LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Anglers in St. Mary’s County can expect a bountiful Fourth of July weekend in 2025, with favorable tides and active fish populations in the Patuxent River, Potomac River, and Chesapeake Bay, according to Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tacklebox. Spot, white perch, croaker, rockfish, speckled trout, redfish, and cobia are among the species biting, offering diverse fishing opportunities from July 3 through July 6.
In the Patuxent River, bottom fishermen are finding success with spot, white perch, and croaker. Using bloodworms, lug worms, squid, and night crawlers, anglers are catching fish from Drum Point to the Three-legged Marker, as well as Sandy Point, Point Patience, Kingston Hollow, and Hawk’s Nest. Lamb noted that spot are particularly abundant, with some areas yielding large white perch, especially in St. Jerome’s Creek, where the two species are mixed.
The Potomac River is rebounding after a period of disruption from porpoise activity, though skate remain a persistent nuisance. From Cornfield Harbor to St. George Island, anglers are catching rockfish, speckled trout, redfish, and occasional undersized cobia. The main cobia fishing effort is concentrated around the Target Ship, the humps below it, and waters extending to Smith Point. Trolling with surgical hose eel lures, chum slicks, live eels, and chunking cut spot or alewife have proven effective. Lamb reported that cobia above Smith Point are mostly undersized, while larger fish, meeting the 43-inch minimum size requirement, are found below Smith Point and may move northward soon.
“The weather forecast is perfect for a week of fishing, and we get an extra day off to enjoy the quest for tight lines,” Lamb said, referencing the extended holiday weekend. The favorable conditions, combined with improved tides, have driven fish into the tall grass to feed, creating ideal opportunities for anglers.
St. Mary’s County, with its extensive shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, is a prime destination for recreational fishing. The Patuxent River, a 115-mile waterway, supports a variety of species due to its mix of freshwater and brackish environments. The Potomac River, one of the largest tributaries of the Chesapeake, is known for its diverse fishery, though anglers must contend with non-target species like skate. The Chesapeake Bay’s Target Ship area, a sunken vessel used for naval practice, attracts cobia and other predatory fish, making it a hotspot for trolling and chumming.
Bottom fishing in the Patuxent requires simple rigs, typically with small hooks and light tackle to target spot and perch. Bloodworms and squid are popular baits due to their availability and appeal to multiple species. In contrast, cobia fishing in the Bay involves heavier tackle and specialized techniques like trolling or chumming to attract larger fish. The 43-inch size limit for cobia, implemented to protect the population, ensures only mature fish are harvested.
Anglers targeting rockfish, also known as striped bass, must adhere to Maryland’s regulations, which include size and bag limits to support conservation efforts. Speckled trout and redfish, less common but present in the Potomac, add variety to the catch, particularly for those fishing near Cornfield Harbor. The presence of undersized cobia indicates a healthy juvenile population, though anglers are encouraged to release these fish to support future stocks.
The extended holiday weekend, with an additional day off for many, provides ample time for anglers to explore St. Mary’s waters. Popular access points include public piers, boat ramps, and charter services in areas like Solomons, Point Lookout, and St. George Island. Local tackle shops, such as St. Mary’s Tacklebox, offer bait, gear, and advice for both novice and experienced fishermen.
Anglers are advised to check tide charts and Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations before heading out. The combination of active fish, good tides, and ideal weather sets the stage for a productive and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend on the water.
