Maryland Guide to Fishing 2019 and Crabbing

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dnr.maryland.gov MARYLAND GUIDE TO FISHING 2019 AND CRABBING

STATE

Naomi Cooley, age 3 RECORDS Photo by Jamie Lynn Cooley Vincent Casagrande Photo by Meredith Bradshaw Photo by Rodney Butler page 47

Also inside... • License Information • Seasons, Sizes Photo by Duane Bailey and Limits Photo by Ed Marcus • Fish Identification • Public Lakes and Ponds • Tidal/Nontidal dividing lines

Photo by Eduardo Marte Photo by Dale Dirks • Oysters and Clams

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Photo courtesy of Travis Long 38

Photo courtesy of Alan W. Klotz 24

page 40 Photo courtesy of Nathanial Warning, DNR Photo courtesy of Nathanial Warning, DNR 43

CONTENTS Photo courtesy of Craig Powell 44

What’s New�� 6 Put-and-Take Blue Crabs��40–41 Trout Fishing Areas��22–23 Department of Natural Resources Artificial Reefs��42 Addresses and Phone Numbers�� 8 Special Management Areas Oysters and Clams��43 Trout��24–25 Natural Resources Police Information�� 8 All Species��26 Highly Migratory Species and Sharks�� 44–45 Maryland Wildlife Crimestoppers�� 8 Bass Fishing��28 FishMaryland�� 46 License Information��10–13 Potomac River Boating Angler Award Species and Safety Information��29 and Minimum Sizes��46 Recreational Crab License and Crab Pot Registration��13 Fish Identification��30–31 Sport Fish State Records Rules and Procedures�� 47 License Free Fishing Areas��13 Public Lakes and Ponds ��32–33 State Records�� 47 General Definitions ��14 Tidal/Nontidal Dividing Lines�� 34–35 Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles��48 Sport Fishing Regulations Invasive Species��36–37 Nontidal��16 Chesapeake Bay, Coastal Bays, Striped Bass�� 38–39 Atlantic Ocean��17

Seasons, Sizes and Limits

LICENSE FREE FISHING DAYS! Browning Barry by Photo Nontidal��18 Chesapeake Bay In Maryland, anyone may fish without a recreational and Tidal Tributaries��20 fishing license on June 2, June 9 and July 4, 2019. Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Bays All other fishing regulations apply. and Tributaries�� 21 Ava Chlebnikow and her first keeper rockfish. Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission This commission is comprised of individuals from across the state who represent the inter- ests of various recreational fishing constit- uencies. The meeting schedule, agenda, summaries of past meetings, member affili- ations and contact information are online at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries.

Larry Hogan, Governor Commissioners Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL Mark Belton, Secretary Mr. Micah Dammeyer Mr. John Neely Nontidal/Tidal Fisheries Nontidal Coldwater/ Freshwater Guide Tidal Fisheries Maryland Department of Ms. Beverly Fleming Mr. Charles Nemphos Natural Resources Marine Fisheries, Tidal Fisheries, Fishing and Boating Services Assateague Mobile Outdoors Retail About this Guide Sportsfishing Association Tawes State Office Building Captain Edward 580 Taylor Avenue, B-2 Mr. Sewell Frey O'Brien This high-quality regulation guide is Annapolis, MD 21401-2352 Aquaculture Industry Tidal/Marine Fisheries, Maryland Charter Boat offered to you by the Maryland Department 410-260-8300 Mr. James Gracie Association of Natural Resources through its unique 800-688-3467 Nontidal Fisheries, partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing. dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries Mid-Atlantic Council of Mr. David Sikorski [email protected] Trout Unlimited Tidal Fisheries, The revenue generated through ad sales Coastal Conservation Captain Phil Langley significantly lowers production costs and Association Maryland Charter Boat generates savings. These savings trans- Association Mr. David M. late into additional funds for other impor- Sutherland tant agency programs. Mr. Scott Lenox Marine Conservation Coastal / Marine and Economics If you have any feedback or are inter- Fisheries ested in advertising, please contact us SUBSCRIBE TO THE Mr. Roger Trageser Mr. Valentine Lynch at 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com Black Bass Fisheries, DEPARTMENT'S Marine Fisheries, Ocean Maryland Bass Nation EMAIL LIST City Marlin Club Graphic Design: Mr. James Wommack Dr. Raymond P. Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, Tidal/Marine Fisheries dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/email.aspx Morgan II Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski Nontidal Fisheries Vacant Western MD Maryland Saltwater Sportfiishing Association This publication is intended as a guide only. Rules are subject to change. It is the angler's responsibility to know and abide by all rules. For statutes see the Natu- The Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is ral Resources Article of the Annotated a publication of the Maryland Department of Code of Maryland. For regulations see Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Ser- the Code of Maryland Regulations, Title vices. Political advocacy ads, ads promoting 08. Maryland statutes and regulations alcohol or tobacco and ads of a sexual nature can be found at the following web sites: will not be accepted. The department is not • Statutes: responsible for advertising claims contained herein. The department disclaims any liability lexisnexis.com/hottopics/mdcode/ regarding product pricing, claims, descrip- • Regulations: tions, availability, or condition. No warranty dsd.state.md.us/COMAR/ComarHome.html is expressed or implied concerning product errors, omissions or misprints. STAY CONNECTED! The facilities of the Maryland Department of • Follow the Department of Natural Natural Resources are available to all with- Resources: out regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual • Twitter— twitter.com/MDDNRFISH orientation, age, national origin, or physical • Facebook—facebook.com/ or mental disability. Accommodations for This guide is also MarylandDNRFisheries/ individuals with disabilities will be provided available online at • Share your fishing story on the upon request. This document is available in Angler’s Log—dnr.maryland.gov/fish- alternative format upon request from a quali- fied individual with a disability. eries/pages/recreational/anglers_log.aspx

2 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019

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Mark Belton

Dear Anglers,

Maryland is known for its great fishing and rich waterways, featuring brackish, fresh and salt waters — from Deep Creek Lake, to the beaches of the Eastern Shore, to piers near Baltimore or Cambridge. Even better, no location is more than three or four hours from your front door. And the fish are just as diverse: striped bass, white perch, walleye, largemouth bass and three species of trout await your line and lure. Recreational fishing benefits not only anglers like you, but also aids our conservation and management efforts, removing invasive species like snakeheads from Maryland waters. Indeed, Maryland anglers have long been guardians of our state’s aquatic resources. Together, we work to preserve and restore the health of our local waterways while also enjoying all that Maryland has to offer.

In addition to helping the environment, the sport also encourages active outdoor recreation and has a positive impact on the economy. Whether this is your first year fishing or your fiftieth, we’d like to thank you for buying a fishing license. It might seem like a simple act, but it’s vital to our conservation efforts. The revenue from your fishing license and trout stamp allows us to manage and maintain the fishing experience in all corners of our state for this generation and the next.

Thank you for your support. Best wishes for a memorable year of fishing in Maryland.

Sincerely,

Mark Belton Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Photo by John Mullican

4 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 Get Hooked on the Maryland Outdoor Recreation

and Clean Water Fund. Purchase your Maryland ﬁshing license or register your boat online, and, while there make a contribution to the Fund that supports ﬁsh and wildife habitat, clean water, wetlands restoration, and student outdoor education.

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WHAT'S NEW / DID YOU KNOW?

New State Records: • White Catfish(Tidal Chesapeake) 9.61 lbs, Elk River/Turkey Pt. Did you know that you 6/3/2018 Angler: Brian Dvorak no longer need to have • Warmouth (Nontidal Freshwater) a signed paper copy of 0.67 lb./10.72 oz, Gilbert Run Lake your license with you? 6/11/2018 Angler: Dezi Collins You can now show an officer an elec- • Snakehead (Invasive) tronic copy of your license. Use the Photo by Dezi Collins 19.90 lbs, Indian Head pdf that is generated by the licens- 5/24/2018 ing system on your phone or other Avid angler Dezi Collins of Mechanicsville Angler: Andrew D. Fox electronic device. You still need to reeled in his record 10.72 ounce catch June 11 • Longnose gar carry a photo ID with you. at Gilbert Run Lake in Charles County. 17.9 lbs, 1/23/2019 Angler: David Confair

NEW REGULATIONS INVOLVING HOOKS, BAIT AND STRIPED BASS A regulation involving hooks, bait and striped bass is in effect May 16 through Dec. 15, 2019 in Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. 1. Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or chumming; 2. Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks or "J" hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or when using processed baits while not live-lining or chumming (treble hooks are prohibited); and 3. The minimum size for striped bass is 19 inches. Note: The department advises that anglers use circle hooks of 8/0 or larger, to reduce the chance of deep-hooking.

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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 800-628-9944 or 410-260-8888 410-260-8300 or 800-688-3467 dealer licenses, commercial fishing Trout Stocking Information licenses, hunting licenses, off-road Use these phone numbers for emergencies, vehicle permits, recreational fishing to report natural resources violations or ask 800-688-3467, press 1 licenses, vessel registrations, vessel questions on fisheries regulations. • Albert Powell State Trout Hatchery titles, state park/forest information and All offices are open Monday through Friday, Hagerstown, 301-791-4736 safety class information for hunters and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Bear Creek State Trout Hatchery boaters. Public hours are 8:30 a.m.– Accident, 301-746-8148 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, • Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties except state holidays. Fisheries Work Centers 32144 Mt. Olive Road • Annapolis Service Center Salisbury, MD 21804 • Cooperative Oxford Lab 160 Harry S. Truman Parkway Oxford, 410-226-0078 Annapolis, MD 21401 • Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties • Matapeake Work Center 410-260-3220 Stevensville, 410-643-6776 866-344-8889 (toll free in Maryland) 3001 Starr Road Queen Anne, MD 21657 • Ocean City Work Center • Bel Air Service Center Ocean City, 410-213-1531 501 West MacPhail Road • Anne Arundel and Bel Air, Maryland 21014 Prince George’s counties Freshwater Fisheries Regional Offices 1070 East College Parkway 410-836-4550 • Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Annapolis, MD 21409 866-623-3187 (toll free in Maryland) Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, • Centreville Service Center • Calvert, Charles Wicomico and Worcester counties 120 Broadway Avenue and St. Mary’s counties Millington, 410-928-3604 2160 Old Washington Road Centreville, MD 21617 • Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Waldorf, MD 20601 410-819-4100 Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties 866-439-1708 (toll free in Maryland) • Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Brandywine, 301-888-2423 Howard and Montgomery counties • Cumberland Regional Service Center • Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard 3738 Gwynnbrook Avenue OPEN Tuesday and Thursday only and Montgomery counties Owings Mills, MD 21117 13300 Winchester Road, SW Woodbine, 410-442-2080 Cumberland, MD 21502 • Frederick and Washington counties • Frederick and Washington counties 301-777-2134 2011 Monument Road Thurmont, 301-898-5443 or 9724 866-679-0906 (toll free in Maryland) Myersville, MD 21773 • Allegany and Garrett counties • Essex Service Center • Allegany and Garrett counties Oakland, 301-334-8218 CLOSED Tuesday and Thursday 11701 Mountain Road N.E. 1338 Eastern Blvd. A Flintstone, MD 21530 Essex, MD 21221 667-401-0760 Law Enforcement Division 866-535-8319 (toll free in Maryland) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Frederick Service Center 410-573-4514 1601-A Bowmans Farm Road Frederick, Maryland 21701 Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Safety MARYLAND WILDLIFE (240) 236-9950 and Environmental 24-Hour Hotline CRIMESTOPPERS 866-679-0906 (toll free in Maryland) 877-224-7229 (toll free in Maryland) • Prince Frederick Service Center Emergencies on Boats The Maryland Natural Resources Police 746 Prince Frederick Blvd. VHF-CH 16 has partnered with Maryland Wildlife Crimestoppers to prevent poaching of our Prince Frederick, MD 20678 Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle fish and wildlife resources. You can report • Salisbury Service Center Stranding Hotline 251 Tilghman Road, Room #2 800-628-9944 poaching and wildlife crime while remain- Salisbury, MD 21804 ing anonymous and be eligible for a cash 410-713-3840 reward. You can call or text Maryland 866-812-1678 (toll free in Maryland) Wildlife Crimestoppers at 1-443-433- 4112 or email [email protected]. You can also report violations from your 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

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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, Non-Resident Nontidal Sport Fishing License...... $30.50* Coastal Bays, Chesapeake Bay or tidal tributaries must be registered with the state Non-Resident 7-Day Nontidal Sport Fishing License...... $7.50* unless one of the following applies: Non-Resident 3-Day Nontidal Sport Fishing License...... $5* • You are under 16 years of age. • You are fishing from a licensed charter boat *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 complimentary To Obtain A License or Saltwater individual crabbing license are included for the person who purchases this license. Angler Registration: Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration...... Free Go to compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcom- Unless individually licensed, a free registration is required for: passportal or visit a Department of Natural 1. Passengers on boats with Bay and Coastal Sport Boat Licenses. Resources Licensing and Registration Service 2. Anglers fishing in designated License Free Fishing Areas. Center or license agent (select tackle shop or 3. Waterfront property owners and family fishing on private property. outdoor outfitter). 4. Anglers in possession of a Virginia saltwater recreational fishing license or on a Virginia-licensed boat. Purple Heart Recipient Discount Any Maryland veteran who has received a Pur- ple Heart for injuries sustained defending our Penalties nation qualifies for a 50 percent discount on The department may suspend an individual’s fishing license or privilege if that indi- Maryland hunting and fishing licenses. vidual is convicted of, or pays a fine for, violating certain fishing rules. A full copy of suspendable fishing violations can be found in the Code of Maryland Regulations Complimentary Licenses 08.02.13.05. To view this regulation, visit dsd.state.md.us/COMAR/ComarHome.html. A complimentary license is available to Mary- Individuals who are suspended for violating fishing rules in Maryland may also be land residents who are 100 percent service- suspended in other states under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. connected disabled veterans or former pris- oners of war. The license incorporates the nontidal angler's license, trout stamp and Bay and Coastal sport fishing license. Applicants must furnish a letter of disability or a letter of certification from the Veterans Administra- YOUR FISHING DOLLARS AT WORK tion with their initial application. These licenses must be obtained at a Fishing license and trout stamp revenue allows the department to assess, protect, conserve Department of Natural Resources Service and manage Maryland's fisheries. Center and cannot be obtained at indepen- To learn more, read the latest budget report here at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/documents/ dent retail locations. Locate your nearest FY2017_SFAC_Budget_Rpt.pdf Service Center by visiting dnr.maryland.gov/ pages/service_centers.aspx.

10 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 FISHING LICENSES, STAMPS AND SALTWATER ANGLER REGISTRATION

A complimentary license is also available shoreline. Anglers should confirm riparian • You are fishing from a licensed charter boat to residents and nonresidents who are blind. ownership before fishing, as some impound- or licensed commercial fishing pier. ments and waterways are surrounded by buf- • You are fishing from a boat displaying a License Exemptions fers. In these areas, there are no riparian shore- Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing line owners and fishing licenses are required. Boat License. Statewide Sport Fishing Anglers with riparian shorelines must comply • You are an owner or tenant, their spouse, License Exemptions with all fishing rules. child or the spouse of their child resid- You may fish for finfish without a license if: ing on the property and fishing from the • You are under 16 years of age. Trout Stamp Exemptions property's shoreline. • You are a resident of Maryland, on active A trout stamp is not required for possession • Anglers should confirm riparian ownership duty with Armed Forces, on leave with of trout taken from privately owned lakes and before fishing. Anglers with riparian shore- official orders. ponds or licensed fee fishing lakes and ponds. lines must comply with all fishing rules. • You fish on a free fishing day—the first two Saturdays in June and July 4. Tidal Sport Fishing License Exemptions Virginia • You fish in an area designated by Department You may fish for finfish without a license in • A resident of Virginia possessing a valid of Natural Resources as a license free fish- Maryland's tidal waters if: Virginia nontidal fishing license issued in ing area, and you have obtained a Maryland • You possess a valid commercial fishing that resident’s name may fish in nontidal Saltwater Angler Registration (if required in license. waters of the mainstem of the Potomac that area.). A list of license free fishing areas River opposite the shore of Virginia. is available on page 13 and online at dnr. maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/license-free.aspx. Contact Fishing and Boating Services for license exemption information concerning: • An individual who attends, resides, or is under treatment by a state approved mental Nontidal Sport Fishing License Exemptions health facility GET THERE: With a powerful 24.8 HP* Kubota diesel engine, You may fishDO for MORE: finfish Kubota’s Standard without L Series isa availablelicense in 2WD• orA 4WD nonprofit and delivers both organizationperformance and that works with individuals with physical or mental disabilities the RTV-X1100 is redefined, rugged and ready to help you accomplish in Maryland‘squality. nontidal Engine, transmission waters and if all you integral are components an are manufactured by Kubota. Features a comfortable, your chores in comfort from a spacious, all-weather cab. ergonomic seat and intuitive operator controls. • A governmental entity or nonprofit organization that works with individuals with owner or tenant, their spouse, child or the physical or mental disabilities who are serving or have served in the armed forces spouse of their child residing on the prop- • The primary caregiver or the representative for any of the above categories erty and fishing from the property's riparian

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dnr.maryland.gov 11 RECIPROCAL LICENSES

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

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12 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 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 Non-Resident ��$10 of 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 be annually registered with the department. • Trotline the unlicensed crabber limits of no more The registration is free and it does NOT Additionally, anyone who uses other legal than 24 male hard crabs and no more than count 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 or male peelers Private property crab pots set in the Atlantic recreational crabbing boat decal Ocean, Coastal Bays and their tributaries do NOT need to be registered.

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 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 using bait to reduce the release.aspx phpa.health.maryland.gov/oehfp/chs/pages/ healthyswimming.aspx | toll-free 866-703-3266 potential for deep-hooking See page 45 for shark release the fish. recommendations. MARYLAND HEALTHY BEACHES marylandhealthybeaches.com/vibrio.html SOUTHERN visit SPORTSMAN Hunting Lodge, Inc. HAGERSTOWN& washington county, md • Father/Son Hunts • Corporate Discounts for 6 or more • Great Prices! No roy ees • Great Lodging Come for the History, Stay for the Fun! With Excellent explore! Meals Canoe Sideling Hill Creek, Bike the C&O Canal Towpath or hike the Applachian Trail. Book Your Lifetime Memory Now!

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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 Trout • Must be checked daily 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 or rod BAIT TRAPS a sign • If set on public property, must be set within 100 feet of held in hand, or attended in a manner that the fish voluntarily the owner 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 to • May not be used in any trout management area 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. A person may take snakehead ROD AND REEL • May use up to 3 active lines at a time fish from Maryland waters by any legal means provided that the AND HANDLINES • May not use more than 2 hook units per line • When ice fishing, 5 tip ups or rods may be used head of the snakehead fish is immediately removed, or the body is gutted, or the gills are removed from both sides of the fish, or the fish is filleted upon capture. NETS • May not bait nets 5. For a person to catch snapping turtles from waters of the state (general rules that • Except for landing nets, nets may not be used in any Trout by hook and line, trotline, bow and arrow, net, seine, trap, fish apply to seines, dip Management Area nets and landing nets) • A non-resident may only use landing nets pot, or other fishing rig, spear, gig or iron or any device capable of piercing any part of the turtle. 6. To operate any vehicle on any lands owned or controlled by • Must have mesh no greater than ¼ inch the Maryland Department of Natural Resources without written • Must not exceed 6 feet in width and 4 feet in height permission from the department except on those roads, lanes or • Must only be used to catch minnows and bait fish SEINES areas which are open to automobile traffic or which are specifically • May not be used within 50 feet of a dam or the mouth of any river or tributary marked by the department. • Must be emptied on shore 7. To camp on lands owned and controlled by the department except on designated sites or with written permission. 8. To swim in any State-controlled lake except in designated areas. • May only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within 9. In the Battie Mixon Fishing Hole: Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties • To fish between one hour after sunset and one hour before DIP NETS • May only be used to catch carp, catfish, Northern sunrise. snakehead, or suckers • To use boats propelled by gasoline or diesel power. • May not be used in any other area or to catch any other 10. To fish any streams or nontidal waters that contain trout between species the hours of 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. (This does not apply to nontidal impoundments of five acres or more.) LANDING NETS May only be used to land a fish caught by other means 11. To cull trout. 12. Regarding crayfish in the Susquehanna River, Middle Potomac River, Monocacy River and Upper Potomac River basins, it is • Must have a retrieval line attached • May not use projectile gear in any trout management illegal to: area, or state-controlled community ponds or lakes • Catch or process any species of crayfish unless the head is • May not be used within 100 yards of any human being, immediately removed behind the eyes upon capture. private or public swimming area, international diving • Use any species of crayfish as bait unless the head is removed flag, occupied duck blind, or vessel other than the vessel occupied by the individual using the projectile gear behind the eyes. BOW, GIG, SPEAR AND SPEAR GUN • The distance restrictions will not apply if the individual • Catch and possess a female crayfish with eggs attached to the receives permission from the affected parties prior to underside of the abdomen. 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 2019 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 within 100 feet of the shore and either be attached to the 2. To use an umbrella rig that has no more than two hooks or property/private pier/dock or marked by a buoy or pole with two sets of hooks. BAIT TRAPS 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 landowner It is Illegal • May not be used in any trout management area 1. To have in one’s possession aboard any boat on the tidal waters • Only one may be used by each individual 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 • Must be marked with the individual's DNRid number above the Conowingo Dam. • 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 including dip nets) more information. STATEWIDE RESTRICTIONS

DIP NETS Follow general net rules 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 • To use waders or boots soled with felt or any natural or syn- • Must not exceed 50 feet in width and 5 feet in height • 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 rapin or snapping turtle. • May not be emptied from a boat or on the shore or in water less than 12 inches deep

