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, or anglers 14yrs & up can enter the Nite Bite Fishing Tournament Series (new details coming in 2020).  More information:  Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754 or dthomas@howardcountymd.gov.

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.

Check back in March 2020 for new dates and 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 Tournament Series (anglers age 14 & up) and Clinics.  Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/fishing for a complete list of fishing classes and events!

Regulations for Nite Bite Fishing: 
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 spectators) must be checked in and pay the $5 fee to remain in the park after hours (exceptions may be made for non-fishing parents/guardians).
3.  All anglers must follow all Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rules & regulations. More Information: www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/
4.  Boaters are subject to all Maryland DNR boating regulations for Centennial Lake.  ELECTRIC MOTORS ONLY!!  Please make sure you have the proper lights in use: a stern light, red port light and green starboard light.
5.  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).
6.  Only registered Nite Bite Tournament Series anglers will be allowed to enter fish for weighing and cash prize.
7.  Only live fish may be weighed and registered for prize. Fish must be in a bucket.
8.  The largest fish caught during the Nite Bite Tournament Series as determined by the Tournament Official will be declared the winning catch on the basis of weight.  In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by length (inches).
9.  Coolers and live wells of tournament participants will be inspected to make sure fish are not being brought in prior to the tournament. Violators will be disqualified.
10.  Download a PDF of the Nite Bite Fishing Tournament Series Rules HERE.

All anglers 16 yrs or older must have a valid fishing license for all fishing programs and events.  Click here to purchase a license online!

Nite Bite Fishing Tournament Series

14 yrs+  / All Nite Bite dates
Join the Nite Bite Tournament Series for your chance at catching the Nite Bite Beast!  $100 one-time fee allows anglers ages 14 yrs+ to fish at any or ALL of the 2019 Nite Bite Fishing dates.  Prize money awarded at series conclusion in October.   Register at any time during the Nite Bite year for your chance to win!  Call 410-313-7275 to register or click the RP number below to sign up for the tournament online!  Info: Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754 or dthomas@howardcountymd.gov.  Download a PDF of the Nite Bite Fishing Tournament Series Rules HERE.
RP9154.550     Centennial Park South Boat Launch/Ramp

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

Available most Nite Bite Fishing dates except the first and the last:

Nite Bite Fishing Clinics
5 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 (not the Tournament Series).  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.

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 Tournament Series for prize money - see the "Nite Bite Fishing Tournament Series" tab for more information (anglers age 14 & up).

Check back in March 2020 for new dates and details!