Archive for category: Fishing Reports

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!

The week of August 22–27, 2026 gave us some of the most exciting Chesapeake Bay charter fishing of the whole season. We ran hard out of Solomons Island, MD, and the fish rewarded us every single day. Spanish Mackerel poured in like it was 2023, Bull Red Drum lit up the electronics, and the Bluefish kept every rod bent.

By the end of this report, you’ll know exactly what’s biting, how each species is running right now, and how to grab one of the last open seats on our Sunday, August 30 walk-on trip. Let’s get into it.

Here’s the quick version:

• 100 Spanish Mackerel on our August 24 walk-on trip
• 9 Bull Reds on spinning gear after trolling over a giant school August 26
• 54 Bluefish on the afternoon of August 22
• 5 short Cobia targeted and landed on August 25
• All four trophy species active on Solomons Island charter fishing trips

How Was Fishing This Past Week?

In one word: unforgettable. Our captains put anglers on multiple species nearly every trip out of Harbor Island Marina in Solomons Island, MD. We battled some sea grass and shifting winds, but the crew adjusted fast and kept the coolers filling.

Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.

August 22 — 54 Bluefish and Steady Mackerel

The afternoon trip was a barnburner. We landed 54 Bluefish and 38 Spanish Mackerel, with the rods barely getting a rest between hookups.

The morning tested us a bit. East winds pushed in floating sea grass and fouled our spread, but we still managed 54 Spanish Mackerel and 3 Bluefish. When conditions turn, you adapt — and that’s exactly what we did.

August 23 — A Targeted Cobia and Red Drum Trip

This group wanted Red Drum and Cobia, not a boatload of Bluefish. So after two hours on the Spanish Macs, we rigged up and ran to the grounds.

We landed 3 Cobia just under the 43-inch minimum, plus 2 Reds over the upper slot. Two other really nice Drum pulled the hook right at the boat, and one other large game fish — a big Cobia or Red — smoked a bait, stripped a ton of line, and pulled off after an exhilarating strike. Another trip also produced 48 Spanish Mackerel and a few blues.

August 24 — 100 Spanish Mackerel on a Walk-On Trip

Crazy morning out of Solomons! Our 6-hour walk-on/mixed group trip put 100 Spanish Mackerel and 11 Bluefish in the boat.

The Macs are here in numbers we simply have not seen since 2023. That’s the kind of day where every angler — first-timer or veteran — heads home with a full cooler and a big grin.

August 25 — Cobia, Red Drum, and Big Bluefish Only

Another group had zero interest in Spanish Mackerel or smaller blues. They wanted Cobia, Red Drum, and the larger Bluefish, so we skipped the Macs and ran straight to the grounds.

Five minutes in, we trolled over chewing 8–10 lb Bluefish. We landed 5 short Cobia, 44 big Bluefish, and 2 stray Spanish that liked oversized baits. We marked the Big Reds once on the screen, but all six lines were already loaded with heavy Bluefish swimming every direction.

August 26 — 9 Bull Reds on Spinning Gear

This was the story of the week. We started our noon trip trolling for Spanish Mackerel with a decent pluck going, then I trolled over a massive school of Red Drum in 57 feet of water.

The school stood nearly 50 feet tall on the 2D and stretched all the way out to 180 feet on both sides of the Humminbird Apex 13 side scan. All six Spanish Mackerel rigs hooked up at once — badly under-matched for Bull Reds. I pulled the boat out of gear, killed the engine, and yelled for my first mate Owen to cast a jigging rod off the port stern corner. He hooked up instantly.

The Mackerel rigs got shredded, but we regrouped on spinning gear and landed 9 Big Reds across four stops. When the jigging fleet crowded in, we peeled off and stacked 46 big Bluefish. An awesome afternoon on the Chesapeake Bay.

August 27 — Quick Macs, Then Big Blues

We landed 12 Macs fairly quick, then smacked the larger Bluefish before the sea state deteriorated too badly. A short window, but we made it count.

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

Chesapeake Bay Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters 

Spanish Mackerel are the stars of the late-summer show, and this week proved it. We went 54, then 100, with strong numbers nearly every trip. 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.

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

Do this next: book a morning trip while the Mackerel are running like they did in 2023.

Chesapeake Bay Red Drum Fishing Charters 

If you want raw pulling power, big Red Drum deliver. These bruisers put a serious bend in the rod and test every muscle on the way to the boat.

