The growing popularity of red drum fishing in Southern Maryland has caught the attention of local anglers as the species, known variably as puppy drum, slot reds, and bull reds, proliferates throughout the region’s waters.
Anglers targeting juvenile red drum, often referred to as puppy drum, and keeper-sized slot reds are encountering these fish across a range of habitats from the Chesapeake Bay to the Potomac River, as far north as the St. Mary’s River. Notably, large schools of bull reds, weighing between 30 and 40 pounds, have been observed vigorously pursuing bait, creating visible disturbances on the water’s surface.
The plentiful presence of red drum is influencing fishing behaviors, as perch fishermen casting spinner baits in creeks like Herring Creek and Breton Bay are frequently stumbling upon puppy drum. These juvenile fish, measuring between 8 to 14 inches, have become so abundant that they’re often considered a nuisance, leading anglers to relocate in pursuit of less crowded perch-fishing spots.
In addition to red drum, the region has seen the arrival of Spanish mackerel, extending from buoy 72 to the Target Ship in the bay and around Vermar Beach on the Virginia side of the Potomac. The presence of mackerel was particularly noted around St. George Island this past Sunday.
Meanwhile, the local waters are also hosting sizeable bluefish, which are being caught in tandem with mackerel. Anglers targeting these species are using specific gear, with trollers opting for number one planers with small spoons for mackerel, and number two planers equipped with surgical eel lures for bluefish and the occasional bull red and cobia.
Despite the availability of live bait like eels, fresh alewife, and chum logs for cobia fishing, reports of success have been minimal, underscoring the unpredictable nature of cobia behavior.
Looking ahead, the rockfish season is set to reopen in Maryland this Thursday, August 1, promising ample opportunities for both trollers and lure casters in the Patuxent and surrounding bay areas. The recent spell of cooler weather is expected to energize the rockfish population. However, anglers on the Potomac will have to wait until September 1 for their season to commence.
In other local fishing news, spot and croaker continue to thrive in the region, although their abundance often poses challenges for anglers seeking larger catches. Movement and exploration are advised to locate spots of superior size, which are frequently found in the company of larger perch.
The regional waters are also seeing an uptick in crab populations, with reports of both significant size and quantity, enhancing the local crabbing prospects. Additionally, some notably large bass have been active in area ponds and St. Mary’s Lake, rounding out a diverse and abundant fishing season in Southern Maryland.
This detailed update on the fishing conditions in Southern Maryland was provided by Ken Lamb of the St. Mary’s Tackle Box.
