLOSED May 16–June 30 July 1–October 31: Daily—2 November 1–December 31: Daily—4 WALLEYE 15 inches Open Year Round Daily—5 WEAKFISH 13 inches Open Year Round Daily—1 None if caught with hook WHITE PERCH and line; 8 inch minimum Open Year Round None if caught with other gear YELLOW PERCH 9 inches Open Year Round Daily—10 ALEWIFE HERRING, AMERICAN SHAD, ATLANTIC STURGEON, BLUEBACK HERRING, HICKORY CLOSED SHAD AND SHORTNOSE CHESAPEAKE BAY AND ITS TIDAL TRIBUTARIES TIDAL ITS AND BAY CHESAPEAKE STURGEON Areas Closed to Fishing—Feb, March and April: 1. Magothy River from Lake Waterford dam downstream for 3,300 feet. 2. Severn River and Severn Run from the Route 3 Bridge downstream for 2,400 feet.

HOW TO MEASURE A FISH Size limits are generally based on the total length of a fish. The total length of a fish is the maximum length with the mouth closed and the tail pinched together measured from the snout to the tip of the tail. The best way to obtain this straight line measurement is to push the fish’s snout against a vertical surface with the mouth closed and with the fish lying along a tape measure and then pinch the tail fin closed to determine the total length. Fork length refers to the length from the snout of a fish to the end of the middle caudal fin rays. This is the measurement for determining the legal size of a shark. The girth of a fish is best measured with a fabric ruler. Measuring the girth is helpful in trying to determine if you have a possible record fish, which is determined by total weight. By using the total length and girth of a fish in inches you can get a rough estimate of the weight in pounds with this formula:

((Girth in inches x Girth in inches) x Length in inches) / 800 = Fork Length Approximate weight in pounds

20 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 SEASONS, MINIMUM SIZES, DAILY CREEL AND POSSESSION LIMITS

ATLANTIC OCEAN, COASTAL BAYS AND TRIBUTARIES

SPECIES MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS SEASON CREEL LIMIT REMARKS January 1–August 31, except AMERICAN EEL 9 inches open year round for spears and Daily—25 baited traps or pots BLACK DRUM 16 inches Open Year Round Daily—1 Boat limit—6 BLACK SEA BASS 12.5 inches May 15–December 31 Daily—15 Shore or Private Boat: Daily—3 BLUEFISH 8 inches Open Year Round For-Hire Boat: Daily—5 1 cobia per person per day; or up to 2 COBIA 40 inches June 15 - September 15 cobia per vessel per day if there are 2 or more individuals on the vessel CROAKER (Hardhead) 9 inches Open Year Round Daily—25 DOLPHINFISH (Mahi-Mahi)* None Open Year Round Daily—10 Boat limit—60 Only applies to federal waters. Grouper species—www.dsd.state.md.us/ GROUPER SPECIES None Open Year Round Daily—1 comar/getfile.aspx?file=08.02.05.29.htm

3 100/person/24 hour period or 500 3 ⁄8–5¼ inches Must be landed whole. Spearing is prohibited. LOBSTER CLOSED Feb. 1–March 31 for a 5-day or longer trip when using carapace length No egg-bearing females. gear other than lobster traps RED DRUM (Channel Bass or 18–27 inches Open Year Round Daily—1 Puppy Drum) SCUP (Porgy) 8 inches Open Year Round Daily—50 SHARKS See Highly Migratory Species Section, page 44 SHEEPSHEAD None Open Year Round Daily—4 Snapper species—www.dsd.state.md.us/ SNAPPER SPECIES (includes None Open Year Round Daily—20 many species, please see list) comar/getfile.aspx?file=08.02.05.29.htm SPANISH MACKEREL* 14 inches Open Year Round Daily—15 SPOT None Open Year Round Daily—50 SPOTTED SEATROUT 14 inches Open Year Round Daily—4 STRIPED BASS See Atlantic Striped Bass Section—Page 38 SUMMER FLOUNDER (Fluke) 16.5 inches Open Year Round Daily—4 January 1–May 15: Daily—4 TAUTOG 16 inches CLOSED May 16–June 30 July 1–October 31: Daily—2 November 1–December 31: Daily—4 TILEFISH

ATLANTIC OCEAN AND COASTAL BAYS OCEAN COASTAL AND ATLANTIC Must follow federal limits and season permit and reporting requirements. (Blueline, Golden, Sand) WAHOO* None Open Year Round Daily—2 Only applies to federal waters. WEAKFISH 13 inches Open Year Round Daily—1 ALEWIFE HERRING, AMERICAN SHAD, ATLANTIC STURGEON, BLUEBACK HERRING, HICKORY CLOSED SHAD AND SHORTNOSE STURGEON * Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagic and Charter/Headboat Permits for Spanish and king mackerel as well as the Atlantic Charter/Headboat Dolphin/Wahoo For Hire Fishing Permit are available through the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, Permits Office.

WHAT IS APAIS? The Access Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS) is an in-person survey that col- lects information from anglers as they complete their fishing trips. Specially trained samplers from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are stationed at marinas, boat ramps, beaches and and other publicly accessible fishing sites to collect information that is used to estimate total recreational catch. During an interview, samplers measure and weigh fish that were harvested and collect information about fish that were released. A typical interview takes only about 5 minutes. Samplers play no role in enforcement, and have nothing to do with limits, rules, or regulations. These interviews are confidential, and the information samplers collect is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974.

LEARN MORE. GO FISH. dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/apais/apais.aspx Tel (410)-260-8250 E-mail: [email protected] Photo by Nick Denny

dnr.maryland.gov 21 PUT-AND-TAKE TROUT FISHING AREAS

The following restrictions apply to the a.m. of the second date, except as pro- areas listed: vided for by special regulation or where a) Creel limit (brook) – 0 Daily/0 Pos- more restrictive fishing hours are posted. session – all brook trout must be immediately released. 2021 Closure Schedule b) Creel Limit (all other species of trout) • Closure 0—No Closure. Photo by John Mullican combined 5 Daily/10 Possession. • Closure 1—March 7, 2021 - March 27, c) Minimum Size—no minimum size. 2021 Your purchase of fishing equipment and d) Season—areas are closed to all fishing • Closure 2—March 21, 2021 - March 27, from 10 p.m. of the first date, to 5:30 motorboat fuel supports boating access 2021 and Sport Fish Restoration.

Areas Subject to Provisions of this Section:

Allegany County Frederick County Battie Mixon Ponds...... 0 Jones Falls—mainstem below Lake Roland...0 Cunningham Falls Lake...... 0 Cotton Cove Pond in Glendening Recreational Little Falls—mainstem from Wiseburg Road Fishing Creek—mainstem upstream of Fishing Complex at Frostburg...... 2 upstream to Valley Mill Road...... 1 Creek Reservoir including Steep Creek...... 1 Dans Mountain Pond...... 0 Little Gunpowder Falls—mainstem from Frank Bentz Pond...... 2 Evitts Creek—mainstem upstream of Inter- Jericho Road upstream to Route 165...... 1 Friends Creek Watershed...... 1 state Route 68...... 1 Patapsco River—mainstem from the B&O Hamburg Pond...... 2 Viaduct upstream to Bloede Dam...... 1 Evitts Creek Ponds...... 0 Middle Creek—mainstem from the MD Route Fifteen Mile Creek Watershed...... 1 Stansbury Park Pond...... 0 17 bridge near the junction of Bittle Road upstream to the confluence of Spruce Run....1 Flintstone Creek Watershed...... 0 Calvert County Georges Creek—mainstem from the upper Middletown Pond...... 0 Calvert Cliffs Pond...... 0 boundary of Town Park in Westernport Owens Creek—mainstem from Buck Lantz upstream to Neff Run...... 0 Hutchins Pond...... 0 Road downstream to Roddy Road (catch and Jennings Run—mainstem downstream of the return only from June 1 through last day of Caroline County confluence of North Jennings Run...... 2 February)...... 1 Tuckahoe Creek & Lake...... 0 Lake Habeeb (Rocky Gap Lake)...... 0 Rainbow Lake...... 2 Urbana Lake...... 0 Lions Park Pond, Frostburg (area subject to Carroll County user restrictions by the City of Frostburg).0 Whiskey Springs Pond...... 2 Beaver Run—upstream of MD Route 91.....1 North Branch Potomac River mainstem—from Woodsboro Community Pond...... 0 Allegany County line downstream to the upper Farm Museum Pond...... 2 Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treat- South Branch Patapsco River—mainstem Garrett County from West Friendship Road (Howard County ment Plant discharge in Westernport...... 0 Accident Pond...... 0 North Jennings Run Watershed...... 2 side) and Main Street (Carroll County side) at Sykesville downstream to its confluence with Bear Creek—mainstem from the corner Orchard Pond...... 0 the North Branch Patapsco River...... 1 of Fish Hatchery Road and Rabbit Hollow Road downstream to the confluence with the White Sulfur Pond...... 0 Piney Run—mainstem downstream from Youghiogheny River at Friendsville...... 1 Wills Creek—mainstem upstream of the US Arrington Road...... 1 Broadford Lake...... 0 Army Corps of Engineers Flood Control Proj- Piney Run Reservoir...... 0 ect at The Narrows above Cumberland...... 1 Deep Creek Lake...... 0 Robert’s Mill Pond...... 0 Herrington Creek—mainstem...... 0 Anne Arundel County Cecil County Herrington Lake...... 0 Severn Run—mainstem upstream of MD Jennings Randolph Lake...... 0 Route 3...... 1 Big Elk Creek—mainstem from the bridge at MD Route 277 upstream to the Pennsylvania Little Youghiogheny River—mainstem from Baltimore County and Baltimore City state line...... 1 MD Route 219 downstream to the Youghiogh- Howards Pond...... 0 eny River...... 0 Avalon Pond (Lost Lake)…...... 0 Principio Creek—mainstem upstream of MD Mill Run—mainstem downstream of upper- Gunpowder Falls—mainstem from the red Route 7...... 1 most bridge on Mill Run Road...... 1 post located 1.6 miles downstream of Corbett Road downstream to the hiker/biker bridge Muddy Creek—mainstem...... 0 located approximately one mile downstream Charles County New Germany Lake...... 0 of Phoenix Road; and from Cromwell Bridge Hughesville Pond...... 0 North Branch Potomac River mainstem— downstream to the Interstate Rt. 95 bridge...1 Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management area— from Jennings Randolph Lake upstream Gwynn Oak Park Pond...... 0 all ponds...... 0 approximately 6 miles to the lower bound- Gwynns Falls—mainstem below MD Route Wheatley Lake...... 0 ary of Potomac State Forest; from the upper- 140...... 0 most boundary of Potomac State Forest at

22 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 PUT-AND-TAKE TROUT FISHING AREAS

Washington County TROUT STOCKING SCHEDULE AND MAPS: Antietam Creek—mainstem from upstream boundary of Devil’s Backbone Park to the During the stocking season, updates are posted daily on the web at dnr.maryland.gov/ mouth of Beaver Creek...... 0 , Facebook, Twitter, and through the department's email fisheries/pages/trout/stocking.aspx Beaver Creek—from the downstream side of subscription service, dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/email.aspx. Anglers may also call the bridges on the private farm lane located 800-688-3467 and press option #1 to get a recorded weekly update (usually updated below the Albert Powell State Trout Hatchery on Fridays). downstream to Black Rock Creek, and from Beaver Creek Road downstream to the confluence with Antietam Creek...... 1 Wallman upstream approximately 8.5 miles Northwest Branch Watershed—upstream of Blairs Valley Lake...... 0 to the bridge at Old Wilson Road; from the MD Route 410 to Norwood Road...... 2 Greenbrier Lake...... 0 red post located approximately 100 yards Pine Lake...... 2 above the upstream concrete abutments at Indian Springs Pond...... 2 Barnum, West Virginia, downstream to the Prince George’s County Israel Creek...... 0 red post located below a pool known as Blue 1 Allen’s Pond...... 0 Licking Creek Mainstem...... 1 Hole, approximately ⁄3 mile upstream of Bench Mark 1110 on the Westernport United Cosca Lake...... 0 Sharpsburg Community Pond...... 0 States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and Greenbelt Lake...... 0 Sideling Hill Creek Watershed...... 0 from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Lake Artemesia...... 0 Allegany County line...... 0 Wicomico County Laurel Lakes...... 0 Piney Reservoir...... 0 Beaverdam Creek—in Salisbury from Schu- Melwood Pond...... 0 Savage Reservoir...... 0 maker Dam downstream to the bridge cross- Schoolhouse Pond...... 0 ing at Memorial Plaza Road...... 0 Savage River—mainstem from Savage Reser- voir upstream to Poplar Lick...... 2 Tucker Pond...... 0 Worcester County Snowy Creek mainstem...... 0 Shad Landing Pond...... 0 Youghiogheny River—mainstem upstream of the junction of Muddy Creek and from the upstream side of the MD Route 42 bridge downstream 0.4 miles to the confluence of Minnow Run, 50 yards downstream from Maple Street...... 0 Harford County ehi ou tee to die Deer Creek—mainstem from 1 mile south of Rocks State Park upstream to the bridge at MD Route 23...... 1 Forest Hill Pond...... 2 Little Gunpowder Falls—mainstem from Jericho Road upstream to MD Route 165... 1

