To express his love of fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, Silver Spring resident Rick Bowers recently wrote and produced two new songs about Maryland’s most voracious invasive predators—the blue catfish and Chesapeake channa (formerly snakehead).
In his catchy country tunes, appropriately named “Blue Cat Blues” and “Chesapeake Channa,” Bowers encapsulates the joy of fishing for invasive species. He also highlights why targeting these fish is important for Bay health.
Blue Cat Blues and Chesapeake Channa by Rick Bowers Band can be found on Spotify.
“These two songs combine my passions for fishing and songwriting,” said Rick Bowers. “I hope people around the Bay can relate and feel inspired. Let’s get out there! Catching these invasive species is fun, flavorful, and good for the Bay.”
Rick is a Clean Water Captain with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and is a member of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Blue Catfish Advisory Committee, which proposes solutions to the destructive invasion of blue catfish in the Bay.
“Like the song lyric says,” Bowers adds. “Blue cats are growing bigger; getting meaner; and sucking up the Bay like a vacuum cleaner.”
“Catching and eating invasive species like blue catfish and snakeheads is one of the most effective ways to reduce their harm to the Bay’s native ecosystem,” said Allison Colden, CBF Maryland Executive Director. “Rick’s songs perfectly reflect that, while also highlighting the fun that comes along with it.”
Anglers looking to follow Rick’s lead and target invasive species can do so in the upcoming Maryland Rod & Reef Slam fishing tournament, running from September 7 to 15. The tournament, hosted by CBF, Coastal Conservation Association Maryland, and Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, challenges participants to target the largest diversity of species by fishing around restored oyster sanctuary reefs. Oyster reefs provide exceptional habitat for fish species, including invasives.
The tournament will be followed by an award ceremony and beach party on Sunday, September 15 at CBF’s Philip Merrill Environmental Center in Annapolis, and will include live performances by The Eastport Oyster Boys. Learn more about this event.
