The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering area fishing enthusiasts a chance to land a free day on the water — and help protect the Chesapeake Bay at the same time. The agency is giving away 100 charter or guided fishing trips focused on catching blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Each trip is valued at up to $1,500.
The contest, called “Reel in the Blues Bonanza,” is accepting entries from June 24 through July 13. Anyone 18 years of age or older can submit one entry through a simple online form for a shot at winning a summer or fall fishing outing targeting these invasive fish.
One hundred winners will be chosen at random from all entries submitted. Those who win will need to reach out to a participating captain or guide to set up their trip. Winners are allowed to bring guests, up to the capacity of the charter boat they select. Charter fees and mate tips are covered as part of the prize.
Blue catfish are considered great eating, and mates can fillet the catch right on the boat so winners can take the fish home.
The giveaway serves several goals: removing blue catfish from the bay, encouraging more recreational fishermen to target this invasive species, and boosting Maryland’s charter and guided fishing industry. Blue catfish, known scientifically as Ictalurus furcatus, pose a serious threat to the ecosystem because of their aggressive feeding habits, rapid reproduction, and ability to crowd out native species that are important to both commercial and recreational fishing in Maryland.
This contest is one piece of a broader departmental effort to reduce the damage caused by invasive catfish. Other programs include collecting harvest data from charter captains, backing invasive species fishing tournaments, and coordinating with partners and other agencies to increase the number of fish removed. Anglers with a valid Maryland fishing license face no season restrictions or catch limits when targeting blue catfish recreationally.
Winners of the Reel in the Blues Bonanza will be notified and given a list of participating captains and guides by July 15. They must confirm acceptance of the prize by responding to the department no later than July 22. Trips are expected to take place between late July 2026 and October 2026. Winners are responsible for getting themselves to the dock where their charter departs.
Questions about the contest can be directed to [email protected].
