Trollers and lure casters found plenty of rockfish as the season opened last Thursday. Fishermen using single lures, tandems, and small umbrellas found slot stripers ranging from 19 to 24 inches, with many falling outside this range.
The fish were abundant at the mouth of Herring Creek and around St. George Island. Boats launched from the ramp in Piney Point at the foot of the bridge to St. George Island were catching fish immediately. The mouth of the Patuxent River was particularly active, with trollers, jiggers, and casters having success at Fishing Point, Cedar Point Rip, Hog Point, the old lighthouse, and the Three Legged.
Shore fishermen also reported success casting lures at Goose Creek, Hog Point, Fishing Point, West Basin, and off the ‘O Club rocks. Bait fishermen found stripers at the fishing pier under the Solomons Bridge and at all previously mentioned locations. The stripers were biting on swimming and topwater plugs, jigs with paddle tails, and BKD’s.
Additionally, rockfish were attracted to bloodworms, clams, cut bait, shrimp, and squid. “They are hungry,” reported Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tackle Box.
Perch were found in the creeks, although conditions were challenging due to cloudy water and high tides from heavy rains. “I had to work for a handful this week in a shallow creek,” Lamb said. He added that perch and puppy drum are expected to return with some dry weather, cleaning tides, and cleaner water.
The rivers are producing slot redfish, speckled trout, and some early flounder. There have also been numerous reports of small spot hitting bloodworms and other bait in the creeks and rivers.
Rockfish season opens on June 1 in the Patuxent River above Point Patience, with plenty of fish expected. “We know they are there,” Lamb said confidently.
With Memorial Day weekend upon us, the fishing community is eager to take advantage of the season. “Let’s go fishing!” Lamb encouraged.
