Freshwater

• Maryland is home to a number of freshwater gamefish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, blue catfish, bluegill, black crappie and several species of trout and salmon. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, fishing hotspots include Deep Creek Lake (bass, trout, walleye and panfish), Potomac River (trout, smallmouth bass), Deer Creek (trout), Tuckahoe Lake (bass, pickerel, crappie, perch, bullhead and bluegill), Johnson's Pond (largemouth bass, panfish), St. Mary's Lake (bass, pickerel, panfish) and Gunpowder Falls (trout). Bass are caught on plugs, spinnerbaits, jigs and a variety of soft plastics. Trout fall for flies as well as spinners. Live bait is a viable option for most freshwater species.
  
  

Saltwater

• The waters off the coast of Maryland offer a wide variety of saltwater fishing options. Striped bass, redfish (also called red drum), black sea bass, bluefish, spotted seatrout, weakfish, white marlin, summer flounder and spiny dogfish shark are among the saltwater species most commonly pursued by Maryland anglers, as noted by the Maryland DNR. Access is available at the north jetty at Ocean City, Assateague State Park, Choptank River Fishing Pier and Crisfield Pier. Surf fishing from Maryland's beaches is another option, and there are a number of charters and guide services to take anglers into deeper water. Presenting various forms of live bait is often the most productive method.
  
  

Chesapeake Bay

• The mix of salt and freshwater that occurs in the Chesapeake bay provides a unique tidal fishery in which, according to the Maryland DNR, both freshwater and saltwater species can be found. Largemouth bass, striped bass and redfish can be caught here. Top locations include the mouths of tributaries, the mouth of the bay itself, grass beds, drop-offs and rockpiles. Salinity decreases the farther into the bay you go, and prevalence of saltwater species shifts to freshwater along the way.
  
  

Regulations

• Fishing for most freshwater and saltwater species is open year-round, though there are some exceptions. As of 2010, largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing was catch and release only from March 1 to June 15. Herring season begins Jan. 1 and ends June 5. Walleye and trout seasons vary by water. All species of shad and sturgeon are closed to harvest year-round. Many species are subject to length restrictions and creel limits. Regulations in the Chesapeake Bay and other tidal waters are highly varied. A complete guide to Maryland's regulations is available in print and PDF formats from the Maryland DNR.
  
  

Licenses

• Valid fishing licenses are required to fish in any of Maryland's waters. These are available at most bait shops and sporting goods stores in the state and can also be purchased on the Maryland DNR's website. There are different types of licenses for salt and freshwater, and licenses are available for three days, five days or an entire year. Prices vary by year, and are generally higher for nonresidents. Minors 16 or younger do not need a license to fish in Maryland, and senior citizens over 65 pay only $5 as of 2010.