July signals a lot of different and yet similar things to those enjoying the outdoors. Fireworks watchers of all ages from Baltimore to Virginia Beach join the multitudes of the Chesapeake Bay Region’s residents who rally waterside for the big show. In a safe and lawful setting fireworks are fun to watch from the shore but seeing them burst over the water remains a special treat. Those of us who watch the display from a boat have a unique ringside seat but don’t leave safety and awareness ashore anytime this month, especially during the 4th of July holiday. 

     Anglers fishing much of the Chesapeake Bay watershed will continue to enjoy a water bound version of fishing fireworks long after the 4th as large numbers of croakers continue to delight all who pursue them. While there are multitudes of smaller croakers remaining to be caught during July and into August, those fishing late evening and nighttime hours are connecting with some of the biggest croakers caught in years. Baits and rigs remain easy to put together. Double hooks rigged about one foot apart with enough weight to keep the baits on the bottom will work in any setting where croakers are feeding. 

     Favored baits remain squid, bloodworm or crab. This is a great fishery for everyone to enjoy. Schedule some time for young anglers and those fishing for the first time, when planning a trip to your local “croaker grounds”. Seeing others enjoy this wonderful opportunity is as much fun as reeling them in yourself. Getting kids and others who have never had the opportunity to be out on the water for a day of fun, learning and enjoyment is a worthwhile experience, anytime. Keep things light and enjoyable with the priority being making their first water borne experience a positive one. 

     Striped bass action in Maryland Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) waters continues to provide what anglers have been enjoying for the past several years-an abundance of fish. Those working the chum slicks in Southern Maryland Chesapeake Bay and Lower Potomac waters are the majority in terms of choice of effort, but other angling techniques are working as well. July is one of the best times to be on the lookout for breaking fish and diving gulls as they feed on baitfish chased by schools of foraging stripers or “rock”. 

     While the action may take place at any time of the day, early mornings just after dawn and evening hours have been the most successful times in past seasons. Trolling or casting gear is best for this situation with chrome, silver or gold colored spoons a good choice. Bucktails will work equally well but if toothy bluefish are mixed in with the rock, a fishing trip could send you back to the tackle shop sooner then expected. For the remainder of the recreational striped bass seasons in Maryland and PRFC waters, anglers can keep two stripers at 18-28 inches in length, one of which can exceed 28 inches. The 2001 Maryland recreational striped bass season continues through November 30 and the current PRFC recreational striper season runs through December 31. The recreational striped bass season in Virginia Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters remains closed until October 4. For information on Maryland’s striped bass and other fishing seasons, call 800-688-3467. For PRFC information, call 800-266-3904. 

     The Chesapeake Bay Spanish mackerel watch began early last month. These fast paced ocean run fish provide exciting action for anglers across both Virginia’ and Southern Maryland’s bay regions. Faster trolling speeds are required for Spanish mackerel but blues and sometimes even rockfish will hit lures being trolled for them. Planer rigs in number 1 or 2 sizes are popular for mackerel fishing, with a barrel swivel halfway up 20 to 25 feet of leader often used to limit line twists. While bright finishes are good for mackerel lures, use flat black colors for the swivels to keep fish from biting at the flashy, brass colors. Favored mackerel lures include small Drone, Clark or Tony Accetta spoons in chrome, brass, red, white or chartreuse. As with feeding schools of rock and bluefish, Spanish mackerel can often be found by spotting sea birds diving on baitfish being chased by foraging schools. Telling the ‘macks” from rock or blues is often easy, just by the pace of the action and how long it takes a boat to catch up to it. Have a great July and don’t forget to watch the weather along with the action.

© 2001 Steve & Chelly Scala All rights reserved.