Catfish tournaments provide a chance to earn bragging rights and to win prizes. Whether anglers are looking to stuff coolers with wild-caught Maryland seafood or compete for prize money, angling for blue catfish can be rewarding.
This list includes upcoming Maryland tournaments and other events that feature targeting of blue catfish and other invasive species:
Mid-Shore Fishing Club Invasive Species Tournament – Now through December 1
Sponsored by the Mid-Shore Fishing Club of Maryland, anglers target blue catfish and Chesapeake Channa, also known as snakeheads, inside the boundaries of the Eastern Shore. Payouts are awarded for most fish and largest fish. Fish caught for tournament purposes must be harvested to qualify for rewards.
Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative Reel Rewards Program – April 25 through July 18
Back for a third season, the Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative is a Baltimore-based nonprofit offering incentives for the catch of Chesapeake channa, blue catfish, and flathead catfish caught and harvested in the Baltimore Harbor up to the former Key Bridge. Anglers can earn up to $30 per fish, helping remove the invasive species and allowing researchers to address their impact on the natural environment. Drop-off locations can be found on the Initiative’s website.
Reel Invasion Fishing Derby: Anacostia River – June 7
Organized by the Maryland DNR and the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment, this free public outreach event and fishing derby aims to educate the community on the harvest of invasive species. Invasive fish like the blue catfish can cause significant ecological harm to local Maryland and D.C. waters. Beyond the competition, attendees can enjoy live fillet demonstrations, introductory fishing lessons, prize giveaways, and more.
Eric Altemus Memorial Catfish Tournament – June 13
Supporting a great cause, awarding cash prizes and benefitting multiple local organizations, the Eric Altemus Memorial Catfish Tournament in Chesapeake City will be a great event fun for all ages. It will be held at Safe Harbor Bohemia Vista.
Snakes on the Dundee V – June 13
Now in its fifth year, Snakes on the Dundee is an annual tournament and outreach event focused on the the Northern Snakehead. The Maryland DNR and United States Fish and Wildlife Service invite anglers of all levels to Dundee Creek Marina at Gunpowder Falls State Park for this free-to-enter competition. The day’s festivities include bowfishing and fillet demonstrations, door prizes, and various family-friendly activities.
Nanticoke River Invasive Fishing Derby – Date TBD
For the fifth consecutive year, Salisbury University Assistant Professor Noah Bressman is organizing a research-based tournament at Cherry Beach Park in Sharptown. This event features more than $2,000 in prizes, while a portion of all blue catfish and Chesapeake Channa caught will be analyzed in Bressman’s lab to study their effects on the local ecosystem. Weigh-ins are followed by awards and a free catfish cookout, where anglers can reap the rewards of their catch. The event takes place in summer, the exact date will be announced.
Madness on the Marshyhope – Date TBD
Coastal Conservation Association Maryland’s annual catfish tournament returns for its fourth year out of Federalsburg Marina Park. Previous year’s tournaments have featured more than 50 anglers and nearly 200 catfish caught, totaling over 400 pounds. After awards distribution, the daily catch gets served up fish-fry style, highlighting one of the blue catfish’s best traits – its flavor. Fishing equipment and bait is provided free of charge for youth anglers, but all ages are encouraged to participate.
Chester River Catfish Tournament – August 29
Hosted by the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Association, the annual Chester River Catfish Tournament is held in the Chester River and promotes the removal of non-native and invasive species while raising money for Maryland conservation. Thousands of dollars in prize money is awarded for the largest blue, flathead, and channel catfish. Over 60 junior anglers participated in last year’s tournament.
Fish For A Cure – November 7
This fishing tournament and fundraising challenge makes waves to fund local initiatives in cancer care, including the annual fishing tournament on the Chesapeake Bay followed by a Shore Party in Annapolis, Maryland. The tournament includes an invasive species category.
What Are Blue Catfish?
Blue catfish are top predators that consume native species such as blue crabs, white perch, and menhaden.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging anglers to do their part to help the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem by catching and removing blue catfish from the state’s waterways.
There are no size limits, catch limits, or closed seasons for blue catfish. They can grow to tremendous sizes – the 82-pound state record has stood unbroken since 2012.
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