Here is a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect to catch during the different seasons:
March
March kicks off our fishing season with a focus on capturing the delectable yet invasive Blue Catfish. Nestled in the 301 Bridge Area of the Tidal Potomac, these abundant creatures await. Their unmatched taste, coupled with the absence of size or creel limits due to their non-native status, make them a prized catch. Using medium-action spinning rods and chunks of cut bunker as bait, we engage in thrilling battles as the Blue Cats roll and fight fiercely until they’re safely in the landing net. From 2 lbs to over 30 lbs, these fish provide great fun for all ages and exceptional table fare. Though March may be chilly, it also heralds the opportunity to reel in our largest Blue Cats of the year.
April
As April arrives, we continue our pursuit of the flavorful Blue Catfish in the familiar grounds of the 301 Bridge Area. With the same zeal for angling, we anticipate similar experiences and outcomes as in March, ensuring an exciting continuation of the season. Blue Cats will be mixed sizes from 2lbs to over 30lbs.
May
In May, our focus remains on the Blue Catfish as we venture once more into the 301 Bridge Area. The thrill of the catch, the unmatched taste, and the absence of restrictive limits persist, offering an experience that’s both consistent and gratifying. As the weather warms, May becomes an ideal time for family outings, promising ample action and memorable moments on the water. Blue Cats will be mixed sizes from 2 lbs to over 30 lbs.
June
June 1 marks a transition as we relocate our boats to Pasadena, shifting our attention to the resident Chesapeake Bay Rockfish, also known as Striped Bass. Live Norfolk Spot bait on spinning gear becomes our weapon of choice, attracting not only the attention of Rockfish but also providing exciting bottom fishing opportunities for Spot, Perch, and Croaker. With school out and generally very calm seas, very consistent fishing action, and pleasant weather, June presents an ideal window for family outings and corporate functions alike.
July
July sees the continuation of the thrilling light tackle live lining for Rockfish, accompanied by excellent bottom fishing for Norfolk Spot and White Perch. As the summer season unfolds, July beckons families to the water, offering a diverse range of fishing experiences amidst warm weather and abundant catches. As soon as we limit on Rockfish (2 per person over 19 inches on a Charter) we light tackle bottom fish for Spot and White Perch often catching them 2 at a time.
August
August brings both heat and excitement to the waters as we embark on expeditions targeting Rockfish in Pasadena, followed by ventures south to Solomons in pursuit of Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Cobia, and Trophy Red Drum. Just before mid-August, we head south to Solomons to target Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish on our 6-hour AM charters and on our 8-hour afternoon charters we target Cobia and the Larger Bluefish and occasionally get into Trophy Red Drum. The last 2 weeks of August almost always produce the best Spanish Mackerel catches of the year. If you have a Smoker and you Like Smoking Fish Late August is when you want to come and see us. Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel are both excellent smoked.
September
In September we remain in Solomons and chase Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish for our AM 6-hour trips and chase Cobia, Red Drum, Larger Bluefish on our 8-hour afternoon/evening trips. Cobia season closes September 16, so get your slot and come catch one of the hardest-fighting fish that swim. Lots of action and lots of fun loading up on Spanish Mackerel or Bluefish. Temps cooling off a bit and tons of variety with the chance of GIANT Cobia make September a great time to plan your adventure.
October
Come October, we witness the onset of change, with bottom fishing opportunities flourishing early on and live-lining for Rockfish gaining momentum as the waters cool. Mid-October marks the chance to pursue resident “big fish” with light tackle, adding an extra layer of excitement to the autumn fishing experience. There are usually a few large (28″ and larger) rockfish to be caught on live Spot by anchoring over the structure. These first few “big fish” of the fall are not the migratory stripers we catch in the spring and late fall but are a sample of the small population of resident “big fish” that are just leaving their shallow water summer haunts. Fishing for these resident “big fish” on light tackle is a blast. October is also a very busy month because of historically good catches and milder temperatures. Book a date early and enjoy the Chesapeake Bay at its finest: rock fishing in the comfortable autumn weather!
November
November used to mark the return of the migratory stock of trophy-striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean. However, with the population of these large, migratory fish down from their peaks five plus years ago and much milder falls, our efforts in November are now geared towards the abundant resident Stripers. Early November the past few years has showcased the very best of the light tackle live lining that the Chesapeake Bay has to offer with tons of fish in the 19-inch to 32-inch range. Stockpiling Norfolk Spot is very important and we have become experts at it! When the weather finally does turn in late November, we return to trolling with 6-inch baits and do very well either targeting fish tight on the structure or chasing the birds to find large schools of feeding fish. Fishing the Bay in November is a hoot!
December
December heralds the final chapter of the year for Miss Susie Charters, yet it promises no shortage of excitement. As we target the trophy Striped Bass in the lower Bay, the opportunity to extend the season into Virginia waters ensures ample chances for memorable catches. With December dates in high demand, anglers seize their last opportunity of the year to land a prized trophy while bidding farewell to another season of exhilarating fishing adventures. Wishing all a joyous holiday season as we reflect on the year’s bounty and eagerly anticipate the adventures that await in the year to come.
View Size & Creel Limits Here