Howard County og your supervised Centennial Lake...... 0 Lake Elkhorn...... 0 driving hours Patuxent River—mainstem from base of Access teaching tools Rocky Gorge Reservoir Dam in Laurel downstream to the Railroad crossing...... 1 See driving and license South Branch Patapsco River—mainstem from West Friendship Road (Howard County requirements in your state side) and Main Street (Carroll County side) at Sykesville downstream to its confluence with the North Branch Patapsco River...... 1 FREE download Montgomery County Great Seneca Creek—from MD Route 28 upstream to MD Route 355...... 1 Izaak Walton Pond...... 2 Lake Needwood...... 0 Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Pond...... 2 dnr.maryland.gov 23 SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS—TROUT

Catch-and-Return Trout Fishing Areas— Catch-and-Return Trout Fishing Areas— • You may not possess or use any natural Limited to Artificial Fly Fishing Limited to the Use of Artificial Lures bait, live bait or any device enhanced with scent capable of catching fish. Areas: Areas: • Big Hunting Creek, Frederick County—all • Patuxent River, Howard and Montgomery Catch-and-Return Trout Fishing waters of Big Hunting Creek and its tribu- counties—the mainstem of the Patuxent River Area - North Branch Potomac River taries within Cunningham Falls State Park from the crossing of MD Route 97 upstream and Catoctin Mountain Park except Owens to the crossing of MD Route 27 and Cabin Area: Creek, Little Hunting Creek, Cunningham Branch from its confluence with the Patuxent • North Branch of the Potomac River from Falls Lake and Frank Bentz Pond. River upstream to Hipsley Mill Road. the Upper Potomac River Commission • Beaver Creek, Washington County—from • Morgan Run, Carroll County—from Wastewater Treatment Plant discharge at the confluence with Black Rock Creek down- bridge on London Bridges Road upstream Westernport downstream to the Route stream approximately 1 mile to the red post to bridge on MD Route 97. 956 bridge at Pinto. located 0.1 mile above Beaver Creek Road. • Paint Branch and tributaries, Montgomery • Patuxent River, Montgomery and Howard County—upstream of Fairland Road. Restrictions: Counties—from red bank posts located on • Gunpowder Falls, Baltimore County— • You must immediately release any trout. both sides of the river, approximately 400 mainstem from Prettyboy Reservoir Dam • No tackle restrictions. yards below Brighton Dam downstream downstream to Bluemount Road. to Mink Hollow Road. • North Branch Potomac River—from an Catch-and-Return Trout Fishing overhead cable and red bank post located Area—Savage River Restrictions: approximately 345 yards below the Jen- • You may not possess trout while fishing nings Randolph Reservoir spillway down- Area: in these areas. stream approximately one mile to a red • Savage River mainstem and tributaries • All trout must be immediately released. post, located approximately 100 yards upstream of the Savage River Reservoir • You may only fish with artificial flies and above the upstream concrete abutments dam, excluding the put-and-take-areas streamers constructed in a normal fashion at Barnum, West Virginia, and from a red using natural and/or synthetic materials, post located below a pool known as Blue Restrictions: which may include feathers, fur, hair, tin- Hole, approximately 1⁄3 mile upstream • You may not possess brook trout in this area. sel, thread, fiber, plastic, cork, wire and of Bench Mark 1110 on the Westernport • You must immediately release any rubber on a single hook with the compo- United States Geological Survey Quad- brook trout. nents wound on or around the hook. Spe- rangle, downstream approximately 4 miles • Creel Limit: All other trout species com- cifically prohibited are the use of molded to the confluence of Piney Swamp Run. bined—2 Daily / 4 Possession. replicas of insects, earthworms, fish eggs, • Youghiogheny River, Garrett County— • You may only fish with artificial flies and fish or any invertebrate or vertebrate either mainstem beginning at the red post approx- artificial lures. singly or in combination with other materi- imately 100 yards upstream of the Deep • You may not possess or use natural or live als, or other lures commonly described as Creek Lake tailrace and extending down- bait, or any device enhanced with a scent spinners, spoons, or plugs made of metal, stream 4 miles to the Sang Run Bridge. capable of catching fish. plastic, wood, rubber or similar substance • Little Hunting Creek, Frederick County— or a combination of these. mainstem from the red post located Catch-and-Return Trout Fishing • You may only fish with conventional fly approximately 0.25 mile downstream of Area—Waters East of Interstate 81 fishing tackle, fly rods, fly reels, and fly Route 806, upstream to include all waters line with a maximum of 18 feet of leader of Little Hunting Creek within the bound- Area: or monofilament line attached. Any method aries of Cunningham Falls State Park. • All nontidal waters east of Interstate 81. of angling when the fly is cast directly from the reel is prohibited. The use of spinning, Restrictions: Restrictions: spincast, and casting reels is prohibited. • You may not possess trout while fishing • You may not possess brook trout in this area. • You may not possess or use any natural in these areas. • You must immediately release any brook bait, or live bait, or any device enhanced • All trout must be immediately released. trout. with a scent capable of catching fish. • You may only fish with artificial lures, including artificial flies. Trophy Trout Fishing Areas—Limited to the Use of Artificial Lures and Flies

PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS Area: • Savage River mainstem from the down- We urge anglers to respect property rights and seek permission before attempting to stream side of the Rt. 135 Bridge upstream for park, fish or enter private property. The privilege of fishing and right of entry to private a distance of approximately 2.7 miles to the property is at the owner’s discretion. Respect for landowners and their property helps lower suspension bridge (Allegany Bridge). to ensure continued fishing access. Poor behavior encourages landowners to post their property to prevent access. Remember that every angler pays for the improper actions of Restrictions: a few. Always be courteous and respectful. • Creel Limit: All trout species combined— 2 Daily / 4 Possession.

24 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS—TROUT

• Minimum Sizes: County—from US Route 29 downstream Put-and-Take/Catch-and-Return • Brook trout—12 inches to Murray Hill Road. Trout Fishing Area • Brown trout—18 inches • Town Creek mainstem, Allegany County— • All other trout species—no minimum within Green Ridge State Forest, from a red Area: size post located approximately ¾ mile down- • Owens Creek, Frederick County—main- • You may not possess any trout smaller than stream of the upper ford on Lower Town stem from Buck Lantz Road downstream the minimum size limit. Creek Road, just south of the Wagner Road to Roddy Road. • You may only fish with artificial lures, intersection, downstream to the red post including artificial flies. located just upstream of the lower ford on Restrictions: • Treble hooks are prohibited. Lower Town Creek Road (Mallory Place), • From March 1–May 31: • Artificial lures are restricted to single hooks and from a red post located approximately • No bait, lure or tackle restrictions are with single hook points. ½ mile downstream of Maniford Road to a in effect. • You may not possess or use any natural red post located approximately 1¾ miles • Put-and-Take Trout Area regulations bait, live bait or any device enhanced with downstream (Bull Ring Ranch). apply. a scent capable of catching fish. • South Branch Patapsco River from West • From June 1–the last day of February, you: Friendship Rd (Howard County) and Main • May not possess trout in these areas. Trophy Trout Fishing Areas— Street (Carroll County) upstream approxi- • Must immediately release any trout. Limited to Use of Artificial Flies mately 1.1 mile to the upper boundary of the • May not possess or use any natural Hugg Thomas Wildlife Management Area. bait, live bait, or any device enhanced Area: with a scent capable of catching fish. • Savage River mainstem from the Savage Restrictions: River Reservoir Dam downstream to the • From June 1–Sept 30, Creel Limit (all spe- lower suspension bridge (Allegany Bridge). cies) combined—5 Daily / 10 Possession, The Public Angler Access Map includes with no tackle restrictions. color codes to illustrate special manage- Restrictions: • From Oct 1–May 31, you: ment areas. dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/ • Creel Limit: All trout species combined— • May not possess trout in these areas. pages/maps.aspx 2 Daily / 4 Possession. • Must immediately release any trout • Minimum Sizes: from which the trout was taken. • Brook trout—12 inches • May not possess or use any natural • Brown trout—18 inches bait, live bait, or any device enhanced • All other trout species—no minimum with a scent capable of catching fish. size • You may not possess any trout smaller Group II Areas: R & J OUTFITTERS than the minimum size limit. • Casselman River mainstem, Garrett Affordable trophy whitetail • You may only fish with artificial flies and County—from a boundary marked by two hunts in N.W. Missouri streamers. red posts on both stream banks located • You may only fish with conventional fly on the south side of the Interstate 68 east- fishing tackle (fly rods, fly reels, and fly bound bridge downstream to the Penn- line with a maximum of 18 feet of leader or sylvania state line. monofilament line attached). Any method • North Branch Potomac River mainstem, of angling when the fly is cast directly Garrett County—from the lowermost from the reel is prohibited. boundary of the Potomac State Forest near • The use of spinning, spincast, and casting Lostland Run to the uppermost boundary reels is prohibited. of the Potomac State Forest at Wallman. • You may not possess or use any natural • Youghiogheny River mainstem, Garrett bait, live bait, or any device enhanced with County—below Friendsville from a site a scent capable of catching fish. located 50 yards downstream of Maple Street 176 B&C (at the confluence of Minnow Run) down- Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas 5-Day, Fully Guided, Fair stream 1.8 miles to the powerline crossing Chase Hunts with Lodging upstream of the Youghiogheny Reservoir. start at only $1,800.00! Group I Areas: • Catoctin and Little Catoctin Creek, Fred- Restrictions: Thousands of private acres. erick County—from US Route 40 near No trophy fees or • From June 16–Sept 30, Creel Limit (all hidden charges. its intersection with MD Route 17 within species) combined—5 Daily / 10 Posses- Doubs Meadow Park downstream to the sion. with no tackle restrictions. YES YOU CAN! lower park boundary near Myersville. • From Oct 1–June 15, you: CALL TODAY: (305) 606-1611 • Catoctin Creek, Frederick County—within • May not possess trout in these areas. the boundaries of Catoctin Creek Park. • Must immediately release any trout. • Middle Patuxent River, Howard • May not possess or use any natural bait, live bait, or any device enhanced www.randjoutfitters.com with a scent capable of catching fish. dnr.maryland.gov 25 SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS—ALL SPECIES

Limited Harvest Fishing Areas TAKE A CHILD FISHING! Areas: • My First Fish Certificate: Recognize a • Allens Pond, Prince George’s County. child with a certificate for their first fish. • Bowie Town Center Pond, Prince George’s • Youth Fishing Rodeos: Events which en- County. able and encourage kids to catch a fish. • Cosca Lake, Prince George’s County. • Farm Museum Pond, Carroll County. • Youth Angler’s Log: Share Your Catch! • Governor’s Bridge Natural Area Pond, Prince • Youth Fishing Club: Membership is George’s County. free and open to ages from 5 to 15. All • Greenbelt Lake, Prince George’s County. members receive a newsletter and gifts • Hughesville Pond, Charles County. for joining. • Hutchins Pond, Calvert County. • Lake Artemesia, Prince George’s County. Learn more about these and other youth • Merkle Wildlife Management Area, Prince fishing programs at:dnr.maryland.gov/ Photo by Lawrence Barrett George’s County—all ponds located within fisheries/pages/youth/index.aspx. the Merkle area boundaries. • Milltown Landing Pond, Prince George’s Angler Luca Palazzo and his grandfather County. with a nice Largemouth Bass Luca caught. • Myrtle Grove Pond, Charles County. • Pemberton Pond, Wicomico County. • Rising Sun Pond, Cecil County—age Youth, Senior and Blind Angler Youth and Blind Fishing Areas restricted March 1 through May 15. Fishing Areas • Roberts Field Pond, Carroll County. • Robert’s Mill Pond, Carroll County. Areas: • South Germantown Park Pond, Montgom- Areas: • Carroll Creek, Frederick County—from ery County, in South Germantown Park. • Jones Falls, Baltimore County—Jones Falls the red post located 300 yards upstream • Tucker Pond, Prince George’s County. and tributaries above Stevenson Road. of Baughmans Lane, downstream to the • Westminster Community Pond, Carroll • Laurel Run (Moscow), Allegany County. dam at College Avenue. County. • Pangborn Pond, Washington County. • George’s Creek, Allegany County—within • Rising Sun Pond, Cecil County—restrictions Town Park in Westernport. Restrictions: in effect from March 1 through May 15. On • Glades Park Pond, Garrett County—on • You may not possess more than 10 fish. May 16, the area returns to limited harvest Liberty Street in Oakland. • You may not possess more than one large- with no age restriction. • Little Tonoloway Creek, Washington mouth bass, not to exceed 15 inches in length. • Boonsboro Pond, Washington County— County—within Weidmeyer Park in • For areas that are also on the Put-and-Take behind Boonsboro Free Library. Hancock. Trout Fishing list, only five of the 10 fish • Little Antietam Creek, Washington limit may be trout species. Restrictions: County—at Keedysville, from Coffman • There is no minimum size for largemouth • Fishing is limited to anglers who are under Farms Road downstream to MD Route 34. bass in these areas. 16 years old, 65 years and older, or blind. • Parkview Pond, Garrett County—off Her- • Put-and-Take Trout Fishing Area regula- shberger Lane in Grantsville. Impoundments Limited to tions apply in these areas. Catch-and-Return Fishing Restrictions: • Limited to anglers who are under 16 years You may not possess any fish in these areas: old or blind. • Lake Hashawa, Carroll County. • Put-and-Take Trout Fishing Area regula- • Upper John Owings Pond, Carroll County. tions apply in these areas. • Waterworks Park, Anne Arundel County— City of Annapolis.