LANDING NETS May only be used to land fish caught by other means LEAVE NO TRACE • Must have a retrieval line attached, except for gigs • Be considerate of others. • Do not dispose of unused bait • A gig must be propelled by hand on or near the water. • May not be used within 100 yards of any human being, • Take trash with you. private or public swimming area, international diving • Pack it in. Pack it out. • Recycle or dispose of old flag, occupied duck blind, or vessel other than the vessel lures and line. occupied by the individual using the projectile gear • Clean your fish at home. BOW, GIG, SPEAR • The distance restrictions will not apply if the individual • Avoid impacting stream • Avoid discarding dead or AND SPEAR GUN receives permission from the affected parties prior to banks and lake shores. moribund fish. using the projectile gear • Respect private property. • 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 turtles, all shark species, lobster RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE 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 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. Smallmouth) special regulations. March 1–June 15 Possession—10 in aggregate NONTIDAL NONTIDAL 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) Striped bass and hybrid striped bass in 2 striped bass/striped bass nontidal waters may be taken only from hybrid per day, only one of Broadford Lake, Conowingo Reservoir, STRIPED BASS and 18 inches Open Year Round Jennings Randolph Reservoir, Liberty HYBRID STRIPED BASS which may be over 30 inches. Reservoir, Piney Run Reservoir, Rocky Gorge Possession—4 Reservoir and Triadelphia Reservoir. See table footer for contact information. 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 Open Year Round— Daily—2 in aggregate Except as provided None—Except as provided in Special Possession—4 in aggregate— TROUT—statewide in Special Trout (all species of trout) Trout Management Area Regulations. Except as provided in Special Management Area Trout Management Area Regulations. Regulations. TROUT: Daily—5 in aggregate See Put-and-Take section for Put-and-Take Areas None Open Year Round (all species of Trout) Possession—10 in aggregate specific requirements. 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 2019 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 12 and Nov 1–Dec 31 Daily—4 in aggregate No Harvest (Catch and Largemouth, Release) all other dates; No Smallmouth and Spotted 12 inches June 15–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 Jan 1–March 14 and May 4–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 13–Sept 2 Daily—5 in aggregate TROUT AND SALMON (all species) 7 inches Jan 1–Feb 28 and Sept 3–Dec 31 Daily—3 in aggregate WALLEYE AND HYBRIDS 15 inches Jan 1–March 14 and May 4–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 Daily—5 in BASS (Largemouth and Smallmouth) Open Year Round 12 inches aggregate 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–Dec 31 Daily—15 BLUEFISH 8 inches Open Year Round Daily—10 CATFISH None Open Year Round None CHAIN PICKEREL (Pike) 14 inches CLOSED March 15–April 30 Daily—10 Daily—1 COBIA 40 inches June 1–September 30 Boat—3 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 Puppy Drum) 18–27 inches Open Year Round Daily—1 SHARKS See Highly Migratory Species Section, page 44 SNAPPER SPECIES (includes many Snapper species—www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/getfile.aspx?file=08.02.05.29.htm species, please see list) Subject to change. Refer to online regulations for updates eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/ SPANISH MACKEREL 14 inches Open Year Round Daily—15 Must be landed with head and fins intact. SPOTTED SEATROUT 14 inches Open Year Round Daily—4 STRIPED BASS See Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass Section, page 38 4/person/ SUMMER FLOUNDER (Fluke) 16.5 inches Open Year Round day January 1–May 15, 4 fish/person/day TAUTOG 16 inches CLOSED May 16–June 30 July 1–October 31, 2 fish/person/day November 1–December 31, 4 fish/person/day WALLEYE 15 inches Open Year Round Daily—5 WEAKFISH 13 inches Open Year Round Daily—1 None if caught with hook and line; 8 WHITE PERCH Open Year Round None inch minimum if caught with other gear YELLOW PERCH 9 inches Open Year Round Daily—10 ALEWIFE HERRING, AMERICAN SHAD, ATLANTIC STURGEON, BLUEBACK CLOSED CHESAPEAKE BAY AND ITS TIDAL TRIBUTARIES TIDAL ITS AND BAY CHESAPEAKE HERRING AND SHORTNOSE 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 2019 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–Dec 31 Daily—15 BLUEFISH 8 inches Open Year Round Daily—10 Daily—1 COBIA 40 inches June 1–September 30 Boat—3 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

SNAPPER SPECIES Snapper species—www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/getfile.aspx?file=08.02.05.29.htm (includes many species, please see list) Subject to change. Refer to online regulations for updates eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/ SPANISH MACKEREL* 14 inches Open Year Round Daily—15 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 4/person/day January 1–May 15, 4 fish/person/day TAUTOG 16 inches CLOSED May 16–June 30 July 1–October 31, 2 fish/person/day November 1–December 31, 4 fish/person/day Tilefish species—www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/getfile.aspx?file=08.02.05.29.htm TILEFISH SPECIES Subject to change. Refer to online regulations for updates eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/ WAHOO None Open Year Round Daily—2 Only applies to federal waters.

ATLANTIC OCEAN AND COASTAL BAYS OCEAN COASTAL AND ATLANTIC WEAKFISH 13 inches Open Year Round Daily—1 ALEWIFE HERRING, AMERICAN SHAD, ATLANTIC STURGEON, CLOSED BLUEBACK HERRING AND SHORTNOSE STURGEON * Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagic Charter/Headboat Permits for Spanish and king mackerel are available through the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, Permits Office.

SUMMER FLOUNDER HOOK RECOMMENDATIONS Undersized summer flounder must be released and there are two things anglers can do to maximize survivability. • Use a size 3/0 or larger hook. A lot of mortality associated with hooking is caused by the fish swallowing the hook and being lodged in the gills or organs. Larger hooks can help to prevent this from happening. • Be ready to release a fish once it is caught. Having the right tools such as a wet rag, pliers and a measuring board will enable you to return the fish to the water quickly. Which will improve the odds of survival. Photo by Bob Mott

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

The following restrictions apply to the 2019 Closure Schedule areas listed: • Closure 0—No Closure. a) Creel Limit (all species) combined—5 • Closure 1—Sunday March 10, 2019 to Saturday Daily / 10 Possession. March 30, 2019. b) Minimum Size—no minimum size. • Closure 2—Sunday March 24, 2019 to Saturday c) Season—areas are closed to all fishing March 30, 2019. from 10 p.m. of the first date, to 5:30 a.m. of the second date, except as provided for by special regulation or where more restrictive fishing hours Photo by Terri Belasco are posted.

Areas Subject to Provisions of this Section:

Allegany County Charles County Battie Mixon Ponds...... 0 Gwynn Oak Park Pond...... 0 Hughesville Pond...... 0 Cotton Cove Pond in Glendening Recreational Gwynns Falls—mainstem below MD Route Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management area— Complex at Frostburg...... 2 140...... 0 all ponds...... 0 Dans Mountain Pond...... 0 Jones Falls—mainstem below Lake Roland0. Wheatley Lake...... 0 Evitts Creek—mainstem upstream of Inter- Little Falls—mainstem from Wiseburg Road state Route 68...... 1 upstream to Valley Mill Road...... 1 Frederick County Evitts Creek Ponds...... 0 Little Gunpowder Falls—mainstem from Cunningham Falls Lake...... 0 Fifteen Mile Creek Watershed...... 1 Jericho Road upstream to Route 165...... 1 Fishing Creek—mainstem upstream of Fish- ing Creek Reservoir including left fork (Steep Flintstone Creek Watershed...... 0 Patapsco River—mainstem from the B&O Viaduct upstream to Bloede Dam...... 1 Creek)...... 1 Georges Creek—mainstem from the upper Frank Bentz Pond...... 2 boundary of Town Park in Westernport Stansbury Park Pond...... 0 upstream to Neff Run...... 0 Friends Creek Watershed...... 1 Calvert County Jennings Run—mainstem downstream of the Hamburg Pond...... 2 confluence of North Jennings Run...... 2 Calvert Cliffs Pond...... 0 Middle Creek—mainstem from the MD Route Lake Habeeb (Rocky Gap Lake)...... 0 Hutchins Pond...... 0 17 bridge near the junction of Bittle Road upstream to the confluence of Spruce Run.1 Lions Park Pond, Frostburg (area subject to Caroline County user restrictions by the City of Frostburg).0 Middletown Pond...... 0 Tuckahoe Creek & Lake...... 0 North Branch Potomac River mainstem— Owens Creek—mainstem from Buck Lantz from Allegany County line downstream to Road downstream to Roddy Road (catch and Carroll County the upper Potomac River Commission Waste- return only from June 1 through last day of water Treatment Plant discharge in Western- Beaver Run—upstream of MD Route 91.....1 February)...... 1 port...... 0 Farm Museum Pond...... 2 Rainbow Lake...... 2 North Jennings Run Watershed...... 2 South Branch Patapsco River—mainstem Urbana Lake...... 0 Orchard Pond...... 0 from West Friendship Road (Howard County Whiskey Springs Pond...... 2 side) and Main Street (Carroll County side) at White Sulfur Pond...... 0 Woodsboro Community Pond...... 0 Sykesville downstream to its confluence with Wills Creek—mainstem upstream of the US the North Branch Patapsco River...... 1 Army Corps of Engineers Flood Control Proj- Garrett County Piney Run—mainstem downstream from ect at The Narrows above Cumberland...... 1 Accident Pond...... 0 Arrington Road...... 1 Bear Creek—mainstem from the corner Piney Run Reservoir...... 0 Anne Arundel County of Fish Hatchery Road and Rabbit Hollow Severn Run—mainstem upstream of MD Robert’s Mill Pond...... 0 Road downstream to the confluence with the Route 3...... 1 Youghiogheny River at Friendsville...... 1 Cecil County Broadford Lake...... 0 Baltimore County and Baltimore City Big Elk Creek—mainstem from the bridge at Deep Creek Lake...... 0 Avalon Pond (Lost Lake)…...... 0 MD Route 277 upstream to the Pennsylvania state line...... 1 Herrington Creek—mainstem...... 0 Gunpowder Falls—mainstem from the red Herrington Lake...... 0 post located 1.6 miles downstream of Cor- Howards Pond...... 0 bett Road downstream to the hiker/biker Principio Creek—mainstem upstream of MD Jennings Randolph Lake...... 0 bridge located approximately one mile down- Route 7...... 1 Little Youghiogheny River—mainstem from stream of Phoenix Road; and from Crom- MD Route 219 downstream to the Youghiogh- well Bridge downstream to the Interstate eny River...... 0 Rt. 95 bridge...... 1

22 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 PUT-AND-TAKE TROUT FISHING AREAS

South Branch Patapsco River—mainstem Washington County TROUT STOCKING from West Friendship Road (Howard County Antietam Creek—mainstem from upstream SCHEDULE side) and Main Street (Carroll County side) at boundary of Devil’s Backbone Park to the Sykesville downstream to its confluence with mouth of Beaver Creek...... 0 AND MAPS: the North Branch Patapsco River...... 1 Beaver Creek—from the downstream side of dnr.maryland.gov/ Montgomery County the bridges on the private farm lane located fisheries/stocking, below the Albert Powell State Trout Hatchery 800-688-3467, Great Seneca Creek—from MD Route 28 downstream to Black Rock Creek, and from press 1, and by email upstream to MD Route 355...... 1 Beaver Creek Road downstream to the conflu- alert—dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/ Izaak Walton Pond...... 2 ence with Antietam Creek...... 1 email.aspx Lake Needwood...... 0 Blairs Valley Lake...... 0 Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Pond...... 2 Greenbrier Lake...... 0 Mill Run—mainstem downstream of upper- Northwest Branch Watershed—upstream of Indian Springs Pond...... 2 most bridge on Mill Run Road...... 1 MD Route 410 to Norwood Road...... 2 Israel Creek...... 0 Muddy Creek—mainstem...... 0 Pine Lake...... 2 Licking Creek Mainstem...... 1 New Germany Lake...... 0 Prince George’s County Sharpsburg Community Pond...... 0 North Branch Potomac River mainstem— Sideling Hill Creek Watershed...... 0 Allen’s Pond...... 0 from Jennings Randolph Lake upstream approximately 6 miles to the lower bound- Cosca Lake...... 0 Wicomico County ary of Potomac State Forest; from the upper- Greenbelt Lake...... 0 Beaverdam Creek—in Salisbury from Schu- most boundary of Potomac State Forest at Lake Artemesia...... 0 maker Dam downstream to the bridge cross- Wallman upstream approximately 8.5 miles Laurel Lakes...... 0 ing at Memorial Plaza Road...... 0 to the bridge at Old Wilson Road; from the Melwood Pond...... 0 red post located approximately 100 yards Worcester County above the upstream concrete abutments at Schoolhouse Pond...... 0 Shad Landing Pond...... 0 Barnum, West Virginia, downstream to the Tucker Pond...... 0 red post located below a pool known as Blue 1 Hole, approximately ⁄3 mile upstream of Bench Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and Family Owned and Operated Since 14 from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Allegany County line...... 0 Piney Reservoir...... 0 The most up-to-date Savage Reservoir...... 0 regulations online. Savage River—mainstem from Savage Reser- voir upstream to Poplar Lick...... 2 Snowy Creek mainstem...... 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 Specialiing in Maryland Blue ard Harford County and Soft Shell rabs Deer Creek—mainstem from 1 mile south of Rocks State Park upstream to the bridge at MD Route 23...... 1 One great thing about our company is that there Forest Hill Pond...... 2 are NO MIDDE MEN in the process. We personally harvest the Maryland Blue rab right out our bac Little Gunpowder Falls—mainstem from door and ship directly to you. No crab is taen from Jericho Road upstream to MD Route 165... 1 one location to another, eposing it to the elements or pests of any ind. FRES That is what we provide Howard County Centennial Lake...... 0 arsalls seaood arn nC Lake Elkhorn...... 0 40 harles annon Rd, Marion Station, MD Powered by Patuxent River—mainstem from base of 410.3.30 410.3.31 Rocky Gorge Reservoir Dam in Laurel down- www.marshallsseafood.com stream to the Railroad crossing...... 1 dnr.maryland.gov 23 SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS—TROUT