The August 26 trip showed just how special the Red Drum bite can get. A school nearly 50 feet tall filled the screen in 57 feet of water, and we adjusted on the fly — killing the engine and switching to spinning and jigging gear to land 9 Bull Reds. That’s the kind of story anglers talk about for years.

You can learn more about targeting these fish on our Cobia, Red Drum & Spanish Mackerel fishing page.

Choose this if: you want a true bucket-list battle with a trophy game fish. Chesapeake Bay Red Drum fishing charters are all about the fight.

Do this next: tell your captain up front that you want to target Bull 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’ve been in the mix all week. We landed 3 short Cobia on August 23 and 5 more on August 25, all just under the 43-inch harvest minimum.

Even the shorts pull like freight trains, and every trip carries the chance at a big keeper. When anglers want a focused shot at Cobia, we skip the Macs and run straight to the grounds — exactly what we did twice this week.

Choose this if: you want a strong, dedicated shot at one of the Bay’s hardest-fighting fish. Cobia fishing on the Chesapeake Bay is a true test of strength.

Do this next: book a targeted trip and let us focus the day on Cobia and Red Drum.

Chesapeake Bay Bluefish Charters 

Bluefish bring the attitude. These toothy brawlers strike with fury and never quit, and this week we saw the whole range — from tasty fryers up to mean 8–10 pounders. We stacked 54 on August 22, 44 on August 25, and 46 on August 26.

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 — aggressive bites, fun fights, 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. You can 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.

What to Avoid When Booking a Late-Summer Trip

A few simple mistakes can cost you the trip you want. Here’s what to watch for.

• Waiting too long. The best weekend dates vanish fast during a run this strong.
• Not naming your target. If you want Bull Reds or Cobia, tell us up front so we rig and run accordingly.
• Skipping the morning bite. The Spanish Mackerel action has been hottest early, before the sea state builds.
• Overlooking walk-on trips. Solo anglers and small groups don’t need to book a whole boat to get in on the action.

Why Should You Book Now?

The best dates go fast, and this season is running hot. With Spanish Mackerel here in 2023-like numbers, Bull Reds lighting up the electronics, Cobia in the mix, and giant Bluefish chewing, demand is climbing quickly.

Booking early gives your group first pick of dates while every species is running strong. Once word gets out about a week like this one, prime weekend spots disappear.

Book Your Solomons Island Charter Today — Aug 30 Seats Open

Our Sunday, August 30 walk-on/mixed group trip needs 3 more anglers. Here are the details:

• Date: Sunday, August 30
• Time: 6:00 AM to Noon
• Type: Walk-on / mixed group
• Departs from: Solomons Island, 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 one of the last three August 30 seats and lock in your late-summer date before it’s gone. We’ll be where the fish are — come join us!

The late-summer bite out of Solomons Island, MD has been everything we hoped for and then some. From August 8 through August 13, our boats saw drag-screaming Red Drum, giant Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel in serious numbers. Toss in a morning that produced over 200 Norfolk Spot, and you have one of the best weeks of the season so far.

This report walks you through the highlights day by day, shows you which trophy species are biting right now, and tells you how to lock in your spot before the calendar fills. Let’s get into it.

How Was Fishing This Past Week?

In one word: incredible. Our captains put anglers on multiple species every single trip out of Harbor Island Marina in Solomons Island, MD. The Red Drum were huge, the Bluefish were mean, and the Spanish Mackerel showed up hungry.

Here’s the day-by-day rundown.

August 8 & 9 — Big Red Drum and Big Bluefish

What an afternoon! We hit the big Red Drum and big Bluefish, and at one point the whole spread lit up at once. We had 6 trolling rods down with fish, stopped the boat, and hooked up another giant Red Drum on a spinning rod while the crew was still fighting the rest. Chaos in the best way. This is exactly why we do what we do.

That same morning, we also landed over 200 nice-size Norfolk Spot out of Solomons. Fast action, full coolers, and grins all around.

August 9 — Beautiful Sunrise and Hungry Spanish Mackerel

The sunrise alone was worth the early wake-up call. The Lord blessed us with loads of hungry Spanish Mackerel and some Bluefish mixed in. When the Mackerel bite runs this thick, the rods barely get a rest between hookups.

August 10–13 — Mackerel, Giant Bluefish, and a Few Cobia

The strong run kept rolling. These four days produced loads of Spanish Mackerel, giant Bluefish, and even a few Cobia in the mix. That’s a stacked lineup for any late-summer trip on the Bay.

The takeaway: Every trip this week produced multiple species, with Red Drum, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel all biting hard.

