Fall Rockfish Season Is in Full Swing: Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, Oct 16–23
The fall Rockfish run out of Pasadena, MD is on and getting better by the day. Our first full week of Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass brought steady catches, a phenomenal live lining bite, and solid White Perch action. Most days we fished through wind and rough conditions.
The best news is the water. Temperatures dropped 4 degrees after the big cold front moved through. That’s exactly what pushes the fall schooling pattern along and turns a good Rockfish bite into a great one.
Calm seas finally return this weekend. We’ve got a Walk-On/Mixed Group trip on Sunday, October 25 at 6:00 AM out of Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, and we need at least 3 more anglers to make it go.
Here’s the quick version:
- Opening day (Oct 16): Solid live lining and a decent White Perch bite with water at 69°F
- Water temps dropped 4°F by October 18, and the bite is heating up
- Massive piles of 4″–16″ Striped Bass found on October 20, a great sign for the Bay’s future
- Phenomenal light tackle live lining for Rockfish on October 22, plus White Perch and Spot
- Miss Susie III is still crushing Blue Catfish in Fort Washington, MD
- Sunday, Oct 25 Walk-On trip: 6:00 AM–12:00 PM, Ventnor Marina, 3 more anglers needed
Claim your seat on the Sunday, Oct 25 Walk-On trip →
How Was Fishing This Past Week?
In one word: building. The wind tested us almost every morning, but our crews still put together nice catches of Rockfish and White Perch on every trip. As the water cools, the fish are grouping up and feeding harder. Every day this week felt a little better than the one before.
Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.
October 16: Day 1 Out of Pasadena
Day 1 of fall 2026 out of Pasadena treated us pretty well. Light tackle live lining was solid. We used the time we had left on bottom fishing, and the White Perch bite was decent.
Water temps were still 69°F above the Bay Bridge, so the fall schooling pattern wasn’t close to full swing yet. We knew the big cold front coming Saturday would help. Cooler water gets the fall pattern moving and improves both the Striped Bass and White Perch bites in a big way.
October 18: Water Temps Drop 4 Degrees
We had a solid morning and a solid afternoon out of Pasadena. The morning brought challenging conditions, but the crew still filled the box.
Here’s the headline: water temps dropped 4 degrees since Friday afternoon. That’s the push we were waiting for. Things are about to get wilder and crazier.
October 20: Massive Piles of Young Striped Bass
We had an excellent morning, again despite challenging conditions. While we were searching for White Perch, our electronics lit up with several massive piles of 4″ to 16″ Striped Bass.
Those fish are too small to keep, but they’re a fantastic sign. Big schools of young Rockfish mean healthy year classes coming up through the Bay. That’s great news for the fishery and for anyone who loves fishing it.
October 21: Light Tackle Success in a North Wind
North winds were blowing hard this morning, but we still managed a nice light tackle catch. This group asked us not to take photos holding fish, and we’re always happy to respect that. The fishing was still good.
Better weather was on the way, too. Calm seas were in the forecast for the weekend, and Miss Susie IV opened up for Sunday, October 25 from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM out of Ventnor Marina.
October 22: A Phenomenal Live Lining Bite
This afternoon we had a phenomenal light tackle live lining bite for Rockfish. When the Stripers are eating like this, rods bend and drags sing all over the boat. Bottom fishing was fairly good for White Perch and Spot, which rounded out a full cooler.
Down on the Upper Tidal Potomac, Miss Susie III did some great work on the Fort Washington Blue Catfish this afternoon. The whole fleet is seeing an amazing fall bite.
October 23: Last Windy Morning for a While
This was a windy, windy, windy morning. It should be the last one for a while. We still made up a very nice light tackle catch of Rockfish and White Perch.
The marine forecast for the weekend looks amazing. That’s why Sunday’s walk-on trip is such a great opportunity.
The takeaway: Every trip produced Rockfish and White Perch, even in tough wind. Now the water is cooling and the seas are calming, so the best fishing of the fall is just getting started.
Sunday, Oct 25: Walk-On/Mixed Group Trip — 3 More Anglers Needed
You don’t need a full group to fish with us this Sunday. Our walk-on trip lets solo anglers, couples, and small groups share the boat and the catch. We need at least 3 more people to make it work, so don’t wait.
- Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Time: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Departs from: Ventnor Marina, 8070 Ventnor Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
- Boat: Miss Susie IV
- Trip type: Walk-On/Mixed Group
- Forecast: Calm seas and an absolutely amazing marine forecast
Have a full group of your own? Ask about booking Miss Susie IV for the same 6:00 AM–noon window.
Choose this if: you want to get in on the cooling-water Rockfish bite without booking the whole boat.
Do this next: call Captain Greg at 1-301-873-1327 to grab your seat before the trip fills.
Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass
Fall is prime time for Rockfish. As the water cools, Striped Bass feed hard to bulk up for winter. They push bait along channel edges, points, and structure, and we set up right on top of them.
That 4-degree temperature drop is a big deal. It moves the fish into tighter schools and gets them feeding more aggressively. Last year, late October and early November brought epic fishing for both Rockfish and White Perch. This fall is lining up the same way.
How Light Tackle Live Lining Rockfish Works
Live lining means fishing a live Spot on a light rod with little or no weight. The bait swims naturally, and Rockfish can’t resist it.