Catch-and-Return Trout Fishing Areas— Catch-and-Return Trout Fishing Areas— • You may only fish with artificial lures, Limited to Artificial Fly Fishing Limited to the Use of Artificial Lures including artificial flies. • You may not possess or use any natural Areas: Areas: bait, live bait or any device enhanced with • Big Hunting Creek, Frederick County—all • Patuxent River, Howard and Montgomery scent capable of catching fish. waters of Big Hunting Creek and its tribu- counties—the mainstem of the Patuxent taries within Cunningham Falls State Park River from the crossing of MD Route 97 Trophy Trout Fishing Areas—Limited and Catoctin Mountain Park except Owens upstream to the crossing of MD Route 27 to the Use of Artificial Lures and Flies Creek, Little Hunting Creek, Cunningham and Cabin Branch from its confluence Falls Lake and Frank Bentz Pond. with the Patuxent River upstream to Hips- Area: • Beaver Creek, Washington County—from ley Mill Road. • Savage River mainstem from the down- the confluence with Black Rock Creek • Morgan Run, Carroll County—from stream side of the Rt. 135 Bridge upstream downstream approximately 1 mile to the bridge on London Bridges Road upstream for a distance of approximately 2.7 miles red post located 0.1 mile above Beaver to bridge on MD Route 97. to the lower suspension bridge (Allegany Creek Road. • Paint Branch and tributaries, Montgomery Bridge). • Patuxent River, Montgomery and Howard County—upstream of Fairland Road. Counties—from red bank posts located on • Gunpowder Falls, Baltimore County— Restrictions: both sides of the river, approximately 400 mainstem from Prettyboy Reservoir Dam • Two fish creel and possession limit for all yards below Brighton Dam downstream downstream to Bluemount Road. species of trout combined. to Mink Hollow Road. • North Branch Potomac River—from an • Minimum Sizes: overhead cable and red bank post located • Brook trout—12 inches Restrictions: approximately 345 yards below the Jen- • Brown trout—18 inches • You may not possess trout while fishing nings Randolph Reservoir spillway down- • All other trout species—no minimum in these areas. stream approximately one mile to a red size • All trout caught must be immediately post, located approximately 100 yards • You may not possess any trout smaller than released and returned to the water. above the upstream concrete abutments the minimum size limit. • You may only fish with artificial flies and at Barnum, West Virginia, and from a red • You may only fish with artificial lures, streamers constructed in a normal fashion post located below a pool known as Blue including artificial flies. using natural and/or synthetic materials, Hole, approximately 1⁄3 mile upstream • Treble hooks are prohibited. which may include feathers, fur, hair, tin- of Bench Mark 1110 on the Westernport • Artificial lures are restricted to single hooks sel, thread, fiber, plastic, cork, wire and United States Geological Survey Quad- with single hook points. rubber on a single hook with the compo- rangle, downstream approximately 4 miles • You may not possess or use any natural nents wound on or around the hook. Spe- to the confluence of Piney Swamp Run. bait, live bait or any device enhanced with cifically prohibited are the use of molded • Youghiogheny River, Garrett County— a scent capable of catching fish. replicas of insects, earthworms, fish eggs, mainstem beginning at the red post fish or any invertebrate or vertebrate either approximately 100 yards upstream of the Trophy Trout Fishing Areas— singly or in combination with other materi- Deep Creek Lake tailrace and extending Limited to Use of Artificial Flies als, or other lures commonly described as downstream 4 miles to the Sang Run spinners, spoons, or plugs made of metal, Bridge. Area: plastic, wood, rubber or similar substance • Little Hunting Creek, Frederick County— • Savage River mainstem from the Savage or a combination of these. mainstem from the red post located River Reservoir Dam downstream to the • You may only fish with conventional fly approximately 0.25 mile downstream of lower suspension bridge (Allegany Bridge). 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- Restrictions: or monofilament line attached. Any method aries of Cunningham Falls State Park. • Two fish creel and possession limit for all of angling when the fly is cast directly from species of trout combined. the reel is prohibited. The use of spinning, Restrictions: • Minimum Sizes: spincast, and casting reels is prohibited. • You may not possess trout while fishing • Brook trout—12 inches • You may not possess or use any natural in these areas. • Brown trout—18 inches bait, or live bait, or any device enhanced • All trout caught must be immediately • All other trout species—no minimum with a scent capable of catching fish. released and returned to the water. size • You may not possess any trout smaller than the minimum size limit. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS • You may only fish with artificial flies and We urge anglers to respect property rights and seek permission before attempting to streamers. park, fish or enter private property. The privilege of fishing and right of entry to private • You may only fish with conventional fly property is at the owner’s discretion. Respect for landowners and their property helps fishing tackle (fly rods, fly reels, and fly to ensure continued fishing access. Poor behavior encourages landowners to post their line with a maximum of 18 feet of leader or property to prevent access. Remember that every angler pays for the improper actions of monofilament line attached). Any method a few. Always be courteous and respectful. of angling when the fly is cast directly from the reel is prohibited.

24 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS—TROUT

• The use of spinning, spincast, and casting Lostland Run to the uppermost boundary Zero Creel Limit Area—Brook Trout reels is prohibited. of the Potomac State Forest at Wallman. • You may not possess or use any natural • Youghiogheny River mainstem, Garrett Area: bait, live bait, or any device enhanced with County—below Friendsville from a site • Savage River mainstem and tributaries a scent capable of catching fish. located 50 yards downstream of Maple upstream of the Savage River Reservoir Street (at the confluence of Minnow Run) dam, excluding the impoundments and Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas downstream 1.8 miles to the powerline Put-and-Take Trout Fishing Areas—Sav- crossing upstream of the Youghiogheny age River Reservoir, Savage River from Group I Areas: Reservoir. Savage River Reservoir upstream to Poplar • Catoctin and Little Catoctin Creek, Fred- Lick Run, and New Germany Lake. erick County—from US Route 40 near Restrictions: its intersection with MD Route 17 within • From June 16–Sept 30, the creel and Restrictions: Doubs Meadow Park downstream to the possession limit is five trout (all spe- • Zero creel and possession limits for brook lower park boundary near Myersville. cies of trout combined), with no tackle trout. • Catoctin Creek, Frederick County—within restrictions. • Two fish creel and possession limit for all the boundaries of Catoctin Creek Park. • From Oct 1–June 15, you: other trout species combined. • Middle Patuxent River, Howard County— • May not possess trout in these areas. • You may only fish with artificial flies and from US Route 29 downstream to Murray • Must immediately release any trout artificial lures. Hill Road. caught to the water from which the • You may not possess or use natural or live • Town Creek mainstem, Allegany County— trout was taken. bait, or any device enhanced with a scent within Green Ridge State Forest, from a red • May not possess or use any natural capable of catching fish. post located approximately ¾ mile down- bait, live bait, or any device enhanced stream of the upper ford on Lower Town with a scent capable of catching fish. The online Public Angler Access Map Creek Road, just south of the Wagner Road includes color codes to illustrate special intersection, downstream to the red post Put-and-Take/Catch-and-Return management areas. gisapps.dnr.state. located just upstream of the lower ford on Trout Fishing Area md.us/publicfishingaccess/index.html Lower Town Creek Road (Mallory Place), and from a red post located approximately Area: ½ mile downstream of Maniford Road to a • Owens Creek, Frederick County—main- red post located approximately 1¾ miles stem from Buck Lantz Road downstream downstream (Bull Ring Ranch). to Roddy Road. • South Branch Patapsco River from West SPORTING CLAY Friendship Rd (Howard County) and Main Restrictions: RANGE

Street (Carroll County) upstream approxi- • From March 1–May 31: 12613 Hunter’s Cove Rd mately 1.1 mile to the upper boundary of the • No bait, lure or tackle restrictions are Greenwood, DE Hugg Thomas Wildlife Management Area. in effect. • Put-and-Take Trout Area regulations Restrictions: apply. • From June 1–Sept 30, the creel and posses- • From June 1–the last day of February, you: sion limit is five trout (all species of trout • May not possess trout in these areas. combined), with no tackle restrictions. • May not possess or use any natural • From Oct 1–May 31, you: bait, live bait, or any device enhanced • May not possess trout in these areas. with a scent capable of catching fish. • Must immediately release any trout caught to the water from which the Zero Creel Limit Area— trout was taken. All Species of Trout • May not possess or use any natural bait, live bait, or any device enhanced Area: Sporting Clays | Five Stand | Wobble Trap with a scent capable of catching fish. • North Branch of the Potomac River from Concealed Carry Classes the Upper Potomac River Commission (302) 349-4334 Group II Areas: Wastewater Treatment Plant discharge at [email protected] • Casselman River mainstem, Garrett Westernport downstream to the Route owensstation.com County—from a boundary marked by two 956 bridge at Pinto. red posts on both stream banks located on the south side of the Interstate 68 east- Restrictions: bound bridge downstream to the Penn- • Zero creel and possession limits for all sylvania state line. trout species. • North Branch Potomac River mainstem, • No tackle restrictions. Garrett County—from the lowermost boundary of the Potomac State Forest near dnr.maryland.gov 25 SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS—ALL SPECIES

Limited Harvest Fishing Areas TAKE A CHILD FISHING! Areas: • My First Fish Certificate: Recognize a child with a certificate for their first fish. • Allens Pond, Prince George’s County. • 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. • Youth Angler’s Log: Share Your Catch! • Farm Museum Pond, Carroll County. • 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. Learn more about these and other youth • Lake Artemesia, Prince George’s County. • Merkle Wildlife Management Area, Prince fishing programs at:dnr.maryland.gov/ George’s County—all ponds located within fisheries/pages/youth/index.aspx. Photo by Jamie Lynn Cooley the Merkle area boundaries. • Milltown Landing Pond, Prince George’s County. Veronica Cooley age 7 • 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. Areas: • Robert’s Mill Pond, Carroll County. Areas: • Carroll Creek, Frederick County—from • South Germantown Park Pond, Montgom- 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 Maryland fish on a regular basis. potential harmful effect of these contaminants on balanced diet. Most fish are safe to eat, but some The Maryland Department of the Environment developing brains. have levels of contaminants which may be harmful. analyzes fish for two contaminants which can To see fish consumption advisories and other infor- The Maryland Department of the Environment pose health risks and are known to accumulate mation which will help you make the best choices monitors fish and provides consumption advisories in fish: PCBs and methylmercury. The information about what fish you eat and how often to eat them, with recommended limits about how often certain included in Maryland Department of the Environ- visit mde.state.md.us/programs/marylander/fis- fish should be eaten to minimize health risks. ment consumption advisories is of particular handshellfish/pages/fishconsumptionadvisory.aspx These advisories are intended for people who eat importance for women and children because of the or call 410-537-3906. MARYLAND’S ONLY TOP 100 CAROLINA SKIFF DEALER! NOW SELLING BULLS BAY, PIONEER & AVENGER BOATS!

