Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing Report: Big Bluefish Rule Solomons

The week of September 12–18, 2026 was all about big fish and steady action out of Solomons Island, MD. Large-model Bluefish chomped nearly every afternoon, Spanish Mackerel hung around, and a near-keeper Cobia reminded us the salty fish are still here. Even a blown-out rest day couldn’t slow the momentum.

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

Here’s the quick version:

• Large-model Bluefish chewing all week long
• 54 Bluefish and 6 Spanish Mackerel on September 14
• A near-keeper Cobia landed September 12
• Smart wind and sea adjustments that kept coolers full
• Walk-on seats open Saturday, Sept 19, 11:30am–7:30pm out of Solomons, MD

How Was Fishing This Past Week?

In one word: excellent. Our captains put anglers on fish nearly every trip during charter fishing trips on the Chesapeake Bay out of Harbor Island Marina. The winds tested us a couple of days, but the crew adjusted fast and kept the boxes filling.

Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.

September 12 — Near-Keeper Cobia and Hungry Blues

We started the week with a nice Cobia from the previous afternoon — just short of the keeper mark, but a great sign. These salty-water fish will be around for a few more weeks, and that’s exciting news for anyone chasing them.

This morning we ducked the wind and rough water and tried a new spot. The frying-size Bluefish were abundant and very hungry. We feel truly blessed to have fish spread across a few different areas right now.

September 13 — Calm-Water Plan Pays Off

A stiff SE wind had the open water blowing this afternoon, so we headed back to our calm-water spot. That call paid off — we avoided the rough stuff and caught loads of fish.

With the winds set to lay down nicely the next day, we knew we’d be right back where the 8–12 lb Bluefish, Red Drum, and Cobia live.

September 14 — 54 Bluefish and 6 Spanish Mackerel

What a day. We boxed 54 nice Bluefish and 6 Spanish Mackerel under incredible conditions. Flat water, bent rods, and happy anglers all afternoon.

That’s the kind of trip that reminds you why mid-September on the Bay is so special.

September 15 — A Well-Earned Rest Day

Horrible sea conditions gave all of our captains and mates a much-needed day of rest and reset. Not every day is a fishing day, and knowing when to stay at the dock keeps everyone safe and sharp.

It was also a good moment to look ahead at the busy fall schedule coming our way.

September 16 — Big Big Bluefish Chomping

The Big Bluefish were chomping hard, and a few Spanish Mackerel were still hanging around the spread. When the large models turn on like this, every rod stays busy.

September 17 — Excellent Large-Model Bluefish Bite

Another excellent afternoon on the large-model Bluefish out of Solomons, MD. The pattern held strong, and the coolers filled fast.

September 18 — Very Large, Fat Bluefish

We closed the week with some very large, fat Bluefish this afternoon. Wow is right — these are the kind of thick, hard-pulling fish that make an afternoon trip unforgettable.

The takeaway: Every trip this week produced fish, with large-model Bluefish leading the charge and Spanish Mackerel, Red Drum, and Cobia all in the mix.

Chesapeake Bay Bluefish Charters

Bluefish stole the show all week. These toothy brawlers strike with fury and never quit, and this week we saw the whole range — from frying-size fryers to very large, fat models. We stacked 54 on September 14, then hammered the big ones September 16 through 18.

When they team up with Spanish Mackerel and Red Drum, every rod in the spread stays bent. Bluefish are also perfect for first-timers and families, with aggressive bites and rarely a slow moment.

Choose this if: you want nonstop rod-bending action for the whole group.

Do this next: pair a Bluefish charter trip with the Mackerel bite for a fast, full-cooler day.

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.

The Reds stayed on our hunt list all week, holding right where the 8–12 lb Bluefish and Cobia live. With the boats staying in Solomons chasing large-model Bluefish and Red Drum through October 12, there’s plenty of runway left to land a trophy. Chesapeake Bay Red Drum fishing charters are all about that bucket-list battle.

Choose this if: you want a true trophy fight with a hard-pulling game fish.

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

Cobia Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay

Cobia are one of the hardest-fighting fish in the Bay, and they’re still around. We landed a nice one September 12, just short of the keeper mark, and these salty-water fish should hang around a few more weeks.

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 run straight to the grounds. Learn more on our Cobia and Red Drum fishing page.

Choose this if: you want a strong, dedicated shot at one of the Bay’s toughest game fish.

Do this next: book a targeted trip soon, before the Cobia window closes for the season.

Chesapeake Bay Spanish Mackerel Fishing

Spanish Mackerel stuck around all week, showing up alongside the Bluefish more than once. We boxed 6 on September 14 and marked a few more in the days that followed. These fast, sleek fish hit hard, run fast, and make outstanding table fare.

When the Macs mix in with the big Blues, the action stays quick and fun for anglers of every skill level. They won’t be here forever, though — a few are already making their way out of the Bay. See our Spanish Mackerel fishing charters page for more details.

Choose this if: you want fast action and a cooler full of great eating fish.

Do this next: book an afternoon trip while the Macs are still in the spread.

What to Avoid When Booking a Fall Trip

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

• Waiting too long. The best weekend dates fill fast during a bite this strong.
• Ignoring the wind. Trust your captain’s calm-water call — it’s the difference between a rough ride and a full cooler.
• Not naming your target. If you want Big Reds or Cobia, tell us up front so we rig and run accordingly.
• Missing the fall window. The Solomons Island charter season runs hot only through October 12 before the boats shift north.

The fun is far from over — it’s just moving around. Here’s where the fleet is headed:

• Miss Susie III begins Blue Catfishing trips out of Ft. Washington, MD on September 24 and runs through Thanksgiving.
• Miss Susie II and IV stay in Solomons, MD chasing large-model Bluefish and Red Drum through October 12.
• Starting October 15, Miss Susie II and IV kick off Fall Fishing trips out of Pasadena, MD — light-tackle live lining for Rockfish, then bottom fishing for jumbo White Perch through November 20.

Last fall was spectacular, and we’re expecting much of the same. If you want in on any of these runs, now is the time to plan your date.

Book This Saturday, Sept 19 — Walk-On Trip Out of Solomons

Great news for this weekend: we’ve got a walk-on/mixed group trip with seats open. These fill fast during a bite like this, so grab your spot now.

Here are the details:

• Date: Saturday, September 19
• Time: 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
• 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 date, and let our expert captains put you right on the fish. Contact Miss Susie Charters today to claim your seat on the Saturday, September 19 trip before it fills. We’ll be where the fish are — come join us!