Anglers in Southern Maryland are experiencing prime conditions as cooler weather and clearing waters draw abundant catches across the Patuxent and Potomac rivers, according to the latest Southern Maryland fishing report from Ken Lamb of the St. Mary’s Tacklebox in Lexington Park. Shore fishermen have hooked slot-sized red drum in shallow creek mouths along the Patuxent, while spot remain heavy and plentiful, marking what Lamb calls an epic year for the species. With the Potomac’s striped bass season set to reopen Friday, expectations run high for action on reds, speckled trout and rockfish.
Lamb reports that red drum, often called reds, are active in the Patuxent’s shallow waters near Fishing Point, Hog Point, Pearson Creek and Goose Creek. Fishermen casting topwater lures during moving tides at dawn and dusk have found success. Similar patterns hold in the Potomac, where reds and puppy drum inhabit creeks up to Herring Creek. The St. Mary’s River has proven particularly productive in this Southern Maryland fishing report.
Spot, known for their fight and table appeal, are big and heavy in the Patuxent’s mouth and at Ragged Point in the Potomac. This abundance aligns with broader Chesapeake Bay trends, where spot have thrived amid favorable summer conditions. White perch are returning to rivers and creeks as waters clear and nettles subside, with reduced temperatures drawing them back to normal haunts. Bottom fishermen and lure casters can target them effectively now.
The upcoming reopening of striped bass fishing in the Potomac on August 21 adds excitement to the Southern Maryland fishing report. Regulated by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, the season allows one fish per angler daily, measuring 20 to 36 inches, through December 31. This differs from Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay waters, where striped bass reopened August 1 with a 19- to 24-inch slot and one-fish limit. Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when chumming or live-lining, and barbless hooks for catch-and-release in spawning areas. Cooler weather should boost action for reds, trout and rockfish, Lamb notes.
Bluefish are rampaging in the middle Bay, breaking surface daily from Point No Point southward. Trolling, casting or jigging yields results, with a three-fish daily limit. Spanish mackerel mix in, offering awesome days at times. Capt. Greg Buckner of Miss Susie Charters in Solomons has honed techniques for them, often using fast-trolled spoons or planners.
Cobia catches improve daily, with live eels in chum lines proving popular. Trolling 18-inch surgical eels or large colorful spoons can trigger strikes from cobia and bull reds. Maryland’s cobia season runs through October 31, with a one-fish limit per angler or two per vessel, minimum 40 inches.
The highlight in this Southern Maryland fishing report is bull reds—weighing 25 to 50 pounds—appearing from the cut channel below Smith Point to Point No Point. These apex predators travel in schools up to 1,000, churning surface waters white as they attack baitfish. Lamb advises approaching quietly, cutting the engine and casting any lure for instant hookups. Stout gear is essential: at least 40-pound braid and heavy fluorocarbon leaders to handle their power.
These conditions reflect a strong late-summer bite in Southern Maryland, where the Patuxent and Potomac converge with the Chesapeake Bay, supporting diverse fisheries. Recent Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports confirm abundant spot and croakers in the lower Potomac near Point Lookout and up to Cobb Island, plus the lower Patuxent and Tangier Sound. White perch are widespread in tidal rivers, responding to cooler inflows after July’s heat. Bluefish and Spanish mackerel dominate mid-Bay breaks, with trolling speeds of 5 to 7 knots effective for mackerel.
St. Mary’s County, with its 400 miles of shoreline, has long anchored Southern Maryland’s recreational fishing economy. The Tacklebox, operated by Lamb since the 1960s, serves as a hub for local anglers, offering bait, tackle and advice. Charters like Miss Susie target migratory species, contributing to tourism in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
Regulations emphasize sustainability amid concerns like Bay hypoxia, which spiked in early July due to heavy rains and heat, affecting oxygen levels in deeper waters. Anglers should check Maryland DNR for updates, as warming trends influence fish behavior.
This Southern Maryland fishing report underscores opportunities for shore and boat anglers alike. As Lamb enthuses, “Let’s go fishing!!!!” With tides and weather aligning, now is the time to hit these waters.