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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 bass information and tournament County—all ponds. participating. registration, go to dnr.maryland.gov/fisher- • Johnson Pond, Wicomico County. • The tournament has a specific location ies/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. located on MD Route 5.

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 Areas: temperature. bass. • Monocacy River—from the Potomac River • Remove dead bass from live wells; do upstream to Buckeystown Dam. • Take extra care when fishing summer tournaments. Extreme heat can be a killer. not discard harvested species at boat • North Branch Potomac River—from the ramps or near parking lots. In many spillway in Cumberland upstream approxi- • Use continuous circulation and frequent cases, harvested fish can be consumed mately 25 miles to US Route 220 Bridge at water exchanges, and periodically lift or donated for consumption. Keyser, West Virginia. the lids of live wells to expel carbon • Patapsco River—from Interstate 70 down- dioxide. This may require more of your • Clean and remove algae or plant mate- stream to MD Route 144 (Frederick Road). attention during periods of rough water rial from live well and intake systems. • 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 tar- where it was caught. geted 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).

Photo by Mark Size

28 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 RIVER BOATING AND SAFETY INFORMATION

Regulations A person aboard a vessel, raft or tube must wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, II, III or V life jacket at all times while on the upper Potomac River and its tributaries, between November 15 and the following May 15. This regulation is in addition to class III, IV, V, and VI White Water Stream seg- ment regulations, which require life jackets to be worn at all times.

Class III rapids (hazardous) Dam #3 to Knoxville Falls.

Class IV rapids (significant hazard to life) Photo by Steven Kambouris Great Falls (foot of falls) to Chain Bridge. Know the weather predictions for the area. releases—410-962-7687 or online— Class VI rapids (extreme risk to life) REMEMBER the river currents are strong and nab-wc.usace.army.mil/mapserver/index.html. Great Falls area from the base of the aque- unpredictable, especially after heavy rains. • Potomac River flow at Hagerstown— duct dam to a line from the foot of the main Wading should NOT be attempted when the 301-223-6377. falls on the Virginia shoreline to the Mary- river levels exceed the normal level. • Susquehanna riverflow at Conowingo— land shoreline below Olmstead Island. 888-457-4076. River Flow Information • U.S. Geological Survey flow information Safety Tips • Conowingo Dam spill hotline— for all Maryland waters—md.water.usgs.gov. ALWAYS wear an approved life jacket while on 877-457-2525. • Youghiogheny River white water release the Potomac. Leave a float plan with someone • Jennings Randolph Lake (North Branch schedule—315-413-2823 or online— at home describing where you are going, who Potomac) and Savage River Dam projected deepcreekhydro.com. you’re with and when you expect to return. • C&O Canal - www.nps.gov/choh/planyour- visit/conditions.htm

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6 LOCATIONS! CALL 443-458-8047 www.FreedomBoatClub.com 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 No minimum size, creel limit 20 in aggregate No minimum size*, creel limit 2* (combined) See tables pages 17–19 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 See online version for season and limits See online version for season and limits 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 10 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 2019 FISH IDENTIFICATION Maryland Watermen’s lk The "Species Award" is part of FishMaryland. To find out more go to page 46 or go to Association dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/challenge/index.aspx

Sheepshead n n Summer Flounder (fluke) n n See online version for season and limits See online version for season and limits FishMaryland Award Size 24" FishMaryland Award Size 24"

Serving Maryland’s commercial Smallmouth Bass n n Tautog n n fishermen and seafood See tables pages 17–19 See online version for season and limits FishMaryland Tidal & Nontidal Award Size 20" FishMaryland Award Size 24" industry since 1973. To learn more about the MWA or to view our upcoming events visit: www.MarylandWatermen.com [email protected] 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 No minimum size, no creel limit 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; Marylands #1 store FishMaryland Award Size 24" 8" minimum if caught with any other gear 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 214 Mayo Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037 See striped bass section for season and limits. 9" minimum in tidal waters and nontidal rivers and 410.956.0300 FishMaryland Nontidal Award Size 36" streams; no minimum size in lakes and ponds; creel limit 10 www.baycountrycrabbingsupply.com FishMaryland Chesapeake & Coast Award Size 40" FishMaryland Award Size 14"

* 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 Stemmers Run Road at HILLCREST POND MD Route 144 at Lansdowne 4 STEMMERS RUN RESERVOIR MD Route 282—call 90 410-356-9272 for permission LAKE ROLAND MD Route 139 Baltimore 98.2 CHARLES COUNTY * LIBERTY RESERVOIR MD Route 26 near Ward’s Chapel 3100 * GILBERT RUN PARK MD Route 6; east of Oliver’s Shop 75 * LOCH RAVEN RESERVOIR MD Route 146; Dulaney Valley Road 2400 (WHEATLEY LAKE) off MD Route 25 and US Route * PRETTYBOY RESERVOIR 1500 HUGHESVILLE COMMUNITY POND MD Route 5 at Hughesville 1 111, Beckleysville Road * MYRTLE GROVE LAKE MD Route 225 near Ripley 23 DORCHESTER COUNTY Galestown Road east of GALESTOWN LAKE 15 HELP SAVE MARYLAND'S MD Route 313 ENDANGERED HELLBENDERS— FREDERICK COUNTY PLEASE DO NOT KILL US Route 79 at Brunswick House BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY POND 1 Industrial Park The hellbender is a * CUNNINGHAM FALLS LAKE MD Route 77 west of Thurmont 42 large, dark, aquatic Hampton Valley Road near EMMITSBURG RESERVOIR 8 salamander that can (RAINBOW LAKE) Emmitsburg—Town Permit Required live for more than FRANK BENTZ MEMORIAL POND MD Route 77 west of Thurmont 2 30 years and grow John White GAMBRILL COMMUNITY POND US Route 40 near Frederick 1 to over two feet long. Hellbenders can bite, LIBERTYTOWN COMMUNITY POND MD Route 75 at Libertytown 1 and their protective coating of slime makes them difficult to URBANA COMMUNITY POND Dixon Road off Route 80 at Urbana 5 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 Courtesy Keith Lockwood

32 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 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 off Cedarville Road in Cedarville * DEEP CREEK LAKE US Route 219, McHenry 3900 CEDARVILLE POND 4 State Forest US Route 219 five miles north of * 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 West Virginia Route 46 MD Route 223, Woodyard Road 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 TUCKER POND Tucker Road near Oxon Hill 1.4 Broad Creek Landing and Glen * CONOWINGO RESERVOIR 4000 Cove Marina—Darlington, MD QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY DUBLIN DELL COMMUNITY POND MD Route 136 in Dublin 1 Rt.404 east to Rt. 480 to * TUCKAHOE LAKE 43 FOREST BRANCH PARK Joppatowne, Foster Branch Road 1 Eveland Rd to Crouse Mill Rd. FOREST HILL COMMUNITY POND MD Route 23 at Forest Hill 1.3 * UNICORN LAKE MD Route 313 south of Millington 45 MD Route 662 south of * WYE MILLS COMMUNITY LAKE 50 HOWARD COUNTY US Route 50 * CENTENNIAL LAKE Columbia 50 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LAKE ELKHORN Columbia 37 * ST. MARY’S LAKE MD Route 5, Calloway 250 GUILFORD PARK POND MD Route 32 off Interstate 95 0.5 LAKE KITTAMAQUNDI Columbia 31 WASHINGTON COUNTY WILDE LAKE Columbia 22 I-70, exit 12 MD Route 56 east of * BIG POOL 88 Fort Frederick State Park KENT COUNTY Blairs Valley Road north of Clear * BLAIRS VALLEY LAKE 35 Massey Delaware Line Road, Spring MILLINGTON WILDLIFE east of Massey—telephone 3.7 MANAGEMENT PONDS (4) BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY POND MD Route 67 at Brownsville 1.2 410-928-3650 for permission Greenbrier State Park, US Route SASSAFRAS NRMA POND Kennedyville 2 * GREENBRIER LAKE 42 40 near Hagerstown * URIEVILLE COMMUNITY LAKE MD Route 213 north of Chestertown 35 Mooresville Road eight miles INDIAN SPRINGS COMMUNITY POND 1.3 MONTGOMERY COUNTY west of Clear Spring LITTLE POOL off MD Route 615 east of Hancock 18 CLOPPER LAKE within Seneca State Park 90 MD Route 198 and US Route 29 WICOMICO COUNTY * DUCKETT RESERVOIR 800 Burtonsville Isabella Street at US Route 50 to * JOHNSONS LAKE 108 US Route 355 and MD Route 121 Lake Street KINGS COMMUNITY POND 1 Clarksburg * LEONARDS MILL LAKE U.S Route 13 north of Salisbury 30 LAKE FRANK MD Route 115 near Norbeck 54 POWELLVILLE POND MD Route 354 in Powellville 4 LAKE NEEDWOOD MD Route 115 near Norbeck 74 SHUMAKER LAKE MD Route 12 in Salisbury 35 * LITTLE SENECA LAKE near Boyds 505 WORCESTER COUNTY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARK POND 1120 Jackson Road, Silver Spring 5 BIG MILLS LAKE Big Mills Road west of MD Route 12 10 PINE LAKE MD Route 97 near Wheaton 5 MOORE’S POND US Route 13 near Pocomoke City 2 off MD Route 650 near Brighton Temporarily closed to fishing and * TRIADELPHIA RESERVOIR boating keep up to date on the 800 closure by checking www.wsscwater.com/brighton. 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.

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 2019 TIDAL / NONTIDAL DIVIDING LINES

• Great Mills Run—bridge on MD Route 5. • McIntosh Run—MD Route 5. • Park Hall Run—MD Route 5. • St. Clements Creek—MD Route 234 bridge at town of Clements. MARYLAND • Tomakokin Creek—MD Route 470. VOLUNTEER ANGLER SURVEY • Town Run—bridge on MD Route 5.

Susquehanna River • Conowingo Dam—at US Route 1.

Wicomico and Worcester counties • Barren Creek—US Route 50 Bridge • Beaverdam Creek—dam just upstream of US Route 13 (Business). • Nassawango Creek—Furnace Road. • Pocomoke River—bridge on Whiton Crossing, three miles south of Powellville. • Wicomico River—Isabella Street in Salisbury.

Find Maryland Fishing Spots

• Interactive • Mobile • Searchable • Species Info •Tidal/Nontidal Dividing Lines • Parking Info • Boating Info • Special Regulations • Accessibility • Amenities

gisapps.dnr.state.md.us/publicfishingaccess/index.html

More than 500 locations…and counting!

dnr.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 by removing its head, gutting it or removing its gill arches. Anglers are encouraged to catch and keep northern 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 northern snakehead with a blue or red tag, please report the tag

Photo by Sean Beck number and the location, date and time of day when the fish was caught to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 800-448-8322.

Blue and Flathead Catfish HARVEST AN INVASIVE Blue and flathead catfish are invasive species that have spread rapidly throughout the FISH AND HELP 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 move live blue or flathead catfish from one body of water to another and is OF INVASIVE SPECIES 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.

Blue Catfish Flathead Catfish Anal fin squared with 30 to 36 fin rays Projecting lower jaw and a slightly notched tail NON-INVASIVE CATFISH IDENTIFICATION

Channel Catfish White Catfish Anal fin with rounded margin Stocky body with large head, anal fin with and deeply forked tail rounded margin and moderately forked tail Photo by Charles Vinson

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 2019 INVASIVE SPECIES

STATE RECORDS FOR INVASIVE SPECIES • Catfish, Blue — 84 lbs., Ed Jones, 8/13/2012, Near Fort Washington, Potomac River • Catfish, Flathead — 55 lbs., Vacant • Northern Snakehead — 19.90 lbs., Andrew D. Fox, 5/24/2018, Indian Head, Mattawoman Creek Prevent the spread of harmful species:

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.