FISH CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES

Fish are recommended as part of a healthy and The Maryland Department of the Environment To see fish consumption advisories and other infor- balanced diet. Most fish are safe to eat, but some analyzes fish for two contaminants which can mation which will help you make the best choices have levels of contaminants which may be harmful. pose health risks and are known to accumulate about what fish you eat and how often to eat them, The Maryland Department of the Environment in fish: PCBs and methylmercury. The information visit mde.state.md.us/programs/marylander/fish monitors fish and provides consumption adviso- included in Maryland Department of the Environ- andshellfish/pages/fishconsumptionadvisory.aspx ries with recommended limits about how often ment consumption advisories is of particular im- or call 410-537-3906. certain fish should be eaten to minimize health portance for women and children because of the risks. These advisories are intended for people potential harmful effect of these contaminants on who eat Maryland fish on a regular basis. developing brains.

26 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021

LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS

Trophy Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass Fishing Areas LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS TOURNAMENT PERMITS Areas: • Blairs Valley Lake, Washington County. A black bass tournament permit is required if all of the following conditions apply: • Centennial Lake, Howard County. • Chesapeake Ranch Estates, Calvert • The tournament has 10 or more boats For a list of permitted tournaments and County—all ponds. participating. additional permit information, go to dnr. • Johnson Pond, Wicomico County. • The tournament has a specific location maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/bass/ta.aspx • Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County. where fish are weighed, measured, The application deadline is either 15 days • Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County. counted or otherwise entered. prior to the tournament if the contest will • Patuxent Naval Air Test Center, St. Mary’s • The tournament provides anglers an have 10–50 boats, or 30 days prior for County—all ponds. offer, reward or incentive for catching tournaments with 50 or more boats. • St. Mary’s Lake, St. Mary’s County— black bass. Directors are issued permits electronically located on MD Route 5. within two weeks of their application. Restrictions: • You may not possess more than five bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass com- TIPS FOR LIVE RELEASE TOURNAMENTS bined) per day while fishing in these areas. • No bass in possession can measure • Use a big enough live well; one pound • Act quickly if the live well stops working! between 11 and 15 inches long. fish per gallon of water. Bucket in fresh water every 10 minutes, • Only one bass in possession may be 15 • Use a minimum 750 gal/hour pump. use a spare pump, move your fish to a inches or longer. working live well, or release them. • Use ice and water exchanges, and Catch-and-Release Bass Fishing Areas keep the live well water temperatures • Use an effective culling strategy that 5-7 degrees F below the river water prevents tearing the lips or tissue of bass. Areas: temperature. • Remove dead bass from live wells; do • Monocacy River—from the Potomac River not discard harvested species at boat upstream to Buckeystown Dam. • Take extra care when fishing summer tournaments. Extreme heat can be a killer. ramps or near parking lots. In many • North Branch Potomac River—from the cases, harvested fish can be consumed spillway in Cumberland upstream approxi- • Use continuous circulation and frequent or donated for consumption. mately 25 miles to US Route 220 Bridge at water exchanges, and periodically lift Keyser, West Virginia. the lids of live wells to expel carbon • Clean and remove algae or plant mate- • Patapsco River—from Interstate 70 down- dioxide. This may require more of your rial from live well and intake systems. stream to MD Route 144 (Frederick Road). attention during periods of rough water • Potomac River—from Dam No. 2 (Sen- when bass experience increased stress. eca Breaks) upstream to the mouth of the Monocacy River. • Wheatley Lake, Charles County.

Restrictions: BOWFISHING • You may not possess largemouth or smallmouth bass in these areas. Bowfishing has become • You must immediately release any large- increasingly popular. mouth or smallmouth bass into the water Species that are often where it was caught. targeted with a bow include carp, gar and snakeheads. It is illegal to use a bow to hunt some popular sportfishes, such as largemouth bass, striped bass, trout and all sharks. Please review other rules in the Recreational Gear section of this Guide (Pages 16–17). Angler: Nikki Harrison, Photo by Jim Thompson, MDDNR

28 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 RIVER BOATING AND SAFETY INFORMATION

Regulations Know the weather predictions for the area. A person aboard a vessel, raft or tube must REMEMBER the river currents are strong and wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, unpredictable, especially after heavy rains. II, III or V life jacket at all times while on Wading should NOT be attempted when the the upper Potomac River and its tributaries, river levels exceed the normal level. between November 15 and the following

May 15. This regulation is in addition to class River Flow Information Photo by Evan Keicher III, IV, V, and VI White Water Stream seg- • Conowingo Dam spill hotline— ment regulations, which require life jackets 877-457-2525. to be worn at all times. • Jennings Randolph Lake (North Branch DOG HEALTH ALERT Potomac) and Savage River Dam projected Class III rapids (hazardous) releases—410-962-7687 or nab-wc.usace. Dog owners are asked to keep pets Dam #3 to Knoxville Falls. army.mil/mapserver/index.html. away from Dark False Mussels and also • Potomac River flow at Hagerstown— to take these preventative measures to Class IV rapids (significant hazard to life) 301-223-6377. ensure the safety of your pet. Consump- Great Falls (foot of falls) to Chain Bridge. • Susquehanna riverflow at Conowingo— tion of Dark False Mussels has been 888-457-4076. associated with canine illness events Class VI rapids (extreme risk to life) • U.S. Geological Survey flow information and fatalities. Great Falls area from the base of the aque- for all Maryland waters—md.water.usgs.gov. • Keep pets away from boats after being duct dam to a line from the foot of the main • Youghiogheny River white water pulled out of water falls on the Virginia shoreline to the Mary- release schedule—315-413-2823 or • Clean boats away from animals land shoreline below Olmstead Island. deepcreekhydro.com. • C&O Canal— • Dispose of all boat scrapings properly Safety Tips nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm keep dogs on leash to avoid exposure ALWAYS wear an approved life jacket while on If you suspect your dog is sick from hav- the Potomac. Leave a float plan with someone ing eaten dark false mussels, take them at home describing where you are going, who to a veterinarian immediately. you’re with and when you expect to return.

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dnr.maryland.gov 29 FISH IDENTIFICATION lk For the most up-to-date Maryland Fishing Information—dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries n Atlantic Coast n Nontidal n Chesapeake Bay For information on more species of fish go to: dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/fishfacts-index.aspx To learn more about some of Maryland's species of sharks go to page 45 of this guide. For Invasive Species identification go to page 36.

American Eel n n n 9" minimum, creel limit 25 Brook Trout n Fallfish n No minimum size*, creel limit 2* (combined) No minimum size or creel limit FishMaryland Award Size 12"

Atlantic Spadefishn n Brown Trout n Largemouth Bass n n See online version for season and limits No minimum size*, creel limit 2* (combined) See tables pages 18–20 FishMaryland Award Size 24" FishMaryland Award Size 21" FishMaryland Award Size 21"

Black Crappie n n Chain Pickerel n n Muskellunge n No minimum size, nontidal creel limit 15 14" minimum, creel limit 5 (nontidal); 10 (tidal) 36" minimum, creel limit 1 FishMaryland Award Size 15" FishMaryland Award Size 24" FishMaryland Award Size 40"

Black Drum n n Channel Catfishn n Northern Pike n 16" minimum, creel limit 1 No size limits, nontidal creel limit—5; no tidal creel limit 30" minimum, creel limit 2 FishMaryland Award Size 48" FishMaryland Award Size 30" FishMaryland Award Size 38"

Black Sea Bass n n Cobia n n Rainbow Trout n 12.5" minimum, creel limit 15 40" minimum, creel limit 1 No minimum size*, creel limit 2* (combined) FishMaryland Award Size 20" FishMaryland Award Size 44" FishMaryland Award Size 20"

Red Drum n n Bluefish n n Croaker (hardhead) n n (channel bass, puppy drum) 8" minimum, creel limit 3 9" minimum, creel limit 25 18" minimum & 27" max slot limit, creel limit 1 FishMaryland Award Size 34" FishMaryland Award Size 18" FishMaryland Award Size 36", Catch & Release Only

30 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 FISH IDENTIFICATION lk The "Species Award" is part of FishMaryland. To find out more go to page 46 or go to Make Hunting & Fishing dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/challenge/index.aspx Dreams Come True!

Hunt of a Lifetime is a nonproﬁ t organization that grants hunting and ﬁ shing dreams to children, age 21 and under, who have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses. Sheepshead n n Summer Flounder (fluke) n n If you are interested in helping a child live their No minimum size, creel limit 4 16.5" minimum, creel limit 4 dream, please contact us for more information. FishMaryland Award Size 24" in Chesapeake, 20" in Atlantic FishMaryland Award Size 24" Toll Free 866.345.4455 HuntofaLifetime.org

RAISE CHICKENS? Smallmouth Bass n n Tautog n n We have a wide selection of the See tables pages 18–20 See tables pages 20–21 FishMaryland Tidal & Nontidal Award Size 20" FishMaryland Award Size 24" finest handcrafted coops to fit anyone’s budget.

Call Us Now for Pricing & Information! 1.866.411.SHED Spanish Mackerel n n Walleye n n 14" minimum, creel limit 15 See pages 18 and 20 for season and limits FishMaryland Award Size 22" FishMaryland Award Size 26"

Spot n n Weakfish n n See online version for season and limits 13" minimum, creel limit 1 FishMaryland Award Size 12" FishMaryland Award Size 24"

Spotted Seatrout n n White Perch n n n 14" minimum, creel limit 4 No minimum size or creel limit if caught hook & line; FishMaryland Award Size 24" 8" minimum if caught with any other gear Marylands #1 store FishMaryland Award Size 13" for all your crabbing needs! Traps • Trot Lines Bait • Fishing Tackle Striped Bass (rockfish) n n n Yellow Perch n n See striped bass section for season and limits. 9" minimum in tidal waters and nontidal rivers and 313 Solomons Island Rd, Edgewater, MD FishMaryland Nontidal Award Size 36" streams; no minimum size in lakes and ponds; creel limit 10 410.956.0300 FishMaryland Chesapeake & Coast Award Size 40" FishMaryland Award Size 14" www.baycountrycrabbingsupply.com

* except where otherwise indicated in nontidal limits Fish illustrations by Duane Raver and Diane Rome Peebles

dnr.maryland.gov 31 PUBLIC LAKES & PONDS

The use of boats or motors on ponds and lakes is subject to local restrictions. Consult with local authorities before making your trip. * Designates locations with boat ramp facilities.