Chesapeake Bay Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters

Spanish Mackerel are the stars of the late-summer show, and this year they have arrived in force. These fast, sleek fish hit hard, run fast, and make outstanding table fare.

When the Mackerel are thick like they have been this past week, the action stays fast from the first pass to the last. It’s perfect for anglers of all skill levels — the bites are frequent, and the fights are a blast.

The takeaway: The Spanish Mackerel bite is running strong out of Solomons Island, and now is the time to get in on it.

Chesapeake Bay Red Drum Fishing Charters

If you want raw pulling power, big Red Drum deliver. These bruisers put a serious bend in the rod and test every bit of your strength on the way to the boat.

The August 8 and 9 trips proved just how good the Red Drum action can get. Six trolling rods down at once, plus a giant hooked on a spinning rod — that’s the kind of memory anglers talk about for years. Landing a big Red is a true bucket-list catch on the Chesapeake Bay.

The takeaway: Big Red Drum are active right now, and the trolling bite has been on fire.

Chesapeake Bay Bluefish Charters

Bluefish bring the attitude. These toothy brawlers strike with fury and never quit, and the giants we’ve been landing this week put on a real show. When they team up with Spanish Mackerel and Red Drum, every rod in the spread stays busy.

Bluefish are also a great fish for first-timers and families. The bites are aggressive, the fights are fun, and the action rarely slows down.

The takeaway: Giant Bluefish are chewing alongside the Mackerel and Drum, making for nonstop rod-bending fun.

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 and explore all the details on our Solomons Island fishing charters page, and check out our full list of Chesapeake Bay charter fishing trips and rates.

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

Which Species Can You Target Right Now?

This is the time of year when Solomons Island is truly loaded. On a single trip, you have a shot at all four of our top late-summer targets:

• Spanish Mackerel — fast, aggressive, and great eating
• Bluefish — fierce strikes and hard fights, including this week’s giants
• Cobia — one of the most powerful game fish in the Bay
• Red Drum — raw pulling power that tests any angler

Want to learn more about these trips and target species? Check out our Cobia, Red Drum & Spanish Mackerel fishing page, explore our dedicated Chesapeake Bay Rockfish charters page, or browse all available charter fishing trips and rates.

The takeaway: One trip, four trophy species — the late-summer lineup out of Solomons is stacked.

Why Should You Book Now?

The best dates go fast, and this season is shaping up to be special. With Spanish Mackerel here in numbers, giant Bluefish chewing, Red Drum bending rods, and Cobia in the mix, demand is climbing quickly.

Booking early gives your group first pick of dates while every species is running hot. Once word gets out about a week like this one, prime weekend spots disappear.

Here’s your quick checklist before you call:

• Pick your date while the bite is peaking
• Grab your crew or ask about a walk-on trip
• Lock it in before the calendar fills

The takeaway: A season this strong won’t stay quiet for long. Reserve your date now.

Book Your Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing Today

The Red Drum are huge, the Bluefish are giant, and the Spanish Mackerel are here in force. There’s never been a better time to fish out of Solomons Island, MD, with all four trophy species reporting for duty.

Grab your crew, pick your trip, and let our expert captains put you right on the fish. Contact Miss Susie Charters today to check availability and lock in your spot, or browse all charter trips and rates before these prime late-summer dates are gone. We’ll be where the fish are — come join us!

Summer Rockfish season closed on a high note. From July 25 through July 31, our boats stayed on the fish, and the action barely let up for a single trip. If you missed this final week, don’t worry—we have huge news about what’s coming next. Starting August 7, our saltier water adventures out of Solomons Island, MD kick off, and early reports point to one of the best late-summer runs in years.

This report covers the last week of summer Rockfish charters, the still-red-hot Blue Catfish bite out of Fort Washington, and everything you need to know to book your Solomons Island trip before the calendar fills. Let’s get into it.

How Did the Last Week of Summer Rockfish Fishing Go?

In a word: fantastic. Our captains put anglers on quick Striped Bass limits, then kept the rods bending with big catfish numbers all week long. Here’s the day-by-day rundown out of Pasadena, MD and Fort Washington, MD.

July 25 — Live Bait Stripers, Then a Catfish Blitz

We started with very good live bait Striper fishing, then switched over and started whacking the Channel Cats and Blue Cats. Out of Pasadena, the live bait action was crazy good, followed up by strong Blue and Channel Catfishing. Meanwhile, the Blue Catfish were popping out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD.

