Skip to Main Content

Tag Return Programs

Tag being inserted into a northern snakehead.If you caught a tagged fish please reference the chart below as to who to contact. Please have the species, capture date, total length, tag number, tag color, and catch location ready for the contact. Algae may have to be scraped off to read the tag number. Various species of fish are tagged by the Department in an effort to obtain data such as movement, mortality, habitat use, and growth rates.

Species
  
Tag Color/Type
Tag Location
Contact
Comments
American Shad
Chartreuse, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green/Floy T-Bar Tag
Below Dorsal Fin
Robert Bourdon
410-643-6785 ext 2116
Purpose of this tagging study is to obtain a population estimate.
Atlantic Croaker
Green - Internal Anchor Tag
Left side near belly
Beth Versak
410-260-8304

Tags were applied as part of a fishing contest but data are still being collected to determine sasonal movements.

Fishermen are still eligible for a modest reward.

Black Drum
Brown - Anchor Tag, White - Anchor Tag, Orange - Dart Tag
Left Side Belly
Harry Rickabaugh
410-643-6776 ext 109
The purpose of tagging black drum is to obtain life history data including growth, migration, and distribution.
Blue Catfish
Yellow or White - Floy T Bar Tag
Back of the dorsal fin on the left side
Mary Groves
301-888-2423
A reward will be provided for each tag you return; if you catch a blue catfish with 2 tags (yellow and white), please return both tags and you will receive 2 rewards
Blue Catfish
Pink 3" Tag
External
Matt Ogburn (with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center)
No reward currently offered. These fish have been fitted with a surgically implanted accoustic tag that transmits a signal. Please note tag number, location and phone number before returning fish to the water.
Hickory Shad
Brown Floy T-Bar Tag
T-Bar Anchor
Robert Bourdon
410-643-6785 ext 2116
Purpose of this tagging study is to obtain exploitation rates.
Largemouth Bass
Yellow external dart tag (3 inches) Each tag will have a number and a phone number for reporting the tag. Anglers should not remove the tag if they are releasing the fish.
upper back of fish
Tim Groves at 1-301-888-2423 and report the tag number and approximate size of the fish.
We are conducting a mark-recapture project on Mattawoman Creek (Potomac River) to estimate catch-and-release mortality, which will be used in managing the fishery and assessing the potential of catch-and-return areas.
Muskellunge
Gray, Green, Yellow - T Bar Tag
Left side below dorsal fin
John Mullican
301-898-9724
Anglers are encouraged, but not required to release a legal (36" +) tagged fish.
Northern Pike (Deep Creek Lake Only)
Yellow Dart Tag
Located just below dorsal fin on either side. Be on the lookout for signs with specific information.​
​​
Matt Sell 301-689-7168
Tagging project began in 2014 and will generate basic life history information including growth, longevity, and movements. Anglers are encouraged to release tagged fish.
Northern Snakehead
Blue/Floy T-Bar tag
Below dorsal fin
Joshua Newhard (joshua_newhard@fws.gov)
Purpose of the tagging study is to determine patterns of movement, estimate population size, and individual growth rates.
Striped Bass

Pink - Internal Anchor Tag

Green - Internal Anchor Tag

Florescent - Old Diamond Jim Tag, Internal Anchor

Left side belly
Beth Versak
410-260-8304

Tagging data are used to determine migration rates, migration patterns, growth rates, and mortality rates.

The reward for calling in a tag is a certificate with information about the tagged fish and a hat with a picture of a striped bass on it. There are also high reward tags worth $125.

White Perch
Green - Internal Anchor Tag
Left side near belly
Beth Versak
410-260-8304

Tags were applied as part of a fishing contest but data are still being collected to determine sasonal movements.

Fishermen are still eligible for a modest reward.

Yellow Perch
Black Raspberry Floy T-Bar Tag
Below Dorsal Fin
Paul Piavis
410-643-6785 ext 107
Purpose of this study to obtain exploitation rates.

For Live Sturgeon Reward Program (Terminated) contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 1-800-448-8322.

Horseshoe Crab Tags: If you should find a tagged horseshoe crab, record the tag number, location of observance, and condition of animal, and report this information online - Horseshoe Crab Resighting Form. It is not necessary to remove the tag. Those who report a tagged horseshoe crab may receive a reward.