ALLEGANY COUNTY CALVERT COUNTY

PROPERTY LOCATION ACREAGE PROPERTY LOCATION ACREAGE BATTIE MIXON FISHING HOLE MD Route 51 at Oldtown 33 CALVERT CLIFFS PARK POND Route 4, near Lusby 1 Lion’s Park Glendening off Mt. Harmony Road, COTTON COVE POND 1 HUTCHINS POND 2.3 Recreational Complex in Frostburg off Route 2, near Sunderland MD Route 36 two miles east of DAN’S MOUNTAIN POND 1 CAROLINE COUNTY Lonaconing CHAMBERS LAKE MD Route 306 in Federalsburg 6 I-68, Exit 46 four miles east of EVITTS CREEK COMMUNITY PONDS 4 Cumberland * SMITHVILLE LAKE US Route 404 east to Noble Road 40 Frostburg (subject to user LIONS PARK POND 1 CARROLL COUNTY restrictions by the city of Frostburg) off MD Route 27 within Random MD Route 51 Green Ridge BENNETT CERF POND 1 ORCHARD POND 2 House Industrial Park State Forest west of MD Route 32 near I-68, Exit 50 five miles northwest FARM MUSEUM POND 4.7 * ROCKY GAP LAKE 243 Westminster (LAKE HABEEB) of Flintstone LAKE HASHAWHA off Rinehart Road 1 I-68, Exit 62 Green Ridge State WHITE SULPHUR COMMUNITY POND 1 Forest, 12 miles east of Flintstone * LIBERTY RESERVOIR Route 26 near Wards Chapel 3100 NORTH CARROLL COMMUNITY POND MD Route 30 at Manchester 1.2 ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY * PINEY RUN RESERVOIR MD Route 32 near Eldersburg 300 FRIENDSHIP PARK POND Route 778, Friendship 1 east of Taneytown north of ROBERT’S MILL POND 2 FRIENDSHIP POND MD Route 176 1 Route 140 LAKE WATERFORD Route 648 near Severna Park 11 UPPER JOHN OWINGS John Owings Road 0.5 PATUXENT PONDS Patuxent Road near Conoways 3.2 WESTMINSTER COMMUNITY POND US Route 140 at Westminster 1.3 WATERWORKS PARK by permit only 1.5 CECIL COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY * CONOWINGO RESERVOIR US Route 1 at Conowingo 4000 AVALON POND (LOST LAKE) within Patapsco Valley State Park, ELKTON COMMUNITY POND MD Route 281 east of MD Route 213 1.3 1 GLEN ARTNEY AREA entrance on South St. off MD Rt.1 RISING SUN COMMUNITY POND MD Route 273 in Rising Sun 1 GWYNBROOK COMMUNITY POND off US Route 140 near Owings Mills 1.3 CHARLES COUNTY HILLCREST POND MD Route 144 at Lansdowne 4 * GILBERT RUN PARK MD Route 6; east of Oliver’s Shop 75 LAKE ROLAND MD Route 139 Baltimore 98.2 (WHEATLEY LAKE) * LIBERTY RESERVOIR MD Route 26 near Ward’s Chapel 3100 HUGHESVILLE COMMUNITY POND MD Route 5 at Hughesville 1 * LOCH RAVEN RESERVOIR MD Route 146; Dulaney Valley Road 2400 * MYRTLE GROVE LAKE MD Route 225 near Ripley 23 off MD Route 25 and US Route * PRETTYBOY RESERVOIR 1500 DORCHESTER COUNTY 111, Beckleysville Road Galestown Road east of GALESTOWN LAKE 15 MD Route 313 FREDERICK COUNTY HELP SAVE MARYLAND'S US Route 79 at Brunswick House BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY POND 1 ENDANGERED HELLBENDERS— Industrial Park PLEASE DO NOT KILL * CUNNINGHAM FALLS LAKE MD Route 77 west of Thurmont 42 Hampton Valley Road near EMMITSBURG RESERVOIR 8 The hellbender is a (RAINBOW LAKE) Emmitsburg—Town Permit Required large, dark, aquatic FRANK BENTZ MEMORIAL POND MD Route 77 west of Thurmont 2 salamander that can GAMBRILL COMMUNITY POND US Route 40 near Frederick 1 live for more than LIBERTYTOWN COMMUNITY POND MD Route 75 at Libertytown 1 30 years and grow John White URBANA COMMUNITY POND Dixon Road off Route 80 at Urbana 5 to over two feet long. Hellbenders can bite, and their protective coating of slime makes them difficult to handle. If you catch a hellbender on your fishing line, cut the line as close to the hook as possible and let the animal go. If you have seen or caught a hellbender, we would like to hear from you. Please call the department's Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540. Photo by Rob Purdy

32 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 PUBLIC LAKES & PONDS

GARRETT COUNTY PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

PROPERTY LOCATION ACREAGE PROPERTY LOCATION ACREAGE ACCIDENT COMMUNITY POND US Route 219 Accident 1 ALLENS POND MD Route 197 near Bowie 10 * BROADFORD LAKE MD Route 135 at Mt. Lake Park 230 BOWIE TOWN CENTER POND off Mitchellville Road, Bowie 8 * DEEP CREEK LAKE US Route 219, McHenry 3900 off Cedarville Road in Cedarville CEDARVILLE POND 4 US Route 219 five miles north of State Forest * HERRINGTON MANOR LAKE 44 Oakland COSCA LAKE Thrift Road south of Clinton 11 I-68, Exit 22 six miles south of US Route 193 and Adelphi Road in * NEW GERMANY LAKE 10 DUCK POND 1 Grantsville University Hills Park US Route 40 Alt. north on Piney GOVERNOR BRIDGE NATURAL AREA PINEY RESERVOIR 120 Governor Bridge Rd, Bowie 8 Run Road east of Grantsville POND MD Route 495 twelve miles south GREENBELT LAKE off Crescent Road in Greenbelt Park 21 PLEASANT VALLEY LAKE 18 of Grantsville LAKE ARTEMESIA Branchville Road, Berwyn Heights 38 MD Route 135 south on Mt. Zion LAUREL LAKE Route 1 and Cherry Lane, Laurel 11 * JENNINGS RANDOLPH LAKE Road five miles from Kitzmiller on 952 MD Route 223, Woodyard Road West Virginia Route 46 MELWOOD COMMUNITY POND 1.3 between MD Routes 4 and 5 * SAVAGE RESERVOIR MD Route 135 on Savage River Road 350 Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, off MD Route 42 two miles north of MERKLE PONDS 2 * YOUGHIOGHENY RESERVOIR 800 Fenno Road Friendsville Patuxent River Park, off Milltown MILLTOWN LANDING POND 1 HARFORD COUNTY Landing Road across from County Administration SCHOOLHOUSE POND 4 BYNUM RUN COMMUNITY POND MD Route 22 at Bel Air 1.1 Building in Upper Marlboro Broad Creek Landing and Glen * CONOWINGO RESERVOIR 4000 TUCKER POND Tucker Road near Oxon Hill 1.4 Cove Marina—Darlington, MD DUBLIN DELL COMMUNITY POND MD Route 136 in Dublin 1 QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY FOREST BRANCH PARK Joppatowne, Foster Branch Road 1 EWING POND PARK MD 18 Grasonville 3 FOREST HILL COMMUNITY POND MD Route 23 at Forest Hill 1.3 TERRAPIN POND MD 8 and Bateau Dr. Stevensville 4 HOWARD COUNTY Rt.404 east to Rt. 480 to * TUCKAHOE LAKE 43 Eveland Rd to Crouse Mill Rd. * CENTENNIAL LAKE Columbia 50 * UNICORN LAKE MD Route 313 south of Millington 45 LAKE ELKHORN Columbia 37 WHITEMARSH PARK POND MD 213 Centreville 3 GUILFORD PARK POND MD Route 32 off Interstate 95 0.5 MD Route 662 south of * WYE MILLS COMMUNITY LAKE 50 LAKE KITTAMAQUNDI Columbia 31 US Route 50 WILDE LAKE Columbia 22 ST. MARY’S COUNTY KENT COUNTY * ST. MARY’S LAKE MD Route 5, Calloway 250 Massey Delaware Line Road, MILLINGTON WILDLIFE east of Massey—telephone 3.7 WASHINGTON COUNTY MANAGEMENT PONDS (4) 410-928-3650 for permission I-70, exit 12 MD Route 56 east of * BIG POOL 88 SASSAFRAS NRMA POND Kennedyville 2 Fort Frederick State Park * URIEVILLE COMMUNITY LAKE MD Route 213 north of Chestertown 35 Blairs Valley Road north of Clear * BLAIRS VALLEY LAKE 35 MONTGOMERY COUNTY Spring BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY POND MD Route 67 at Brownsville 1.2 CLOPPER LAKE within Seneca State Park 90 Greenbrier State Park, US Route MD Route 198 and US Route 29 * GREENBRIER LAKE 42 * DUCKETT RESERVOIR 800 40 near Hagerstown Burtonsville Mooresville Road eight miles US Route 355 and MD Route 121 INDIAN SPRINGS COMMUNITY POND 1.3 KINGS COMMUNITY POND 1 west of Clear Spring Clarksburg LITTLE POOL off MD Route 615 east of Hancock 18 LAKE FRANK MD Route 115 near Norbeck 54 LAKE NEEDWOOD MD Route 115 near Norbeck 74 WICOMICO COUNTY * LITTLE SENECA LAKE near Boyds 505 ALLEN POND Allen Rd. Allen 10 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARK POND 1120 Jackson Road, Silver Spring 5 COLBURN MILL POND S. Division St. Salisbury 10 Isabella Street at US Route 50 to PINE LAKE MD Route 97 near Wheaton 5 * JOHNSONS LAKE 108 Lake Street * TRIADELPHIA RESERVOIR off MD Route 650 near Brighton 800 * LEONARDS MILL LAKE U.S Route 13 north of Salisbury 30 POWELLVILLE POND MD Route 354 in Powellville 4 SHUMAKER LAKE MD Route 12 in Salisbury 35 WORCESTER COUNTY

NEWTOWN PARK POND US 13 and US 113 Pocomoke City 7 Within Shad Landing Area US 113. SHAD LANDING STATE PARK POND 1 Snow Hill

dnr.maryland.gov 33 TIDAL / NONTIDAL DIVIDING LINES

The following boundaries are designated as dividing lines for tidal and nontidal waters. These boundary lines identify whether a nontidal fishing license or Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing license is required. If you are fishing upstream of the location listed, nontidal fishing regulations apply. If you are fishing downstream of the location listed, tidal regulations apply. An interactive map of these divi- sions is located on the "Maps" page at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/maps.aspx

Anne Arundel and • Quaker Swamp—MD Routes 2/4. d) Full Mill Branch: MD Route 382, Prince George’s counties • St. Johns Creek—MD Route 4. Croom Road. • Anacostia River: • St. Leonard’s Creek—Parran Road. e) Black Swamp Creek: MD Route 382, a) Northeast Branch Bridge at north- Croom Road. bound lane of Alternate Route 1 Caroline County • Piscataway Creek—bridge on MD Route Bladensburg Road. • Chapel Branch—MD Route 313 near 224 (Livingston Road). b) Northwest Branch Bridge at south- Piney Grove Church. • Pomonkey Creek—Fenwick Road. bound lane of Rhode Island Avenue. • Choptank River—bypass on MD Route • Port Tobacco Creek—bridge on MD Route 6. • Furnace Branch—MD Route 2. 313 on the outskirts of Greensboro. • Potomac River—Little Falls at man-made • Patuxent River: • Fowling Creek—wooden bridge on Stratum dam. a) Mainstem: bridge on MD Route 214. Road about one mile below MD Route 16. • Western Branch—bridge on MD Route 4. b) Lyons Creek: MD Route 4. • Hunting Creek—MD Route 331. • Wicomico River—Allens Fresh, bridge on c) Stocketts Run: confluence with the river. • Marshyhope Creek—at its confluence MD Route 234. d) Rock Run: confluence with the river. with Faulkner Branch. e) Ferry Branch: confluence with the river. • Mill Creek—MD Route 16. Dorchester County • Magothy River—Catherine Avenue. • Tuckahoe Creek—abandoned stone rail- • Chicamicomico River—US Route 50. • Marley Creek—MD Route 10. road bridge upstream of MD Route 404. • Transquaking River—dam at Higgins • Severn River—bridge on MD Route 3. • Watt’s Creek—bridge on American Legion Mill Pond. • South River and its tributaries: Road. a) North River: Rutland Road. Harford County b) Bacon Ridge Branch: Chesterfield Road. Cecil County • Bynum Run—Old Philadelphia Road c) Beards Creek: MD Route 214. • Big Elk Creek—MD Route 213. Bridge on MD Route 7. d) Broad Creek: Harry S. Truman Parkway. • Bohemia River—Telegraph Road. • Deer Creek—railroad bridge located at • Happy Valley Branch—confluence with the mouth of Deer Creek. Baltimore County Susquehanna River. • Gray’s Run—CSX Railroad crossing • Big Gunpowder Falls—three-fourths of a • Little Elk Creek—US Route 40. upstream of US Route 40. mile south of MD Route 7, the Old Phila- • Mill Creek—Old Elk Neck Road. • James Run—Old Philadelphia Road delphia Road at the B&O Railroad Bridge. • North East River—MD Route 7. Bridge on MD Route 7. • Little Gunpowder Falls—three-fourths of • Octoraro Creek—bridge on US Route 222. • Winter’s Run—dam located one half mile a mile south of MD Route 7, the Old Phila- • Principio Creek—Amtrak crossing below south of MD Route 7, the Old Philadelphia delphia Road at the B&O Railroad Bridge. MD Route 7. Road. • Stansbury Park Pond—base of dam. • Rock Run—confluence with the Susque- • Stemmers Run—Golden Ring Road Bridge. hanna River. Kent and Queen Anne’s counties • Chester River—500 yards upstream from Baltimore and Howard counties Charles, Montgomery and the Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge at Mil- • Patapsco River—B&O viaduct at Relay. Prince George’s counties lington at the point where the Cypress • Henson Run—bridge on Old Broad Creek Branch empties into the Chester River. Calvert County Road. • Herring Branch—MD Route 299. • Battle Creek—bridge about two miles east • Hoghole Run—MD Route 6. • Morgan Creek—Wallis Road. of Bowens (Sixes Road). • Mattawoman Creek—bridge on MD Route • Red Lion Branch—at its confluence with • Fishing Creek—one and one-half miles 225. the Chester River. upstream from the mouth of the creek at • Nanjemoy Creek and its tributaries: • Sassafras River—MD Route 299. Chesapeake Beach. a) Mainstem: MD Route 6. • Unicorn Branch—U.S. Geological Survey • Hall’s Creek—bridge on MD Route 4. b) Mill Run (Burgess Creek): MD weir just east of MD Route 313. • Hellen Creek—Mill Branch Road, near Route 6. • Wye East River—Wye Mills Lake dam. Solomons. c) Hill Top Fork: MD Route 6. • Hunting Creek—bridge on MD Route 263 d) Wards Run: MD Route 6. St. Mary’s County about 100 yards west of MD Route 4. • Oxon Creek (Run)—MD Route 210. • Budds Creek—MD Route 234. • Island Creek—Ross Road, near Brooms • Patuxent River and its tributaries: • Chaptico Run—Chaptico Bridge on MD Island. a) Swanson Creek: MD Route 381. Route 234. • Lyon’s Creek—bridge on MD Route 4. b) Mataponi Creek: St. Thomas Church • Dynard Run—MD Route 242. • Mills Creek—MD Route 760. Road. • Eastern Branch—MD Route 5. • Parkers Creek—MD Route 765. c) Spice Creek: MD Route 382, Croom • Gilbert Swamp Run—MD Route 234. • Plum Point Creek—bridge on MD Route Road. 263.

