Fall Rockfish Season Is On: Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing Report, Oct 9–15
It’s official. Fall Rockfish Charter season is on! As of October 15, Miss Susie II and Miss Susie IV are tied up at Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD, ready for a month of Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass. We start with light-tackle live lining for Stripers. Once we limit out, we switch to bottom fishing for fat, tasty White Perch, which have no size or creel limits.
Before heading north, we gave Solomons Island one heck of a send-off. This week brought crazy numbers of 8–14 lb Bluefish, a boat limit in under two hours, and a grand finale I won’t forget anytime soon. Over on the Potomac, Miss Susie III topped 100 Blue Catfish in a single 6-hour trip.
Here’s the quick version:
- 77-fish Bluefish boat limit in under 2 hours on October 9
- Bait-sized spot thicker than I’ve seen in years, which is great news for live lining Rockfish
- 8–14 lb Bluefish and 27 one-gallon bags of fillets on October 10
- 100+ Blue Catfish in one 6-hour trip aboard Miss Susie III
- Final Solomons Bluefish charter of 2026 on October 14
- Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters launched October 15 out of Pasadena, MD
Get the full scoop on our Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters →
How Was Fishing This Past Week?
In one word: unforgettable. We closed out the Solomons Bluefish season with big fish, full bags, and happy crews. Miss Susie III kept the Blue Cats coming in Fort Washington. Now the whole operation shifts to what many of our regulars wait for all year: fall Rockfish and White Perch.
Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.
October 9: Boat Limit in Under 2 Hours, Then a Spot Check
This crew of six hit our 77-fish Bluefish boat limit in less than two hours. With plenty of time left on the clock, we ran to the mouth of the Patuxent River to bottom fish for a few big, eater-sized Spot.
Most of the larger Spot have headed south for the season. But wow, the bait-sized Spot are as thick as I’ve seen in a long, long time.
Here’s why that matters to you. Live Spot are exactly what we use to live line for Rockfish. A bay loaded with bait sets the table for a strong fall Striper bite.
27 one gallon Bag loaded to the Hilt! Lots of Fish Cakes and Smoked Bluefish Dip for this crew this Winter!
October 10: Crazy Numbers of 8–14 lb Bluefish
Our crews stayed very busy this afternoon. Miss Susie II and Miss Susie IV both had an incredible trip, with crazy numbers of 8–14 lb Bluefish in our sector of the Chesapeake.
One crew went home with 27 one-gallon bags loaded to the hilt. That’s a lot of fish cakes and smoked Bluefish dip for this winter!
Meanwhile, Miss Susie III absolutely hammered the Blue Catfish this morning out of Fort Washington, MD. We landed over 100 Blue Cats in a 6-hour charter. Every fish was bled, filleted, skinned, rinsed, and bagged before the crew headed home.
October 14: The Grand Finale in Solomons
This afternoon was our final Solomons Island large Bluefish charter until early August 2027. What a grand finale for our 2026 Big Bluefish trips! Heavy fish, bent rods, and a perfect way to close the books on a great season.
Thank you to every angler who fished with us out of Solomons this summer and fall. We’ll be back for the big Blues next August.
October 15: Rockfish Season Begins, Blue Cats Keep Rolling
Miss Susie II and Miss Susie IV headed north this morning and arrived at Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD. The fall Rockfish season is officially underway, and we’re looking forward to a month of phenomenal fishing.
Down on the Potomac, Miss Susie III had spectacular Blue Catfishing out of Fort Washington, MD. Steady action, calm water, and plenty of great table fare.
The takeaway: We closed Solomons with a bang, the bait is thick, and the fall Rockfish & White Perch season is now open for business.
Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for Rockfish aka Striped Bass
This is our favorite way to fish the fall Bay. As the water cools, Rockfish 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.
Last year, late October and early November gave us epic fishing for both Rockfish and White Perch. We’re fully expecting the same this fall. With the bait-sized Spot as thick as they are, the table is set.
How Light-Tackle Live Lining Works
Live lining means fishing a live Spot on a light rod with little or no weight. The bait swims naturally, and Striped Bass smash 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 right in the strike zone without spooking the school.
- You drop the bait. Your mate hooks the Spot and coaches you on the bite.
- The line starts peeling. Let the Rockfish run, set the hook, and hang on.
We stay on the Stripers until your group reaches its legal limit under current Maryland regulations. Your captain handles the rules. You handle the reeling.
Why Anglers Love Fall Rockfish
- Hard strikes that light up the whole boat
- Powerful fights that feel even bigger on light tackle
- Easy to learn, even for first-timers and kids
- Flaky, mild fillets that shine grilled, baked, or fried
Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing for White Perch
Once the Rockfish are on ice, the fun 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.
Fall Perch school up tight on bottom structure. When we find them, the rods start bending all over the boat. On two-hook rigs, catching two at a time happens all day long.
- Fast, steady bites that keep kids and beginners busy
- Double-headers that never get old
- Sweet, mild fillets that fry up crisp and golden
- A heavier cooler to take home at the end of the day
If you’re torn between a “big fish” trip and an “action” trip, you don’t have to choose. Our Rockfish White Perch combo charter gives you both.
Pasadena MD Rockfish Charters: Why We Moved North
We run by one simple motto: “We will be where the fish are!” In mid-October, that means the upper Bay.
Fishing out of Ventnor Marina puts us close to productive Rockfish and White Perch water. That means less time riding and more time catching. It’s also an easy drive from Annapolis, Baltimore, and the rest of Anne Arundel County.
- Marina: Ventnor Marina, 8070 Ventnor Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
- Boats: Miss Susie II and Miss Susie IV
- Season: Pasadena trips run from October 15 into mid-November. Then we follow the fish south to Harbor Island Marina in Solomons through December 5.
Rockfish White Perch Combo Charter Details
| Detail | Info |
| Season | October 15 – December 5 |
| Starting 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.
Want the full breakdown? Read our guide to Chesapeake Bay Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters starting Oct 15. You can also visit our Rockfish & White Perch Fishing page or our main Chesapeake Bay Rockfish Charters page.
Blue Catfish Trips Still Running in Fort Washington
Miss Susie III keeps producing big numbers on the Upper Tidal Potomac, including 100+ Blue Catfish in a single 6-hour trip this week. Trips depart from Fort Washington, MD and run through Thanksgiving.
The water is calm and protected, so it’s a great pick for families and anyone who prefers a smooth ride. Blue Catfish are invasive, so every fish you keep helps the river. They’re also excellent eating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid This Fall
- Waiting for the “perfect” week. Late October and early November dates fill fast, especially weekends.
- 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.
- 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 Charter Today
Here’s the recap:
- Rockfish season is on, out of Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD.
- Light-tackle live lining for Stripers comes first.
- White Perch come next, with no size or creel limits.
- The bait is thick, and last year’s late-October bite was epic.
- Blue Catfish trips keep rolling in Fort Washington through Thanksgiving.
The best fall dates won’t last long. Grab your crew, pick your date, and let us 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
When did the fall Rockfish charter season start?
Our fall Rockfish & White Perch Combo Charters started October 15, 2026 out of Ventnor Marina in Pasadena, MD. The season runs through December 5, with a move south to Solomons, MD later in the fall.
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?
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 costs $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.
Are Blue Catfish trips still available?
Yes. Miss Susie III fishes out of Fort Washington, MD through Thanksgiving. Recent trips have landed 100+ Blue Catfish in 6 hours.
Is the combo trip good for kids and beginners?
Absolutely. Our captains and mates coach every angler, and the steady White Perch
