SOLOMONS, Md. — The rockfish season, targeting striped bass, begins on May 16, 2025, in St. Mary’s County, with the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River opening for anglers, according to Ken Lamb of the St. Mary’s Tacklebox. The Patuxent River above Point Patience remains closed until June 1. Anglers must adhere to a slot limit of 19 to 24 inches and a daily catch limit of one rockfish per person.
Rockfish are abundant across the region’s waters, with recent catches reported in the Potomac and the mouth of the Patuxent. Lure casters targeting redfish, trout, or bluefish have hooked stripers of various sizes, including large fish up to 40 inches, which were caught and released in recent days. Trollers using small umbrella rigs, tandem rigs, or single lures are likely to find success in these areas. Lamb noted, “There are plenty of rockfish here now just about everywhere.”
Shore-based anglers have also reported activity. A 20-inch bluefish was caught off the shoreline near Hog Point at the mouth of the Patuxent on May 8. Lure casters from shore are using surface poppers, swimming plugs, plastics, and bucktails to target stripers. Lamb expects redfish and trout to arrive soon, noting, “The cool waters of the unusual cold spring is perfect for stripers. The summer visitors (redfish, trout) are filling up the mouth of the bay and rivers below the Potomac and are heading this way.”
Bottom fishing has picked up, with croaker and spot prevalent in the Patuxent and Potomac. Croaker, ranging from six to eight inches, have been caught as far up as Benedict in the Patuxent and are expected to reach the nine-inch keeper size soon. Spot are mixing with croaker, and a group of young anglers reported a strong catch of both species at the Solomons fishing pier during nighttime fishing under lights. Lamb highlighted the success of night fishing, stating, “The night fishing is always very good.”
The cool spring has created ideal conditions for stripers, while warmer-water species like redfish and trout are moving into the region. The opening of rockfish season marks the start of a promising fishing season in St. Mary’s County, with local waters teeming with activity. Anglers are gearing up for a busy summer, drawn by the diversity of species and favorable conditions.
St. Mary’s County, known for its rich fishing grounds, supports a vibrant angling community. The Tacklebox, a local hub for fishing updates, provides guidance for both novice and experienced anglers. The season’s regulations aim to balance recreational fishing with conservation, ensuring sustainable populations of rockfish and other species. As summer approaches, the region’s piers, shorelines, and open waters are expected to see increased activity from anglers pursuing a range of catches.
