Maryland Outdoor Recreation
Maryland is a diverse American state located along the Atlantic Coast of the USA. The middle of the state is the most populated, with Baltimore, Annapolis and other metropolitan areas.
To the west are Garret and Allegany counties, known for their beauty, woodlands, lakes, streams and rocky terrain. Moving east, visitors find gentle hills and open grasslands in areas like Hagerstown and Frederick. This area has seen tremendous population growth in the last few decades. Southern Maryland is more relaxed, with a mix of developments, small towns, marinas and farms.
The eastern shore of Maryland is quite different, with farming, commercial fishing and tourism. Beaches, wildlife and lure of the Chesapeake Bay make the eastern shore a favorite vacation destination. Like other areas of Maryland, the eastern shore has seen tremendous growth and development, much of which has strained the natural environment. Still the area is cherished by many of its residents.
Maryland is famous for its seafood, especially oysters, blue crabs, hard clams, soft shelled clams and a wide range of fish. The most famous Maryland saltwater fish is the rockfish or striped bass. Other species of fish include gray trout, speckled trout, croaker, spot, flounder, sea bass, white perch, yellow perch and more. Seafood festivals are a great way to celebrate Maryland and sample some great seafood. Some Maryland seafood festivals focus on one delicacy, such as crabs or oysters while other events feature a wide selection of local seafood.
There are a wide range of saltwater fishing opportunities in Maryland with something for nearly everyone. Anglers fishing in the Chesapeake Bay or on the Atlantic Coast might choose to fish from the the surf, jetties, piers, inlets, bridges, or by boat. The variety of saltwater fishing allows anglers of any age, sex or physical condition a chance to enjoy the sport.
Chesapeake Bay fishing varies widely lots of different environments. Anglers in the bay can fish with bait, artificial lures, employ fly fishing or other techniques. Over on the ocean side there is surf fishing, jetty fishing, inshore fishing for flounder, trout, bluefish and others. Atlantic Ocean fishing offers anglers a chance to try wreck fishing, offshore fishing, deep dropping and other activities.
Maryland freshwater fishing is a very popular form of recreation. The state has a diverse range of lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks where freshwater species of fish thrive. In Western Maryland, freshwater fishing is dominated by the opportunities in the lakes and cool water streams of the region. Smallmouth bass fishing is another popular pastime, with several excellent rivers for smallmouth bass fishing. Maryland is home to several rivers and creeks that eventually reach the Chesapeake Bay. These rivers are home to a mix of freshwater and saltwater fish. In the non-tidal sections, fish include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, pickerel, gar, white perch, yellow perch, shiners, herring, shad and bullhead catfish. On the Eastern Shore, freshwater species inhabit small ponds and slow moving rivers lined with dense vegetation. The region is known for excellent freshwater fishing, especially for largemouth bass, pickerel and other cover-seeking species. Well known Eastern Shore rivers include the Pocomoke, Wicomico, Nanticoke and Choptank Rivers where anglers fish on their own or with local guides.
Maryland has a wide range of hunting opportunities. Deer hunting provides outdoor recreation for over 68,000 Marylanders, is a vital tool in managing deer populations and contributes more than $150 million to the state’s economy each year. The state is known for waterfowl hunting, including duck and goose hunting. Other hunting includes upland hunting for dove, quail, rabbit, squirrels and other small game.
About the Author
The author is an outdoor enthusiast, web designer and owner of several outdoor websites including Chesapeake Bay, Fresh Seafood and Nautical Art.
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