LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Red Drum in the 35 to 55 inch range have moved into the mid bay. Many were caught as schools of hundreds of the “bulls” meandered from Smith Point to Point Lookout this week. These fish are all oversized as the maximum keeper is 27 inches.
These fish are released back into the breeding schools. The boaters are sight casting to the schools of fish using big colorful jigs.
Bull reds ready for release from blitz below Point Lookout last Sunday. 
Riley, Hunter, Walker, and Maverick show off some cobia from last Sunday. 
Largemouth bass are in the ponds and St Mary’s Lake eager to take your lure. 
Spot, two at the time in Patuxent on Capt. Bernie Shea’s charter this week. 
Rockfish there too! 
Bull reds last Sunday near Smith Point! 
Double headers! 
Great eating bottom fish in Potmac and Patuxent. 
Eric with bluefish near St. Jeromes creek 
Croaker! Now in Patuxent. 
Alex shows a 51 inch bull red caught near Point Lookout. One of about a dozen he and friends caught casting lures last Thursday. 
Spot are hot in the Patuxent. 
Kyle is catching rockfish in the St. Mary’s River near grass beds.
Cobia Arrive On The Middle Grounds
Cobia are also on the Middle Grounds and below the Target Ship. Chummers are using ground alewife and fresh alewife chunks to attract the fish. Live eels are the preferred bait. Live spot will also bring strikes as well as cut bait.
The fish tend to stay in the chum line that they first come to. A late comer will find no fish in his chum line and may watch his early bird neighbor catch plenty. This problem can be solved by an influx of more fish (they are on the way). There are more fish under the 43 inch minimum than over that size.
Rockfish Bite Improves
Rockfish are picking back up as the moon waxes. The lower Potomac from Point Lookout to St. George Island has yielded some fine fish this week. Lure casters around weed beds in the St. Mary’s River did well. The Patuxent has rockfish biting in the shallows for trollers and casters in the cool, calm daybreak and at sunset. Trollers on the 15 to 40 foot edges are doing well with small umbrellas and tandem rigs.
Bluefish Showing Up In Numbers
Bluefish are plentiful now for surf casters and trollers. Most of the blues are 15 to 20 inches, but there are some chopper-sized fish (25 to 30 inches) scattered about.
Spot And Hardhead Action Continues
Spot are in the mouth of the Patuxent in good numbers and some keeper hardhead are mixed in.
A profusion of two to three inch spot in the creeks and rivers on sandy bottoms. These fish are in 18 inches of water and can be caught on Sabiki rigs on moving tides. These rigs tipped with bits of blood worm will draw immediate response. This is a great way to gather bait and delight young and old with constant action.
Tackle Box is located at 22035 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, Maryland 20653.
About The BayNet Expert Series
This article is part of The BayNet Expert Series, which highlights local professionals, historians, nonprofits and community leaders who share their knowledge and expertise with Southern Maryland readers.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!