July 26 — Excellent Blue Catfish Bite

The Blue Catfish stayed active out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington. It was another excellent bite, with the fish chewing hard from the first drop.

July 28–29 — 48 Cats After a Quick Striper Limit

We banged on them these two days! Great fishing all around, with 48 catfish landed after a quick limit of Stripers out of Pasadena, MD. That’s the beauty of a combo trip—limit out on Rockfish fast, then keep everyone reeling with hard-fighting cats.

July 31 — An Incredible Final Morning

We wrapped up the season with an incredibly good last morning of summer Rockfishing out of Pasadena, MD. What a way to close out the summer striper window.

The takeaway: Every trip this final week produced action, whether the target was Rockfish or Blue Catfish. Summer Rockfish season went out swinging.

Is the Blue Catfish Bite Still Hot at Fort Washington?

Absolutely. The Blue Catfish out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD have been chewing day after day, and this past week was no exception. The July 25 and July 26 trips both produced strong action, with the fish active from morning through the afternoon.

Here’s why Fort Washington keeps delivering:

• No size or bag limits. Blue Catfish are an invasive species, so you can keep every fish you catch.
• Big fish, big numbers. These river monsters pull hard and rarely quit.
• Scenic setting. You fish against the backdrop of Historic Fort Washington and Mount Vernon.

The best part? Blue Catfish don’t follow the Rockfish calendar. While Striped Bass targeting is closed for all of August, the Fort Washington catfish bite keeps rolling. If you want nonstop rod-bending action this month, this is your trip.

The takeaway: The Fort Washington Blue Catfish bite is red hot and open all summer long—no closure, no slowdown.

What Makes August 7 So Exciting Out of Solomons Island?

It’s almost that time! On August 7, 2026, our saltier water adventures out of Harbor Island Marina in Solomons Island, MD officially begin—and the early reports are phenomenal.

Spanish Mackerel just arrived this past weekend. Anglers have already landed several legal Cobia over 43 inches in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake, and there are loads of huge Red Drum showing up too. All four target species are reporting for duty.

Why is that such a big deal? Late summer 2025 was a letdown. The Spanish Mackerel never really showed up in numbers, keeper Cobia were so few and far between it was almost a waste to try, and the Reds mostly stayed below the MD/VA line. This year is shaping up completely differently. With all four species already active, 2026 looks like it could be an incredible late summer and early fall out of Solomons Island.

When Can You Target Each Species?

Here’s the window for each of our four target species:

• Big Bluefish (5–15 lbs): August 7 through about October 12
• Spanish Mackerel: August 7 through mid-September
• Cobia (harvest allowed): August 7 through September 20
• Red Drum: August 7 through about October 12

You can learn more about these trips on our Cobia, Red Drum & Spanish Mackerel fishing page.

Which Solomons Trips Can You Book?

We’re offering two great options starting August 7:

• 8-Hour Grand Slam Adventure (afternoon/evening, daily): Chase all four trophy species—Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red Drum—in one action-packed trip.
• 6 AM–Noon Trips (Aug 7 through mid-September): Target Spanish Mackerel and some Bluefish, or head into the protected waters of the Patuxent River for Norfolk Spot and Atlantic Croaker bottom fishing.

That morning option is perfect for families and anyone who wants calm, protected water. The Patuxent River shelters you from rough Bay conditions while still keeping the coolers filling with tasty Spot and Croaker.

The takeaway: August 7 launches a loaded late-summer season out of Solomons Island, with all four trophy species already showing up strong.

Why Should You Book Your Solomons Trip Now?

Simple math: the best dates go fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year. With Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red Drum already active, demand is going to climb quickly once word gets out.

Booking early gives your group first pick of dates while every species is running hot. Whether you want the full 8-hour Grand Slam or a relaxed morning of bottom fishing on the Patuxent, now is the time to lock it in. View all available charter trips and rates to plan your outing.

The takeaway: Reserve your Solomons Island date early to secure the trip and species window you want.

Book Your Chesapeake Bay Charter Today

Summer Rockfish went out strong, the Fort Washington Blue Catfish are still chewing, and the Solomons Island saltier water season is about to explode. Here’s your quick recap:

• Right now: Red-hot Blue Catfish out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD—open all August, no closures.
• Starting August 7: Trophy Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red Drum out of Solomons Island.
• Two Solomons options: 8-hour Grand Slam Adventures daily, plus 6 AM–noon Spanish Mackerel/Bluefish or Patuxent River bottom fishing trips.

Grab your crew, pick your date, and let our expert captains put you right on the fish. Contact Miss Susie Charters today to check availability and lock in your trip. We’ll be where the fish are—come join us!