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• BURPED fUEl ovERfill DRains Back into tank • aDaPtERs inclUDED • PatEntED, hEavy-DUty • sPill-fREE REfUElinG 95 95 10" - $39 12" - $44 10% off with coupon code MFR19 order direct at cleanwayfuelfill.com 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. INTERACTIVE MAP OF REGULATIONS Striped bass may not be caught, harassed or possessed in the Exclusive Visit gisapps.dnr.state.md.us/stripedbass/ Economic Zone, which stretches from to view a live interactive map of striped 3–200 miles off the coast. 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 REMARKS • 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 • These restrictions apply in all prohibited. open catch and release areas • Barbless hooks are required from March 1 until 5:00 a.m., when trolling. April 20. • Non-offset circle hooks or SPRING CATCH AND • Spawning rivers and the Upper Chesapeake Bay from the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia line J hooks with a gap of less RELEASE SEASON No harvest Bay spawning area are off including Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. MARCH 1–APRIL 19 than ½ inch are required limits until June 1 to striped when using natural bait. bass fishing. • No more than 6 lines may • Eels may not be used as bait. be employed while trolling • See maps at: gisapps.dnr.state. regardless of the number of md.us/stripedbass/ anglers on board. Chesapeake Bay from Brewerton Channel to the MD-VA Line, • Eels may not be used as bait. SPRING TROPHY 1 fish per person per day SEASON excluding all bays, sounds, tributaries, creeks and rivers, except • See maps at: Minimum size 35 inches gisapps.dnr. APRIL 20–MAY 15 Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound state.md.us/stripedbass/ Chesapeake Bay downstream from a line drawn from the south corner of Hart-Miller Island Dike to the end of MD Route See Interactive Map at: gisapps. 21 at Tolchester and south to the MD/VA line, excluding all dnr.state.md.us/stripedbass/ bays, sounds, tributaries, creeks and rivers. EXCEPT: Tangier Anglers must use non-offset Sound and Pocomoke Sound; Chester River and its tributaries 2 fish per person per day between 19-28 inches OR 1 fish circle hooks when live-lining MAY 16–MAY 31 downstream of a line drawn from Hail Point to Long Point to between 19-28 inches and 1 fish over 28 inches or chumming; Anglers must Ferry Point; Patuxent River and its tributaries downstream of a use circle hooks or “J” hooks line drawn from Point Patience to the west point of land at the when using fish, crabs or entrance of Little Kingston Creek; and Choptank River and its worms as bait, or when using tributaries downstream of a line drawn from Holland Point to a processed baits. point of land at the west entrance of Chapel Creek are open. See Interactive Map at: gisapps.dnr.state.md.us/ stripedbass/ Anglers must use non-offset SUMMER/FALL All Maryland Chesapeake Bay waters 2 fish per person per day between 19-28 inches OR 1 fish SEASON circle hooks when live-lining JUNE 1–DEC. 15 and tributaries open to fishing between 19-28 inches and 1 fish over 28 inches or chumming; Anglers must use circle hooks or “J” hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait, or when using processed baits.

DEC. 16–DEC. 31 Catch and Release only

38 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 STRIPED BASS

SUSQUEHANNA FLATS, LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER AND NORTHEAST RIVER

SEASON FISHING LOCATIONS ALLOWED CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS REGULATIONS RESTRICTIONS AND REMARKS • Stinger hooks are prohibited. Susquehanna Flats, upstream of a line • Barbless hooks are required when trolling. from Sandy Point to Turkey Point and the • Non-offset circle or J hooks with less than ½ Susquehanna River downstream from a line DEC 16–MAY 3 Catch and Release only inch gap are required when using bait. connecting the Susquehanna State Park boat ramp at Lapidum to Twin Rocks to Tomes • No more than six lines per boat are allowed Wharf in Port Deposit; and the Northeast River when trolling. • Eels may not be used as bait. Susquehanna Flats closed to MAY 4–MAY 15 CLOSED No catch and release fishing striped bass fishing Eels may not be used as bait Susquehanna Flats reopen to Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when MAY 16–MAY 31 1 fish per person per day between 19–26 inches striped bass fishing live-lining or chumming; Anglers must use circle hooks or “J” hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait, or when using processed baits. Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when Susquehanna Flats and all Bay waters including 2 fish per person per day between 19–28 inches OR 1 live-lining or chumming; Anglers must use circle JUNE 1–DEC. 15 tributaries open to striped bass fishing fish between 19–28 inches and 1 fish over 28 inches hooks or “J” hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait, or when using processed baits.

ATLANTIC OCEAN, COASTAL BAYS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES

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

2 fish per person per day. Must be between 28 inches Striped bass may not be caught, harassed or JAN. 1–DEC. 31 No area restrictions in state waters and 38 inches, inclusive, or greater than or equal to 44 possessed in the Exclusive Economic Zone, which inches stretches from 3–200 miles off the coast.

RESERVOIRS

SEASON FISHING LOCATIONS ALLOWED CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS REGULATIONS RESTRICTIONS AND REMARKS Broadford Lake, Conowingo Reservoir, Jennings Randolph Reservoir, 18 inch minimum size; Liberty Reservoir, Loch Raven Reservoir, RESERVOIRS 2 fish per person per day—only 1 of those fish Open Year Round Piney Run Reservoir, Prettyboy Reservoir, may be larger than 30 inches Rocky Gorge Reservoir, and Tridelphia Reservoir.

Find Licensed Charter Boats ir le Hookssave lives and Fishing Guides

• Non-offset circle hooks are easier to unhook from fish • Non-offset circle hooks lead to less injuries to the fish when compared to j-hook styles • Commercial and recreational anglers have used circle hooks successfully for years Note: The Department advises that anglers use circle hooks of 8/0 or larger, to reduce the chance of deep-hooking.

dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/charters/map.aspx “Circle” Hook Non-Offset Offset “Circle” Hook “Circle” Hook

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, B-2 dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries Annapolis, MD 21401 05/2018 410-260-8300 | 800-688-3467 DNR 17-042718-67 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 Restrictions • From waterfront crab pots Rivers, creeks and tributaries: • From shore • April and Oct through Dec. 15—one half LICENSED INDIVIDUAL • From unlicensed boat 1 bushel 2 dozen hour after sunrise to sunset. • From waterfront crab pots • May through Sept—one half hour before BOAT LIMITS sunrise to sunset. With 2 or more unlicensed 4 dozen 1 dozen Chesapeake Bay Mainstem: With 1 licensee and any • April and October through Dec. 15—one number of unlicensed 1 bushel 2 dozen half hour after sunrise to 5 p.m. UNLICENSED BOAT individuals • May through September—one half hour With 2 or more licensees and any number of 2 bushels 2 dozen before sunrise to 5 p.m. unlicensed individuals Using properly registered crab pots on pri- • With 1 or more unlicensed vate property, dip nets or handlines is per- • With 1 licensee • With owner and any 1 bushel 2 dozen mitted 24 hours a day. number of unlicensed individuals Day of Week Restrictions LICENSED BOAT • With 2 or more licensees No recreational crabbing is allowed on with any number of Wednesdays except: unlicensed individuals • With a licensee who is 2 bushels 2 dozen • When using crab pots from private property; not the owner and any • When using handlines or dip nets; number of unlicensed • During a week when a state or federal holi- individuals 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 (measured from tip to tip of spikes) 3 • To possess an egg-bearing (sponge) crab or measuring at least 2 ⁄16 inches and one at Male hard crab: 5 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 excluder Male peeler crab: individual’s set gear. device attached to each entrance or funnel • April 1–July 14—3¼ inches • To fish crab gear which belongs to another in the lower chamber constructed of wire • July 15–Dec 15—3½ inches person. or plastic, rectangular in shape not larger • Soft crab: To harvest crabs while SCUBA diving. than 1¾ inches high by 4¾ inches long. • • • April 1–Dec 15—3½ inches To use gear other than the gear listed in Annual registration required. the table below.

The Amount of Gear Allowed for Unlicensed and Licensed Recreational Crabbing HANDLINES CRAB POTS ON PRIVATE COLLAPSIBLE TRAPS AND LICENSE STATUS TROTLINE SEINE EEL POTS AND DIP NETS PROPERTY NET RINGS UNLICENSED Unlimited A maximum of 2 annually Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed registered crab pots per LICENSED Unlimited • Up to 1200ft* • Up to 30 traps, rings or • Mesh cannot be • Up to 10 eel pots property regardless of the combination of both* greater than ¼" for catching your number of owners or lessees. • Must have floats of own bait These pots must be: the same color, size, • Must be marked with a • Cannot exceed 50' shape on each end buoy bearing your DNRid in width and 5' in • Must be labeled • Marked with your DNRid unless attached to a height with your DNRid • Floats must be pier, wharf or boat and may not be • Set in front of private marked with your • Must be emptied set in a buoy-free property within 100 yards DNRid • Traps must have a flat from shore of shore bottom measuring no channel • Attached by a line to the more than 20 inches property or marked by a by 15 inches and have buoy or pole and sign no more than four articulated sides • Registered annually • Net rings must have a diameter 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 2019 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 EXCLUDERS Atlantic Ocean and coastal tributaries using: ARE REQUIRED BY LAW Harvest Restrictions • No more than 600 feet of baited trot- • There are no license or registration line, with floats of the same color, size Turtle excluders are required in recreation- requirements. and shape attached to each end; or al crab pots in Maryland. These devices • There are no time of day restrictions. • No more than two 600-foot trotlines if prevent terrapins from entering a crab pot • The taking of sponge crabs is prohibited. two or more persons are in the boat; or without hindering blue crab entry. Without • Dip nets and any number of hand- turtle excluders, terrapins can enter crab Minimum Size Limits lines; or pots and drown. To get instructions for (measured from tip to tip of spikes) • No more than 10 or a combination of making your own turtle excluder, visit • Hard crabs—5 inches.* 10 collapsible crab traps or crab net dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/ • Soft crabs—3½ inches. rings per person from docks, piers, regulations/crabpot.aspx • Peeler crabs bridges, boats or shoreline; or • April 1–July 14—3¼ inches • No more than 25, or a combination • July 15–Dec 31—3½ inches of 25, collapsible crab traps or crab • Mature female crabs—no minimum size. net rings, if two or more persons are in a boat. Recreational Crabbing Daily Catch Limits For waterfront property owners to set a The daily catch limit in the waters of the maximum of two crab pots at their prop- Coastal Bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their erty, provided that: tidal tributaries is: • Pots are marked with the owner’s • One bushel per person. name and address or DNRid; and • Two bushels per boat if two or more indi- • Crab pots must have two cull rings, viduals are on the boat. 3 one measuring at least 2 ⁄16 inches and 5 one at least 2 ⁄16 inches, located in the exterior side panel or the top panels of the pot. • Pot cull rings must be closed from April 23–May 31. • Crab pots must have a turtle excluder device attached to each entrance or funnel in the lower chamber constructed of wire or plastic, rectangular in shape not larger than 1¾ 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 organiza- tions of the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative, and the Ocean City Reef Foundation. The Maryland Artificial

Reef Initiative is a volunteer MARYLAND ARTIFICIAL organization including more MARI than 60 private, state, and federal partners dedicated to preserving, restoring and creating REEF INITIATIVE fish habitat in tidewater Maryland. It acts as a funding mechanism under an agreement with the Coastal Conservation 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.

Delmarva’s Snakehead Supply Headquarters!

