Memorial Day Approaches

The frequent rains have kept the water fresh and grass growth continues choking many shallow creeks. Crabs and perch have been almost non-existent. The catfish and snakehead are everywhere, eating up everything. Some consistent warm, dry days will get the winter grass out and force the predators up the rivers to escape the salt.

Julian with keeper rockfish in Patuxent.

There was good news as many keeper rockfish were caught by trollers and casters in the deep and shallow waters. Eric Packard and friend Julian landed 31 rockfish last Friday morning in calm daybreak of Mill Creek off the Patuxent. About a third of the catch were 19 inches or better, but all released for future catches. There were rockfish off Hog Point and Goose Creek on the Naval Air Station for shore fishermen throwing lures as the sun came up.

Champion shore fisherman, Alex, shows a fine striper from the bay shore, Cedar Point Hollow.

Trollers are doing well with good-sized rockfish in the Potomac and bay. There are still some late spawning fish, and a 40-inch fish can take your trolled lure at any time. Make sure you don't have those drags set too tight.

Pound netters reported a handful of small bluefish this week. Spot have appeared in the gullet of rockfish this week. Live-lining spot on light tackle, perhaps the most enjoyable technique to catch rockfish, will begin as soon as spot become plentiful.

Largemouth are biting everywhere.

Schoolies stripers lat week in mouth of Patuxent.

Catfish and snakehead fishermen are having a great time. These fish love the cooler, fresher water and those dedicated to catching them are having a banner year.

Bass, crappie, bluegill, and pickerel are plentiful at St. Mary's Lake, and the ponds and river heads.

We have the Memorial Day weekend coming up, and it is a great time to get outdoors and catch dinner!

Capt. Bernie Shea 301-672-3282 with catch in Potomac.