LEONARDTOWN — Spanish mackerel entered a pound netter’s trap in Cornfield Harbor on Monday, along with chopper bluefish measuring 19 to 24 inches and a few exceeding 30 inches, bull redfish and big black drum.
The summertime run continues as cobia have been sighted below the Target Ship. These fish are selective feeders and respond best to live eels. The Tackle Box has live eels available as the season opens June 15.
Spot and small croaker are present in rivers and creeks. Croaker must measure at least 9 inches to keep under Maryland regulations, and the smaller fish grow quickly. Larger spot provide excellent bait for live-lining striped bass and are also good table fare. Their numbers and sizes are expected to increase daily.
Anglers targeting white perch found productive spots in the lower Patuxent River this week and landed trophy-sized fish.
Lure casters have caught rockfish and bluefish daily in the Potomac River, Patuxent River and St. Mary’s River. Some speckled trout have been taken near grass beds at Kitts Point in the Potomac. Both boaters and shore anglers are finding active fish at dawn and dusk.
St. Inigoes Landing at the end of Beachville Road has reopened after reconstruction. The site offers a boat launch, pier and sandy beach. Previous seasons produced rockfish, speckled trout, spot and perch there.
Blue catfish are in full summer feeding mode. Shore anglers have caught large specimens this week in the Patuxent River at Kings Landing.
These reports come from Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tacklebox. Local waters warm in early summer, drawing migratory species and improving feeding activity for resident fish. Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations set size and creel limits to support sustainable harvests. Anglers should check current rules before heading out.
The reopening of St. Inigoes Landing adds convenient public access in St. Mary’s County for both boaters and shore fishermen.
