Anglers across Southern Maryland are reeling in spot and bluefish this week, with prime fishing spots in the Patuxent and Potomac rivers drawing attention. According to Ken Lamn of St. Mary’s Tacklebox, these species are the mainstays for local fishermen, offering consistent action despite challenges with other catches like perch and stripers. For Southern Maryland’s fishing community, particularly in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties, the report provides critical insights into where and how to hook the best fish this season.
Spot are thriving in the Patuxent River, with jumbo-sized fish reported in abundance. These bottom-dwellers are hitting bloodworms hard, though anglers can also use lug worms, nightcrawlers, squid, shrimp, or clam snouts for success. Smaller spot and croaker are scattered throughout the region’s creeks and rivers, but larger spot are concentrated in the Potomac River around Ragged Point, Cobb, and St. George Island. These areas, accessible to Southern Maryland boaters, are known for their productive fishing grounds, particularly in late summer and early fall.
Bluefish are stealing the show in the Chesapeake Bay’s ship channel, breaking daily and feeding on their own unpredictable schedule. The most reliable action is below the target ship on the hard bottom, where larger bluefish appear around 6:30 p.m. Anglers have reported catches weighing up to 17 pounds and measuring 37 inches, with photos confirming 12-pounders. Midday bluefish average 5 to 6 pounds, while those caught after 6 p.m. often exceed 8 pounds. Spanish mackerel are also mixed in with bluefish in the bay, adding variety for trollers and chummers. However, Lamn cautions that these patterns could shift, noting, “I can only tell you where the fish were, not where they are.”
Perch and stripers (rockfish) remain elusive, staying deep and gathering around underwater structures. Recent cool temperatures and rain may clear creek and river waters, potentially reducing sea nettles and coaxing these species back to the shallows where Southern Maryland anglers typically target them. Encouragingly, healthy rockfish populations are reported up the Potomac River above the Route 301 bridge, an area where they were active last fall from the bridge down to Dahlgren and Machodoc Creek. Last year’s warmer waters kept rockfish in that zone, but this year’s cooler August and early September cold snap could push them into the Chesapeake Bay by early October, aligning with normal migration patterns.
Crabbing remains strong, with plentiful catches reported across Southern Maryland’s waters. Cobia and bull reds, however, have been quiet this week, with little activity noted. Mild temperatures and breezes forecast for late this week and the weekend promise favorable conditions for anglers and crabbers alike. The Chesapeake Bay, a vital economic and recreational resource for Southern Maryland, supports a robust fishing industry, with local businesses like St. Mary’s Tacklebox serving as hubs for gear and expertise. Anglers are reminded to follow Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations, including size and creel limits, to ensure sustainable fishing.
