Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Rockfish & White Perch Start Oct 15
It won’t be long now. In just a few days, Miss Susie II and IV head north to Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD to kick off Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass. Once we limit on Rockfish, we switch to Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for White Perch: fat, tasty, and often caught two at a time.
Solomons isn’t going out quietly, either. This week brought a 77-fish Bluefish limit, plenty of 7–13 lb bruisers, and Blue Catfish trips so heavy our anglers could barely lift the fish board.
Here’s the quick version:
- 77 mostly large-model Bluefish (our boat limit) on October 6
- 7–13 lb Bluefish on October 4 and 5
- 60–90 Blue Catfish per trip out of Fort Washington, MD
- Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters run October 15 – November 20 out of Pasadena, MD
See full details on our Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters →
How Was Fishing This Past Week?
In one word: incredible. Every afternoon out of Solomons produced big Bluefish. Our captains learned to wait out the swarms of smaller fish and then go to work on the heavyweights. Over on the Upper Tidal Potomac, Miss Susie III kept stacking Blue Catfish morning and afternoon.
Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.
October 3: 60 to 90 Blue Catfish Per Trip
Miss Susie III kept rolling out of Fort Washington, MD. Every trip landed 60 to 90 Blue Catfish. These fish are invasive, but they’re also some of the tastiest fish you’ll ever put on the dinner table.
October 4: Deadly Accurate on 7–13 lb Bluefish
Absolutely incredible fishing this afternoon. The massive schools of 2.75–4 lb Bluefish settled down a lot. That opened the door to target the 7–13 lb Bluefish, and we hit them with deadly accuracy.
When the small fish back off, the big ones take over. That’s when the drags really start screaming.
October 5: Waiting Out the Swarm Pays Off
The 2.75–3.5 lb Bluefish were swarming when we arrived. Around 3 PM, they calmed down, and we went to work on the 7–12 lb fish.
Patience turned a good day into a very nice haul. Knowing when to wait and when to strike is a big part of fishing the fall Bay.
October 6: 77-Fish Boat Limit, Mostly Large Models
We absolutely smashed our 77-fish boat limit, and most of them were large-model Bluefish. That’s a lot of heavy pulling in one afternoon, and the crew earned their dinner.
October 7: Blue Cats AM and PM, Big Blues in Solomons
Miss Susie III got after the Blue Catfish in a big way on both the morning and afternoon trips. Back in Solomons, Miss Susie II and IV posted another absolutely incredible afternoon on the Bluefish.
October 8: They Could Barely Lift the Fish Board
Miss Susie III put the whack on the Blue Catfish again out of Fort Washington. You’ve got to love it when anglers can barely lift the fish board for the photo.
The Humminbird Apex 13 SideScan made a big difference. It showed us exactly where the fish were holding. With five more afternoons chasing Big Bluefish left in Solomons, the countdown to Rockfish season got real.
October 9: Incredible Afternoon and a Look Ahead
We wrapped the week with another incredible afternoon. Wow! Early next week, we head north to Pasadena to start light-tackle live lining for Stripers on October 15.
The takeaway: Big Bluefish are closing out the Solomons season strong, Blue Catfish are stacking up on the Potomac, and the Rockfish & White Perch run is days away.
Coming Oct 15: Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass
This is the trip many of our regulars wait for all year. From October 15 through November 20, Miss Susie II and Miss Susie IV fish out of Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD. Every combo trip starts with Rockfish.
As the water cools, Striped Bass feed hard to bulk up for winter. Bait gathers on structure and channel edges, and the Rockfish follow. Last year, late October and early November gave us epic fishing for both Rockfish and White Perch. We fully expect the same this fall.
Light-Tackle Live Lining With Live Spot – Rockfish Charter Fishing Trips
Live lining means fishing a live spot on a light rod with little or no weight. The bait swims naturally, and Rockfish can’t resist it.
- Beginner-friendly: your mate hooks the bait and coaches you on when to set the hook
- Thrilling for veterans: light tackle makes every Striper feel like a trophy
- Great table fare: Rockfish fillets are flaky, mild, and perfect grilled, baked, or fried
We stay on the Rockfish until your group reaches 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 move to proven spots and bottom fish for fat, tasty White Perch.