34 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 TIDAL / NONTIDAL DIVIDING LINES

•• GreatGGreatreat Mills Mills Run—bridge Run—bridge onon MDMD RouteRoute 5.5. •• McIntoshMMcIntoshcIntosh Run—MDRun—MD RouteRoute 5.5. •• ParkPParkark Hall Hall Run—MDRun—MD RouteRoute 5.5. MARYLANDMARYLAND •• St.St. ClementsClements Creek—MDCreek—MD RouteRoute 234234 MARYLAND bridgebridge at at towntown ofof Clements.Clements. MARYLAND •• TTomakokinTomakokinomakokin Creek—MDCreek—MD RouteRoute 470.470. VOLUNTEERVOLUNTEERVOLUNTEER ANGLERANGLER SURVEY SURVEY •• TTownTownown Run—bridge Run—bridge onon MDMD RouteRoute 5.5. HereHere is your chance to directly help in fisheries management. ParticipationParticipation is easy,easy, visit our website: SusquehannaSusquehanna River River dnr.maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/survey/index.aspxdnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/survey/index.aspx •• ConowingoCConowingoonowingo Dam—atDam—at USUS RouteRoute 1.1. or use the AccessDNR app

WicomicoWicomico and and Worcester Worcester countiescounties •• BarrenBBarrenarren Creek—US Creek—US RouteRoute 5050 Bridge.BridgeBridge •• BeaverdamBeaverdam Creek—dam Creek—dam just just upstreamupstream ofof USUS Route Route 1313 (Business).(Business). •• NaNassawangoNassawangossawango Creek—FurnaceCreek—Furnace Road.Road. •• PocomokePocomoke River—bridgeRiver—bridge onon WhitonWhiton Crossing,Crossing, three three miles miles south south of of Powellville.Powellville. •• WicomicoWicomico River—IsabellaRiver—Isabella StreetStreet inin Salisbury.Salisbury.

PhotoPho courtesyto courtesy of Brett of Bradley Poffenberger Smith

FindFindThere’sThere’s MarylandMaryland aa MapMap Fishing for that! Spots

• Interactive •• StripedStriped bass regulations• Mobile by season • Searchable •• PublicPublic angler access• Species Info • Tidal/nontidal dividing•Tidal/Nontidal lines Dividing LinesLines • Tidal/nontidal dividing• Parking lines Info •• BoatBoat ramp access • Boating Info • Special Regulations •• TroutTrout stocking locations• Accessibility • Charter boat locations• Amenities Photo by John Sprinkle • Charter boat locations Photo by Zak Bart gisapps.dnr.state.md.us/gisapps.dnr.state.md.us/ppublicublicffishingishingaaccess/index.htmlccess/index.html Angler: 5 year old Grayson Sprinkle •• andand manymany more!

MoreMore thanthandnr.maryland.gov/dnr.maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/maps.aspx 500500 locations…andlocations…andfisheries/pages/maps.aspx counting!

dnr.maryland.govdnr.maryland.gov 35 INVASIVE SPECIES

The introduction of invasive and non-native species can cause irreversible changes in the food web. Several invasive species of concern are listed below. For information on other invasive and non-native species, and to see a list of species prohibited from transport, visit dnr.maryland.gov/invasives. To report the illegal transport or unauthorized introduction of invasive species, contact the Natural Resources Police—800-628-9944.

Snakehead It is against Maryland, Virginia, and federal laws to possess, import, or transport live northern snakehead. If you catch a snakehead and want to keep it, you must immediately kill the fish. Anglers are encouraged to catch and keep snakeheads year round. There is no minimum size or creel limit for snakeheads. The Department of Natural Resources asks anglers to report snakeheads caught outside of the Potomac River and its tributaries or upstream of Great Falls. Send catch information to [email protected] or call 410-260-8300 to help the department track the range of the species. If you catch a snakehead with a blue or red tag, please report the tag number and the location, date and time of day when the fish was caught to the U.S. Fish and

Photo by Michael Loyd Wildlife Service at 800-448-8322.

Blue and Flathead Catfish HARVEST AN INVASIVE Chesapeake Bay blue catfish and flathead catfish are invasive species that have spread FISH AND HELP rapidly throughout the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. These catfish have few natural predators, eat a wide variety of native fish and shellfish, and may cause ecological harm. REDUCE THE SPREAD It is illegal to release live invasive catfish into a waterbody different than where it was caught. OF INVASIVE SPECIES This illegal act is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500. Anglers are encouraged to catch and keep blue and flathead catfish year round. There is no minimum size or creel limit for these catfish. Questions on what gear is legal to harvest invasive species? Check out INVASIVE CATFISH IDENTIFICATION the gear tables in the Sport Fishing Catfish Illustrations by Duane Raver Regulations section on pages 16 and 17. There are two licenses available that let you sell invasive species caught in tidal waters. The Commercial Northern Snakehead License allows you to use Blue Catfish Flathead Catfish either archery equipment or hook Anal fin squared with 30 to 36 fin rays Projecting lower jaw and a slightly notched tail and line to harvest and sell Northern snakeheads. NON-INVASIVE CATFISH IDENTIFICATION The Invasive Catfish Finfish Trotline License allows you to use a finfish trotline to harvest and sell blue and flathead catfish. If you would like more information about these licenses, Channel Catfish White Catfish contact our Licensing and Registration Anal fin with rounded margin Stocky body with large head, anal fin with Service at 410-260-3220. and deeply forked tail rounded margin and moderately forked tail

Zebra Mussels Zebra mussels are an aggressive invasive species and reproduce at a very prolific rate, out-competing native species for needed resources. These mussels quickly overtake and cover all available areas to such an extent that they can clog water intake structures, boats, moorings, ropes, fishing lines, traps, and even dams and power plants. Zebra mussels are established from the Susquehanna River and Flats to the upper Bay. Additionally, The Department of Natural Resources recently confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in tributaries of the upper Western Shore near Middle River in Baltimore County. More information on zebra mussels is available at dnr.maryland.gov/invasives/pages/ zebra_mussels.aspx, including a fact sheet and reporting form. The department asks citizens, to report any suspected sightings to [email protected].

36 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 INVASIVE SPECIES

STATE RECORDS FOR INVASIVE SPECIES • Catfish, Blue — 84.0 lbs., Ed Jones, 8/13/2012, Near Fort Washington, Potomac River • Catfish, Flathead — 57.0 lbs., Joshua Dixon, 12/27/2020, Lapidum Boat Ramp, Susquehanna River • Northern Snakehead — 19.9 lbs., Prevent the spread of harmful species: Andrew D. Fox, 5/24/2018, Indian Head, Mattawoman Creek REMOVE and dispose of aquatic plants, mud, and debris from your boat, motor, trailer and gear before launching and after haul out.

DRAIN all water from live wells, bilge, bait buckets, coolers, and motor immediately after use.

DISPOSE of all unused bait far away from the water. Immediately remove the heads of crayfish in the Upper and Middle Potomac, Monocacy River and Susquehanna River Basin.

RINSE boat, motor, trailer, tackle, buckets and all gear, including SCUBA gear, with hot or high-pressure water.

Photo by Andrew D. Fox DON’T STOCK fish in any waters. The importation, introduction and transport of aquatic species without a permit is prohibited by law. To view more state records visit DON’T TRANSFER live fish from one area to another. dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/ DON’T RELEASE aquarium fish into the wild. state-records.aspx or go to page 47.

dnr.maryland.gov 37 STRIPED BASS

It is Illegal: • To possess striped bass while fishing in • To possess any cut up or filleted striped the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries BE ON THE LOOKOUT bass at any time aboard any boat on the from midnight to 5 a.m. FOR TAGGED FISH! tidal waters of Maryland. Striped bass • To use a gaff to land striped bass. must be landed whole. • To take or shoot striped bass with a spear The success of tagging studies relies on • To use more than two hooks or two sets of gun and spear in the tidal waters of the state. anglers like you. If you catch a tagged hooks for each rod or line. Artificial lures • To fish for striped bass by any means fish, please follow the instructions printed or plugs with multiple hooks are considered or practice catch-and-release of striped on the tag, or call Fishing and Boating 1 set of hooks. bass in designated spawning areas from Services at 800-688-3467. Please record • To use eels as bait while fishing for striped March 1–May 31. the tag number, capture date, fishing bass with hook and line from Dec. 16– • To intentionally snag a striped bass. location, and total length. May 15, inclusive, in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. • To cull striped bass. STRIPED BASS REGULATIONS MAPS Striped bass may not be caught, harassed or possessed in the Exclusive Visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/ Economic Zone, which stretches from pages/sb_2020_regs.aspx to view maps 3–200 miles off the coast. of striped bass regulations.

CHESAPEAKE BAY AND TIDAL TRIBUTARIES (excluding the Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River and Northeast River)

SEASON FISHING LOCATIONS ALLOWED CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS REGULATIONS RESTRICTIONS AND REMARK • Directed catch and release of All Maryland Chesapeake Bay waters and the Potomac River striped bass in the Potomac JAN. 1–FEB. 28 No harvest Catch and release only are open to catch and release fishing only requires barbless hooks. • Eels may not be used as bait. • Stinger (trailing) hooks are prohibited. • Barbless hooks are required when trolling. • Spawning rivers and the Upper Bay • Non-offset circle hooks or spawning area are off limits until Chesapeake Bay from the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia J hooks with a gap of less June 1 to striped bass fishing. MAR. 1–MAR. 31 No harvest line including Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. than ½ inch are required • Eels may not be used as bait. when using natural bait. • See maps at: dnr.maryland.gov/ • No more than 6 lines may fisheries/pages/sb_2020_regs.aspx be employed while trolling regardless of the number of anglers on board. • No catch and release fishing. Attempting to catch striped bass is APR. 1–APR. 30 All areas closed to striped bass fishing. CLOSED illegal during this time period. 1 fish per person Chesapeake Bay from Brewerton Channel to the MD-VA Line, per day • Eels may not be used as bait. MAY 1–MAY 15 excluding all bays, sounds, tributaries, creeks and rivers, Minimum size 35 • See maps at: except Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/sb_2020_regs.aspx inches Chesapeake Bay downstream from a line drawn from the south corner of Hart-Miller Island Dike to the end of MD Route 21 at Tolchester and south to the MD/VA line, excluding all bays, sounds, tributaries, creeks and rivers. EXCEPT: Tangier • See Maps at: dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/SB_2020_regs.aspx 1 fish per person Sound and Pocomoke Sound; Chester River and its tributaries • Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or per day MAY 16–MAY 31 downstream of a line drawn from Hail Point to Long Point to chumming; Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when using Minimum size is 19 Ferry Point; Patuxent River and its tributaries downstream of a fish, crabs or worms as bait and targeting striped bass, or when inches line drawn from Point Patience to the west point of land at the using processed baits and targeting striped bass entrance of Little Kingston Creek; and Choptank River and its tributaries downstream of a line drawn from Holland Point to a point of land at the west entrance of Chapel Creek are open.

• See Maps at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/sb_2020_regs.aspx 1 fish per person • Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or All Maryland Chesapeake Bay waters and tributaries open to per day JUNE 1–JULY 15 chumming; Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when using fishing Minimum size 19 fish, crabs or worms as bait and targeting striped bass, or when inches using processed baits and targeting striped bass.

• No catch and release fishing. Attempting to catch striped bass is JULY 16–JULY 31 All areas closed to striped bass fishing. CLOSED illegal during this time period.

• See Maps at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/sb_2020_regs.aspx 1 fish per person • Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or 38AUGUST 1– All Maryland Chesapeake Bay waters and tributaries open to per day Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 chumming; Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when using DECEMBER 10 fishing Minimum size 19 fish, crabs or worms as bait and targeting striped bass, or when inches using processed baits and targeting striped bass.

