Maryland Rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay
When it comes to highlighting can’t-miss attractions at winter sports and outdoor shows, Maryland tourism offers an abundance of opportunities. Beyond its scenic charm and rich history, the state is a haven for those who love to eat, drink, and explore the great outdoors. Seafood lovers can revel in a seemingly endless variety of crab dishes—from delicate crab bisque and savory crab cakes to the beloved, simple peel-and-eat crabs, perfect for any occasion. For those seeking rest and relaxation, Maryland’s pristine, white-sand beaches offer a peaceful retreat, with options ranging from serene, family-friendly spots to more vibrant locations that come alive with nightlife after the sun sets.
However, for anglers, the real allure lies beneath the surface, specifically in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Each spring, this legendary fishery beckons fishermen from across the country to try their hand at landing the state’s prized catch: the Maryland rockfish. Known for its size and strength, the rockfish, or striped bass, is the state fish of Maryland—and a true trophy species for any angler fortunate enough to reel one in.
Rockfish Season
Maryland’s rockfish season is as exciting as it is brief, running from mid-April to mid-May each year. During this narrow window, anglers are permitted to keep one rockfish per person, as long as it measures at least 28 inches in length. While this may seem like a large fish, it’s not uncommon to hook a rockfish that is 40 inches or more in length, which earns the angler a special recognition citation from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. These trophy fish are highly sought after, and the thrill of catching one is unmatched.
For comparison, a 28-inch rockfish typically weighs between 10 to 13 pounds and is about six years old. A 35-inch rock, on the other hand, is approximately 10 years old and weighs between 18 and 21 pounds. For anglers lucky enough to land a true monster, the 40-inch rockfish, which can weigh between 26 to 30 pounds, is generally around 13 years old. The largest recorded Maryland rockfish weighed an astounding 67.8 pounds and was around 19 years old, making it a rare and exceptional catch.
Chesapeake Bay Rockfish Charters
For those who want to maximize their chances of landing a trophy rockfish, booking a charter with a local guide like Capt. Russ Mogel is a fantastic option. Operating out of Chesapeake Beach, Capt. Mogel has been in the rockfish charter business for nearly 40 years, and his 46-foot “Mary Lou Too” custom fiberglass boat is perfectly equipped for larger parties of anglers. The boat can accommodate over 20 people, ensuring everyone has ample space to fish and enjoy the experience.
Capt. Mogel and his team are seasoned experts in navigating the Chesapeake Bay, and they know the best spots for finding these prized rockfish during the peak of the season. “We always made fishing for rockfish a family event,” Mogel shares, emphasizing that the tradition of fishing with friends and family is as important as the catch itself. Each year, Mogel and his crew gather for an annual rockfish adventure, which kicks off with a pre-trip gathering at Abner’s Crab House on the Chesapeake Beach docks. After some fun planning (and plenty of steamed crabs), the group heads out on the water to target rockfish.
Annual Fishing Trip
The trip’s highlight came when my brother, Jim, and I joined the crew for a rockfish adventure that would become a family tradition. Jim, who usually focuses on trout fishing in Pennsylvania, was about to experience his biggest catch ever—a 35-inch, 18-pound rockfish. But the real fun came when I managed to reel in my own personal trophy: a 37-inch, 19-pound rockfish that earned me bragging rights for the trip.
Despite the excitement of landing our biggest fish ever, the real thrill came from seeing others in the group hook into their own giant fish. Three of the seven anglers on the trip boated rockfish that met the state’s 40-inch minimum requirement for a Maryland citation, with Jim Drexel of Hamburg, PA, landing the biggest of the trip—a 44-inch, 35-pound rockfish. In total, the group caught 273 feet of fish, weighing 163 pounds, for an impressive average of 39 inches and 23 pounds per fish.
Migration
Rockfish, or striped bass, begin their migration to the Chesapeake Bay in late October, returning from their summer feeding grounds in New England. After spending the winter months off the coasts of Virginia and the Carolinas, they return to the bay in spring to feed and spawn. The key to fishing during this time is understanding their patterns and knowing when to target them during their spring migration.
Capt. Mogel explains that weather conditions are always a factor when fishing for these trophy rockfish. As the season progresses into late spring, anglers have a unique opportunity to target these large fish before they move south for the summer. As a result, fishing for rockfish in the spring is a highly anticipated event, drawing anglers from across the nation to the Chesapeake Bay.
One-Fish Limit
While Maryland rockfish regulations restrict anglers to a one-fish limit, this makes each catch that much more thrilling. With the possibility of reeling in a trophy-sized rockfish, the pressure is on to find the right spot and the right conditions to land that perfect fish. After each angler has caught their fish, they have the option of participating in a catch-and-release tagging program. This initiative helps the Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitor and protect the Chesapeake Bay’s rockfish population, ensuring sustainable fishing practices for generations to come.
For anglers who are looking to enjoy the thrill of reeling in a giant striped bass, Maryland’s rockfish season is truly a can’t-miss opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time angler, a rockfish charter in the Chesapeake Bay is an unforgettable experience. With the chance to catch some of the largest fish in the region, along with the beautiful surroundings and camaraderie of fellow anglers, this is an adventure that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Original Article by Doyle Dietz
About the Author
Doyle Dietz is a retired sports and outdoors writer who currently serves as outdoors editor of The Pottsville Republican and Herald. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and blackpowder editor of “The Browse Line, the publication of the PA Deer Assoc.
