Chesapeake Bay Rockfish Charters Report: Rockfish Limits & 200+ White Perch Days

The upper Bay delivered again this week. From November 5 through November 12, every trip out of Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD followed the same plan, and it kept working. We started each trip with Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass on light tackle. Then we switched to Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for White Perch and filled the cooler.

On November 11, the crew limited out on Rockfish and then caught more than 200 fat White Perch. The next morning, another crew kept 175 Perch and released 35 smalls to grow up. Wind tried to slow us down on November 7. Our captain found protected water and found the fish anyway.

Time is short to get in on the action. Our Pasadena season wraps up November 17. We still have 2 to 4 Walk-On/Mixed Group seats on Sunday, November 15. Down on the Potomac, Miss Susie III is wide open November 16–22 for Blue Catfish. After that, she doesn’t fish again until March 12, 2027.

Here’s the quick version:

• Nov 5: Excellent morning live lining for Rockfish, then fat White Perch
• Nov 6: Good light tackle Rockfish and White Perch on both the AM and PM trips
• Nov 7: 78 Blue Catfish on Miss Susie III, plus excellent Rockfish and Perch in protected water despite the wind
• Nov 8: Incredible morning light tackle for Stripers and White Perch
• Nov 11: Miss Susie III hammered the Blue Cats, and the afternoon crew limited out on Rockfish, then caught 200+ White Perch
• Nov 12: Excellent morning live lining, with 175 White Perch kept and 35 released
• Sun, Nov 15, 10 AM–4 PM: 2–4 Walk-On/Mixed Group slots left
• Nov 16–22: Miss Susie III is fully available for Blue Catfish. It’s your last chance until March 12, 2027

Book your Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charter →

How Was Fishing This Past Week?

In one word: consistent. Some days were calm and some were rough. Every trip still produced Rockfish on light tackle and a steady White Perch bite afterward. The November water has the fish schooled tight and feeding hard before winter.

Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.

November 5: Rockfish First, Then White Perch

We had excellent morning live lining for Rockfish. Once the Stripers were handled, we moved to the bottom and went to work on fat, tasty White Perch.

It was a textbook combo trip. You get the big pull first, then nonstop action after.

November 6: Good Fishing, Morning and Afternoon

Both the AM and PM trips enjoyed a good light tackle live lining bite for Rockfish. The White Perch action was good too.

Two trips in one day with the same results tells you the fish are settled in and willing.

November 7: Wind Couldn’t Stop Us, and 78 Blue Cats on the Potomac

The wind blew hard, so we had to find some new “spots” sheltered from it. We did. We found both Rockfish and White Perch in protected water, away from the worst of the wind and waves. The result was an excellent afternoon of light tackle live lining.

This is where local knowledge pays off. A captain who only knows one or two spots goes home early on a windy day. Our crews kept fishing.

Over on the Upper Tidal Potomac, Miss Susie III landed 78 Blue Catfish in a single morning out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD.

November 8: Incredible Morning on Both Species

This was incredible light tackle fishing for both Rockfish aka Stripers and fat White Perch. Rods stayed bent from the first drop to the last.

November 11: A Rockfish Limit, Then 200+ White Perch

This was the best day of the week. The afternoon crew limited out on light tackle Rockfish, then hit the White Perch hole and caught more than 200 fat, tasty Perch.

Miss Susie III also absolutely hammered the Blue Catfish out of Tantallon Marina. It’s an incredibly good bite in Fort Washington right now.

November 12: 175 White Perch Kept

We had another excellent morning of light tackle live lining for Rockfish. Then came a very good White Perch bite. Our crew kept 175 Perch and tossed 35 smalls back to grow up.

White Perch have no size or creel limits, so you can keep every fish. We still like to release the little ones and keep the eaters. That’s how you go home with thick fillets.

The takeaway: Rockfish limits on light tackle, back-to-back 200-fish White Perch days, and fish found even in rough weather. The fall combo is firing right now.

Last Call in Pasadena: Sunday, Nov 15 Walk-On Seats

You don’t need a full crew to fish this weekend. Our Walk-On/Mixed Group trip lets solo anglers, couples, and small groups share the boat and the catch.

• Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Departs from: Ventnor Marina, 8070 Ventnor Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
• Target species: Rockfish aka Striped Bass, then White Perch
• Seats left: 2 to 4

The 10 AM start gives you a relaxed morning and a full six hours on the water. With only a handful of seats open, this trip won’t last.

Choose this if: you want one more shot at the upper Bay bite before the boats move south.

Do this next: call Captain Greg at 1-301-873-1327 to claim your seat.

Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass

November is prime time for Stripers in the upper Bay. Cold water pushes Rockfish into tight schools, and they feed heavily to bulk up for winter. This week we limited out time after time.

How Light Tackle Live Lining Works

Light tackle live lining means fishing a live Spot on a light rod with little or no weight. The bait swims naturally, and Rockfish can’t leave it alone.

1. We find the fish. Our Humminbird Apex 13 SideScan shows Rockfish, bait, and structure off both sides of the boat.
2. We hold the boat on them. Our Minn Kota Instinct Riptide Quest trolling motor keeps us in the strike zone without spooking the school.
3. You drop the bait. Your mate hooks the Spot and coaches you through the bite.
4. The line starts peeling. Let the fish run, set the hook, and hang on.

We fish until your group reaches its legal limit under current Maryland regulations. Your captain handles the rules. You handle the reeling.

