The pursuit of state fishing records is heating up in Maryland, with six new records already set in 2025. Anglers are leveraging Department of Natural Resources tools, adhering to regulations, and targeting prime locations to catch the biggest fish.
Recent Records
Some notable records set in 2025 include:
- A 21.8-pound Chesapeake Channa caught by Matt Foreman of Crownsville in the Invasive division
- Two false albacore records set within weeks, with Jack Dorman of Frederick landing a 22.5-pound specimen in the Atlantic division
- A 20.5-pound, 49.5-inch longnose gar caught by David Confair in the Nontidal division
Department Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources provides various resources to aid anglers in their pursuit of state records, including:
- The Angler Access Map, which details hundreds of public fishing sites
- Fish Facts pages, which offer species specifics
- The weekly Maryland Fishing Report, which provides current bite information
- The interactive Lakes and Ponds map, which shares survey data on population distributions
Tips for Catching Record-Breaking Fish
To qualify for a record, fish must be legally caught with an active Maryland fishing license and using gear compliant with waterway-specific rules. Anglers should review regulations and use department resources to increase their chances of catching a record-breaking fish.
Notable Records
Some notable records in Maryland include:
- The state record muskellunge in the nontidal division, weighing 33 pounds, caught by Kyle Mullenix in March 2022
- A 94.6-pound cobia caught by Emma Zajdel on June 30, 2016, near Assateague Island
- A 74.5-pound dolphinfish caught by Kristy Frashure in the Atlantic division’
Changing Fish Populations
Fishery managers anticipate more southern species like barracuda, cobia, king mackerel, sheepshead, and pompano due to warming trends, potentially adding new records. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources celebrates the state’s fisheries quality and angler stories, with all records listed on the department website.
Image/Source: southernmarylandchronicle
