An ancient primitive fish unchanged for millions of years, covered in heavy interlocking diamond ganoid scales and equipped with an elongated beak filled with needle teeth. Breathes air using a specialized swim bladder.
Season
May – September
Where
Potomac River Tidal Flats, Susquehanna Lower River, Marshyhope Creek
Salinity band
Inland Freshwater (0 - 3 ppt)
Status
Established Inland Freshwater Species
Record
MD Record: 18 lbs 0 oz
How we fish for them
Entangle toothy beaks using unhooked frayed nylon rope lures retrieved slowly near surface, or drift live minnows on small treble hooks.
Rod: 7'0" medium spinning rod Reel: 3000-size reel • 20lb Braid + 30lb Mono
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Safe release: Wet hands or rubber net before handling to preserve protective slime layer.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026