Eastern Shore Catfish & White Perch Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target giant Blue Catfish and White Perch on Eastern Shore riversAll fishing gear and bait provided for 4hour guided tripAccommodates up to 4 guests with Captain David as guide
Picture this: you're drifting along the Eastern Shore's winding rivers with Captain David, watching your rod tip dance as something big takes your bait. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to hook into some of Maryland's most exciting freshwater action. Over 3-4 hours, you'll target the region's heavyweight blue catfish and scrappy white perch, two species that'll give you completely different fights and fill your cooler with quality eating. Captain David knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before.
Captain David runs a tight ship that maxes out at four anglers, so you're getting personalized attention without feeling crowded. He'll meet you at the launch with all your gear already rigged and ready – rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait are all part of the package. The beauty of this trip is how Captain David reads the tide and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Some days the catfish are stacked up in the deep holes, other days the white perch are schooled tight in the shallows. He'll make the call based on what's happening that day, though if you've got your heart set on one species over the other, just speak up when you book. The Eastern Shore rivers offer perfect habitat for both species, with structure-rich bottoms, current breaks, and plenty of baitfish to keep the action steady. Don't forget that cooler – you'll want to take home your catch for a fish fry that'll have the neighbors talking.
Captain David's got the tackle dialed in for both species, which means you might be switching between setups depending on what's biting. For catfish, expect medium-heavy spinning rods with enough backbone to handle those 20+ pound blues that cruise these rivers. Circle hooks are the standard here – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and make catch-and-release cleaner if you're being selective about keeper size. White perch fishing calls for lighter tackle that lets you feel every head shake and run. Captain David typically runs Carolina rigs for catfish, keeping bait near the bottom where these whisker fish cruise for meals. White perch setups might include small jigs or live bait rigs that can cover different parts of the water column. The captain reads the water constantly, moving between spots based on tide flow, baitfish activity, and seasonal patterns. You'll learn to watch for subtle signs like current seams and structure changes that hold fish in these tidal rivers.
Blue catfish are the main attraction here, and for good reason – the Eastern Shore rivers produce some genuine monsters. These fish can push 30, 40, even 50 pounds, and when one decides to eat your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight starts with a heavy pull that might fool you into thinking you're snagged on bottom, then suddenly your drag starts screaming as the fish realizes it's hooked. Blue cats are surprisingly strong swimmers for their size, using the current to their advantage and making long, sustained runs that'll test your arms and your patience. Captain David has seen plenty of first-time catfish anglers get humbled by fish they thought would be easy to land. White perch bring a completely different energy to the trip. They're smaller fish, usually running 8-12 inches, but they make up for size with attitude and numbers. When you find a school of white perch, you can catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They hit hard for their size and fight with surprising strength, plus they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Blue catfish are the heavyweight champions of the Eastern Shore rivers, and they're here year-round with peak action happening during warmer months when they're most active. These fish are native success stories – they were stocked decades ago and have thrived in the Chesapeake Bay system's tributaries. Blues are opportunistic feeders that'll eat everything from cut bait to live fish, and they grow fast in these nutrient-rich waters. The exciting part about targeting blue catfish is you never know if your next bite will be a 5-pounder or a 50-pounder. They're also excellent table fare despite what some people think about catfish – the meat is firm, white, and mild when they come from clean water like these Eastern Shore rivers. Captain David knows the deep holes and channel edges where these fish stack up, especially during tide changes when they move shallow to feed.
White perch are the Eastern Shore's best-kept secret for consistent action and outstanding eating. These aren't actually perch at all – they're part of the striped bass family, which explains their fighting spirit and why they school up like their bigger cousins. Spring through fall offers the best white perch fishing, with peak action during their spawning runs when they push into tributaries in huge numbers. What makes white perch special is their willingness to bite almost anything you put in front of them, making them perfect for kids or anyone who wants steady action. They're also incredibly good eating – many local anglers consider them better than crappie or bluegill. The white, flaky meat is perfect for fish cakes, fish tacos, or a simple pan fry. Captain David often finds them schooled up around structure like fallen trees or bridge pilings, and once you locate a school, you can fill your cooler quickly.
This trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – quality fishing with a captain who knows his stuff, in waters that consistently produce both numbers and size. Captain David's approach of focusing on one species based on conditions means you're always fishing when the odds are in your favor, rather than just hoping something bites. Whether you're after the arm-burning fight of a big blue catfish or the fast action and excellent eating that white perch provide, this Eastern Shore adventure covers all the bases
Captain David's restored 25-foot MayCraft center console is built for serious fishing on Maryland's Eastern Shore rivers. This beauty seats up to 6 anglers comfortably and cuts through the water with a powerful 350HP Suzuki engine, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the best catfish and white perch spots quickly. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - a reliable fish finder to locate schools of perch and those monster blue cats lurking in the depths, GPS navigation to hit prime fishing locations, and radar for those foggy morning starts. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your fresh catch properly chilled. With all fishing gear and bait provided, you can focus on what matters most - fighting these hard-pulling fish and filling your cooler with dinner. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies.
Ameiurus CatusWhite catfish are the smallest of our local cats, usually running half a pound to 2 pounds, though bigger ones around 10 pounds do show up. They prefer slower waters with muddy bottoms where they can root around for insects and crustaceans using those sensitive barbels. Unlike their bigger cousins, whites aren't strictly nocturnal - you can catch them morning through evening in our tidal rivers and backwaters. They're great table fare and fun on light tackle. These cats can handle both fresh and brackish water, following the tides. My go-to setup is chicken liver or nightcrawlers on the bottom, but here's the key: let your bait drift slightly instead of sitting dead still - movement helps them locate it faster.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch are actually bass family members despite the name, running 7-10 inches and under a pound typically. These silvery fighters love our brackish Eastern Shore waters, especially during spring when they school up to spawn in April through June. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit bloodworms, minnows, and small jigs near structure and drop-offs. What makes them popular is they bite consistently, taste great fried up, and you can often catch multiples once you find a school. They feed throughout the day but morning and evening are prime. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep your line in the same spot - where there's one white perch, there's usually a whole bunch more waiting.
Easton