DEC. 11–DEC. 31 Catch and Release only

SUSQUEHANNA FLATS, LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER AND NORTHEAST RIVER

SEASON FISHING LOCATIONS ALLOWED CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS REGULATIONS RESTRICTIONS AND REMARKS

Susquehanna Flats, upstream of a line • Stinger hooks are prohibited. from Sandy Point to Turkey Point and the • Barbless hooks are required when trolling. Susquehanna River downstream from a • Non-offset circle or J hooks with less than ½ inch gap are required when using JAN. 1–MAR. 31 line connecting the Susquehanna State Catch and Release only bait. Park boat ramp at Lapidum to Twin Rocks to Tomes Wharf in Port Deposit; and the • No more than six lines per boat are allowed when trolling. Northeast River • Eels may not be used as bait. Susquehanna Flats closed to • No catch and release fishing. Attempting to catch striped bass is illegal during this APR. 1–MAY 15 CLOSED striped bass fishing time period. • Eels may not be used as bait. Susquehanna Flats reopen to striped bass 1 fish per person per day • Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or chumming; Anglers MAY 16–MAY 31 fishing between 19–26 inches must use non-offset circle hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait and targeting striped bass, or when using processed baits and targeting striped bass.

• See Maps at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/sb_2020_regs.aspx Susquehanna Flats and all Bay waters • Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or chumming; Anglers 1 fish per person per day JUNE 1–JULY 15 including tributaries open to striped bass must use circle hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait and targeting Minimum Size 19 inches fishing striped bass, or when using processed baits and targeting striped bass.

• No catch and release fishing. Attempting to catch striped bass is illegal during this JULY 16–JULY 31 All areas closed to striped bass fishing CLOSED time period.

• See Maps at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/sb_2020_regs.aspx Susquehanna Flats and all Bay waters 1 fish per person per day • Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or chumming; Anglers AUGUST 1– including tributaries open to striped bass DECEMBER 10 Minimum Size 19 inches must use circle hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait and targeting fishing striped bass, or when using processed bait and targeting striped bass.

DEC. 11–DEC. 31 Catch and Release only STRIPED BASS

ATLANTIC OCEAN, COASTAL BAYS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES

SEASON FISHING LOCATIONS ALLOWED CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS REGULATIONS RESTRICTIONS AND REMARKS • Striped bass may not be caught, Must always use non-offset circle Anglers may keep one striped bass harassed or possessed in the hooks when using fish, crabs or per person per day. The striped bass JAN. 1–DEC. 31 No area restrictions in state waters Exclusive Economic Zone, which worms as bait or processed baits must be at least 28 inches and less stretches from 3–200 miles off (treble hooks are prohibited) when than 35 inches in length. the coast. targeting striped bass.

RESERVOIRS

SEASON FISHING LOCATIONS ALLOWED CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS REGULATIONS RESTRICTIONS AND REMARKS 18 inch minimum size; 2 fish per person per day—only 1 of those fish RESERVOIRS All nontidal reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. Open Year Round may be larger than 30 inches

Did you know you can have Maryland’s natural world delivered to your email inbox? Striped Bass and CIRCLE HOOKS

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers nearly a dozen topics and newsletters for our angling and boating community.

To see what’s available go to the DNR news page and look for Newsletters. We look forward to keeping in touch! news.maryland.gov/dnr

Subscription Topics include Learn more about circle hooks (but aren’t limited to) Looking for tips and tricks on how to use • Communications circle hooks? Grab your smart phone and • Fishing • Hunting scan the QR code with the camera (or a QR • Parks code reader app) or type in the link below. • Waters Here you’ll find “how to” videos as well as Many others are available links to other circle hook resources. SCAN HERE

dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/circle_hooks.aspx

Find Licensed Charter Boats and Fishing Guides

dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/charters/map.aspx

dnr.maryland.gov 39 BLUE CRABS—CHESAPEAKE BAY AND ITS TIDAL TRIBUTARIES

Crabbing License/Registration Daily Creel/Possession Limits

See page 13. DAILY CREEL / POSSESSION LIMIT LICENSE MALE PEELERS, SOFT CRABS MALE HARD CRABS Season OR COMBINATION April 1–Dec. 15. • From shore UNLICENSED INDIVIDUAL • From unlicensed boat 2 dozen 1 dozen Time of Day • From waterfront crab pots Setting gear and catching crabs is allowed • From shore during the following time periods: LICENSED INDIVIDUAL • From unlicensed boat 1 bushel 2 dozen Rivers, creeks and tributaries: • From waterfront crab pots • April and Oct. through Dec. 15—one half BOAT LIMITS

hour after sunrise to sunset. With 2 or more unlicensed 4 dozen 1 dozen • May through Sept.—one half hour before With 1 licensee and any sunrise to sunset. number of unlicensed 1 bushel 2 dozen Chesapeake Bay mainstem: UNLICENSED BOAT individuals • April and Oct. through Dec. 15—one half With 2 or more licensees and any number of 2 bushels 2 dozen hour after sunrise to 5 p.m. unlicensed individuals • May through Sept.—one half hour before • With 1 or more unlicensed sunrise to 5 p.m. • With 1 licensee Using annually registered crab pots on pri- • With owner and any 1 bushel 2 dozen number of unlicensed vate property, dip nets or handlines is per- individuals mitted 24 hours a day. LICENSED BOAT • With 2 or more licensees with any number of Day of Week Restrictions unlicensed individuals No recreational crabbing is allowed on • With a licensee who is 2 bushels 2 dozen not the owner and any Wednesdays except: number of unlicensed • When using crab pots from private property; individuals • When using handlines or dip nets; • During a week when a state or federal holi- day falls on a Wednesday or Thursday. It is Illegal for a Recreational Crabber: Additional Crab Pot Rules Minimum Size Limits • To sell crabs. • Crab pots must have two cull rings, one 3 (measured from tip to tip of spikes) • To possess an egg-bearing (sponge) crab or measuring at least 2 ⁄16 inches and one at 5 Male hard crab: any female hard or peeler crab. least 2 ⁄16 inches located in the exterior side • April 1–July 14—5 inches. • To set or fish a trotline, collapsible trap or panel or the top panels of the pot. • July 15–Dec. 15—5¼ inches. crab net ring within 100 feet of another • Crab pots must have a turtle reduction individual’s set gear. device attached to each entrance or funnel Male peeler crab: • To fish crab gear which belongs to another in the lower chamber constructed of wire • April 1–July 14—3¼ inches. person. or plastic, rectangular in shape not larger • July 15–Dec. 15—3½ inches. • To harvest crabs while SCUBA diving. than 1¾ inches high by 4¾ inches long. Soft crab: • To use gear other than the gear listed in • Annual registration required. • April 1–Dec. 15—3½ inches. the table below.

The Amount of Gear Allowed for Unlicensed and Licensed Recreational Crabbing HANDLINES COLLAPSIBLE TRAPS LICENSE STATUS CRAB POTS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY TROTLINE SEINE EEL POTS AND DIP NETS AND NET RINGS UNLICENSED Unlimited A maximum of 2 annually registered Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed crab pots per property regardless of the • Up to 1200ft* • Up to 30 traps, rings or • Mesh cannot be • Up to 10 number of owners or lessees. combination of both* greater than ¼" eel pots for • Must have These pots must be: catching your floats of the • Must be marked with a buoy • Cannot exceed own bait • Marked with your DNRid same color, bearing your DNRid unless 50' in width and • Set in front of private property within size, shape on attached to a pier, wharf or boat 5' in height • Must be labeled each end with your DNRid LICENSED Unlimited 100 yards of shore • Traps must have a flat bottom • Must be emptied and may not be • Floats must be measuring no more than 20 from shore • Attached by a line to the property or set in a buoy- marked with inches by 15 inches and have no marked by a buoy or pole and sign free channel your DNRid more than four articulated sides • Registered annually • Net rings must have a diameter • Equipped with a turtle reduction device less than or equal to 30 inches *The amount of gear is per boat regardless of the number of licensees or individuals on board.

40 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 BLUE CRABS—ATLANTIC OCEAN, COASTAL BAYS AND TRIBUTARIES

Season It is Legal April 1–Dec. 31. To crab in the coastal bays of Maryland’s TURTLE REDUCTION Atlantic Ocean and coastal tributaries using: DEVICES ARE Harvest Restrictions • No more than 600 feet of baited trot- REQUIRED BY LAW • There are no license or registration line, with floats of the same color, size requirements, but pots must be marked and shape attached to each end; or Turtle reduction devices are required in with owners name and address. • No more than two 600-foot trotlines if recreational crab pots in Maryland. These • There are no time of day restrictions. two or more persons are in the boat; or devices reduce the number of terrapins • The taking of sponge crabs is prohibited. • Dip nets and any number of hand- entering a crab pot without hindering lines; or blue crab entry. Without turtle reduction Minimum Size Limits • Seines with mesh no greater than 1/4" devices, terrapins can enter crab pots and (measured from tip to tip of spikes) that do not exceed 50' in width and 5' drown. To get instructions for making or • Hard crabs—5 inches. in height that is emptied from shore, or attaching a turtle reduction device, visit • Soft crabs—3½ inches. • No more than 10 or a combination of dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/ • Peeler crabs 10 collapsible crab traps or crab net regulations/crabpot.aspx • April 1–July 14—3¼ inches. rings per person from docks, piers, • July 15–Dec. 31—3½ inches. bridges, boats or shoreline; or Installing a • Mature female crabs—no minimum size. • No more than 25, or a combination Turtle Reduction Device (TRD) of 25, collapsible crab traps or crab on a crab pot. Recreational Crabbing Daily Catch Limits net rings, if two or more persons are STEP 1: Obtain a 1 ¾” x 4 ¾” TRD (metal or plastic) for each The daily catch limit in the waters of the in a boat. funnel opening in the crab pot, coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their For waterfront property owners to set a along wilh heavy plastic cable tidal tributaries is: ties. Hog rings or cable ties can maximum of two crab pots at their prop- be used to attach metal TRDs. • One bushel per person. erty, provided that: • Two bushels per boat if two or more indi- • Pots are marked with the owner’s STEP 2: Position the viduals are on the boat. name and address or DNRid; and TRD at the narrow bank end of • Crab pots must have two cull rings, one each entrance 3 measuring at least 2 ⁄16 inches and one at funnel. 5 least 2 ⁄16 inches, located in the exterior side panel or the top panels of the pot. STEP 3: Use heavy zip ties • Crab pots must have a turtle reduc- (cables) to loop around funnel tion device attached to each entrance wire and the corner of the TRD. or funnel in the lower chamber Pull tightly and trim excess cable. Use a minimum of four constructed of wire or plastic, rect- cable ties or hog rings to firmly angular in shape not larger than 1¾ attach each reduction device. inches high by 4¾ inches long.

BLUE CRAB IDENTIFICATION

SALLY SOOK JIMMY An immature (adolescent) female blue A mature (adult) female blue crab identified A mature male blue crab with a long, crab is easily identified as having as having an inverted “U” or bell-shaped narrow, inverted “T” shaped apron and an inverted “V” or triangular shaped apron and red-tipped claws. blue-tipped claws. apron and red-tipped claws.

Steven C. Zinski (www.bluecrab.info) (3)

dnr.maryland.gov 41 ARTIFICIAL REEFS

Maryland has artificial reef sites in both bay and ocean waters. These are collaborative projects between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the partner orga- nizations of the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative, and the Ocean City Reef Foundation. The Maryland Artificial

Reef Initiative is a volun- MARYLAND ARTIFICIAL teer organization including MARI more than 60 private, state, and federal partners dedicated to preserving, restoring and creat- REEF INITIATIVE ing fish habitat in tidewater Maryland. It acts as a funding mechanism under an agreement with the Coastal Conserva- tion Association Maryland using private and corporate donations for reef development. The Ocean City Reef Foundation works to build reefs off of Ocean City and, in partnership with The Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative, accepts donations as a non-profit 501(c)(3) at ocreefs.org. For more general information on artificial reef projects and to view the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative and The Ocean City Reef Foundation reef coordinates, go to dnr. maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/reefs/index.aspx.

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42 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 OYSTERS AND CLAMS

Maryland residents may harvest Oysters oysters and clams for recreational purposes. No license is required. Season, Creel Limit, Times and Days HOW TO MEASURE OYSTERS Refer to maps of Maryland Shellfish Har- Season: Oct. 1, 2020–March 31, 2021 vesting Areas for information on areas of Catch Limit: 100 oysters/person/day restricted waters, closures, and coordi- Days Allowed: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 3 inches nates of sanctuaries via mde.maryland.gov/ Catch Times: Sunrise-Noon programs/marylander/fishandshellfish/pages/ shellfishmaps.aspx. Gear Restrictions You may also call the Maryland Depart- A person may catch oysters ONLY by: ment of the Environment hotline 800-541- • Rakes 1210 to obtain information on conditional • Diving (includes SCUBA) closures due to water quality or other envi- • Hand ronmental issues. • Shaft tongs Recreational shellfish regulations for the Potomac River can be found at prfc.us. Minimum Size Limits Three inches measured from hinge to bill It is Illegal along the longest part of the shell. You • To take oysters or clams for recreational must determine the size of the oysters purposes while aboard a vessel where any prior to leaving the location from which person is engaged in commercial oystering they were caught. Any shell and under- or clamming. sized oysters must be returned to the • To recreationally harvest oysters or clams water before you leave the area. within a leased area, harvest reserve area, sanctuary or any other area closed by the state. Hard Clams • To harvest oysters or clams if you are not a resident of Maryland.* Daily Harvest Restrictions HOW TO MEASURE CLAMS * However, a nonresident may harvest clams 250 clams/person/day in Worcester County. Gear Restrictions Limited to hand-operated gear only, including hand rakes. Mechanical harvesting is RECYCLE OYSTER SHELLS not allowed. Please recycle your oyster shells. You can find information about recycling at: Minimum Size Limits oysterrecovery.org/sra/ One inch transverse measurement.

