Reel Rewards 2025 Season is here!
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 Baltimore Harbor (up to the former Key Bridge). You’ll help scientists better understand invasive species populations and earn $30 for each head or body!
Here’s how:
- Register as an angler on iAngler and join the 2025 Reel Rewards Tournament.
- Catch an invasive fish species (Snakehead, Blue or Flathead Catfish) in the Baltimore Harbor.
- Visit us at a drop-off station to turn in the heads or bodies and collect your reward (check the calendar on this page or on iAngler). Fish must be fresh or frozen to receive the bounty, rotting fish will not be accepted.
- As of 5/10, there will be a cap of 12 fish allowed to be turned in per week.
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12pm Reel Rewards Drop-Off Hours / Chesapeake Water Watch Collection Event
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12pm Reel Rewards Drop-Off Hours / Chesapeake Water Watch Collection Event
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9am Reel Rewards Drop-Off Hours
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12pm Reel Rewards Drop-Off Hours
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12pm Reel Rewards Drop-Off Hours
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Map of the Baltimore Harbor located at the mouth of the Patapsco River. The blue, 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 the preparation and consumption of fish.
- Click here to see consumption guidelines from MDE.
- Avoid harming native species while fishing for invasives. Intentionally harming 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 Baltimore Harbor of the Patapsco River (see map).
- Fish must be caught by the participant submitting them for the reward.
- Photo or video evidence of catch and location must be logged in iAngler. We reserve the right to reject a log if factual inconsistencies exist 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.
- 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!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
