In an effort to combat the escalating issue of blue catfish in Maryland, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging anglers to aim for a new state record. The current record, an 84.0-pound giant, was caught by Oregon resident Ed Jones in August 2012, a memorable event marked by both triumph and personal loss as Jones recounted losing his phone to the river during the catch. Despite the mishap, the day remains etched in his memory, celebrated by a plaque and a photo prominently displayed in his home.
Blue catfish, a non-native species introduced in the 1970s in Virginia, have become a significant invasive threat in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Their population has surged in Maryland, with commercial harvests jumping from 609,525 pounds in 2013 to 4.2 million pounds in 2023. These fish pose a considerable risk to native species, consuming large quantities of blue crabs, menhaden, and white perch, and their large sizes and reproductive rates exacerbate the issue.
The DNR’s strategy includes urging anglers to remove these predators from the waters. With no fishing seasons or limits for blue catfish, the department emphasizes the importance of harvesting these fish to protect the ecosystem. Branson Williams, the DNR’s invasive species program manager, highlighted the detrimental impact of catch-and-release practices on native species, urging for the removal of these invasive predators.
Maryland’s approach to managing the blue catfish population is multifaceted, offering not only a challenge to anglers to break the state record but also promoting the utilization of the fish as food, bait, or even garden compost. The DNR has outlined regulations against the release of blue catfish into different waters, with penalties for violations.
As the state gears up for more than a dozen blue catfish fishing tournaments this year, the opportunity to set a new record is accompanied by a chance to contribute positively to the ecosystem. The DNR provides recognition for record-breaking catches and emphasizes the broader environmental benefits of reducing the blue catfish population.