Rockfishing with Molly Helms
Most anglers who know about the Chesapeake Bay have heard about the trophy-sized striped bass (known locally as rockfish) that flood the country’s largest estuary during the spring and fall runs. If you don’t have your own boat, there are plenty of charters throughout Maryland that will take you across the bay to catch these iconic and tasty fish.
Known as Rockfish here in Maryland (a name given to the fish for hunting above the Chesapeake Bay’s rocky oyster beds), striped bass are a sought-after trophy fish up and down the Atlantic seaboard. As Maryland’s official State Fish, we love our Rockfish. The Chesapeake Bay is a spawning ground for the Atlantic Ocean’s striped bass, bringing in some of the biggest trophy fish during their yearly run. Schools of world-class striped bass inundate the estuary each spring, bringing with them some of the world’s best fishermen to the spring tournaments. However impressive the spring spawning season may be, rockfish are year-round residents. If you’re looking for a fish that will put up a good fight and please your taste buds at the end of the day, Maryland’s Rockfish are what you’re after.
About Molly
She grew up in Maryland, with the Chesapeake Bay always being a part of her life. She really developed a passion for working on boats when she lived in the Caribbean for a couple years. Later she moved back to Maryland and started working on charter boats and fell in love with working and fishing on the bay for a living. Since then she decided to get her captains license a few years ago and has been working as a freelance mate.
Questions & Answers
What makes Maryland unique?
- The beautiful Chesapeake Bay and all it has to offer.
What's your #1 tip you can give readers?
- Definitely explore and enjoy the eastern shore if you can!
How do you measure success in Maryland?
- I think you can measure success in Maryland by how much you can share about the unique opportunities and the reward it gives to yourself and others.
Species dependent
What's the typical catch ranging from in Maryland?
- A typical rockfish catch ranges from 19 inches.
How often do you find what your hunting
- If you try hard enough you can find them! Just depends if they want to bite!
What's your most memorable moment in Maryland?
- This is my home, I’ve been here my whole life and my most memorable moments take on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Spending time with friends and family, fishing, eating crabs and enjoying what Maryland and the Chesapeake is all about bay is all about!
Get A License
Purchasing a license is more convenient than ever before. Maryland DNR provides the following quick and easy ways for you to obtain your licenses and registrations.