Rockfish Charters on the Chesapeake
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, spanning 11,700 miles of shoreline across six states and playing home to some of the world’s largest striped bass (locally known as rockfish for hunting above the the bay's rocky oyster beds). With that in mind, it’s easy to see why getting out on the bay chasing rockfish – especially during the spring trophy run – is an annual event. With the arrival of spring, now’s the perfect time to start planning a rockfish trip!
Plan for the Spring Run
Rockfish are a sought-after trophy fish up and down the Atlantic seaboard. The Chesapeake Bay is a spawning ground for Maryland’s official state fish, bringing in some of the biggest trophy fish during their yearly run. Schools of world-class rockfish inundate the estuary each spring, attracting with them some of the world’s best fishermen to the spring tournaments.
If you’re like the thousands of anglers who don’t own a boat or the gear to get out into the Chesapeake chasing rockfish, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of charters throughout the region happy to take you out for the day – all you have to do is show up. These charters have the licenses, gear, and knowledge of the Chesapeake needed to ensure you’ll have a successful fishing trip.
With a ton of lodging options to choose from, why not make a weekend out of your trip? Rest easy before or after your trip to get the most out of what Maryland has to offer. One of the best ways to unwind after a day on the water is to visit a waterfront bar for happy hour and a bite to eat.
Some local restaurants will even cook your fresh catch! Rudow’s FishTalk recently published an in-depth article titled Tips for the Traveling Fisherman in Maryland that highlights some of the area’s restaurants that offer this service. They’ve also included local resources and suggestions for places to stay, eat, drop your boat and more.
Experience Rockfish
For a better understanding into all that’s offered to anglers on the Chesapeake Bay and through its charters, be sure to check out our experience video on Chesapeake Fishing Charters. With plenty of things to do on and off the water, there’s no better place for a springtime fishing trip with the family or a group of friends than Maryland.
Now’s the time to start planning your spring trip!
Be sure to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ online for information on 2019 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing for fishing licenses and regulations. Also, check out the Plan Your Trip section of our website to find lodging options, fishing charters and guides, and outdoor retailers to get the most out of your fishing trip in Maryland.
If you’re looking to turn your fishing trip into a road trip, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of Maryland than travelling its scenic byways.
Please note: There will be no new regulation changes for rockfish this season. However, the Department of Natural Resources and fish-loving Marylanders ask anglers chasing rockfish to please use circle hooks to increase the survivability of striped bass after catch and release.
A regulation involving hooks, bait and striped bass is still in effect through Dec. 15, 2019 in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.
- Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or chumming;
- Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks or “J” hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or when using processed baits while not live-lining or chumming (treble hooks are prohibited); and
- The minimum size for striped bass is 19 inches.