The week of August 29 through September 4, 2026 kept our rods bent and our coolers full out of Solomons Island, MD. Big Red Drum came drumming, Bluefish chewed by the boatload, and Spanish Mackerel kept the action fast. We even went Cobia hunting when groups asked for it.
This report walks you through each day on the water, breaks down how every species is running right now, and shows you how to grab a seat on this weekend’s walk-on trips. Let’s get into it.
Here’s the quick version:
- Big Red Drum drumming and landing over the upper slot
- 60 solid Bluefish on a single 6-hour morning trip
- Spanish Mackerel back in the mix
- 6 Big Reds landed in one afternoon
- Walk-on seats open Sat, Sept 5 and Mon, Sept 7 out of Solomons, MD
How Was Fishing This Past Week?
In one word: outstanding. Our captains put anglers on multiple species almost every trip during Charter Fishing Trips on the Chesapeake Bay out of Harbor Island Marina. Some days started slow, but the crew adjusted fast and turned quiet water into full coolers.
Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.
Red Drum Drumming!
August 29 — Red Drum Drumming and Hungry Spots
The Red Drum were drumming early in the afternoon, and it was nothing but excitement from start to finish. We got into some huge Reds and the whole boat felt the energy.
Earlier that morning, we ran light tackle for Norfolk Spot, and those little scrappers were hungry. It was a fun, fast start to the day before the big fish took over.
Re-Located some Spanish Mackerel 1st then spent a little time looking for the Big Reds while Mackerel fishing & then went after the Big Bluefish & we were successful!
August 30 — Mackerel First, Then Big Bluefish
We relocated some Spanish Mackerel first thing, then spent a little time hunting the Big Reds while we kept the Macs going. When we shifted focus to the larger Bluefish, we found them ready to eat.
That flexibility is the name of the game right now. When one bite slows, another one turns on, and we chase it.
September 1–2 — 1 Big Red and 60 Solid Bluefish
What a stretch. We put together Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and a big Red Drum landed on spinning gear and an artificial lure. Then the Bluefish showed up in force.
In a single 6-hour morning trip, we boated 60 solid Bluefish. That’s a nonstop, arm-tiring kind of day — exactly what folks come to the Chesapeake Bay for.
Big Red Landed on Spinning Gear & artificial
September 3 — Bluefish Boat Limit and 6 Big Reds
This afternoon started rough. We tried to re-find the Spanish Mackerel first and struck out completely. Then the nice Bluefish welcomed us with open mouths.
After landing a full boat limit for seven anglers, we went Red Drum and Cobia hunting. We landed 6 Big Reds, all over the upper slot, with a few pushing toward the 27-inch max. Based on that, I fully expect the next 30 days will bring some Reds in the 18–27 inch class, just like we saw in 2024.
September 4 — 40 Bluefish and Reds on the SideScan
We closed the week with 40 Bluefish in the morning. We marked the Big Reds a few times on the Humminbird SideScan but couldn’t draw a big bite this time.
No worries — they’re right where we want them, and we’ll be back after them soon.
The takeaway: Every trip this week produced action, with Bluefish leading the charge and Big Red Drum adding real trophy potential.
Chesapeake Bay Spanish Mackerel Fishing
Spanish Mackerel keep showing up when we go looking for them. We relocated schools on August 30 and worked them into a multi-species game plan more than once this week. These fast, sleek fish hit hard, run fast, and make excellent table fare.
When the Macs are on, the bites come quick and the action stays fun for anglers of every skill level. Even on days they play hard to find, they’re still part of the plan out of Solomons.
Choose this if: you want fast, steady action and great eating fish. Spanish Mackerel trips are perfect for families and first-timers.
Do this next: book a morning trip and let your captain chase the fresh schools.
Chesapeake Bay Red Drum Fishing Charters
If you want raw pulling power, big Red Drum deliver. These bruisers put a deep bend in the rod and test every muscle on the way to the boat. This week they were the headline act.
August 29 had them drumming, and September 3 produced 6 Big Reds all over the upper slot. We even landed one on spinning gear and an artificial early in the week. With Reds pushing toward the 27-inch max, we expect a strong slot-class run over the next month — a repeat of what we saw in 2024.
Chesapeake Bay Red Drum Fishing Charters are all about that bucket-list battle, and right now the timing is excellent.
Choose this if: you want a true trophy fight with a hard-pulling game fish.
Do this next: tell your captain up front you want to target Big Reds, and we’ll rig for it.
Cobia Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay
Cobia are one of the toughest, hardest-fighting fish in the Bay, and we keep them on the hunt list whenever groups want a shot. On September 3, we mixed Cobia hunting right in with our Red Drum run.
Even a short Cobia pulls like a freight train, and every trip carries the chance at a big keeper. When anglers want a focused shot, we skip the smaller fish and run straight to the grounds.
Choose this if: you want a strong, dedicated shot at one of the Bay’s most powerful game fish.
Do this next: book a targeted trip and let us focus the day on Cobia and Red Drum.
Chesapeake Bay Bluefish Charters
Bluefish brought the attitude all week long. These toothy brawlers strike with fury and never quit, and the numbers speak for themselves — 60 on a single September 1–2 morning, a full boat limit for seven anglers on September 3, and 40 more on September 4.
When they team up with Spanish Mackerel and Red Drum, every rod in the spread stays busy. Bluefish are also perfect for first-timers and families, with aggressive bites and rarely a slow moment.
Choose this if: you want nonstop rod-bending action for the whole group.
Do this next: pair a Bluefish trip with the Mackerel bite for a fast, full-cooler day.
Why Fish Solomons Island Charter Fishing Trips?
Solomons Island sits at the heart of some of the best fishing water on the Chesapeake Bay. Where the Patuxent River meets the Bay, bait piles up and predators follow close behind. That means fast access to prime grounds and less time riding.
Miss Susie Charters launches from Harbor Island Marina in Solomons Island, MD. From the docks, our captains reach productive Bay structure and channel edges in a short run — more time fishing, less time traveling.
The takeaway: Harbor Island Marina puts you minutes from the hottest action on the Bay. That’s what makes Solomons Island Charter Fishing Trips so productive right now.
Book a Walk-On Fishing Trip This Weekend Out of Solomons, MD
We’ve got two great walk-on/mixed group trips with seats open this weekend. These fill fast during a run like this, so grab your spot now:
- Saturday, September 5 — 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM — 5 slots available
- Monday, September 7 — 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM — full MS IV available
- Departing from Solomons, MD
Walk-on trips are perfect for solo anglers, couples, and small groups who want to fish without booking the whole boat. You share the experience and head home with your part of the catch.
Grab your crew, pick your date, and let our expert captains put you right on the fish. Contact Miss Susie Charters today to claim your seat before these late-season slots are gone. We’ll be where the fish are — come join us!