If you’re looking to connect with like-minded anglers and conservation enthusiasts, we’ve taken some of the homework out of the hunt by compiling the following list of Chesapeake Bay angling groups. These sportfishing groups promote the sport of ethical angling and host networking events, seminars, and expos. They provide resources to learn local waters and to become better, all-around anglers. Groups are listed alphabetically. We continuousely update and add to this list. There are many, many angling groups throughout the watershed. If you do not see your group listed, please contact us to be added.
Annapolis Anglers Club was one of the largest and most active chapters in the now-defunct Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association, and now continues independently as the AAC. Members share a passion for Saltwater Fishing in both the Chesapeake Bay and the bluewater found off the Delmarva Coast. In addition to fun and informative meetings, members organize and participate in numerous tournaments and events during the year. Currently, there are no fees or requirements for becoming a member.
The purpose of Coastal Conservation Association Maryland is to advise and educate the public on the conservation of our marine resources. The objective of CCA is to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public. The association regularly holds fishing tournaments, fundraising events, and other member activities.
The Essex-Middle River Fishing Club is a great local club and a great way to meet new fishing buddies. They meet at The Commodore Hall in Essex and host an annual fishing flea market (usually held in early March at the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Company) and kids’ fishing derbies. The club now has a Facebook group. It’s an open group anyone caan join and is loaded with plenty of good information and fun. Please join the Essex-Middle River Fishing Club Page today.
The Frederick Saltwater Anglers Inc. (FSA) is a non-profit organization formed of individuals and families sharing a common love of fishing, the natural resources and supporting the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean to increase public awareness through education of the sport of saltwater fishing and the resources upon which it depends, so it can be preserved and advanced.
They are a 501c3 non-profit organization that has a lot to offer members, from fishing tournaments to month meetings, crab feasts, dances, and more. The calendar is full 12 months of a year.
The mission of the Free State Fly Fishers, Inc. is to: (1) To promote all aspects of the sport of fly fishing and fly fishing techniques to our members and to the general public. (2) To further the cause of good sportsmanship and the enjoyment of fellowship with others who enjoy fly fishing. And (3) To work for the conservation and preservation of our natural resources, waterways and fisheries. The group hosts monthly meetings and fly-tying seminars at it’s clubhouse, located at 3789 Queen Anne Bridge Road, Davidsonville, MD 21035.
Kent Island Fishermen is a 501(c)7 non profit recreational fishing club established to encourage an appreciation and understanding of the quality of life on the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries. The club supports and encourages members to participate in all Chesapeake Bay fishing tournaments. Other events include the Annual Youth Fishing Tournament (FREE to children up to 16), a winter Fishing Flea Market, Numerous Charters and makes monetary contributions to deserving resident or organizations in Queen Anne’s County. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30PM at the American Legion im Stevensville, Maryland.
The Maryland Bass Nation, along with other State Bass Nations, is part of the greater B.A.S.S. Nation, a global network of locally organized clubs whose members participate in and support a range of activities, including tournaments, conservation initiatives and youth programs. The cornerstone of our organization are the many local clubs across the state. Every club has its own personality. Whether you’re looking to learn and improve your bass fishing skills, or your looking for some friendly competition in a more relaxed setting, or if you want to compete at the State level, you can find it with the Maryland Bass Nation.
Maryland Trout Unlimited (MDTU) is a volunteer-led grassroots organization, advancing national Trout Unlimited’s mission and vision in the greater Baltimore area. MDTU is a chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Council of TU. Trout Unlimited today is a national nonprofit organization with 300,000 members and supporters dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
The Mid-Shore Fishing Club holds monthly meetings where members learn from charter boat captains and guides about what fish are available and how to catch them; from scientists discussing the results of studies on the fisheries and the environment; members sharing information about fishing successes; and individuals enjoy each other’s camaraderie. The club holds fishing contests, charter trips to local and out-of-state hotspots, social events, host a fishing-oriented flea market, and generally develop a sense of community. The club also sponsors fishing events for children to teach them the joys of fishing and the need to be good conservationists.
National Capital Chapter of Trout Unlimited represent the immediate Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. It is the the eleventh chapter of Trout Unlimited, established shortly after TU was founded in 1959. They are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to conservation, education and community service across the Mid-Atlantic.
Over the years, money raised has enabled the Chapter to play a significant role in the conservation community through donations to many projects that furthered TU’s mission to preserve, protect, and restore coldwater resources. They welcome passionate conservationists and anglers of all ages and abilities and look forward to meeting you soon.
The Northwest Fishing Club is a group of anglers dedicated to fishing the Chesapeake Bay, sponsoring an annual Kids Fishing Derby, and supporting bay restoration efforts.
Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Catonsville Knights of Columbus at 7:30 p.m. with monthly guest speakers. The group also distributes a monthly newsletter with conservation updates, club event information, and more need-to-know angler intel.
Visit their Facebook page for information on how to join.
Pasadena Sportfishing Group (PSG) is a no-profit organization focused on sharing fishing information and promoting camaraderie with fellow fishermen. The group has meetings the 2nd Monday of each month at Kurtz Beach, located at 2070 Kurtz Avenue, Pasadena, MD 21122. The meetings provide guest speakers, 50-50 raffles, and door prizes. The group is free to all…no membership dues. Additionally, PSG runs two Kids Fishing Derbies every year to promote and/or introduce fishing to youth. And the annual Fishing Flea Market/Show is held every February with 2000-plus attendees.
The Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization, Inc. (SMRFO) is a non-profit, 501(c)(4) organization registered in the State of Maryland. The primary purpose of the organization is to protect the fisheries in the State of Maryland. The vision of the organization is to be an active and engaged recreational fishing organization in Southern Maryland and to be an effective service organization to the local community.