Beer & Wine • Groceries Fishing Tackle • Rods • Reels

Knives • Crabbing Supplies COURSES BEGIN February & September, 2019 Full-Service Deli We teach and test for up to 100 ton Master near coastal. WOOLFORD GENERAL STORE Sailing and Towing 1614 Taylors Island Rd. Woolford, MD 410-228-3020 Mon-Sat: 6am-9pm Store Hours Sun: 7am-6pm Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 4pm • Sunday Closed

42 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 OYSTERS AND CLAMS

Maryland residents may harvest Oysters oysters and clams for recreational purposes. No license is required. Season HOW TO MEASURE OYSTERS Refer to maps of Maryland Shellfish Har- Oct 1–March 31 vesting Areas for information on areas of restricted waters, closures, and coordinates Daily Harvest Restrictions 3 inches of sanctuaries online via mde.maryland.gov/ 1 bushel/person/day programs/marylander/fishandshellfish/pages/ shellfishmaps.aspx. Time of Day Restrictions You may also call the Maryland Depart- Harvest is only permitted: ment of the Environment hotline 800-541- • Monday–Friday: Sunrise to 3 p.m. 1210 to obtain information on conditional • Saturday: Sunrise until noon closures due to water quality or other environmental issues. Gear Restrictions Recreational shellfish regulations for the A person may catch oysters ONLY by: Potomac River can be found at prfc.us. • Rakes • Diving (includes SCUBA) It is Illegal • Hand • To take oysters or clams for recreational • Shaft tongs 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 Minimum Size Limits they were caught. Any shell and under- or clamming. Three inches measured from hinge to bill sized oysters must be returned to the • To recreationally harvest oysters or clams along the longest part of the shell. You 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, includ- RECYCLE OYSTER SHELLS ing hand rakes. Mechanical harvesting is not allowed. Please recycle your oyster shells. You can find information about recycling at: Minimum Size Limits https://oysterrecovery.org/shell-recycling- One inch transverse measurement alliance/

RANGIA CLAMS The Rangia clam is often found in 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. Showcase Rangia clams should not be confused your business! with the better-known hard clam found primarily in the Coastal Bays.

For advertising inquiries, please call (413) 884 -1001

Missed the printed edition? Ask about year-round digital opportunities. dnr.maryland.gov 43 HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES

Federal Highly Migratory Species Permits Sharks Waters three to 200 miles offshore of state coastlines constitute the Exclusive Economic SEASON, HARVEST RESTRICTIONS, Zone and fall under the jurisdiction of the MINIMUM SIZE AND DAILY CREEL/POSSESSION LIMITS federal government. If you are fishing in SHARK SPECIES APPROVED FOR MINIMUM DAILY CREEL SHORE* DAILY CREEL VESSEL* these waters for species such as sharks, tuna, SEASON marlin, swordfish or sailfish, the vessel owner RECREATIONAL HARVEST* FORK LENGTH (PER ANGLER) (PER TRIP) ATLANTIC SHARPNOSE SHARK must hold a highly migratory species permit Open Year BONNETHEAD SHARK None from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Round Each recreational Administration. Call 888-872-8862 or go to SMOOTH DOGFISH* shore angler is Each recreational hmspermits.noaa.gov/ to obtain a permit/shark BLACKNOSE SHARK allowed a maximum vessel is allowed BLUE SHARK of 1 shark per a maximum of 1 endorsement. COMMON THRESHER SHARK calendar day from shark per trip from Open Year this list of approved this list of approved Passengers fishing on the vessel who FINETOOTH SHARK 54 inches do not possess a highly migratory species OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK Round species. species. permit or have a state saltwater fishing PORBEAGLE SHARK In addition, each In addition, each SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK recreational shore recreational anglerl license must register with National Oceanic (subject to change) ** angler may harvest may harvest 1 of and Atmospheric Administration’s National BLACKTIP SHARK 1 of each of the each of the following following species per species per trip: Saltwater Angler registry. Anglers holding state BULL SHARK Open Year LEMON SHARK calendar day: saltwater licenses from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Round Except 54 inches 1. bonnethead NURSE SHARK 1. bonnethead or U.S. Virgin Islands are required to register. May 15–July 15 2. Atlantic SPINNER SHARK 2. Atlantic sharpnose shark To register, go to countmyfish.noaa.gov/register. TIGER SHARK sharpnose shark 3. smooth dogfish Open Year 3. smooth dogfish GREAT, SCALLOPED, AND SMOOTH Round Except 78 inches Landing Requirements HAMMERHEAD SHARKS All recreationally landed bluefin tuna, May 15–July 15 Open Year billfish (marlin, sailfish, swordfish and SPINY DOGFISH None None None Round roundscale spearfish), and sharks (except * Sharks that are transported by vessel are considered boat assisted, and regulated under the more restrictive spiny dogfish) must be tagged before being vessel-fishing possession limits regardless of where they were caught. All species not listed in the above table, removed from the boat and reported to a including sandbar and dusky sharks, are prohibited and must be released. reporting station. ** Effective March 3, 2019, the federal minimum size is now sex specific: males 71" fork length and females 83" fork A tag is provided for each completed length. Refer to online regulations for updates — eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/ catch card and the angler is required to place this tag around the tail of the fish • Department of Natural Resources/Natural Visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/coastal/ before removing it from the vessel. Sharks Resources Police, Col. Jack Taylor Boat- billfish.aspx to learn more about the various caught from shore must be tagged before house, Ocean City (after hours kiosk) billfishes of Maryland. removal from the point of landing. Boats • Fisherman’s Marina, Ocean City cannot be pulled from the water until the • Ocean City Fishing Center, Ocean City It is Illegal tag is in place. • Ocean Pines Marina, Ocean Pines • For an angler to sell, barter, or trade sharks Catch cards and tags are available at the • Pines Point Provisions and Seafood, or shark parts. following reporting stations: Ocean Pines • For an angler to engage in shark finning. • Alltackle, Ocean City (shark tags only) • Sunset Marina, Ocean City All sharks caught by an angler must have • Asseteague Island National Seashore, • Talbot Street Pier and Marina, Ocean City heads, tails and fins attached naturally to Berlin (shark kiosk only) • White Marlin Marina, Ocean City the carcass through landing. • Atlantic Tackle, Ocean City • Catch cards can also be downloaded at • To fillet sharks at sea. • Bahia Marina, Ocean City dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/coastal/ • For a highly migratory species angling, • Buck’s Place, Berlin (shark tags only) tagging.aspx charter/headboat, and general category (if participating in a registered Atlantic highly migratory species tournament) permit ROUNDSCALE SPEARFISH LOOK VERY holder to possess hammerhead sharks or oceanic whitetip sharks simultaneously with SIMILAR TO WHITE MARLIN billfish, tunas, or swordfish. For more information on identification of swordfish and billfish, please go to:fisheries.noaa. • Shark regulations may be subject to change gov/resource/outreach-and-education/atlantic-swordfish-and-billfish-identification-guide in 2019. Gear Restrictions Anglers may use only handlines or rod and SHARK IDENTIFICATION reel. Circle hooks are required in federal waters. "IF YOU DON'T KNOW, LET IT GO"

fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/outreach-and-education/ Fork Length shark-identification-placard

44 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 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 Status Status Status Legal Legal Legal

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 Status Status Status 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 Status Status Status Legal Legal Legal

KEY CATCH AND RELEASE POINTS THAT MAXIMIZE SHARK SURVIVAL • Release sharks in the water • Minimize fight times by using the • Have a release plan and make sure • Don’t drag them onto the sand appropriate gear including circle hooks everyone knows their role • Don't sit on them • Know how to identify legal and prohibited • Cut the line, minimize trailing gear or use species, "If you don't know let it go" a dehooker • Don’t hold their jaws open • Don't gaff a shark that is going to be • Don't place hands in the gills released

dnr.maryland.gov 45 FISHMARYLAND

animals, or habitat. Currently there are three invasive fish species which naturally reproduce or migrate into Maryland waters and are eligible for the Invasive Species Award: blue catfish, northern snakehead and flathead catfish. Fish must be kept to qualify. • Milestone Award— Milestone awards recognize those skillful anglers who catch multiple species, each milestone Photo by Tim Campbell is marked with a certificate and a cor- Anglers: Tim Campbell and Captain Scott Sewell responding sticker. Starting in 2019, eligible catches from different calendar years will count towards each of three Recreational fishing offers opportunities certain minimum size. If you catch a fish established milestones. for families and friends to spend quality that meets or exceeds the official award • Governor’s Striped Bass Conservation time together, enjoying the abundant natu- size, simply lay the fish on a tape mea- Award—In addition to a Species Award, ral resources Maryland has to offer. Fish- sure and photograph so that the species those who catch and release an award sized Maryland is Maryland’s recreational fishing and size can be verified. Submit your striped bass during the open season will award program and is a fun way to explore catch through our online registration be recognized with a Governor’s Striped year-round recreational fishing and enjoy process. Once your catch is verified, you Bass Conservation Award at the end of Maryland’s affordable, accessible, diverse will receive your award certificate within the fishing season. The award recognizes and high quality fishing opportunities. 45 days. any recreational angler who releases alive • Invasive Species Award—Recognizes a striped bass catch of 40 inches or more Components: anglers for reporting their harvest of while fishing Maryland waters during the • Species Award (includes catch and release) certain eligible invasive fish species. open season. —Any angler fishing legally in Maryland “Invasive” describes a species that, when may catch and report a trophy sized fish introduced into an ecosystem, aggres- For information on FishMaryland, including by landing any of more than 60 eligible sively establishes itself and has the poten- rules and registration go to—dnr.maryland. species in three categories at or above a tial to negatively impact native plants, gov/fisheries/pages/challenge/rules.aspx.

FISHMARYLAND MINIMUM SIZES FISHMARYLAND MINIMUM SIZES FISHMARYLAND MINIMUM SIZES NONTIDAL DIVISION Red Drum* (Puppy Drum, Channel Grey Triggerfish 18 inches 36 inches Bluegill 11 inches Bass, Redfish) King Mackerel1 40 inches Brook Trout 12 inches Rock Bass 10 inches Northern Whiting (Kingfish) 14 inches Brown Trout 21 inches Shad, American* 24 inches Red Drum* (Puppy Drum, Channel 36 inches Bullhead Catfish 15 inches Shad, Hickory* 18 inches Bass, Redfish) Carp 36 inches Sheepshead 24 inches Sailfish* any size Chain Pickerel 24 inches Smallmouth Bass 20 inches Shad, American* 24 inches Channel Catfish 30 inches Spanish Mackerel 22 inches Shad, Hickory* 18 inches Crappie 15 inches Spot 12 inches Shark, Blue* any size Cutthroat Trout 20 inches Spotted Seatrout 24 inches Shark, Hammerhead* any size Largemouth Bass 21 inches Striped Bass 40 inches Shark, Shortfin Mako1 90 inches Muskellunge 40 inches Summer Flounder 24 inches Shark, Sand Tiger* any size Northern Pike 38 inches Tautog 24 inches Shark, Thresher1 80 inches Rainbow Trout 20 inches Walleye 26 inches Shark, Tiger* any size Redbreast Sunfish 8 inches Weakfish 24 inches Sheepshead 20 inches Redear Sunfish 11 inches White Catfish 20 inches Snowy Grouper 31 inches Rock Bass 10 inches White Perch 13 inches Spanish Mackerel 22 inches Smallmouth Bass 20 inches Yellow Perch 14 inches Spot 12 inches Striped Bass 36 inches INVASIVE SPECIES DIVISION Spotted Seatrout 24 inches Tiger Muskie 40 inches Striped Bass 40 inches Walleye 26 inches Blue Catfish** 40 inches Flathead Catfish** 34 inches Summer Flounder 24 inches White Catfish 20 inches 2 White Perch 13 inches Northern Snakehead** 30 inches Swordfish 47 inches Yellow Perch 14 inches Tautog 24 inches ATLANTIC COAST DIVISION Tuna, Albacore (Longfin)3 36 inches CHESAPEAKE BAY DIVISION Amberjack1 45 inches Tuna, Bigeye3 60 inches Black Drum 48 inches Atlantic Cod 36 inches Tuna, Blackfin3 30 inches Blue Crab 8 inches Atlantic Spadefish 24 inches Tuna, Bluefin3 55 inches Bluefish 34 inches Black Drum 48 inches Tuna, Yellowfin3 50 inches Carp 30 inches Black Sea Bass 20 inches Wahoo1 60 inches Chain Pickerel 24 inches Bluefish 34 inches Weakfish 24 inches Channel Catfish 30 inches Blueline Tilefish 25 inches White Marlin* any size Cobia 44 inches Blue Marlin* any size Winter Flounder 17 inches Crappie 15 inches Cobia1 44 inches * Only released fish Croaker (Hardhead) 18 inches Croaker (Hardhead) 18 inches ** Invasive species division—only dead fish are eligible Gar 36 inches Dolphin Fish (Mahi-Mahi)1 45 inches 1 Use fork length measurement. Largemouth Bass 21 inches False Albacore1 24 inches 2 Use lower jaw fork length measurement. Northern Whiting (Kingfish) 14 inches Golden Tilefish 35 inches 3 Use curved fork length measurement.

