A six-day Nor’easter tried to shut us down. It didn’t work. Once the gale-force winds finally laid down, the Bay came back to life with big Bluefish, bunker everywhere, and Blue Catfish stacking up on the Potomac. Now the countdown is on to the next big run: Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass & Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for White Perch, starting October 15 out of Pasadena, MD.
This report covers the week of September 28 to October 2, 2026, day by day. You’ll see what’s biting in Solomons and Fort Washington right now, which open dates are left, and how to grab a seat on our fall Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters before the prime dates are gone.
Here’s the quick version:
- 59–98 Blue Catfish every charter, morning and afternoon, since Miss Susie III returned to Fort Washington on Sept 24
- Big Bluefish are back after the storm, with 70% in the 6–12 lb range on Sept 29
- 77 Bluefish (our boat limit) on Oct 1, with about 25% at 8–12 lbs
- Big Red Drum spotted blowing up bunker, and water temps still holding at 73°F
- Blue Catfish dates open Oct 7 & 8 at 6:30am or 12:30pm
- Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters kick off Oct 15 out of Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD
How Was Fishing This Past Week?
In one word: explosive. The Nor’easter cost us six days on the Chesapeake. When we got back out, though, the fish were hungry and the bait was thick. Miss Susie III never missed a beat on the protected waters of the Upper Tidal Potomac, either.
Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.
September 28: Blue Catfish Producing Every Single Trip
Conditions have been tough, but you’d never know it from the catch counts. Since our fall return to Fort Washington, MD on Thursday, September 24, Miss Susie III with Capt. Kyle Mills and First Mate Chris Paul has produced 59 to 98 Blue Catfish on every single charter, AM and PM.
That’s not one lucky day. That’s consistency, trip after trip, while the open Bay was blowing a gale.
September 29: Back on the Bay After the Nor’easter, and WOW
After six brutal days of gale-force winds from the Nor’easter, we finally got back on the Chesapeake midday. The fishing was phenomenal. Big Bluefish ate everything we threw at them, and about 70% ran in the 6–12 lb range.
Even better, loads of bunker have moved into the areas we’ve been fishing. With good water clarity returning, everything is lining up. The next two weeks out of Solomons aboard Miss Susie II and IV are shaping up to be EPIC.
September 30: Spectacular Afternoon Out of Solomons
Absolutely spectacular fishing this afternoon out of Solomons, MD. Rods bent, drags screamed, and the coolers filled fast.
Here’s the catch: we’ve got only two more weeks chasing Big Bluefish and Red Drum in Solomons before the boats head north. If you’ve been waiting, the clock is ticking.
October 1: 77-Fish Boat Limit and Big Reds on the Bunker
We hit our boat limit of 77 Bluefish today, with about 25% of them in the 8–12 lb class. That’s a lot of heavy pulling.
We also saw a few smaller packs of Big Red Drum blowing water on bunker. They popped up only briefly, and we couldn’t get to them in time, but they’re out there and they’re feeding. With water temps still sitting at 73°F, the next two weeks are going to be wild and crazy out of Solomons.
Over on the Potomac, Miss Susie III kept rolling out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD, landing 60 to 100+ Blue Catfish on every 6-hour trip.
October 2: Bluefish Schools Take Over, Blue Cats Still Chewing
We saw fewer of the 8 lb-plus Bluefish today. That happens when massive schools of 2.75 to 4.5 lb Blues take over an area. Those fish are still a blast on the rod and make for a fast, busy afternoon.
Meanwhile, Miss Susie III went to work on the invasive, tasty Blue Catfish this afternoon. It was incredible light-tackle fishing in calm, protected water, and the catch makes great table fare.
The takeaway: Bluefish limits in Solomons, triple-digit Blue Catfish trips on the Potomac, and the Rockfish & White Perch run is less than two weeks away.
Last Call: Big Bluefish and Red Drum in Solomons
The Solomons season runs through October 12, and the fish are fired up for the finish. Bunker are thick, the water is still warm, and the big Blues are feeding hard.
Choose this if: you want heavy, nonstop action and a real shot at a Big Red before the season closes.
Do this next: call now for one of the final Solomons dates aboard Miss Susie II or IV.
Blue Catfish Trips: Oct 7 & 8 Now Available
The Fort Washington bite is ON. Miss Susie III is producing 60 to 100+ Blue Catfish per 6-hour trip in calm, protected water. It’s an easy pick for families, kids, and anyone who gets queasy on open water.
Next week’s open dates:
- Wednesday, October 7: 6:30 AM or 12:30 PM
- Thursday, October 8: 6:30 AM or 12:30 PM
- Departs from: Tantallon Marina, Fort Washington, MD
Blue Catfish are invasive, so every fish you keep helps the river. They’re also some of the best-eating fish around. Get them while they’re biting and the weather is amazing.
Coming Oct 15: Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass
This is the trip so many of our regulars wait for all year. Starting October 15, Miss Susie II and IV move north to Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD to launch our fall Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters.
Last fall was spectacular, and we’re expecting much of the same. As the water cools, Rockfish feed hard to bulk up for winter. Bait gathers on structure and channel edges, and the Stripers follow.
How We Fish for Rockfish
We start every combo trip with light-tackle live lining for Rockfish. Live lining means fishing a live baitfish on a light rod with little or no weight. The bait swims naturally, and Striped Bass smash it.
- Easy for beginners: your mate hooks the bait and coaches you through the bite
- Exciting for veterans: light tackle turns an average Striper into a real fight
- Great table fare: Rockfish fillets are flaky, mild, and perfect grilled, baked, or fried
We stay on the Rockfish until your group hits its legal limit under current Maryland regulations. Your captain handles the rules, and you handle the reeling.
Then the Bonus: Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for White Perch
Once the Rockfish are on ice, the day keeps going. We switch to bottom fishing for fat, tasty White Perch, and here’s the best part: White Perch have no size or creel limits.
That means every keeper can go home with you. Fall White Perch school up tight on bottom structure, so double-headers are common and the bites come fast. Kids love the nonstop action, and fish-fry fans love the full cooler.
If you’re deciding between a “big fish” trip and an “action” trip, you don’t have to choose. The combo gives you both.
Book Your Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charter Today
Here’s where the fleet stands right now:
- Solomons, MD: Big Bluefish and Red Drum through October 12. Final dates are going fast.
- Fort Washington, MD: Blue Catfish trips through Thanksgiving, with Oct 7 & 8 open at 6:30am or 12:30pm.
- Pasadena, MD: Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters launch October 15.
Rockfish season is less than two weeks out, and the best dates won’t last. Gather your crew, pick your date, and let us put you on the Stripers first and a cooler full of White Perch second.