RANGIA CLAMS The Lowcountry Awaits PROFESSIONAL FISHING GUIDE The Rangia clam is often found in FLY AND CONVENTIONAL Maryland in low salinity water. Many of these areas, especially those within 200 feet of shore, have not been tested or approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment for shellfish harvest, and the consumption of these clams is not recommended. Rangia clams should not be confused with the better-known hard clam found primarily in the coastal bays.

INSHORE (843)860-4231 NEARSHORE john@ yrightcharters.com OFFSHORE www. yrightcharters.com Charleston, SC dnr.maryland.gov 43 HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES

Federal Highly Migratory Species Permits Sharks To recreationally fish in federal waters for any authorized Atlantic tunas, billfishes, SEASON, HARVEST RESTRICTIONS, swordfish and sharks (except spiny dogfish), MINIMUM SIZE AND DAILY CREEL/POSSESSION LIMITS and within the state waters for tunas, ves- SHARK SPECIES APPROVED FOR MINIMUM DAILY CREEL SHORE* DAILY CREEL VESSEL* sel owners must have a valid federal fishing SEASON RECREATIONAL HARVEST* FORK LENGTH permit for their vessel. A shark endorsement (PER ANGLER) (PER TRIP) is needed to fish for sharks recreationally Open Year ATLANTIC SHARPNOSE SHARK, None in federal waters. Call 888-872-8862 or go BONNETHEAD SHARK Round to hmspermits.noaa.gov/ to obtain a permit/ Each recreational shark endorsement. BLACKNOSE SHARK, BLUE shore angler is Each recreational allowed a maximum vessel is allowed SHARK, COMMON THRESHER Open Year Passengers fishing on the vessel who do SHARK, FINETOOTH SHARK, 54 inches of 1 shark per a maximum of 1 Round not possess a highly migratory species per- OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK, calendar day from shark per trip from mit or have a state saltwater fishing license PORBEAGLE SHARK this list of approved this list of approved species. species. must register with National Oceanic and BLACKTIP SHARK, BULL SHARK, Open Year In addition, each In addition, each Atmospheric Administration’s National LEMON SHARK, NURSE SHARK, Round Except 54 inches recreational shore recreational angler Saltwater Angler registry. To register, go to SPINNER SHARK, TIGER SHARK May 15–July 15 angler may harvest may harvest 1 of st.nmfs.noaa.gov/nnri/. 1 of each of the each of the following Open Year following species species per trip: GREAT, SCALLOPED, AND Round Except 78 inches per calendar day: 1. Bonnethead Landing Requirements SMOOTH HAMMERHEAD SHARKS May 15–July 15 1. Bonnethead All landings of bluefin tuna, billfishes, 2. Atlantic 2. Atlantic Sharpnose shark swordfish and sharks must be reported using Subject to change. Refer to online Sharpnose shark the Maryland Catch Card Census. Anglers SHORTFIN MAKO regulations for updates eregulations. must complete a catch card and exchange it com/maryland/fishing/ for a tag to be placed around the tail before Open Year moving it from the vessel. Sharks caught SMOOTH DOGFISH None None None from shore must be tagged before moving Round from the point of landing. Boats cannot be Open Year SPINY DOGFISH None None None pulled from the water until the tag is in place. Round Catch cards and tags are available at the following reporting stations: * Sharks that are transported by vessel are considered boat assisted, and regulated under the more restrictive vessel-fishing possession limits regardless of where they were caught. All species not listed in the above table, • Alltackle, Ocean City (shark tags only) including sandbar and dusky sharks, are prohibited and must be released. • Atlantic Tackle, Ocean City • Bahia Marina, Ocean City • Buck’s Place, Berlin (shark tags only) • Pines Point Provisions and Seafood, It is Illegal • Department of Natural Resources/Natural Ocean Pines • To sell, barter, or trade sharks or shark parts. Resources Police, Col. Jack Taylor Boat- • Sunset Marina, Ocean City • To engage in shark finning. house, Ocean City (after hours kiosk) • Talbot Street Pier and Marina, Ocean City • To fillet sharks at sea. All sharks caught by • Fisherman’s Marina, Ocean City • Catch cards can also be downloaded at an angler must have heads, tails, and fins • Ocean City Fishing Center, Ocean City dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/coastal/ attached naturally to the carcass through • Ocean Pines Marina, Ocean Pines tagging.aspx landing. • For a highly migratory species angling, charter/headboat, and general category (if participating in a registered Atlantic SHARK RULES (See the table for species, sizes, and seasons) highly migratory species tournament) permit holder to possess hammerhead sharks IF YOU CAN’T OR AREN’T MAXIMIZE THEIR CHANCE or oceanic whitetip sharks simultaneously GOING TO KEEP A SHARK: FOR SURVIVAL: with billfish, tunas, or swordfish. • You must immediately release it in • Don’t place hands in the gills Gear Restrictions the water • Minimize fight times by using the Anglers may use only handlines or rod and appropriate gear IF YOU CAN’T OR AREN’T GOING reel and must use corrodible, non-stainless TO KEEP A SHARK YOU MAY NOT: • Know how to identify them, “If you circle hooks except when fishing with artifi- • Sit on it don’t know let it go” cial flies/lures. You must have a device with • Hold its mouth open • Have a release plan and make sure you that is capable of quickly cutting either the leader or the hook. • Put it on dry sand everyone knows their role • Put it on a boat deck • Cut the line, minimize trailing gear or use a dehooker • Use a gaff

44 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 SHARKS

Sharks Caught Fishing in state Waters (Listed species represent a sampling which may be encountered)

 – Stocky  – Skinny Shark illustrations by Diane Rome Peebles Source: Guide to Sharks, Tunas and Billfishes of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico by Rhode Island Sea Grant and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. To learn more about coastal Sharks in Maryland go to dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/coastal/sharkfacts.aspx

Atlantic Sharpnose Shark  Blacktip Shark  Bull Shark  No Interdorsal Ridge No Interdorsal Ridge No Interdorsal Ridge Distinguishing features Distinguishing features Distinguishing features • White spots • Anal fin white and other fins with black tips • First dorsal fin large, triangular, rearward sloping, • Second dorsal fin begins above middle of anal fin (fades with age) originating over or slightly behind pectoral insertion • Long labial furrows around corners of mouth • First dorsal begins above axil of pectoral

Dusky Shark  Sandbar Shark  Sand Tiger Shark  Interdorsal Ridge Interdorsal Ridge No Interdorsal Ridge Distinguishing features Distinguishing features Distinguishing features • First dorsal sloping and begins behind pectoral fin • First dorsal fin tall, triangular, starts over or • Dorsal fins nearly equal in size • Second dorsal fin with free tip length rarely more slightly before pectoral fin • Small eyes than twice fin height • Large, broad pectoral fins • Large teeth sticking out of the mouth PROHIBITED PROHIBITED PROHIBITED

Scalloped Hammerhead  Smooth Dogfish  Spiny Dogfish  No Interdorsal Ridge Interdorsal Ridge Weak Interdorsal Ridge Distinguishing features Distinguishing features Distinguishing features • Hammer marked by prominent indentation • Dorsal fins nearly equal in size • Dorsal spines at midline • Oval shaped eyes • No anal fin • Pelvic fins with straight rear margins • Spiracles behind eyes • Body usually with white spots

ROUNDSCALE SHARK IDENTIFICATION SPEARFISH LOOK "IF YOU DON'T KNOW, VERY SIMILAR TO LET IT GO" WHITE MARLIN fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/outreach-and- For more information on education/shark-identification-placard identification of swordfish and billfish, please go to: fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/ educational-materials/

dnr.maryland.gov 45 FISHMARYLAND

Recreational fishing offers opportunities Components: waters and are eligible for the Invasive for families and friends to spend quality • Species Award (includes catch and release) Species Award: blue catfish, northern time together, enjoying the abundant natu- —Any angler fishing legally in Maryland snakehead and flathead catfish. Fish must ral resources Maryland has to offer. Fish- may catch and report a trophy sized fish be kept to qualify. Maryland is Maryland’s recreational fishing by landing any of more than 60 eligible • Milestone Award— Milestone awards award program and is a fun way to explore species in three categories at or above a recognize those skillful anglers who year-round recreational fishing and enjoy certain minimum size. If you catch a fish catch multiple species, each milestone Maryland’s affordable, accessible, diverse that meets or exceeds the official award is marked with a certificate and a corre- and high quality fishing opportunities. size, simply lay the fish on a tape measure sponding sticker. To qualify, anglers can and photograph so that the species and only submit eligible catches caught from size can be verified (HMS species can- 2019 to present. not be removed from the water unless • Governor’s Striped Bass Conservation being kept. A photograph in the water is Award—In addition to a Species Award, acceptable as long as the species can be those who catch and release an award sized identified). Submit your catch through striped bass during the open season will our online registration process. Once your be recognized with a Governor’s Striped catch is verified, you will receive your Bass Conservation Award at the end of award certificate within 45 days. the fishing season. The award recognizes • Invasive Species Award—Recognizes any recreational angler who releases alive anglers for reporting their harvest of a striped bass catch of 40 inches or more certain eligible invasive fish species. while fishing Maryland waters during the “Invasive” describes a species that, when open season. Photo by Sean Kline introduced into an ecosystem, aggres- For information on FishMaryland, including sively establishes itself and has the poten- rules and registration go to—dnr.maryland. Bergen Kline, 10 yrs. old, became the youngest tial to negatively impact native plants, gov/fisheries/pages/challenge/rules.aspx. FishMaryland Milestone winner with this catch animals, or habitat. Currently there are of a 14" Yellow Perch. Bergen caught and three invasive fish species which natu- submitted three trophy-sized catches which rally reproduce or migrate into Maryland qualified for an Angler Award.

FISHMARYLAND MINIMUM SIZES FISHMARYLAND MINIMUM SIZES FISHMARYLAND MINIMUM SIZES NONTIDAL DIVISION Pumpkinseed 10 inches Grey Triggerfish 18 inches Bluegill 11 inches Red Drum* (Puppy Drum, Channel King Mackerel1 40 inches 36 inches Brook Trout 12 inches Bass, Redfish) Northern Whiting (Kingfish) 14 inches Brown Trout 21 inches Rock Bass 10 inches Red Drum* (Puppy Drum, Channel 36 inches Bullhead Catfish 15 inches Shad, American* 24 inches Bass, Redfish) Carp 36 inches Shad, Hickory* 18 inches Sailfish* any size Chain Pickerel 24 inches Sheepshead 24 inches Shad, American* 24 inches Channel Catfish 30 inches Smallmouth Bass 20 inches Shad, Hickory* 18 inches Crappie, Black 15 inches Spanish Mackerel 22 inches Shark, Blue* any size Cutthroat Trout 20 inches Spot 12 inches Shark, Hammerhead* any size Largemouth Bass 21 inches Spotted Seatrout 24 inches Shark, Shortfin Mako1 90 inches Muskellunge 40 inches Striped Bass 40 inches Shark, Sand Tiger* any size Northern Pike 38 inches Summer Flounder 24 inches Shark, Thresher1 80 inches Pumpkinseed 10 inches Tautog 24 inches Shark, Tiger* any size Rainbow Trout 20 inches Walleye 26 inches Sheepshead 20 inches Redbreast Sunfish 8 inches Weakfish 24 inches Snowy Grouper 31 inches Redear Sunfish 11 inches White Catfish 20 inches Spanish Mackerel 22 inches Rock Bass 10 inches White Perch 13 inches Spot 12 inches Smallmouth Bass 20 inches Yellow Perch 14 inches Spotted Seatrout 24 inches Striped Bass 36 inches Striped Bass 40 inches Tiger Muskie 40 inches INVASIVE SPECIES DIVISION Blue Catfish** 40 inches Summer Flounder 24 inches Walleye 26 inches 2 White Catfish 20 inches Flathead Catfish** 34 inches Swordfish 47 inches Northern Snakehead** 30 inches Tautog 24 inches White Perch 13 inches 3 Yellow Perch 14 inches Tuna, Albacore (Longfin) 36 inches ATLANTIC COAST DIVISION Tuna, Bigeye3 60 inches CHESAPEAKE BAY DIVISION Amberjack1 45 inches Tuna, Blackfin3 30 inches Black Drum 48 inches Atlantic Cod 36 inches Tuna, Bluefin3 55 inches Blue Crab 8 inches Atlantic Spadefish 24 inches Tuna, Yellowfin3 50 inches Bluefish 34 inches Black Drum 48 inches Wahoo1 60 inches Carp 30 inches Black Sea Bass 20 inches Weakfish 24 inches Chain Pickerel 24 inches Bluefish 34 inches White Marlin* any size Channel Catfish 30 inches Blueline Tilefish 25 inches Winter Flounder 17 inches Cobia 44 inches Blue Marlin* any size * Only released fish Crappie, Black 15 inches Cobia1 44 inches ** Invasive species division—only dead fish are eligible Croaker (Hardhead) 18 inches Croaker (Hardhead) 18 inches 1 Use fork length measurement. Florida Pompano 17 inches Dolphin Fish (Mahi-Mahi)1 45 inches 2 Use lower jaw fork length measurement. 1 Longnose Gar 36 inches False Albacore 24 inches 3 Use curved fork length measurement. Largemouth Bass 21 inches Florida Pompano1 17 inches Northern Whiting (Kingfish) 14 inches Golden Tilefish 35 inches