46 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2019 STATE RECORDS

STATE RECORDS STATE RECORDS ATLANTIC COAST DIVISION CHESAPEAKE BAY DIVISION Albacore (longfin) 74 lbs. Victor W. Gardner II 7/17/2004 Bluefish 22 lbs. John Davidson 10/18/1979 Atlantic Cod 24 lbs. Fred Brungart 5/31/2013 Carp 44 lbs., 6 oz. Jimmy Lake 4/28/1978 Atlantic Spadefish 11 lbs. 6.5 oz. Noel Lohr 9/2/2004 Catfish, Channel 29 lbs., 10 oz. Kevin Kern 4/26/1997 Black Seabass 8 lbs. Hayward Madison 6/1/1978 Catfish, White 9.61 lbs. Brian Dvorak 6/3/2018 Bluefish 23 lbs., 8 oz. Lillian Morris 10/30/1974 Chain Pickerel 6 lbs., 8 oz. James Grant 5/19/1965 Cobia 94.6 lbs. Emma Zajdel 6/30/2016 Cobia 97 lbs., 12 oz. John Scheifele 9/12/1969 Dolphin 67 lbs., 8 oz. Kim Lawson 7/21/1985 Crappie 4 lbs. Sid Stollings 3/30/2007 Drum, Black 79 lbs. Stanley Ilyes 9/7/1985 Croaker 6.52 lbs. Russell Knapp 9/4/2006 Drum, Red* 70 lbs. Robert Light 9/24/1977 Drum, Black 103 lbs., 8 oz. Robert Messik Jr. 9/23/1973 False Albacore 22 lbs., 8 oz. Kevin Sheckells 6/25/1995 Drum, Red* 74 lbs., 6 oz. Earnest Hutchinson 5/15/1977 Flounder, Summer 17 lbs. Anthony Vacari 10/3/1974 Flounder, Summer 15 lbs. Kenneth Grimes 10/14/1978 Flounder, Winter 5 lbs., 2 oz. Kevin Twilley 6/23/2015 Hickory Shad 4 lbs. John Schaeffer Jr. 7/23/1971 Gray Triggerfish 5 lbs., 2 oz. Wayne Gower 10/31/2014 Largemouth Bass 11.18 lbs. Justin Riley 1/26/2008 King Mackerel 47 lbs. Gerald Kauffman 10/18/1985 Longnose Gar 17.9 lbs. David Confair 1/23/2019 Kingfish 2 lbs., 8 oz. Grace Walker 10/1/1975 Norfolk Spot 2 lbs. Parlett Moore 9/5/1978 Marlin, Blue 1,062 lbs. Robert Farris 8/7/2009 Rock Bass 1 lb. Timothy A. Adams 5/4/1997 Porgy 6 lbs., 3 oz. Pearl Hopple 7/4/1966 Sheepshead 13.73 lbs. Dave Alveberg 8/17/2017 Shark, Black Tip 193 lbs. Brian Zysk 8/4/1991 Smallmouth Bass 6 lbs. Charles Janes 7/23/1979 Shark, Blue 280 lbs. Martin Waltman 9/13/1997 Spanish Mackerel 12.4 lbs. Dean Mitchell 10/6/2007 Shark, Dogfish, Smooth 15 lbs., 5 oz. Gregg Bacchien 5/22/1993 Spotted Seatrout 16 lbs., 6 oz. John Phillips 5/15/1977 Shark, Dogfish, Spiny 11 lbs., 8 oz. Meyels Sampson 5/17/1993 Striped Bass 67 lbs., 8 oz. Devin Nolan 5/13/1995 Shark, Dusky* 469 lbs. Jim Liberto 7/1/1982 Tautog 9 lbs. Gary Halbeisen 10/29/2005 Shark, Great White 467 lbs. Jack Holmes 6/11/1992 Weakfish 16 lbs., 8 oz. Wayne Lappe 5/8/1979 Shark, Hammerhead, Scalloped 266 lbs. 8oz. Scott Cusick 8/8/2012 White (american) Shad* 8 lbs., 2 oz. Vance Carter 5/3/1975 Shark, Hammerhead, Smooth 375 lbs. George Wilson Ford V 6/17/2004 White Perch 2 lbs., 10 oz. Sid Stollings 5/18/1979 Shark, Shortfin Mako 876 lbs. Jim Hughes 6/20/2009 Yellow Perch 2 lbs., 3 oz. Niles Pethel 11/21/1979 Shark, Sand Tiger* 334 lbs. Billy Leidner 9/8/1983 NONTIDAL DIVISION Shark, Sandbar* 235 lbs. Mark Sampson 7/8/1983 Bluegill 3 lbs., 7 oz. Sarah Brenneman 8/9/1998 Shark, Thresher 642 lbs. Brent Applegit 6/19/2009 Carp 47 lbs., 8 oz. Wayne Longenecker 6/11/1997 Shark, Tiger 1,210 lbs. Grace Czerniak 7/9/1983 Catfish, Bullhead 4 lbs., 15.04 oz. Nick Palese 5/18/2019 Sheepshead 18.0 lbs. Robert Martin 9/22/2017 Catfish, Channel 27.92 lbs. Steven Trent Abell 7/5/2004 Snowy Grouper 66 lbs. Gregory Benn 7/30/2012 Catfish, White Min Wt 7 lbs. Vacant Spotted Seatrout 13 lbs. Jack Miller 8/21/1973 Chain Pickerel 8 lbs. Lee Haile III 1/2/2015 Striped Bass 57.2 lbs. Gary Smith 5/6/2006 Crappie 4 lbs. 7 oz. Jason D. Morrison 5/30/2004 Tautog 28.8 lbs. Kenneth Westerfeld 1/2/2015 Largemouth Bass 11 lbs. 6 oz. Colton Lambert 7/31/2013 Tilefish, Blueline 20 lbs. Robert Purcell 9/12/2012 Muskellunge 32.5 lbs. Tessa Cosens 5/6/2017 Tilefish, Golden 62 lbs. Steve Doctor 10/22/2009 Northern Pike 24 lbs., 12 oz. Shawn Jacobson 10/16/1999 Tuna, Bigeye 375 lbs., 8 oz. Cecil Browne 8/26/1977 Redbreast Sunfish Min Wt 14 oz. Vacant Tuna, Blackfin 32 lbs. Bob Zang 9/20/1998 Redear Sunfish 2 lbs., 5 oz. Vittie Alkocius 6/4/1985 Tuna, Bluefin 625 lbs. James Daniels, IV 8/3/1975 Rock Bass 1 lb., 8 oz. Earl Jenkins IV 3/22/2010 Tuna, Yellowfin 236.5 lbs. Mark Bennett 9/22/2002 Smallmouth Bass 8 lbs., 4 oz. Gary Peters 10/4/1974 Wahoo 131 lbs. John Schaar 6/30/2014 Striped Bass 47 lbs., 2 oz. Robert Bruce 9/14/2000 Weakfish 16 lbs. Donald Cannon 9/11/1976 Tiger Muskellunge 29 lbs., 4.75 oz. Kevin Conner 2/14/1997 White Hake 16 lbs.,11.36 oz. Brian Gay 5/16/2019 Trout, Brook 6 lbs., 1.75 oz. Mike Fiorita, Jr. 4/10/1999 White Marlin 135 lbs. George Pierson 8/29/1980 Trout, Brown 18 lbs., 3 oz. Gary Kuhn 8/3/2001 White Perch 1.65 lbs. Ryan Timmons 7/30/2016 Trout, Cutthroat 7 lbs. 9 oz. David G. Martin 5/20/2000 CHESAPEAKE BAY DIVISION Trout, Rainbow 14 lbs., 3 oz. Dave Schroyer 10/21/1987 Atlantic Spadefish 10 lbs. Charlie Barron 7/15/2007 Walleye 14 lbs., 4 oz. John McCarley 5/16/1998 Bluefish 22 lbs. Thomas R. Talbott 5/8/1991 Warmouth 10.72 oz. Dezi Collins 6/11/2018 Bluefish 22 lbs. Ronald Raffo 5/31/1986 White Perch 1.90 lbs. George Venker 4/7/2017 Yellow Perch 3 lbs., 5 oz. Philip Deere IV 3/12/2006 *Not currently accepting new state records for this species due to regulations

SPORT FISH STATE RECORDS

Call 443-569-1398 or 410-260-8300 to report a Fish designated as eligible for the Invasive STATE RECORDS potential state record catch. You must submit a Division (currently northern snakehead, blue All possible state record fish will be state record application within two weeks of the catfish and flathead catfish) can be caught date you catch the fish. and kept by all legal recreational fishing gear reviewed under the Official FishMaryland including rod and reel, bow and spear. Rules. For State Records Rules and Proce- State record fish are determined by weight. dures, go to: dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/ Most fishing tackle shops do not have certified Fish caught from privately-owned fee fishing pages/challenge/staterecordrules.aspx scales, so call ahead. Other establishments that waters are not eligible for record consideration. sell products by weight such as a grocery, deli or RULES AND PROCEDURES shipping store may have a certified scale and be The fish must be considered trophy sized, commonly willing to help. available and sought after for the Department of The department maintains sport fish state Natural Resources to consider opening a new spe- records and awards a plaque to an angler Except for fish in the invasive division, all fish cies category for recognition. Thresholds for trophy whose catch exceeds the current state record must be legally caught with rod and reel during size are established by the department using the or establishes a new species category. Positive its open season. From the time that a fish strikes best data available to create a benchmark weight. identification of the species of fish is manda- or takes a bait or lure, the angler must hook and tory for consideration of state record applica- fight the fish without the aid of any other person. The department reserves the right to investigate tions. The catch must be inspected in person The reel must be operated manually. Once the the methods used in catching the fish and the by a department fisheries biologist. Immerse leader is brought to the rod tip, more than one accuracy of measuring and weighing. It also the fish in ice water until it can be weighed in person is permitted to help land the fish. reserves the right to reject any application based order to preserve the weight. on the results of the investigation. dnr.maryland.gov 47 MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES

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

• 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) • 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). • 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. • Record your location using latitude/longitude, and a detailed description of your location including landmarks. • Estimate and note the length, size, color, noticeable body Sea turtles in Maryland include: parts, and any movement of the animal. Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerhead, • Take photos of the animal. Leatherback and Green • For more information, visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/oxford/stranding.aspx

Find Maryland Fishing Spots

• Interactive • Mobile • Searchable • Species Info •Tidal/Nontidal Dividing Lines • Parking Info • Boating Info • Special Regulations • Accessibility • Amenities

gisapps.dnr.state.md.us/publicfishingaccess/index.html

More than 500 locations…and counting!

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