Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing Report: Big Blues and Mackerel Fire Up Solomons

The week of September 5–11, 2026 gave us fast action and heavy coolers out of Solomons Island, MD. Big Bluefish chewed nearly every afternoon, Spanish Mackerel showed up in serious numbers, and Red Drum kept us hunting. We even landed a 92-Mackerel day that had the whole boat grinning.

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 Sunday’s walk-on trip. Let’s get into it.

Here’s the quick version:

• 92 Spanish Mackerel on a single 12-hour trip September 9
• 50 Big Bluefish landed in one afternoon September 6
• 2 Big Reds early in the week, with more on the hunt list
• Spanish Mackerel schooling up strong out of Solomons
• Walk-on seats open Sunday, Sept 13, noon–8pm aboard Miss Susie IV

How Was Fishing This Past Week?

In one word: fantastic. Our captains put anglers on multiple species almost every trip during charter fishing trips on the Chesapeake Bay out of Harbor Island Marina. A couple of mornings started slow, but the crew adjusted fast and turned quiet water into full boxes of fish.

Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.

September 5 — Quick Bluefish Limit and an Early Finish

The afternoon crew got into the nice Bluefish in a hurry. The limit came so fast that I gave the group a choice: stick with the original 8-hour plan and go hunt Red Drum and Cobia, or head in early with a box full of fish.

They chose the early finish. That left plenty of time to enjoy a beautiful evening and a tasty dinner on Solomons Island — a great way to cap a quick, productive trip.

September 6 — Slow Morning, Explosive Afternoon

The morning bite ran slow, but we still boxed 2 Big Reds, 14 Big Bluefish, and 1 large Spanish Mackerel. Not a bad haul when the fish play hard to find.

Then the afternoon turned electric. The Big Bluefish showed up hungry, and we landed 50 of them while losing another 30-plus of those violent, toothy brawlers. When they’re on like that, every rod stays bent.

September 8 — Epic Bluefish and a Big Red That Got Away

The afternoon brought an epic large Bluefish bite, plus a heartbreaker — we lost a very large Red Drum right near the boat. That’s fishing, and it keeps you coming back.

The morning was strong too. We stumbled on a nice school of Spanish Mackerel on their way out of the Chesapeake Bay. With roughly 5.5 more weeks of afternoon trips ahead for Big Blues, Big Reds, and maybe a Cobia, the timing right now is excellent.

September 9 — 92 Spanish Mackerel and 56 Big Bluefish

What a day. Mike and the boys joined us for a 12-hour trip, and we put together 92 Spanish Mackerel and 56 large-model Bluefish.

That’s the kind of nonstop action anglers dream about. The fishing out of Solomons over the next five weeks should be incredibly good if this is any sign.

September 10 — Fast Blues, Then Macs

We left the dock at noon and had 35 Big Bluefish on ice by 3pm. The group wanted to try for the Big Reds, so we went searching.

While hunting the Reds, we stumbled onto some nice Spanish Mackerel and went to work — landing 18 Macs and another 25 or so frying-size Bluefish. Even when the target fish stay hidden, there’s always another bite to chase.

September 11 — 45 Big Blues and 5 Spanish

We closed the week with 45 Big Bluefish and 5 Spanish Mackerel in the afternoon. A solid finish to a week loaded with action.

The takeaway: Every trip this week produced fish, with Big Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel leading the charge and Red Drum adding real trophy potential.

Chesapeake Bay Spanish Mackerel Fishing

Spanish Mackerel stole the show more than once this week. We found a fresh school on September 8, then boxed 92 in a single 12-hour trip on September 9. These fast, sleek fish hit hard, run fast, and make outstanding table fare.

When the Macs are this thick, the action stays quick from the first pass to the last. That makes for a perfect trip for anglers of all skill levels — the bites come often, and the fights are a blast. You can learn more on our Spanish Mackerel fishing page.

Choose this if: you want fast, steady action and a cooler full of great eating fish. Spanish Mackerel trips are ideal for families, first-timers, and mixed groups.

Do this next: book a trip while the schools are running strong out of Solomons.

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.

We boated 2 Big Reds early in the week and hooked a very large one on September 8 that pulled off near the boat. The Reds are around, showing on the electronics, and staying high on our hunt list. Our Chesapeake Bay Red Drum fishing charters page has more on targeting these fish.

Choose this if: you want a true bucket-list battle with a trophy game fish.

Do this next: tell your captain up front that you want to target Big Reds, and we’ll rig accordingly.

Cobia Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay

Cobia are one of the most powerful game fish in the Bay, and they stay on our list whenever groups want a shot. With 5.5 more weeks of afternoon trips ahead, there’s still a real chance at one before the season winds down.

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. See our Cobia fishing page for details.

Choose this if: you want a strong, dedicated shot at one of the Bay’s hardest-fighting 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 tell the story — a fast limit on September 5, 50 landed on September 6, 56 on September 9, and 45 more on September 11.

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. Check out our Bluefish charter page to plan your day.

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. Plan your trip on our Solomons Island fishing charters page.

The takeaway: Harbor Island Marina puts you minutes from the hottest late-summer action on the Bay.

More Than 5 Weeks of Great Fishing Ahead

The best news? This bite is far from over. We’ve got roughly 5.5 more weeks of afternoon trips coming for Big Bluefish, Big Red Drum, and maybe a Cobia, with Spanish Mackerel still schooling strong.

Based on this week’s action, the fishing out of Solomons over the next five weeks should be incredibly good. Now is the time to lock in your late-season date while every species is running hot.

Book This Sunday, Sept 13 — Miss Susie IV Walk-On Trip

Great news for this weekend: we’re opening up Miss Susie IV with Capt. Kyle for a walk-on/mixed group trip. And the marine weather forecast does not get any better than this.

Here are the details:

• Date: Sunday, September 13
• Time: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Boat: Miss Susie IV with Capt. Kyle
• Type: Walk-on / mixed group
• Departs 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’ll share the experience and head home with your part of the catch.

Grab your crew, pick your trip, and let our expert captains put you right on the fish. Contact Miss Susie Charters today to claim your seat on the Sunday, September 13 trip before it fills. We’ll be where the fish are — come join us!