Photo: Eric Packard and his friends Julian, Phil and Tim caught 30 keeper-sized Rockfish (they kept one and safely released 29!) near Point Lookout primarily using 2 oz steel jigs in 42-45′ of water.
Rockfish: The biggest concentrations of fish will be along the ledges near Chesapeake Beach, and the mouths of the Choptank, Potomac and Patuxent Rivers. Jig with 10″ Bust’em baits or 9″ BKDs and fish deeper water from 25-40 or even 50′. More locally, you can find mixed size rockfish from the mid-twenties to the upper forties in our main bay area! If you are trolling, start on the Eastern side of the Bay Bridge and work your way over to Tolly’s and Thomas Point. Troll larger sized 9″ baits on a tandem rig to target the larger sized fish! Definitely try out the holographic green color, it is on fire right now!
Blue Catfish: We are seeing blue catfish up to 50 lbs being caught in the upper part of the bay near the Susquehanna, especially around the 95 bridge. Float cut bait like fresh alewife. There may be some smaller sized rockfish in the mix too!
Yellow Perch: We are getting reports of yellow perch being caught from shore at Beachwood park in the Magothy River and in the upper parts of the Severn River. Tuckahoe creek is another great spot. Use minnows on slip bobbers, small jigs and inline spinners.
Pickerel: Pickerel are also being caught in the upper part of the rivers and creeks. Inline spinners and minnows on slip bobbers work well. Check out our custom made pickerel kit for a mix of the best!