St. Mary's County is abuzz with reports of abundant spot fish. These small but plentiful fish are being found in creeks, rivers, and the bay in remarkable numbers. From the mouth of the Patuxent River at Sandy Point to various oyster bars, the spot are thriving, offering ample opportunities for local anglers.
Ben and Hunter Windsor caught this slot red in Breton Bay Saturday afternoon along with 44 eating sized white perch.
Makhai Hanna and his 9 inch croaker from Cherryfield point in the Potomac.
Trish Ribail catching spot two at a time in Harper's Creek, Patuxent River.
Ian Ribail smiles over a hefty perch.
Ron Walker leads the Tackle Box big perch contest with this 10 1/4 inch beauty.
Paige Ribail with typical puppy drum that are everywhere in Southern Maryland waters.
Greg Tippett found a small break in the windy weather and caught this fine cobia along with several others last Thursday. Below Target Ship; chumming.
Jarden and Keith Andrew caught cobia below Target Ship chumming with hooks baited with cut, fresh alewife .
Prime Fishing Locations
The best-sized spot have been reported at notable locations such as Green Holly, Town Point, Kingston Hollow, Hawk's Nest, and even extending to Wayson's Corner. In the bay, particularly east of the Patuxent crab pot line, fishermen are finding spot at the three-legged, Hog Point, Second Beach, and Drum Point. This widespread presence suggests a fruitful season for spot fishing in the region.
Fishing Techniques and Bait
Spot are known for their willingness to bite on a variety of baits. Anglers have found success using bits of bloodworm on spinner hooks. However, these fish are not picky and will also take to night crawler, lug worm, shrimp, squid, and similar baits. This makes them accessible to both seasoned fishermen and beginners.
Other Fish in the Mix
In the northern parts of the Patuxent, schools of white perch are more numerous than spot. Shore fishermen targeting these areas have also encountered puppy drum and tiny croaker, with some larger croaker starting to appear in the lower Potomac. Public piers, such as the one in Bushwood, and oyster bars around Cobb Island, are popular spots where anglers can expect a mixed catch.
Striped Bass Activity
Last Friday and Saturday mornings saw impressive catches of striped bass, or stripers, by lure casters at Hog Point and Fishing Point. These fish were particularly responsive to swimming plugs, paddle tail jigs, and top water poppers. Stripers are found on all points and structures in both the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers. The best times for striper fishing are during moving tides, either at daybreak or in the cool of the evening. Trollers are also having success with rockfish using single and tandem bucktails and small umbrella rigs in 20 to 40 feet of water.
Slot Reds and Puppy Drum
Slot reds, ranging from 18 to 27 inches in Maryland and 18 to 25 inches in the Potomac, are forming schools in the shallows. They are on the hunt for bait fish and are known to bite at most lures intended for rockfish or perch. Puppy drum, or redfish under 18 inches, are commonly found in creeks, often to the chagrin of those seeking perch.
Cobia Reports and Bluefish
Cobia sightings have been excellent this week, though anglers are often secretive about their methods and exact locations. Many successful cobia fishermen are trolling with large surgical eels, while others are chumming and using cut bait or live spot. Live eels are effective but tend to yield better results later in the season.
Chopper bluefish, weighing between 4 to 8 pounds, are present in the bay but remain elusive. Once located, they are relatively easy to catch. Similarly, big bull reds, ranging from 35 to 55 pounds, are growing in number but continue to play hide and seek with anglers.
Freshwater Fishing in St. Mary's Lake
St. Mary's Lake is offering excellent freshwater fishing opportunities. The lake is teeming with bass, bluegill, pickerel, yellow perch, and crappie, making it a prime location for freshwater anglers.
These detailed observations and fishing reports are provided by Ken Lamb of the St. Mary's Tacklebox, offering insights into the current fishing conditions and the best strategies for a successful fishing trip in St. Mary's County.
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