Blue Catfish

The Nanticoke River near Brookview, Maryland, is a renowned destination for blue catfish, offering some of the best catfishing on the Eastern Shore. These fish have flourished in the river's brackish waters, reaching impressive sizes. The best time to target them is during the spring and fall, when water temperatures are moderate. Blue cats are opportunistic feeders, so a variety of baits can be effective. Cut bait, such as gizzard shad or menhaden, is a popular choice, but they'll also take live bait, such as eels or bluegills. Look for them in deep holes, channels, and around structure such as bridge pilings and submerged timber. The area around Vienna, just a short drive from Brookview, is a particularly productive spot. The public boat ramp there provides easy access to the river. Local tip: Use a fish finder to locate schools of baitfish, as the blue catfish are likely to be nearby. Also, be prepared for some serious pulling power – these fish can easily exceed 50 pounds. The Nanticoke River's blue catfish population is robust, providing anglers with a great chance to catch a trophy fish.