46 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021 STATE RECORDS

STATE RECORDS STATE RECORDS ATLANTIC COAST DIVISION NONTIDAL DIVISION Albacore (longfin) 74.0 lbs. Victor W. Gardner II 7/17/2004 Bluegill 3.4 lbs. Sarah Brenneman 8/9/1998 Atlantic Cod 24.0 lbs. Fred Brungart 5/31/2013 Carp 47.5 lbs. Wayne Longenecker 6/11/1997 Atlantic Spadefish 11.4 lbs. Noel Lohr 9/2/2004 Catfish, Bullhead 4.9 lbs. Nick Palese 5/18/2019 Atlantic Tripletail 11.0 lbs. Don Whittington 10/19/2019 Catfish, Channel 27.9 lbs. Steven Trent Abell 7/5/2004 Black Seabass 8.0 lbs. Hayward Madison 6/1/1978 Catfish, White 7.0 lbs. Vacant Bluefish 23.5 lbs. Lillian Morris 10/30/1974 Chain Pickerel 8.0 lbs. Lee Haile III 1/2/2015 Cobia 94.6 lbs. Emma Zajdel 6/30/2016 Crappie, Black 4.4 lbs. Jason D. Morrison 5/30/2004 Dolphinfish 74.5 lbs. Kristy Frashure 8/16/2019 Fallfish 2.1 lbs. Adam Aghion 3/20/2019 Drum, Black 79.0 lbs. Stanley Ilyes 9/7/1985 Largemouth Bass 11.4 lbs. Colton Lambert 7/31/2013 Drum, Red* 70.0 lbs. Robert Light 9/24/1977 Muskellunge 32.5 lbs. Tessa Cosens 5/6/2017 False Albacore 22.5 lbs. Kevin Sheckells 6/25/1995 Northern Pike 24.8 lbs. Shawn Jacobson 10/16/1999 Florida Pompano 3.0 lbs. Vacant Redbreast Sunfish 0.8 lbs. Vacant Flounder, Summer 17.0 lbs. Anthony Vacari 10/3/1974 Redear Sunfish 2.3 lbs. Vittie Alkocius 6/4/1985 Flounder, Winter 5.1 lbs. Kevin Twilley 6/23/2015 Rock Bass 1.5 lbs. Earl Jenkins IV 3/22/2010 Gray Triggerfish 6.0 lbs. Logan Liddick 9/25/2020 Smallmouth Bass 8.3 lbs. Gary Peters 10/4/1974 King Mackerel 47.0 lbs. Gerald Kauffman 10/18/1985 Striped Bass 47.1 lbs. Robert Bruce 9/14/2000 Kingfish 2.5 lbs. Grace Walker 10/1/1975 Tiger Muskellunge 29.3 lbs. Kevin Conner 2/14/1997 Marlin, Blue 1,062.0 lbs. Robert Farris 8/7/2009 Trout, Brook 6.1 lbs. Mike Fiorita, Jr. 4/10/1999 Porgy 6.2 lbs. Pearl Hopple 7/4/1966 Trout, Brown 18.2 lbs. Gary Kuhn 8/3/2001 Shark, Black Tip 193.0 lbs. Brian Zysk 8/4/1991 Trout, Cutthroat 7.6 lbs. David G. Martin 5/20/2000 Shark, Blue 280.0 lbs. Martin Waltman 9/13/1997 Trout, Rainbow 14.2 lbs. Dave Schroyer 10/21/1987 Shark, Dogfish, Smooth 15.3 lbs. Gregg Bacchien 5/22/1993 Walleye 14.3 lbs. John McCarley 5/16/1998 Shark, Dogfish, Spiny 11.5 lbs. Meyels Sampson 5/17/1993 Warmouth 0.7 lbs. Dezi Collins 6/11/2018 Shark, Dusky* 469.0 lbs. Jim Liberto 7/1/1982 White Perch 1.9 lbs. George Venker 4/7/2017 Shark, Great White* 467.0 lbs. Jack Holmes 6/11/1992 Yellow Perch 3.3 lbs. Philip Deere IV 3/12/2006 Shark, Hammerhead, Scalloped 266.5 lbs. Scott Cusick 8/8/2012 Shark, Hammerhead, Smooth 375.0 lbs. George Wilson Ford V 6/17/2004 Shark, Shortfin Mako 876.0 lbs. Jim Hughes 6/20/2009 Shark, Sand Tiger* 334.0 lbs. Billy Leidner 9/8/1983 Shark, Sandbar* 235.0 lbs. Mark Sampson 7/8/1983 SPORT FISH STATE RECORDS Shark, Thresher 642.0 lbs. Brent Applegit 6/19/2009 Shark, Tiger 1,210.0 lbs. Grace Czerniak 7/9/1983 Sheepshead 18.0 lbs. Robert Martin 9/22/2017 STATE RECORDS Snowy Grouper 66.0 lbs. Gregory Benn 7/30/2012 Spotted Seatrout 13.0 lbs. Jack Miller 8/21/1973 All potential state record fish will be reviewed under the official Striped Bass 57.2 lbs. Gary Smith 5/6/2006 rules. For state records rules and procedures, go to: dnr.maryland. Swordfish 300.0 lbs. Vacant Tautog 28.8 lbs. Kenneth Westerfeld 1/2/2015 gov/fisheries/pages/challenge/staterecordrules.aspx Tilefish, Blueline 20.0 lbs. Robert Purcell 9/12/2012 Tilefish, Golden 62.0 lbs. Steve Doctor 10/22/2009 RULES AND PROCEDURES fish without the aid of any other Tuna, Bigeye 375.5 lbs. Cecil Browne 8/26/1977 person. The reel must be oper- The department maintains sport Tuna, Blackfin 32.0 lbs. Bob Zang 9/20/1998 ated manually. Once the leader is fish state records and awards a Tuna, Bluefin 625.0 lbs. James Daniels, IV 8/3/1975 brought to the rod tip, more than Tuna, Yellowfin 236.5 lbs. Mark Bennett 9/22/2002 plaque to an angler whose catch one person is permitted to help Wahoo 131.0 lbs. John Schaar 6/30/2014 exceeds the current state record or land the fish. Weakfish 16.0 lbs. Donald Cannon 9/11/1976 establishes a new species category. White Hake 16.7 lbs. Brian Gay 5/16/2019 Positive identification of the spe- White Marlin 135.0 lbs. George Pierson 8/29/1980 Fish designated as eligible for the cies of fish is mandatory for consid- White Perch 1.7 lbs. Ryan Timmons 7/30/2016 Invasive Division (currently north- eration of state record applications. ern snakehead, blue catfish and CHESAPEAKE BAY DIVISION The catch must be inspected in flathead catfish) can be caught Atlantic Spadefish 10.0 lbs. Charlie Barron 7/15/2007 person by a department fisheries Bluefish 22.0 lbs. Thomas R. Talbott 5/8/1991 and kept by all legal recreational biologist. Immerse the fish in ice Bluefish 22.0 lbs. Ronald Raffo 5/31/1986 fishing gear including rod and reel, water until it can be weighed in Bluefish 22.0 lbs. John Davidson 10/18/1979 bow and spear. Carp 44.4 lbs. Jimmy Lake 4/28/1978 order to preserve the weight. Catfish, Channel 29.6 lbs. Kevin Kern 4/26/1997 Fish caught from privately-owned Catfish, White 9.6 lbs. Brian Dvorak 6/3/2018 Call 443-569-1398 or 410-260- fee fishing waters are not eligible Chain Pickerel 6.5 lbs. James Grant 5/19/1965 8300 to report a potential state for record consideration. Cobia 97.8 lbs. John Scheifele 9/12/1969 record catch. You must submit a Crappie 4.0 lbs. Sid Stollings 3/30/2007 state record application within two Croaker 6.5 lbs. Russell Knapp 9/4/2006 The fish must be considered trophy weeks of the date you catch the fish. Drum, Black 103.5 lbs. Robert Messik Jr. 9/23/1973 sized, commonly available and Drum, Red* 74.4 lbs. Earnest Hutchinson 5/15/1977 sought after for the department to State record fish are determined Florida Pompano 5.05 lbs. David D. Schrock 9/6/2020 consider opening a new species Flounder, Summer 15.0 lbs. Kenneth Grimes 10/14/1978 by weight. Most fishing tackle category for recognition. Thresh- Hickory Shad 4.0 lbs. John Schaeffer Jr. 7/23/1971 shops do not have certified scales, olds for trophy size are established Largemouth Bass 11.2 lbs. Justin Riley 1/26/2008 so call ahead. Other establish- by the department using the best Longnose Gar 18.3 lbs. Samson Matthews 3/2/2020 ments that sell products by weight Norfolk Spot 2.0 lbs. Parlett Moore 9/5/1978 data available to create a bench- such as a grocery, deli or shipping Rock Bass 1.0 lb. Timothy A. Adams 5/4/1997 mark weight. Sheepshead 14.1 lbs. Daniel Mastronardi, Jr. 8/9/2020 store may have a certified scale and be willing to help. Smallmouth Bass 6.0 lbs. Charles Janes 7/23/1979 The department reserves the right Spanish Mackerel 12.4 lbs. Dean Mitchell 10/6/2007 to investigate the methods used in Spotted Seatrout 16.4 lbs. John Phillips 5/15/1977 Except for fish in the Invasive catching the fish and the accuracy Striped Bass 67.5 lbs. Devin Nolan 5/13/1995 Division, all fish must be legally of measuring and weighing. It also Tautog 9.0 lbs. Gary Halbeisen 10/29/2005 caught with rod and reel during its reserves the right to reject any Weakfish 16.5 lbs. Wayne Lappe 5/8/1979 open season. From the time that a White (American) Shad* 8.1 lbs. Vance Carter 5/3/1975 application based on the results of fish strikes or takes a bait or lure, White Perch 2.6 lbs. Sid Stollings 5/18/1979 the investigation. Yellow Perch 2.2 lbs. Niles Pethel 11/21/1979 the angler must hook and fight the *Not currently accepting new state records for this species due to regulations dnr.maryland.gov 47 MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES

MARYLAND’S MARINE MAMMAL AND SEA TURTLE STRANDING 24-HOUR HOTLINE: 800-628-9944

• In Maryland call 800-628-9944 to report all (live or dead) stranded sea turtles or marine mammals (including manatees, dolphins, whales, porpoise and seals). • If calling from outside Maryland, please use: • Live animals: 410-373-0083 (National Aquarium Animal Program) • Dead animals: Call or text location and description to 443-758-6607 (Department of Natural Resources Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Program) • Do not touch, harass, feed or handle live or dead marine animals. Marine mammals and sea turtles are protected by federal and state laws that specify fines of up to $50,000, imprisonment, and/or vessel confiscation. Sea turtles in Maryland include: Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerhead, Leatherback and Green • Record your location using latitude/longitude, and a detailed description of your location including landmarks. • Estimate and note the length, size, color, noticeable body parts, and any movement of the animal. • Take photos of the animal. • For more information, visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/oxford/ stranding.aspx Department biologists conduct necropsy examinations when feasible to determine cause of death, and notification of fresh carcasses is important. Sea turtles and marine mammals: manatees, seals, dolphins and whales are included in our stranding response protocols. Department biologists collecting carcass of sperm whale in Ocean City, MD. BOATERS PROTECT WHALES, SEA TURTLES, SEALS, STURGEON AND Find Maryland Fishing Spots YOURSELF FROM FROM PREVENTABLE BOAT COLLISIONS. Know before you go • Give Space Safe distances reduce risks of illegal disturbance and dangerous collisions.

• Go Slow Slower boat speeds give animals time to get out of your way.

• Report Report entanglements to 800-628- 9944. Call Stranding Responders • Interactive • Parking Info immediately at 410-373-0083 or 443-758-6607 or US Coast Guard on • Mobile • Boating Info CH-16 on your VHF radio. • Searchable • Special Regulations • Species Info • Accessability • Clean up ALWAYS clean up your trash! • Tidal/Nontidal Dividing • Amenities Sea turtles can confuse garbage, Lines especially plastic, floating in water for food. If sea turtles eat garbage they http://gisapps.dnr.state.md.us/PublicFishingAccess/index.html can die. https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/oxford/stranding.aspx More than 500 locations...and counting!

48 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2021