- We find the fish. Our Humminbird Apex 13 SideScan shows Rockfish, bait, and structure off both sides of the boat.
- We hold the boat on them. Our Minn Kota Instinct Riptide Quest trolling motor keeps us in the strike zone without spooking the school.
- You drop the bait. Your mate hooks the Spot and coaches you through the bite.
- The line starts peeling. Let the fish run, set the hook, and hang on.
We stay on the Rockfish until your group reaches its legal limit under current Maryland regulations. Your captain handles the rules. You handle the reeling.
Why Light Tackle Makes It Better
- Every fish fights harder on lighter rods and line
- Beginners pick it up fast with a mate right beside them
- Veterans love the sport of feeling every head shake
- The fillets are outstanding, flaky, mild, and great grilled, baked, or fried
Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for White Perch
Once the Rockfish are on ice, the day keeps going. We move to proven spots and bottom fish for fat, tasty White Perch.
Here’s the best part: White Perch have no size or creel limits. Every keeper you catch can go home with you.
As the water keeps cooling, fall Perch school up tighter on bottom structure. That means more bites and more chances to catch them two at a time on a two-hook rig. This week we also picked up some Spot on the bottom, which added a nice bonus to the cooler.
- Fast, steady bites that keep kids and first-timers busy
- Double-headers that never get old
- Sweet, mild fillets that fry up crisp and golden
- No limits, so the cooler keeps filling
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.
Why Pasadena MD Rockfish Charters Are Hot Right Now
We run by one simple motto: “We will be where the fish are!” Right now, that means the upper Bay.
Fishing out of Ventnor Marina puts us close to productive Rockfish and White Perch water. You spend less time riding and more time catching. Pasadena is also an easy drive from Annapolis, Baltimore, and the rest of Anne Arundel County.
Pasadena trips run into mid-November. After that, we follow the fish south to Harbor Island Marina in Solomons, MD through December 5.
Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charter Details
| Detail | Info |
| Season | October 15 – December 5 |
| Current location | Ventnor Marina, Pasadena, MD |
| Late-season location | Harbor Island Marina, Solomons, MD |
| 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 |
Rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all included.
For the full breakdown, read our guide to Chesapeake Bay Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters starting Oct 15, or visit our Rockfish & White Perch Fishing page.
Blue Catfish Trips Still Rolling in Fort Washington
Miss Susie III keeps producing on the Upper Tidal Potomac out of Fort Washington, MD. It’s an amazing fall bite in calm, protected water, which makes it a great pick for families and anyone who prefers a smooth ride. Blue Catfish trips run through Thanksgiving.
Blue Catfish Carter fishing Trips
Common Mistakes to Avoid This Fall
- Waiting too long. The cooling-water bite is just getting started, and late October and early November dates go fast.
- Underdressing. Fall mornings on the water feel much colder than on land. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
- Skimping on cooler space. With no creel limit on White Perch, you’ll want extra room.
- Passing on a walk-on trip. No full group? A walk-on seat gets you on the water without booking the whole boat.
- Not telling us your goal. Want more Rockfish time or more Perch time? Let us know, and we’ll plan the day around it.
Book Your Fall Rockfish & White Perch Trip Today
Here’s the recap:
- Rockfish season is in full swing out of Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD.
- Water temps dropped 4°F, and the bite is getting better every day.
- Light tackle live lining for Stripers comes first.
- White Perch come next, with no size or creel limits.
- Sunday, Oct 25 at 6:00 AM walk-on trip needs 3 more anglers, with calm seas in the forecast.
The fish are schooling, the weather is turning our way, and the next few weeks should be outstanding. Grab your seat for Sunday or pick your own date. 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
Is the fall Rockfish bite good right now in Pasadena, MD?
Yes. Every trip this week produced Rockfish and White Perch, even in windy conditions. Water temps dropped 4 degrees after a cold front, and we had a phenomenal live lining bite on October 22.
How do I join the Sunday, October 25 walk-on trip?
Call Captain Greg at 1-301-873-1327 or contact us online. The trip runs 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM from Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD, and we need at least 3 more anglers to make it go.
Why does cooler water improve Rockfish fishing?
Cooler water pushes Rockfish into tighter fall schools and triggers heavier feeding before winter. That makes the fish easier to find and more aggressive on live bait.
Is Rockfish the same as Striped Bass?
Yes. On the Chesapeake Bay, Striped Bass are commonly called Rockfish. They’re the same fish.
What is light tackle live lining for Rockfish?
Live lining means fishing a live Spot on a light rod with little or no weight. The bait swims naturally, and Rockfish strike it hard. Light tackle makes every fight more exciting.
Are there limits on White Perch?
No. White Perch have no size or creel limits, so you can keep as many as you catch on the second half of the combo trip.
How much does a Rockfish & White Perch combo charter cost?
The 6-hour morning charter is $900 for the first 6 passengers, plus $110 per additional passenger.
Where do Pasadena MD Rockfish charters depart from?
They depart from Ventnor Marina, 8070 Ventnor Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122, aboard Miss Susie II or Miss Susie IV.
Is the combo trip good for kids and beginners?
Absolutely. Our captains and mates coach every angler, and the steady White Perch bite keeps kids and first-timers busy.
