On July 22, 2025, Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tacklebox shared an exciting fishing report, noting a surge of redfish, bluefish, and cobia in the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waters. Anglers in St. Mary’s County and the Potomac River are seeing puppy drum, slot reds, and bull reds at typical locations, alongside strong catches of speckled trout, bluefish, and cobia. This fishing report underscores a vibrant summer season, with clear waters boosting opportunities after recent rains subsided.
Redfish and Speckled Trout Hotspots
The fishing report highlights the arrival of redfish in the St. Mary’s River and Potomac River since July 14, 2025. Puppy drum are abundant in creeks and riverbanks, mingling with white perch, while slot reds are prime targets for lure casters in the St. Mary’s River and other Potomac areas. Bull reds, scattered throughout the bay, are being caught by lucky sight casters and trollers using big spoons and surgical hose eels. Speckled trout are plentiful along the Potomac and bay shore, with St. Jerome’s Creek noted as a hotspot in this fishing report.
Bluefish and Cobia Catches on the Rise
Bluefish have been more consistent this year, according to the fishing report, with catches ranging from two to six pounds in the mid-bay, and occasional ocean-going giants exceeding 15 pounds. After moving as far north as Hooper’s Island Light, bluefish have retreated to the Target Ship area, where they’ve been breaking daily. Surfcasters are finding success on beaches using lures and cut bait. Cobia fishing is improving, with trollers and chummers reporting strong catches near the Target Ship and south to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, per the fishing report.
Other Species and Seasonal Notes
The fishing report also notes abundant spot at Ragged Point and Cobb Island in the Potomac, with large spot in the Patuxent River. Croaker are thriving at Cobb Island and Brenton Bay, joined by keeper croaker and white perch in the Patuxent. Clear water in creeks and rivers has boosted white perch populations. Stripers, however, are off-limits until August 1, 2025, in Maryland waters and August 21 in the Potomac, with anglers avoiding unintentional catches. This fishing report emphasizes the prime conditions for summer fishing.
Angling Opportunities and Outlook
The St. Mary’s Tacklebox fishing report reflects a robust season for anglers, driven by clear waters and diverse species. As the Patuxent River is expected to see slot reds soon, anglers are encouraged to explore local hotspots. The fishing report, provided by Ken Lamb, serves as a guide for targeting redfish, bluefish, cobia, and more, ensuring a productive summer on the water.
