Reel Rewards

Reel Rewards' 2024 season is now closed

Reel Rewards Program

Invasive fish species threaten the Baltimore Harbor ecosystem, economy, and native species. Invasive Snakehead, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish prey on and compete for resources with native species that are important to anglers and businesses.


You can help by catching any of these three species in the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River. You’ll help scientists better understand invasive species populations and earn $30 for each head or body!

Here’s how: 


  1. Register as an angler on iAngler and join the EJJI Reel Rewards Tournament
  2. Register for Reel Rewards using this form
  3. Plan to fish during one of our drop-off days (check back for next season)
  4. Catch an invasive fish species (Snakehead or Blue or Flathead Catfish) in the Middle Branch
  5. Visit us at a drop-off station to turn in the heads or bodies and collect your reward.
  6. Individuals may turn in a maximum of 15 fish per week.

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Map of the Middle Branch Harbor located in South Baltimore, MD. The neon green, dotted outline shows where invasive fish must be caught in order to receive Reel Rewards bounty money. Anglers must provide proof of catch through iAngler to receive bounty.

Reel Rewards Program Policies


Anglers participating in the Reel Reward Program must adhere to the following policies:


  • Adhere to all applicable fishing regulations for the area in which you fish.
  • Click here to see Maryland DNR page on fishing regulations. 
  • Follow consumption guidelines to ensure safety in preparation and consumption of fish.
  • Click here to see consumption guidelines from MDE. 
  • Avoid harming native species while fishing for invasives. Intentionally harming of protected wildlife or native wildlife is prohibited. Native species will not be accepted.
  • Log accurate information on the catch in iAngler to receive the bounty.
  • Fish must be caught in the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River in Baltimore City (see map).
  • Fish must be caught by the participant submitting them for the reward.
  • Photo or video evidence of catch  as well as location must be logged in iAngler. We reserve the right to reject a log if there are factual inconsistencies in the information provided.
  • You may log multiple catches per iAngler log for fish caught in the same area and time. 
  • Submitted fish heads or bodies must be in good condition and identifiable. Fish fry (babies) will not be accepted.
  • Anglers may submit a maximum of 15 fish heads or bodies per week.
  • There are no restrictions on whether the fish is caught on land or by boat. 
  • There are no restrictions on where a participant resides. 
  • Participants may receive $30 for every invasive species head dropped off. Bounty amount is subject to change due to volume and demand.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to receive the reward.
  • Violation of above policies or abusive, violent, and otherwise disruptive behavior are grounds for restriction or disqualification from the program.

Want to volunteer with Reel Rewards?

We're looking for volunteers to collect fish from anglers at our Reel Rewards bounty drop-off sites in South Baltimore. Sign up below!

Volunteer Registration

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  • What type of fishing license is required for the Middle Branch?

    Everyone over the age of 16 is required to hold a fishing license or registration. The Middle Branch is tidal so you will need the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal license, which can be acquired here from the MD DNR. 


    When fishing from either:

    • A free fishing area 
    • Waterfront property you or your family own
    • Or aboard a vessel with a Pleasure Boat License/Decal 

    a fishing license is not required, but a free Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration is. See here for other exceptions. 


    Free fishing in the Middle Branch is as follows: Broening Park from the fishing pier southeast of the Hanover Street Bridge (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge) to Hanover Street Bridge.

  • Are there any season, size, or possession limits for Snakehead, Blue Catfish, or Flathead Catfish?

    There are no limits for any of the three invasive species the Reel Rewards program targets. For more information on MD DNR regulations see here.


    Be aware that it is illegal to possess live snakehead, blue catfish, and flathead catfish, and transportation of these species into another body of water can incur a fine of up to $2,500.

  • Is it safe to eat the fish I catch?

    It depends. Follow the MDE consumption guidelines to ensure safety in preparation and consumption of fish. Those guidelines can be found here. 

  • How can I safely harvest the fish?

    Below are a list of links with more information on how to safetly and legally harvest invasive fish from the Middle Branch:



    Snakeheads


    Blue and Flathead Catfish

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