August 3rd, 2018

Over the past week we’ve had reports of a good bite despite the debris and hazards in the water from the mid to upper bay regions. The severe amounts of rain we received the last two weeks caused a massive flow of water from PA down to the Conowingo Dam in the Susquehanna River. To relieve this surge, over 20 flood gates opened last weekend dumping nearly 3 million gallons of water per second into the lower Susquehanna River and into the Bay. The debris fields have spread down south of the Bay Bridge with debris washing up all over the place.

This past week we’ve seen boaters slowly start making their way back out onto the water and we are urging everyone to proceed with extreme caution. Slow and steady is definitely going to win this race. If you do make it out on the water, boaters are urged to report any navigational hazards to the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888 or the U.S. Coast Guard at 410-576-2693.

Rockfish

Chumming/Chunking/Live Lining

As the summer rolls on, Chumming/Chunking/Live Lining continues to be the most efficient and productive way to catch some decent keeper Rockfish. With that said, we have seen a TON of throwback fish being caught. Some of the better spots this week were typical spots like the area around Swan Point (north to Pooles Island), the triple buoys in the Love Point area, Podickory Point and just south of Hackets Point. Chumming with FRESH Alewife on an in-line 7/0-9/0 circle hook has been the ticket in 15′-25′ of water in these areas. Live-lining Spot around the Bay Bridge pilings has been pretty hot recently as well.

Light Tackle Casting

Nice sized Rockfish are being caught on topwater very early in the morning and also late in the evening. Areas where you can target them on top are in 10′ or less along ledges in the Eastern Bay, around Thomas Point and also around shallow structure that has deep water close by. The rock piles under the Bay Bridge as well as the area around the Kent Narrows bridge are decent spots to target them on top before the sun comes up.

Jigging for these fish is also working well around vertical structure like the Bay and Key Bridge pilings. Look to find them in 15′-25′ of water near these pilings. Some other areas that have been producing have been the channel ledges in the mouth of the Eastern Bay and just north of Poplar Island.

Trolling

In the upper or middle bay area trolling is going to be nearly impossible. There is just so much debris that planer boards and lines are getting fouled up quickly. If you can find clean/clear water in the southern portion of the bay look to use hoses and spoons on size 1 planers. Ideal tube colors are going to be Red, Purple and Green. Look to use size 17 gold Pet Spoons. Some decent spots further south are going to be between the mouth of the Patuxent River to the mouth of the Potomac River.

Perch Fishing

Despite the poor water conditions, Perch have been biting like crazy. The tidal rivers in the middle bay area have been producing good numbers of Perch, especially in 8′ of water or less around submerged structure. Look to use a small spinnerbait like the Perch Pounder in Jamie’s Halloween or Electric Chicken colors. Other good spinners are the Mepps Super Roostertail or the Beetlespin with a Mr. Twister soft plastic trailer.

You can find Perch in deeper water as well. Look for hard shell bottom in 10′-20′ of water. Popular baits are going to be Soft Shell Crab, Bloodworms or Razor Clams rigged on top & bottom rigs with 1/2oz of weight. If you’re bottom fishing, don’t be shocked to hook into a decent Channel or Blue Catfish!

On August 19th we are holding our 3rd Annual White Perch Open tournament! It’s a fantastic tournament for the entire family as there is a Children’s division and an Adult division. The fun filled event will be held at Podickory Point Yacht Club and begins at 1pm. To register and for more details, head on over to the White Perch Open page! Good luck and tight lines!

Freshwater Fishing

Many of the area’s freshwater fishing spots are holding a little more water than normal right now. Generally the water is of good quality and the bite has been decent. Look for an early morning bite in shallower water and as the day gets later, the fish will be either taking refuge under docks, trees or moved to deeper points. Topwater in the early morning with a stickbait bite in deeper water as the day goes on.

Show us what you caught!

We’d love to see your catch! Send your photos with some simple info (your name, location, bait/technique) and any other info you’d like to share to kevin@anglersannapolis.com. By sending your images you are giving us permission to use them online.

If there are any children under 18 we need their parents permission before posting any images online!