Maryland is doubling down on efforts to combat invasive fish species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, offering anglers a variety of opportunities to remove problem fish while competing for cash, prizes, and bragging rights.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging recreational anglers to target invasive blue catfish, a nonnative predator that has expanded throughout Maryland waterways. According to the agency, blue catfish prey on important native species including blue crabs, white perch, and menhaden, creating concerns for the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
Unlike many sportfish, blue catfish in Maryland face no recreational harvest limits, no size restrictions, and no closed season. The species can grow to impressive sizes, with Maryland’s state-record blue catfish weighing 82 pounds. As a result, anglers have the unique opportunity to simultaneously enjoy a challenging fishery and help reduce invasive populations.
To support these efforts, Maryland continues to promote and partner with numerous tournaments and fishing events that reward anglers for harvesting blue catfish and other invasive species. These events not only provide prize money and community engagement but also contribute valuable harvest data and help remove thousands of pounds of invasive fish from local waters. These tournaments can be quite productive, with nearly 1,000 pounds of invasive blue catfish harvested during the 2022 Sharptown Catfish Tournament alone.
Maryland Offering Up to $1,500 Per Blue Catfish Charter Trip
In addition to tournament incentives, Maryland is launching a new pilot program designed to support both invasive species management and the state’s charter fishing industry.
The DNR is offering charter boat captains and fishing guides reimbursements of up to $1,500 per trip through a new initiative called the “Reel in the Blues Bonanza.” The program will provide free blue catfish charter trips to randomly selected members of the public during the summer and fall of 2026.
Captains interested in participating must submit an interest form by June 22. Beginning June 24, the state will open registration for members of the public who wish to be entered into a drawing for free blue catfish fishing trips.
Participating captains and guides will be reimbursed by the department for up to $1,500 per trip, including compensation that may exceed the normal cost of a charter and includes gratuities for mates. To qualify, operators must possess a Maryland Waterman ID number, hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license when applicable, and report harvest data electronically through Maryland’s FACTS system.
According to Maryland officials, the program is part of a broader strategy to reduce invasive blue catfish populations while collecting harvest information and supporting the charter fleet. State officials indicated similar programs could continue in 2027 and 2028 depending on funding and participation levels.
2026 Maryland Invasive Species Tournament Schedule
Anglers return with their bounty from the Nanticoke River and Marshyhope Creek during the 2022 Sharptown Catfish Tournament, where nearly 1,000 pounds of invasive blue catfish were harvested. Maryland DNR photo.
If you want to help rid the Chesapeake watershed of invasive species such as snakeheads and blue catfish, and potentially make some cash while doing so, consider entering the following tournaments.
Mid-Shore Fishing Club Invasive Species Tournament
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.
Dates: Now through Dec. 1, 2026
Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative Reel Rewards Program
Back for a third season, the Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative is a Baltimore-based nonprofit offering incentives for the catch of ChesapeakeChanna, 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.
Dates: Now through July 18, 2026
Chester River Catfish Tournament
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. More than 60 junior anglers participated in last year’s tournament.
Date: Aug. 29, 2026
Madness on the Marshyhope
Coastal Conservation Association Maryland’s annual catfish tournament returns for its fourth year out of Federalsburg Marina Park. Previous years’ 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.
Date: Nov. 7, 2026
Fish For A Cure
This 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.
Date: Nov. 7, 2026
