Archive for category: Fishing Reports

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.

Summer Rockfishing out of Pasadena, MD!

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.

BlueCatfish were active today out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington!

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.

Now booking Solomons Island Cobia, Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel & Bluefish trips!

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.

Fantastic weather and incredible fishing from our Ft Washington fishing charters!

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!

Rockfish Window Is Closing — Less Than 30 Days Left to Fish for Summer Striped Bass

Maryland’s 2026 Striped Bass aka Rockfish season closes for the entire month of August, leaving Chesapeake Bay anglers fewer than 30 days to target Rockfish this summer. Miss Susie Charters is currently putting groups on limits of Striped Bass and big numbers of Blue Catfish out of Pasadena, MD and Fort Washington, MD — with a July 4th walk-on special still available.

July is flying by, and the clock is ticking. Under Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2026 regulations, targeting striped bass is fully prohibited from August 1 through August 31 — no exceptions, no catch-and-release, no exceptions for any water temperatures (According to Maryland DNR, the August closure exists specifically because warm late-summer water increases release mortality even when fish are let go). That leaves fewer than 30 days to get your crew on the water and come home with a cooler full of Rockfish.

The good news? The bite is absolutely on fire right now. Miss Susie Charters is running trips out of two prime departure points — Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD and Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD — and the reports from both locations have been nothing short of extraordinary. Catfish are piling up. Rockfish are hitting. And the rods don’t stop bending.

Here’s what’s been happening on the water:

Rockfish Charter from Pasadena Catch Striped Bass & Blue Catfish

What Did the Pasadena, MD Light Tackle Combo Trip Produce?

The afternoon light tackle combo trip out of Ventnor Marina in Pasadena was a straight-up blast. The crew chased Blue Catfish and then finished off the session with a full limit of Striped Bass — all on light tackle, all on the same trip. That’s the beauty of a combo run: you don’t have to choose between action and more action.

Light tackle fishing for Rockfish in particular is something special. These fish pull hard, run fast, and on lighter gear, every single one of them feels like a trophy. Add in the Blue Catfish bite that’s been running hot all month, and you’ve got a full day of nonstop rod-bending action from start to finish.

A few openings are still available for July. If a combo trip sounds like your kind of afternoon, now is the time to lock in your date.

How Did the Morning Pasadena Trip Perform?

The morning session out of Pasadena produced one of the most impressive numbers of the season so far. A 12-person group came aboard and left with 43 Blue Catfish, a full limit of Rockfish, and a handful of White Perch thrown in for good measure. That’s a serious haul — and it’s exactly the kind of morning that makes for a legendary fish fry.

Miss Susie III has availability out of Pasadena over the next several days. If you’ve been looking for a reason to get your whole crew together this Fourth of July weekend, this is it. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday the right way: on the water, rods bent, cooler filling up.

Is the Blue Catfish Bite Still Strong Out of Fort Washington, MD?

Short answer: yes. The Blue Catfish bite out of Fort Washington, MD have been consistently jamming. Miss Susie III has been staying on them day after day out of Tantallon Marina, and the numbers have held up strong through the holiday week.

Blue Catfish are an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which means there are no bag limits and no guilt. You can keep every single one you catch — and with the bite running this hot, that can mean 50 to 100-plus fish in a single six-hour trip. These fish fight hard, they taste great, and there’s always another one ready to take the bait.

Fort Washington is also one of the most scenic departure points on the Potomac. You’re fishing in the shadow of Historic Fort Washington and within eyeline of Mt. Vernon — George Washington’s estate across the river. There’s genuinely no better place to spend a summer morning in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region.

Enjoy incredible views of Historic Fort Washington & Mt. Vernon

What Is the July 4th Holiday Weekend Walk-On Special at Fort Washington?

Saturday, July 4th — 11:30 AM departure, Tantallon Marina, Fort Washington, MD.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters This July

Why is striped bass fishing closed in August in Maryland?

Maryland DNR closed the entire month of August to striped bass targeting in 2026 because warm late-summer water temperatures significantly increase release mortality — even when anglers attempt to let fish go. The closure protects resident striped bass during their most vulnerable seasonal period and is part of a broader conservation framework approved through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Striped Bass Management Board.

How many striped bass can I keep on a Chesapeake Bay charter trip in July?

Under Maryland’s 2026 regulations, anglers may keep one striped bass per person per day during the harvest season, with a slot limit of 19 to 24 inches. The harvest season runs May 1 through July 31, meaning every July trip with Miss Susie Charters is your chance to bring home a legal keeper before the August closure.

Where does Miss Susie Charters depart from for Rockfish and Blue Catfish trips?

Miss Susie Charters currently runs trips from two locations: Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD (for Chesapeake Bay Rockfish and combo trips) and Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD (for Potomac River Blue Catfish trips). Always confirm your departure location with Captain Greg when booking.

What species can I catch on a Miss Susie Charters combo trip out of Pasadena?

Combo trips out of Pasadena, MD currently target Striped Bass (Rockfish), Blue Catfish, and White Perch — all on light tackle. Recent trips have produced limits of Rockfish alongside 40-plus Blue Catfish in a single outing, making these some of the most productive trips on the upper Chesapeake Bay right now.

What is a walk-on trip and how does it work with Miss Susie Charters?

A walk-on trip (also called a mixed group trip) allows individual anglers or small groups to book individual spots on a shared charter rather than reserving the full boat. Miss Susie Charters occasionally offers walk-on spots at select locations and times, including the July 4th trip out of Fort Washington. Pricing for walk-on trips includes first mate gratuity and fish cleaning. Contact the charter directly to confirm availability and pricing.

Do I need a fishing license to fish with Miss Susie Charters?

No. Fishing licenses are not required for passengers on Miss Susie Charters trips. The charter covers all required licensing. You’ll also receive rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, and a fish box — everything you need except your food, beverages, sunscreen, and a good attitude.

Walk-on trips are perfect for solo anglers, couples, or small groups who want to get on the water without booking an entire boat. You’ll fish alongside other anglers, share the experience, and go home with your share of the catch. Spots are limited, so if you want in on this one, don’t wait.

Book Before the Rockfish Season Closes on July 31

Here’s the hard math: Maryland’s striped bass harvest season runs through July 31, 2026 (per Maryland DNR’s 2026 recreational season schedule). After that, every single day of August is closed — no targeting, full stop. Miss Susie Charters has dates available right now, but prime summer spots fill fast, and every day that passes is one fewer chance to chase Rockfish this summer.

The combo trips out of Pasadena deliver the best of both worlds — limits of Striped Bass and big numbers of Blue Catfish, all on light tackle. The Fort Washington trips are producing incredible Blue Catfish action all through the holiday weekend and beyond, with the Rockfish season still running through the end of July if you want to chase both species.

Contact Miss Susie Charters now to lock in your date. Once August 1st hits, the Rockfish bite is off the table for a full month — and the summer won’t wait.

Book Your Trip at misssusiecharters.com