PATUXENT RIVER, MD – Anglers are finding success in the Patuxent River, with bottom fishermen filling their coolers with medium to large spot from the river's mouth up to St. Leonard's Creek. According to Ken Lamb of St. Mary's Tacklebox, these fish are expected to be as far up as Benedict by the Fourth of July.
Despite a shortage of their preferred bait, bloodworms, spot are still biting. The shortage is due to poor digging conditions in Maine, caused by a heatwave and unfavorable tide timing. Anglers are advised to use alternatives like Lug worms, Fish Bites, peeler crab, night crawlers, razor clams, and squid.
Ellie Speed shows off a catch of white perch from a creek off the Patuxent.
Greg Tippett has found cobia near Smith Point this week.
Greg Tippett has found cobia near Smith Point this week.
Patuxent rockfish trolled up on the Shea D Lady this week.
Capt. Greg Buckner is live lining spot for rockfish and both blue and flathead catfish in the northern regions of the bay. Getting plenty of white perch and spot too. Never a dull moment.
Brandon Scrivener, on left, helped his friends catch a huge stringer of crappie at St. Mary's Lake last Tuesday. Phenomenal crappie run there ,now.
Capt. Bernie Shea is loading up on big spot in the Patuxent!
Capt. Bernie Shea is loading up on big spot in the Patuxent!
Capt. Bernie Shea is loading up on big spot in the Patuxent!
Plenty of rockfish, too
Widespread Spot and Other Fish Activity
Spot are not just abundant in the Patuxent. The Potomac River, particularly around Ragged Point and St. George Island, is also yielding significant numbers of spot. Meanwhile, Point Lookout is teeming with small spot and croaker, with the larger spot found further up the Potomac as they evade hungry porpoises, which are also present in the Patuxent.
In the shallows, white perch, puppy drum, and slot reds are active for lure casters, though the heat restricts prime fishing times to dawn and dusk. High tides with moving water are ideal. Breton Bay in the Potomac is experiencing an excellent run of red drum and white perch.
Cobia and Bluefish Action in the Bay
Cobia have become active in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly south of the Target Ship. Experienced captains have made notable catches by sight casting or drifting live spot. While live eels are currently effective, they will become even more essential later in the season. Trollers using big surgical eels are also finding success with cobia.
The lower bay is witnessing schools of big bluefish, weighing between 4 to 6 pounds, though they tend to play hide and seek. Guides who fish daily report good results with trolling spoons and surgical eels, especially blue and purple ones.
Rockfish and Other Species in the Rivers
Rockfish are currently found in the northern bay, from the Choptank River to Baltimore Harbor. Anglers live lining near the Bay Bridge are encountering hot action, with rockfish and hefty, tasty catfish in the mix. However, mid-bay fishing for rockfish has been challenging due to the heat and wind.
Crabbing and Freshwater Fishing
Crabs are thriving in the hot weather, eagerly taking bait from crab pots set off waterfront properties. They prefer alewives, razor clams, and spot. Hand trap users and chicken-neckers are also enjoying success.
At St. Mary's Lake, the crappie run continues strong, with excellent fishing for bass, bluegill, and pickerel as well.
With rain and cooler temperatures forecasted for this week, conditions may improve even further for anglers. It's a great time to grab your gear and head out to the water.
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