ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland anglers are gearing up for a series of 2025 fishing tournaments aimed at curbing the spread of invasive blue catfish, a nonnative predator threatening Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem by consuming species like blue crabs, white perch, and menhaden. With no fishing restrictions on blue catfish, which can grow massive—the state record stands at 82 pounds since 2012—these events offer cash prizes, bragging rights, and a chance to protect native species while enjoying Maryland’s waterways.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources notes that blue catfish, introduced in Virginia in the 1970s, have surged in Maryland, with commercial landings rising from 609,525 pounds in 2013 to 4.2 million pounds in 2023, a 500% increase.
Tournaments encourage recreational anglers to remove these fish, supporting ecological balance and providing seafood for local communities.
The Mid-Shore Fishing Club Invasive Species Tournament, running through December 1, 2025, targets blue catfish and Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) on the Eastern Shore, offering payouts for the most and largest fish caught. Similarly, the Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) Reel Rewards Program, active until October 31, 2025, incentivizes anglers to remove invasive species from the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, with a second “Bounty” phase from April 26 to July 12, 2025, paying $30 per blue catfish, snakehead, or flathead catfish caught in Baltimore Harbor to aid scientific research.
On April 12, 2025, the Benedict Volunteer Fire Department Annual Catfish Tournament at Benedict Bridge, a known blue catfish hotspot on the Patuxent River, will award cash prizes for the heaviest fish and five-fish stringers across boat, kayak, and shore divisions, with proceeds supporting the Charles County volunteer fire department. The Back River Restoration Committee Millers Island Land Fishing Invitational on April 26, 2025, at West Shore Yacht Center in Essex, will direct prize money and proceeds to Back River watershed cleanups.
The inaugural CCA Maryland Katfish for Kids tournament on May 10, 2025, in Annapolis, benefits Combos For Kids, offering free entry for children 12 and under and prize packs worth $300 to $1,000. The Eric Altemus Memorial Catfish Tournament on June 14, 2025, at Safe Harbor Bohemia Vista in Chesapeake City, will support local organizations with cash prizes and family-friendly activities.
The Nanticoke River Invasive Fishing Derby, date to be announced, organized by Salisbury University’s Noah Bressman, combines research with recreation at Cherry Beach Park in Sharptown. Anglers compete for over $2,000 in prizes, with caught fish analyzed to study ecological impacts, followed by a free catfish cookout. Madness on the Marshyhope, hosted by Coastal Conservation Association Maryland on November 1, 2025, at Federalsburg Marina Park, has drawn over 50 anglers in past years, catching nearly 200 catfish totaling 400 pounds, served fish-fry style post-tournament.
Fish For A Cure, also on November 1, 2025, includes an invasive species category in its Chesapeake Bay tournament, raising funds for cancer care in Annapolis. The Maryland Rod and Reef Slam, date TBD, sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and others, awards prizes for the largest three-fish stringer of invasive species over restored oyster reefs, highlighting biodiversity.
These events, detailed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourage anglers to combat invasive species while fostering community engagement and conservation.