Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding a free Chesapeake Bay blue catfish charter or guided fishing trip giveaway for summer and fall chartered fishing trips in 2026. The trips will be guided trips to harvest blue catfish, an invasive fish in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Mates operating on winning trips may offer filleting services, trips will be coordinated between late July 2026 through October 2026. Winners will be responsible for contacting a participating captain or guide to coordinate their trip. A list of captains and guides will be provided to the winners from DNR by July 22.
After their trip, winners will be asked to send photos and/or videos of their charter boat fishing experiences to
[email protected]. Please use "Reel in the Blues Bonanza" in the subject line of your e-mail to us. Winners will be asked to submit a
customer satisfaction survey following the trip so DNR can improve the experience in the future.
