ST. MARY’S COUNTY — Cobia season opens June 15 in Maryland waters, giving Southern Maryland anglers a new target in the Chesapeake Bay.
The minimum size is 43 inches. Anglers may keep one fish per day with a maximum of two fish per vessel. Cobia can appear throughout the bay but often congregate on the “humps” below the Target Ship, where the bottom rises about ten feet. Anglers typically anchor, deploy a chum line and drift live eels.
Cobia also school near the surface around buoy markers, floating debris and schools of cow-nosed rays. Trollers using surgical eel lures can connect with fish chasing bait on the Mud Leads. Cobia sometimes shadow breaking bluefish schools in search of scraps.
Early last week, before the new moon, anglers reported good catches of bluefish and rockfish. Top-water lures produced action near the mouth of St. Jerome’s Creek. Lure casters found fish around Cedar Point and up the Patuxent River near creek mouths and structure. A surf caster using cut bait landed a 33-inch bluefish at Hog Point.
Spot and croaker remained available in typical locations in the mouth of the Patuxent River. Captain Bernie Shea reported solid catches of rockfish and spot in the Patuxent.
Fishing slowed over the weekend with the new moon and a cool front that dropped temperatures sharply from recent heat. Many species went off the bite. Conditions are expected to improve as the moon waxes to 35 percent illumination by Saturday and temperatures return to the mid-80s, which often restarts feeding activity across multiple species.
Recreational fishing remains a popular activity in Southern Maryland. Local waters offer opportunities for both boat and shore anglers. Checking current regulations and weather conditions before heading out helps ensure safe and successful trips.
The St. Mary’s Tackle Box and other local shops provide updates on conditions and can assist with gear and licensing questions. Anglers are encouraged to follow Maryland Department of Natural Resources rules for size and bag limits.