Here’s the best part: White Perch have no size or creel limits. Every keeper can go home with you.
Why Anglers Love Fall White Perch
- Two at a time: double-headers on two-hook rigs happen all day
- Fast, steady bites that keep kids and first-timers busy
- Sweet, mild fillets that fry up crisp and golden
- A heavier cooler at the end of the trip
If you’re torn between a “big fish” trip and an “action” trip, you don’t have to choose. The combo gives you both.
The Tech That Puts You on More Fish
We’ll be putting our electronics and boat control through their paces this fall. Both help you spend more time catching and less time searching.
Humminbird Apex 13 SideScan
SideScan shows fish, bait, and structure off both sides of the boat, not just underneath it. That helps your captain find Rockfish schools and White Perch piles faster. It helped Miss Susie III load the fish board this week, and it’ll do the same on the Stripers.
Minn Kota Instinct Riptide Quest Trolling Motor
Live lining works best when your bait stays right in the strike zone. Our Minn Kota trolling motor lets us hold the boat on top of the fish and adjust quietly without spooking them. That means more hookups and fewer drifts off the school.
The takeaway: Better electronics plus precise boat control means more bites for your crew.
Last Call: Big Bluefish in Solomons
As of October 8, we had five more afternoons chasing Big Bluefish out of Solomons. The big fish are feeding hard, and we’re hitting 7–13 lb Blues and boat limits.
Choose this if: you want heavy, nonstop action before the Solomons season wraps up.
Do this next: call Captain Greg right away to see if any final afternoons are still open.
Blue Catfish Trips Out of Fort Washington
Miss Susie III is landing 60 to 90 Blue Catfish per trip out of Fort Washington, MD. The trips run in calm, protected water. That makes them a great pick for families, kids, and anyone who prefers a smooth ride.
Blue Catfish are invasive, so every fish you keep helps the river. They’re also excellent eating. Trips run through Thanksgiving.
Blue Catfish Charter Fishing Trips Dates & Rates
Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charter Details
Rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, and our mates clean and fillet your catch. For the full breakdown, read our guide to Chesapeake Bay Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters starting Oct 15. You can also visit our Rockfish & White Perch Fishing page or our main Chesapeake Bay Rockfish Charters page.
Common Mistakes to Avoid This Fall
- Waiting on opening week. The first Rockfish dates after October 15 go fast, especially weekends.
- Missing the late-October peak. Last year’s best fishing came in late October and early November.
- Underdressing. Fall mornings on the water feel colder than on land, so bring layers.
- Forgetting cooler space. With no creel limit on White Perch, you’ll want extra room.
- Not naming your goal. Tell us whether you want more Rockfish time or more Perch time, and we’ll plan the day around it.
Book Your Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charter Today
Here’s where the fleet stands:
- Solomons, MD: final Big Bluefish afternoons before the boats head north
- Fort Washington, MD: Blue Catfish trips with 60–90 fish per trip, through Thanksgiving
- Pasadena, MD: Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters launch October 15
Last year’s late-October and early-November bite was epic, and this fall is shaping up the same way. Gather your crew and pick your date. We’ll put you on the Stripers first and a cooler full of White Perch second.
Reserve your Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charter now →
You can also see all available dates and rates, call Captain Greg at 1-301-873-1327, or contact us online. We’ll be where the fish are. Come join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Rockfish & White Perch combo season start?
The combo season starts October 15 and runs through November 20. Trips depart from Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD.
Is Rockfish the same as Striped Bass?
Yes. On the Chesapeake Bay, Striped Bass are commonly called Rockfish. They’re the same fish.
How do you fish for Rockfish on the combo trip?
We use light-tackle live lining with live spot. The bait swims naturally on a light rod, and Rockfish strike it hard.
Are there limits on White Perch?
No. White Perch have no size or creel limits, so you can keep as many as you catch.
How much does the combo charter cost?
$900 for the first 6 passengers, plus $110 for each additional passenger.
Are Blue Catfish trips still running?
Yes. Miss Susie III fishes out of Fort Washington, MD through Thanksgiving, with recent trips landing 60–90 Blue Catfish.
Is the combo trip good for kids and beginners?
Absolutely. Our captains and mates coach every angler, and the steady White Perch bite keeps kids and first-timers busy all day.