The bite has been outstanding, and the clock is ticking. If chasing summer Rockfish is on your list, you have just two weeks left before the season closes. Aboard Miss Susie Charters, we have been stacking up quick limits of Striped Bass and reeling in big numbers of Blue Catfish, trip after trip.

This report breaks down our latest catches out of Pasadena, MD and Fort Washington, MD. You will see exactly what our recent trips produced, why the light tackle action has been so good, and how to lock in your spot before summer Rockfish season ends on July 31.

Let’s get into it.

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Recap: Rockfish & Blue Catfish Bite Has Been Red Hot

The past week delivered consistent action across both of our hottest departure points. Our captains put anglers on quick Rockfish (Striped Bass) limits, then kept the rods bending with hard-fighting catfish.

Warm weather, calm seas, and a hungry bite made for a fantastic stretch of fishing. Groups came back to the dock with full coolers and big smiles.

The takeaway: Rockfish and Blue Catfish are both biting hard right now, and the results speak for themselves.

Pasadena, MD Fishing Charters: Rockfish Limits + 41 Blue Catfish on July 12

Our light tackle fishing charters out of Pasadena, MD have been on fire all week. The Rockfish, also known as Striped Bass, have been hammering light tackle setups, and the fight on lighter gear makes every fish feel like a trophy.

Here is one standout from the week:

• July 12, 2026: A nice limit of Striped Bass (Rockfish) plus 41 Channel Cats and Blue Catfish out of Pasadena, MD.

That is the beauty of a light tackle combo trip. You limit out on Rockfish fast, then switch gears and keep the action going with catfish. Nobody has to stop reeling.

The takeaway: Pasadena is producing steady Rockfish limits and big catfish numbers, making it perfect for families, groups, and first-timers alike.

Fort Washington, MD Blue Catfish Charters: Incredible Action on July 13

The Blue Catfish action out of Fort Washington, MD has been incredible. These river monsters pull hard and put on a serious fight all the way to the boat.

Here is a recent highlight:

• July 13, 2026: Fantastic weather and incredible Blue Catfish fishing on our Fort Washington charters.

Because Blue Catfish are an invasive species, there are no size or bag limits. You can keep every fish you catch. Add in the scenic backdrop of Historic Fort Washington and Mount Vernon, and you get one of the best days out on the water in the whole region.

The takeaway: The Fort Washington Blue Catfish bite is strong, with great weather and big fish rolling in daily.

Book Now — Only 2 Weeks Left for Summer Rockfish Charters (Season Closes July 31)

Here is the hard deadline: Rockfish harvest season runs through July 31. After that, all of August is closed to targeting Striped Bass. No exceptions.

That leaves just two weeks to enjoy summer Rockfish action and bring home a legal keeper. Availability is limited, and prime dates fill up fast during this final stretch.

The good news? Our Chesapeake Bay combo fishing charters out of Pasadena let you catch a quick Rockfish limit and then keep the day rolling with catfish. You get the best of both worlds while the season is still open.

The takeaway: Only two weeks remain for summer Rockfish charters. Book now before the August 1 closure locks it down for a full month.

Book Your Late Summer Solomons Island Trips: Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Cobia & Red Drum

Looking ahead, now is the time to reserve your late summer trips out of Solomons Island, MD. Starting in August, we chase some of the most exciting fish in the Chesapeake Bay, departing from Harbor Island Marina.

Our Solomons Island charter fishing trips target:

• Spanish Mackerel — fast, aggressive, and great eating
• Bluefish — fierce strikes and acrobatic fights
• Cobia — one of the most powerful game fish in the Bay
• Red Drum — raw pulling power that tests any angler

These trips book up quickly, especially on weekends. Reserve your date early to get the trip you want.

The takeaway: Late summer means trophy species out of Solomons Island, and early booking secures your ideal date.

Ready to Fish? Contact Miss Susie Charters and Lock In Your Date

The bite is hot, the fish are biting, and the summer Rockfish window is closing fast. Whether you want quick Rockfish limits and big catfish numbers out of Pasadena, incredible Blue Catfish action at Fort Washington, or a late summer trophy trip from Solomons Island, we have you covered.

Remember, Rockfish harvest closes July 31, and all of August is closed. If chasing summer stripers is on your list, do not wait.

Grab your crew, pick your date, and let our expert captains put you right on the fish. Contact Miss Susie Charters today to check availability and lock in your trip. We will be where the fish are — come join us!