Ever wanted to fish Centennial Lake at night?  Now's your chance!

Join Howard County Recreation & Parks for a unique opportunity to fish the lake after hours on select dates. Bring your own fishing pole, tackle, bait, bug repellent, flashlight or lantern, chair or boat*.  Advance registration is encouraged but on site registration available. Under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.  Just $5 to fish each night, (Drop-in tournaments will return in 2021).  More information:  Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754 or dthomas@howardcountymd.gov.

Social distancing rules will be in effect and staff will limit contact with participants. Bring a mask to wear at check-in and plan to keep distance from other anglers. Boats are welcome! No spectators at this time - $5 fee required for everyone in the park after hours during Nite Bite Fishing, including non-fishing parents/guardians.

All participants should take their temperature before coming to the park. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4F or higher should stay home and will not be allowed to participate. Additional health screening questions will be asked at check-in.

Know before you go - Call the program status line at 410-313-4451 (option 1 then option 4) to see if the event is still running as scheduled.

* All boats must meet Maryland DNR requirements and must have the proper lights - see Rules tab for more information.

Current 2020 Nite Bite Fishing schedule:

Click the RP number to sign up online - preregistration encouraged as the program is limited to a certain number and may fill quickly!

RP9154.107  September 12   6-11pm   Sa

RP9154.113  September 19   6-11pm   Sa
      Nite Bite Clinic available this date - see tab for details!

RP9154.114  September 25   6-11pm   F
      Nite Bite Clinic available this date - see tab for details!

RP9154.115  October 3    6-11pm   Sa
      Nite Bite Clinic for adults available this date - see tab for details!

RP9154.108  October 10  6-11pm   Sa
      Nite Bite Clinic for adults available this date - see tab for details!

Call 410-313-7275 to register or click the RP numbers to sign up online!  Registering by date does NOT enter you in the Nite Bite Fishing Tournament or Nite Bite Fishing Clinics - see the tabs for more information on the Clinics (no tournaments this year).  Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/fishing for a complete list of fishing classes and events!

Regulations for Nite Bite Fishing: See Drop-in Tournament tab for tournament rules.
1.  Bring your own fishing pole, bait, tackle, bug repellent, flashlight or lantern, chair or boat.
2.  All anglers must be checked in and/or registered by 8pm on the night of the event.  ALL participants (including non-fishing parent/guarduans) must be checked in and pay the $5 fee to remain in the park after hours.
3.  All anglers 16 yrs or older must have a valid fishing license during fishing programs and events. Click here to purchase a license online!
4.  All anglers must follow all Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rules & regulations. More Information: www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/
5.  Boaters are subject to all Maryland DNR boating regulations for Centennial Lake.  ELECTRIC MOTORS ONLY !  You must have the proper lights in use: a white stern light, red port light and green starboard light, and have the required safety gear on board at all times. This includes kayaks & canoes.
6.  All boats must be back to the boat launch by 11pm and all vehicles must be out of the park by 11:30pm (12am/12:30am for June/July/August dates).
7.  Nite Bite Drop-in Tournaments will return in 2021. No weighing in of fish at any 2020 dates.

Available on select Nite Bite Fishing dates ONLY.

Nite Bite Fishing Clinics
5 yrs+ & 18 yrs+ / Dates below / $10
Want to fish but not sure how to get started?  Wondering which bait and rod to use?  Join Rec & Parks staff and learn to fish during Nite Bite Fishing events.  This is bare bones instruction - first hour is instruction and instructor will remain on site for assistance until 11pm.  All fishing equipment and bait provided for use during the clinic; bring your own flashlight or lantern.  Fee includes entry to Nite Bite Fishing.  Advance registration strongly encouraged - these Clinics fill quickly and on site registration may not be available.  Under 16 years must be accompanied by a participating and registered adult. Meet Nite Bite Fishing staff at the Centennial Park Boat Ramp the day of the event.  Information:  Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754 or dthomas@howardcountymd.gov.

2020 Nite Bite Fishing - Classes may be full but Wait list registration available.

RP9154.127   Sep 12    5 yrs+    6:30-11pm   Sa   FULL

RP9154.128   Sep 19    5 yrs+    6:30-11pm   Sa

RP9154.129   Sep 25    5 yrs+    6:30-11pm   F

RP9154.131   Oct 3      18 yrs+   6:30-11pm   Sa

RP9154.132   Oct 10    18 yrs+   6:30-11pm   Sa

Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/fishing for complete details on fishing classes and events!

Call 410-313-7275 to register or click the RP numbers to sign up online!  Clinic participants do not need to register for the $5 Nite Bite Fishing entry separately but registration in the clinic does NOT enter you in the Nite Bite Fishing Drop-in Tournaments for prize money.

Please note: For sections that include chi;dren, under 16 MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian who MUST also be registered for the class.

Nite Bite Drop-in Tournaments will return in 2021.

All Nite Bite Fishing dates
SIgn up on-site at any Nite Bite Fishing event for the Nite Bite Drop-in Tournaments! $15 entry fee includes Nite Bite Fishing entry for that evening. Half of your $15 fee goes to the event, half goes into the pot for the biggest catch of the night! All fish must meet Tournament minimum size requirements.
Download a PDF of the Nite Bite Fishing Tournament Series Rules HERE.

No winner that evening? The pot rolls over to the next Nite Bite Fishing date! Prize monay paid out by check mailed to the winner.

Info: Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754 or dthomas@howardcountymd.gov.
 

Don't miss the Spring Fishing Tournament in May!

Congratulations to returning champion Jason Brugh, 2019 Nite Bite Fishing Tournament Series winner with his 18" 2.85 lb bass, weighed in October 12!