August and September are the months when anglers across the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries can enjoy a wide variety of fish species, ready for the catching. Both Maryland and tidal Potomac waters under the jurisdiction of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) continue with their striped bass recreational season. Feisty rockfish from just under the 18 inch minimum to 22 inches are a dominant stock in Chesapeake Bay and Lower Patuxent and Potomac River waters during the later summer months. Chumming remains popular but just as likely are the prospects for catching surface feeding rockfish by trolling or casting lures as they chase bait across wide areas of open water. Joining the rockfish in the chum slicks are hungry schools of bluefish in the 1 to 3 pound category, with some exceeding 4 pounds. These toothy fighters require stronger pound test of monofilament or wire leader, if you find it doesn’t spook the blues. Even with 30 pound monofilament, blues can tear or shred the line, so check it often through the course of the fishing day. Rounding out the surface action in Lower Chesapeake Bay waters will be the Spanish mackerel. They prefer a faster trolled smaller lure that resembles their favorite food, shiner minnows. 

     Flounder fishing is especially popular in Virginia Chesapeake Bay waters and in Southern Maryland as well. Catches of sub-legal flounder were frequent early in the season, but in July, catches of keepers picked up. Strips of squid or cut spot are as popular as minnows depending on where you are fishing, but drift fishing for flounder from a boat remains the best way to catch them. Hooks with long leaders of 18 to 24 inches are preferred, so the flounder can pick up the bait without initial resistance being felt. The 2005 flounder seasons include significant creel and possession changes. In Maryland and PRFC waters, the minimum size is 15 inches with a two fish per person creel limit. Virginia’s 2005 flounder season allows for a 16 ? inch minimum size and a six fish per person creel limit.  

     To keep in touch with the particulars on the summer season fishing, contact the appropriate fisheries management source for the regulations and seasons. Brochures and information cards on the 2005 fishing season are provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) or the Virginia Marine Fisheries Commission (VMRC) and may be available at local fishing tackle and bait dealers. The VMRC website is found at; http://www.mrc.state.va.us and they can be reached by phone at, (757) 247-2200. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service website is located at; http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries The Maryland DNR Fisheries phone number for information is 1-800-688-3467. The PRFC website is; http://www.prfc.state.va.us and their phone number is 1-800-266-3904. 

     See the August, 2005 Tidewater & Timber for information on the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show on August 12, 13 and 14 at the Showplace in Richmond, Virginia. Taking in this annual event is a great opportunity for the whole family. Include a stop at the Hunters for the Hungry (HFH) booth at the show to learn about the noble work this organization does for Virginia’s less fortunate. Information on HFH can be obtained by calling 1-800-352-4868 or by visiting their website at www.h4hungry.org 

© 2004 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved