A Cecil Celebration – Perch and Panfishing

Lunch at the Turn Ten featured a club sandwich with layers of softshell crab and rockfish. Reminded us how lucky we are to live in Maryland, where such delicacies are part of our culinary heritage and bountiful natural resources.

Field and stream sports are not only a source of recreation and food.   In Eastern and Western Maryland, hunting and fishing are industries that support a number of small businesses and attract tourists from all over.  From off shore bill fishing in Ocean City to Bay charters to casting in rivers and creeks, Maryland outfitters offer the excitement of game fishing and the timeless beauty of our outdoors as attractions.

It’s too early for those activities, but for if you're anxious to cast a line and enjoy a Maryland tradition, the advent of panfishing season is here.

Panfishing, you say? How does one bait a pan?

The pan in question is not used for catching the fish, merely for frying it. So a number of species, small enough to fit in a pan, but large enough to be considered game, qualify. Here in Maryland, they are such tasty specimens as perch, crappie, blue gill and croaker. They spawn in the fresh waters of rivers, reservoirs, and lakes and start their migration right about now.

A particular favorite is the yellow perch, and the Coastal Conservation Association of the upper Bay is having their second annual “Yellow Perch Appreciation Day” this Saturday, March 5th in North East, honoring the first fish of the Chesapeake season. As many youngsters learn to fish in pursuit of the yellow perch, this is a family oriented event.

For CCA, a sportsmen’s advocacy group, the event celebrates the resurgence of the yellow perch, which has rebounded due in large part to tighter restrictions on commercial nets in tributaries.
 
(A shout-out to the DNR who worked hard to create the balance between commercial harvesting and recreational fishing which made this possible.  DNR has also encouraged local retail markets to carry the commercial product.)

A fishing tournament of thanksgiving and celebration for this savory delight takes place at North East Park. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Anglers can fish from a boat or on the park pier, competing for top prize of $250 for the single heaviest ned. Runner-up earns $200, third place $150, fourth place $100, and fifth place $50. A CCA Calcutta gives fishermen a chance to double winnings.

Other activities include angling contests for children, food and drinks. Plus, 'Yellow Neddy' is scheduled to make an appearance. Find more information here:

The ever-helpful DNR has compiled a roster of some of the best fishing spots in the state as well Cecil County. Be sure to visit this site here:
 
And of course, you'll want to eat what you catch, so check for some traditional recipes in the Maryland Seafood Cookbook