Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam Kayak -SOK Fishing Tournament

Summer Flounder

The Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam Kayak Fishing Tournament and Stand Up Paddleboard Fishing Tournament will be held June 25-26, 2022 in Ocean City, Maryland.

This tournament format includes no minimum number of anglers and over $7,000 cash purse to be distributed to the top three anglers.

During the tournament, kayak anglers can experience why Ocean City, Maryland, is known as "The Fishing Tournament Capital of the World."

Tournament anglers can fish the back bays and inshore ocean for the following qualified species:

Flounder

Striped Bass (aka, Rockfish or Stripers)

Bluefish

Sea Trout (Grey Trout, Speckled Trout)

Bottom Fish (Sheepshead, Triggerfish, Spadefish, Black Sea Bass, Spot, Croaker)

Cobia

Red and Black Drum

Spanish and King Mackerel    

Winnings will be based upon combined weighed in points of each angler's top three fish of any qualifying species over 2 days.  Anglers can even have 3 of the same qualifying species to win.

$7000 Guaranteed Payout with No Minimum Number of Anglers:

1st   Place- $4000

2nd Place- $2000

3rd  Place- $1000

4th Place- (New For 2022) Lightning Strike Pedal Drive Kayak

Anglers can also participate in optional entry levels to win awards, money, and prizes. Prizes include a $3000 Los Buzos Panama Stay and Hosted Fishing Trip with Robert Field, a fishing stand up paddleboard from NRS, custom fishing rods and reels, depth finder, sunglasses, coolers, and other prizes.

Daily winners will be chosen for each qualifying species and the tournament features a new Junior Angler Division. The tournament will also include a kickoff party and weigh in festivities for anglers and spectators.

Ocean City Maryland is known for its inshore fishing areas. Popular fishing locations include the route 50 bridge, route 90 bridge, inlet jetties, Thorofare, Sinepuxent Bay, Verrazano Bridge, and others.

For more information, visit fishnpaddle.com.

Related Information

Ocean City Saltwater Fishing

Things To Do In Ocean City

Chesapeake Bay Kayaking: Eastern Shore Rivers

This article includes information on rivers and creeks on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Relatively large rivers of the Eastern Shore include the Northeast, Bohemia, Elk, Sassafras, Chester, Wye, Miles, Tred Avon, Choptank, Little Choptank, Blackwater, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke.

In addition to major rivers, there are hundreds of smaller tributaries, creeks, and streams.

The Elk River has a variety of special conditions that paddlers may find interesting. Below Elkton, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal connects to the river. A variety of public access sites are located up and down the river.

The Chester River flows through Chestertown before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay near Kent Island. The town's annual Downrigging Weekend Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival attracts large numbers of historic vessel enthusiasts.

The Choptank River flows through several historic towns and small communities. Near its mouth, Cambridge includes an array of areas where paddlers can launch and explore the river.

At Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, three paddling trails meander through more than 20 miles of salt marshes. The Blackwater River complex is one of the most popular areas in the Chesapeake Bay for catching northern snakehead.

One of the largest rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Nanticoke River is known for its wildlife. Along its banks are Seaford, Blades, Woodland, Vienna, Tyaskin, Bivalve, Nanticoke, Elliot's Island, and other communities.

Public access sites are found throughout the Nanticoke. Along the river are several notable parks including Seaford, Phillips Landing Recreation Area, Cherry Park (Sharptown), and Vienna Waterfront Park. Additional areas for launching kayaks and other paddlecraft exist at Woodland, Elliot's Island, Tyaskin, and Nanticoke.

Along the Wicomico River is mix of urban properties, industrial sites, waterfront neighborhoods, marinas, and other human activity. Public access can be found in Salisbury, Mount Vernon, and Dames Quarter.

The Pocomoke River is known for its extensive cypress swamp habitats. Kayakers can explore the Pocomoke River by launching at Porter's Crossing, Snow Hill, Pocomoke River State Park, Pocomoke City, and Shelltown.

Related Information

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Paddling Trails

Best Kayaking Areas in Maryland

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Paddling Trails

Fall is a wonderful time to explore paddling trails at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Blackwater has three paddling trails totaling over 20 miles.

The Friends of Blackwater recently helped enhance the markers and interpretive signs along the trails.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge paddling trails have been listed as one of the most gorgeous places to paddle in the fall by the Washington Post.

To learn more about the trails, visit the Blackwater NWR website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater/.

The Friends of Blackwater is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that relies on members for support. For more information, visit www.friendsofblackwater.org.

source: Friends of Blackwater

Maryland Golden Age Pass Ramp Fees Abolished

In 2015, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Golden Age Pass holders will no longer have to pay a fee to use state park boat launches or ramps.

Golden Age Passes entitle Maryland adults, ages 62 and older, to a lifetime of free day-use entry into all state parks, as well as half price camping Sunday through Thursday.

The change in policy is part of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s agenda to eliminate or reduce $51 million in state-issued fees.

Public access is one of limitations that seniors face when kayaking in Maryland and other Mid Atlantic states.
   

Maryland Park Quest 2014

Around 1,000 teams are expected to participate in Park Quest 2014, a family-based outdoor recreational program of kayaking, hiking, biking and historical adventures in 24 of Maryland’s State Parks.

Park Quest 2014 is one of several events held during Great Outdoors Month in Maryland. For more information, visit http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2014/06/02/june-is-great-outdoors-month/

source: MD DNR

Chesapeake Bay Public Access

A recent National Park Service study highlights the demand for public access to the Chesapeake Bay for kayak launching and other uses.

According to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Public Access Plan, the following areas received the highest numbers of site suggestions:

1. Dundalk/Edgemere area (Baltimore County, Maryland)

2. Annapolis (Maryland)

3. Sassafras River and main stem of the Chesapeake Bay south of the Sassafras River (Maryland)

4. Nanticoke River (Delaware and Maryland)

5. Anacostia and Potomac Rivers (Washington DC, and Arlington, Virginia)

6. Fort Monroe (Hampton, Virginia)

7. Colonial National Historic Park (Virginia)

8. Nansemond River (Virginia)

9. Harrisburg (Pennsylvania)

10. Raystown Branch of the Juniata River (Pennsylvania)

11. Altoona (Pennsylvania)

source: National Park Service

Bloede Dam - Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco River kayakers could have improved access in the future, if a third dam is removed from the river. Bloede Dam, which is owned by DNR is located in Patapsco Valley State Park.

The possible removal of Bloede Dam is part of a larger, more comprehensive effort to restore 43 miles of stream habitat for migratory and resident fish. The Patapsco River restoration project started with the removal of Union Dam in September 2009.

The Patapsco River once supported runs of shad, herring, and American eels, but multiple dams on the river have blocked fish migrations. According to biologists, a number of species have returned to the upper river following the removal of Union and Simkins Dams.

DNR is accepting input online at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/bloededam/index.asp

Comments or suggestions are due by August 31, 2012.

A complete copy of the draft and more information is available at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/bloededam/index.asp

source: MD DNR

Wye-Tri Adventure Race

Participants can run, paddle and ride through the Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA) during the second annual Wye-Tri Adventure Race on Saturday, May 5.

The Maryland Park Service (MPS) sponsored race is a unique version of a triathlon, broken down into three segments: running, kayaking and mountain biking. The race will begin with a 2-mile run over wooded and open field trails along Dividing Creek, followed by a .75-mile paddle on the Wye River and Granary Creek, and finish with a 6.5-mile mountain bike ride along Wye Island Road and the island’s trail system.

The Wye-Tri Adventure Race is open to anyone 14 years of age or older in good physical health. The cost is $15 per person and each participant will receive a souvenir event shirt.

MPS will permit kayaks and canoes of all sizes. Participants can rent a boat for an additional $5. There are a limited number so be sure to contact the park office to reserve in advance. Life vests will be mandatory for athletes under 16 years of age. MPS will hold the Wye-Tri rain or shine but may delay or interrupt the race in the event of extreme fog, wind or thunderstorms.

Participants are required to have their kayaks and bicycles in place by 7:30 a.m. and be present for a pre-race meeting at 7:45 a.m. The Wye-Tri Adventure Race will begin promptly at 8 a.m.

Wye Island NRMA is located in the tidal recesses of the Chesapeake Bay between the Wye River and the Wye East River. Of the facility’s 2,800 acres, 2,450 are managed by the Department of Natural Resources’ Maryland Park Service for resource management, recreation and agriculture. A major emphasis at Wye Island is to provide suitable habitat for wintering waterfowl populations and other native wildlife.

For more information or to register for the Wye-Tri Adventure Race, contact the Wye Island NRMA office at 410-827-7577 or the Tuckahoe State Park office at 410-820-1668.

source: MD DNR

Maryland Kayak - Canoe Registration

Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently proposed amendments to House Bill 1307. The amendments follow public resistance to proposed increases in the cost of registering boats in the state.

The bill also includes a voluntary non-motorized decal for boats such as kayaks and canoes for $12 every two years.

The amendments will also increase the one-time boat title price to $35 as well as some other costs to boat dealer.

source: MD DNR

Best Kayaking Areas in Maryland

Maryland has a diverse range of areas for kayaking. The state's waterways range from fast moving whitewater rapids to saltwater tidal marshes of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast.

Western Maryland offers some of the most striking scenery in the state.

Both the upper branch of the Potomac and the Youghiogheny River are famous for their whitewater kayaking opportunities.

Deep Creek Lake (3900 acres) is the largest lake in Maryland. Although its size and boat traffic can be a factor, Deep Creek Lake is a perennial favorite among Maryland kayakers. Deep Creek lake also has man-made areas for white water kayaking.

In Garrett County, Broadford Lake (140 acres) is popular among kayak fishermen. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish, and tiger musky.

Piney Reservoir (Garrett County) - This lake has largemouth bass, yellow perch, tiger musky, rainbow trout, and a variety of pan fish.

Youghiogheny Reservoir lies along the Maryland - Pennsylvania border. The reservoir is known for its outstanding fishing for smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, yellow perch, brown trout, and rainbow trout.

Blairs Valley Lake is located in Washington County on the Maryland - Pennsylvania border.

Rocky Gap Lake - Lake Habeeb in Allegany County is another western Maryland lake where kayaking is popular.

In the Northeast part of the state, kayakers can explore rivers such as the Susquehanna, Elk, and Chester. The lower reaches of these famous rivers are important nurseries for fish and wildlife.

On the Western Shore, historic rivers such as the Severn, Patuxent and Patapsco offer exceptional sightseeing trips.

In Harford and Baltimore Counties, Gunpowder Falls State Park encompasses Big and Little Gunpowder Falls and the Gunpowder River. Topography within the park ranges from tidal marshes and wetlands to steep, rugged slopes. For kayakers, the Hammerman Area offers Gunpowder River access, with beaches and launch facilities for kayaks.

The Potomac River is a nationally famous river for kayaking. Potomac River kayakers can choose from a variety of environments, including fast moving white water, main river trips or excursions along the lower Potomac's tidal marshes. The Potomac is known for its excellent fishing with both freshwater and saltwater species occupying its waters.

On Maryland's Eastern Shore, several rivers provide outstanding habitats for kayakers. Upstream, these rivers are home to cypress swamps and other black water environments. Many of these areas are teaming with fish, birds, reptiles and other wildlife.

In Queen Anne's County, Tuckahoe State Park offers access for kayaking. The main attraction of the park is Tuckahoe Creek, a quiet stream which runs through the length of the park. The park's 60-acre lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing.

The southern counties of Wicomico, Worcestor and Somerset have several outstanding kayaking destinations that are suitable for fishing, birdwatching, and viewing wildlife.

The Wicomico River has plenty of kayaking access. In its upper reaches, the river offers good fishing for largemouth bass and northern snakehead. As the river nears Tangier Sound, white perch, striped bass, and catfish dominate catches.

In Somerset County, Janes Island State Park offers excellent access. Kayakers can explore the creek that borders the park, or venture farther out to dozens of isolated islands in the Chesapeake Bay.

Related Information

Chesapeake Bay Kayaking: Eastern Shore Rivers

Felt Soles Banned in Maryland

A new law could have impacts on Maryland paddlers and other stream users. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is banning felt soles in Maryland waters beginning March 22, 2011 to protect and preserve native wildlife and habitats.

The new regulations are intended to combat didymo, an invasive form of algae which thrives in cold flowing waters such as trout streams. Didymo infestations, also known as rock snot, can result in masses of yellow-brown algae that may dominate sections of a river. The thick mats of algae can harm wildlife and make fishing virtually impossible.

"Felt is porous and can remain damp for weeks, keeping harmful microscopic organisms alive and making it virtually impossible to disinfect," said Jonathan McKnight, head of DNR’s invasive species team.

According to Maryland DNR, rubber soled footwear for use in streams is readily available at most outdoor retailers.

Maryland also advises kayakers, and stream lovers to remove all debris and water from their boats, clothes and gear before leaving a stream.



For additional information on didymo, the felt ban and how to equip boots or waders with new rubber compounds, visit http://dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/pdfs/felt_sole_faq.pdf