Wye Mills

[Sun]

This isn't kayak fishing, but I think it's relevant, and I know you all are knowledgeable enough to answer my questions =).

Some friends and I want to do some crabbing (traps and hand lines) this Saturday, and we're thinking of renting boats at Schnaitman's. Does anyone have any experience with renting boats from them? How early do they run out of rentals? How many people fit in their motor boats? What fish are in the area? Do you know of a better place with rentals where we can go crabbing?

[RavensDfense]

I am familiar with Schnaitman's. Chucky, the owner, is a friend of my father. His boats are small, maybe 12-14 feet maximunm with a small outboard. Idk the cost, but I'd say three people plus pots and baskets would be all you would want to carry. He opens very early. When we run out to crab/fish we usually see several of his rentals out just after sunrise. The crabs are picking up in the river right now also. My old man caught several bushel there (commerically) on Sunday. All fat, hard crabs.

As far as fishing goes, it has been an off year for keeper rockfish. There are hundreds of dinks, just like everywhere else. The further out you go the better. Bottom rigs with peeler, shrimp, BW's will catch rock, perch, and nice HH. About three weeks ago we caught some HH up to 17 inches, but they were mixed in with a ton of small rock. Small lures are always good for a perch or two around the banks of the river.

Also, get there early as $#@&. Otherwise you will be walking 10 miles back to the landing and left without a good hole to set your pots in.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Shady]

Another good place to rent a boat and crab is Dundee Creek Marina off of the Gunpowder river. I grew up crabbing out of there. I think the best crabbing in this area may still be a few weeks out though. I've never actually rented a boat there, but have some friends that have done it.

[Sun]

Thanks for the tips guys.
We ended up going to Schnaitman's on the Wye River, and it was a good time for all. We were crabbing mainly with handlines and chicken wings.
Took home a dozen crabs, and a bunch of perch.

The Wye River is nice and quiet, and filled with perch and crabs. It kind of reminded me of the Severn without the boat traffic. Seems like it would be a nice place to kayak.