Why a Fast Limit Is Good News

On most trips, a quick limit means heading in early. On our combo trip, it means more time on the White Perch. That’s how the November 11 crew ended up with a 200-fish afternoon.

Want to see every way we chase Stripers from spring through fall? Visit our Chesapeake Bay Rockfish Charters page.

Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for White Perch

Once the Rockfish are on ice, we switch to bottom rigs and head for the Perch. Here’s the best part: White Perch have no size or creel limits.

Why November White Perch Are Worth the Trip

• Big numbers: 200+ on November 11 and 175 kept on November 12
• Two at a time: double-headers on two-hook rigs happen all trip long
• Fat, cold-water fish: thick, sweet fillets that fry up crisp and golden
• Steady bites: perfect for kids, beginners, and anyone who loves action

Fish cleaning is available for a fee. You can choose scaled and gutted, filleted, or scaled only. Just tell your mate your preference before the trip ends. It’s a big help when the cooler is this heavy.

If you’re torn between a “big fish” trip and an “action” trip, you don’t have to choose. The Rockfish & White Perch combo gives you both.

We Will Be Where the Fish Are: Pasadena to Solomons

Our motto drives every move we make. For the past month, the fish have been in the upper Bay, and so have we. Fishing out of Ventnor Marina has meant short runs and more time catching.

That window is closing:

• Pasadena, MD (Ventnor Marina): through November 17
• Solomons, MD (Harbor Island Marina): November 18 – December 5

As the Rockfish slide south, we follow them. If you live near Baltimore, Annapolis, or Anne Arundel County, this weekend is your last chance to fish with us close to home this fall. Southern Maryland anglers, your turn is coming.

Last Chance for Blue Catfish Until March 2027

Miss Susie III has been on fire out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD. She had 78 Blue Cats on November 7 and hammered them again on November 11.

Miss Susie III is fully available Monday, November 16 through Sunday, November 22. After that, Blue Catfish trips don’t return until March 12, 2027.

• Calm, protected water that’s great for families and kids
• Light tackle action on a hard-pulling fish
• Excellent table fare, and every invasive Blue Cat you keep helps the river

Do this next: call Captain Greg to grab a day before the season closes.

Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charter Details

Detail	Info
Season	October 15 – December 5
Pasadena departures	Ventnor Marina, through November 17
Solomons departures	Harbor Island Marina, November 18 – December 5
Boats	Miss Susie II and Miss Susie IV
Step 1	Light tackle live lining for Rockfish with live Spot
Step 2	Bottom fishing for White Perch, no size or creel limits
Fish cleaning	Available for a fee: scaled and gutted, filleted, or scaled only

Rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included. For the full season rundown, read our guide to Chesapeake Bay Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters starting Oct 15.

Common Mistakes to Avoid This Month

• Assuming there’s always next weekend. Pasadena trips end November 17, and Blue Catfish trips pause after November 22.
• Underdressing. November on the water is cold. Bring layers, gloves, a hat, and a windbreaker.
• Skimping on cooler space. A 200-Perch day takes up room. Bring a big cooler and plenty of ice.
• Forgetting your cleaning choice. Tell your mate early whether you want fish scaled and gutted, filleted, or scaled only.
• Skipping a walk-on seat. No full crew? Sunday’s mixed group trip gets you on the water without booking the whole boat.

Book Your Chesapeake Bay Rockfish Charter Today

Here’s the recap:

• Rockfish limits are coming steadily on light tackle live lining.
• White Perch are stacked, with 200+ caught on November 11 and 175 kept on November 12.
• Wind won’t stop us, because we know where to find protected water.
• Sunday, Nov 15 at 10 AM has 2 to 4 walk-on seats left out of Pasadena.
• Boats move to Solomons November 18 for the late-season combo through December 5.
• Miss Susie III’s Blue Catfish trips run Nov 16–22. After that, she’s off until March 12, 2027.

The fish are fat, the bite is steady, and the calendar is running out. Grab a seat for Sunday or pick a late-season date in Solomons. 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

How is the Rockfish bite on the Chesapeake Bay right now?

It’s excellent. From November 5 to 12, 2026, every trip out of Pasadena, MD produced Rockfish on light tackle live lining, and several crews reached their limit.

How many White Perch are you catching?

Plenty. On November 11, one crew caught more than 200 White Perch. On November 12, another crew kept 175 and released 35 smalls.

Are there limits on White Perch?

No. White Perch have no size or creel limits, so you can keep as many as you like.

How do I join the Sunday, November 15 walk-on trip?

Call Captain Greg at 1-301-873-1327 or contact us online. The trip runs 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD, and 2 to 4 seats remain.

When do Pasadena trips end?

Pasadena trips run through November 17. From November 18 through December 5, we fish out of Harbor Island Marina in Solomons, MD.

When is the last Blue Catfish trip of 2026?

Miss Susie III is fully available November 16 through November 22 out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD. Blue Catfish trips return March 12, 2027.

What happens on windy days?

Our captains move to protected water. On November 7, we found Rockfish and White Perch away from the worst of the wind and waves and had an excellent afternoon.

Do you clean the fish?

Yes. Fish cleaning is available for a fee. You can choose scaled and gutted, filleted, or scaled only.

Is Rockfish the same as Striped Bass?

Yes. On the Chesapeake Bay, Striped Bass are commonly called Rockfish. They’re the same fish.

How much does a Rockfish & White Perch combo charter cost?

The charter is $900 for the first 6 passengers, plus $110 per additional passenger.

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