Tucked away on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is one of our favorite getaways; better known as Harrison’s Chesapeake House on Tilghman Island. It’s the great food, wonderful hospitality and memorable fishing experiences that keep us and others returning to Harrison’s year after year. Fishing the Lower Eastern Shore and Tilghman puts the Harrison’s fleet at dead center for some of the best action. Walking the island before or after an evening meal provides an experience and view that we never pass up. Tilghman is a unique mixture of a waterman community that blends history into everyday life.

     Every year the Harrison family says thank you to their customers and guests. This year the Buddy Harrison’s Invitational was held on April 27, 2006. This gathering was no exception to the wonderful hospitality, which the Harrison family is known for. Our annual trip to visit the Harrison’s and their island home is never a disappointment, especially when it comes to the fishing, food and scenery. Our evening started with delicious appetizers of fried clams and crab dip in the lounge. After introductions by Buddy Harrison and Buddy Jr. and recognition of their guests, a country style buffet dinner was served. This delicious meal included many of the Harrison’s famous dishes. Just to name a few, it included crab cakes, fried oysters, crab soup, fried chicken, butter beans and stewed tomatoes. 

     We woke in the morning to a fisherman’s buffet breakfast, than headed for the fishing fleet with boxed lunches. Chelly joined the crew of Mike Ackerman, Tim Kiley, Tom Settefrati, Jeff Jackson and Eric Pratt on the Pamela Lee with Captain Justin Firth. The Pamela Lee headed for waters near Buoy 82 and the captain quickly put over sixteen lines. In no time at all, Jeff Jackson pulled in the first fish. This 41 ?” rockfish soon proved to be the largest catch for the Pamela Lee that day. The second fish, a 35 ?” rockfish was pulled in by Mike Ackerman. Eric Pratt hauled in a 36” and Tom Settefrati pulled in a 35”. Tim Kiley and Chelly each pulled in 38” rockfish. Parachutes fished on the starboard side planer board and umbrellas brought much success with no weights. Hot lures proved to be the “Alien”, “Skipjack” and the Captain’s secret lure. In less than 90 minutes the limit of one fish per person was reached. 

     Steve fished aboard the Beach Bum with Captain Bobby Higgins. Also in the crew were Bud Wood, Bill Gormley, Lon Campbell, Harold Hunt and Al Silverstein. As he guided his boat into the open water of the Chesapeake Bay, Captain Bobby told about an area near the channel edge he wanted to try before going further west. That location ended up being the best place to be and soon after Higgins got the planer boards set and the lines in the water, the first fish was on. Bill Gormley pulled in the first striper, a hefty 36 inch fish which hit a white 6 ounce parachute fished on the starboard side planer board. Harold Hunt soon followed with the second fish which measured 35 inches. Harold’s fish also hit a planer board bait, a large chartreuse banjo-eye bucktail. After releasing the undersized striper of the morning that measured 26 inches, Al Silverstein landed the largest fish of the day aboard Beach Bum; a big 40 inch rock. Al’s fish was one of the few that didn’t hit planer board baits and was on a deeper running line with some weight. Lon Campbell brought in a striper measuring 35 ? inches. Steve followed with a 34 inch rock. Bud Wood was helpful in spelling Captain Bobby, when he was working with getting the big rockfish in the boat, or releasing undersized fish.

     Both Captain Buddy and Buddy Harrison Jr. had great catches during the April 27 fishing aboard the Pleasure Merchant and Brooks Hooks, as did all of the charterboats that fished out of Harrison’s that day. The weather was beautiful and the fishing even better. Captain Buddy and his crew are again enjoying a tremendous striped bass season with their limit of rockfish being caught within short distance of their charterboat fleet dock. Fishing action during the 2006 season continues with many opportunities available at Harrison’s Chesapeake House on Tilghman Island. In addition to the fall striper run, there are guided waterfowl hunting trips available through the Harrison’s.

     The Buddy Plan or Super Fishing Package are among the favorite choices of those who come to stay and fish at Harrison’s. These offer combinations of a great dinner and a good night’s sleep followed by a hearty breakfast before embarking on one of several charterboats berthed at the Harrison family docks. Box lunches are provided. There is a wide variety of options available but you can also choose to just come and go fishing. Groups of anglers or whole families continue to return each year to Harrison’s throughout the fishing season to partake in all around outdoor fun. In addition to fishing, the Harrisons also offer some of the best waterfowl hunting opportunities along the Eastern seaboard flyway.

     At Harrison’s, there’s so many ways to leave the city stress behind, whether its going fishing, duck or goose hunting, swimming, relaxing in the lounge or on the dock, visiting the gift shop or just taking a stroll along the island. Tom Settefrati said, “You know what I like best about Harrison’s…Everyone is so nice and the food is so good” You’ll find country cooking at it’s finest in a down home setting. During our stay we heard more than one guest say, “It doesn’t get any better than this!” Visit their website at http://www.chesapeakehouse.com or call (410) 886-2121 or 886-2109 for information about fishing, waterfowl hunting, great food and a pleasant stay with some of the best people you will ever meet. 

© 2006 Steve and Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved