Five ways to celebrate striped bass season with a bent rod.
By Lenny Rudow
10 Tips To Catch More Cats
You want to up your game and catch more catfish? These 10 tips will help.
By
Staff presented by Okuma
What
To
Look
for
in a Tow Vehicle
You need a new tow vehicle? Here are some critical features to look for.
By Staff
Holland Island: Waiting for a Storm
Holland Island and the surrounding waters are rich with angling opportunity.
By Wayne Young
Live-lining for Rockfish From Shore for Beginners
Seducing a striper into swiping at live bait isn’t just for the boating angler. Learn how to use spot to catch summertime rockfish from shore.
By: Adam Greenberg
Decisions, Decisions
A great day of offshore fishing is something we all dream about, but if you misjudge the weather that dream can become a nightmare.
By Staff
presented by siriusXm marine
612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD 21403 (410) 216-9309 FishTalkMag.com
ANGLER IN CHIEF
Lenny Rudow, lenny@fishtalkmag.com
PUBLISHER
Mary Iliff Ewenson, mary@fishtalkmag.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Chris Charbonneau, chris@fishtalkmag.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Molly Winans, molly@fishtalkmag.com
SENIOR EDITORS
Beth Crabtree, beth@fishtalkmag.com
Kaylie Jasinski, kaylie@fishtalkmag.com
COPY EDITOR
Lucy Iliff, lucy@fishtalkmag.com
FISHING REPORTS EDITOR
Dillon Waters
ADVERTISING SALES
Eric Richardson, eric@fishtalkmag.com
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Brooke King, brooke@fishtalkmag.com
DISTRIBUTION / BROKERAGE / CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER Beatrice M. Mackenzie, beatrice@fishtalkmag.com
ART DIRECTOR / PRODUCTION MANAGER Zach Ditmars, zach@fishtalkmag.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER / PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Royal Snyder, royal@fishtalkmag.com
COASTAL CORRESPONDENT John Unkart
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Adam Greenberg, Jim Gronaw, Chuck Harrison, Capt. Monty Hawkins, Eric Packard, David Rudow, Wayne Young
DISTRIBUTION
Keith Basiliko, Martin and Betty Casey, Jennifer and Al Diederichs, Gregory and Dorothy Greenwell, Dave Harlock, Ron and Colleen Ogden
Rudow’s FishTalk is a monthly magazine for and about Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic anglers. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the officers of Rudow’s FishTalk LLC. Rudow’s FishTalk LLC accepts no responsibility for discrepancies in advertisements.
Rudow’s FishTalk is available by first class subscription for $45 a year, and back issues are available for $4 each. Mail payment to Rudow’s FishTalk Subscriptions, 612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD, 21403.
Rudow’s FishTalk is distributed free of charge at more than 850 establishments along the shores of the Chesapeake and the DelMarVa Peninsula. Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute Rudow’s FishTalk should contact the Rudow’s FishTalk office, (410) 216-9309 beatrice@fishtalkmag.com.
Rudow’s FishTalk Recycles
Back to the Bunker
By Lenny Rudow
No, we’re not talking about the doomsday-prepping cavern you carved out in your crawlspace—we mean the fish! Most FishTalk readers go fishing in the one and only estuary in the nation, the Chesapeake Bay, where large-scale commercial netting of bunker (aka menhaden, aka pogies, aka alewives, aka fatback) is still allowed. Decades ago with the destructive power of multi-boat purse seining in enclosed waterways clearly evident, one state after the next eliminated the practice in all of their bays and sounds. All except Virginia, which today commands the quota for about three-quarters of the entire Atlantic catch.
Are you hearing the sound of a broken record? Yep. The battle to push those boats out of the Bay has been going on for as long as most of us have been alive. And the commercial interests have won nearly all of those battles without breaking a sweat. I say “nearly” because the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) did finally institute a harvest limit in 2012 (note that this was triggered by an interstate Commission, not by a decision made by
the state of Virginia—similar to how an ASMFC decision forced Maryland to reduce the striped bass limit when the state didn’t particularly want to). And that cap has been reduced at times. Of course, we should also note that Omega Protein willfully busted the cap (and basically bragged about it by publicly announcing their intent) in 2019.
The latest front in this never-ending battle opened up with “ecological reference points,” which essentially means considering the fish’s ecological value as a food source for other species, in addition to considering the maximum sustainable yield. And with the decline of striped bass as well as links between osprey nesting failure and a lack of menhaden being suspected, those fighting to push these boats out of our waters seized upon ecological reference points as a cudgel. The only problem? There weren’t as of yet any localized Chesapeake Bay scientific studies demonstrating the exact links between bunker, ecology, fishing impacts, and economic importance. There was a need for solid data in order to swing that cudgel and knock those boats out of the Bay and into the open Atlantic.
Enter: the Virginia General Assembly. In 2023 they introduced a bill directing the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) to develop such a study. But then Omega lobbied, the bill was watered down, and instead they voted for VIMS to merely outline the details of what a potential study might entail. A year later, the Virginia House declined to fund the study and instead pushed it to 2025. And in 2025, you guessed it, again Virginia lawmakers have killed multiple efforts to fund the study.
What an exceptionally effective tactic: if you don’t like what you think science will tell you, simply stop the scientists from doing any work.
The battle goes on. Times change. Administrations change. Eventually the scientists will do their study. And eventually, the bunker boats will be forced to steam out into the open Atlantic before they can set their quarter mile-long nets. The only question is, how many rockfish and osprey will still be around when that finally happens?
# Bunker are a food source for, well, just about every predator species swimming in the Bay. Photo by NOAA.
Angry in Aberdeen
Dear FishTalk,
I’m sure everyone remembers the fuss last year over people being ticketed for “live-lining” with minnow for perch on J-hooks. I heard they were going to change the regulations to be like it used to be, but when perch started biting back in February I couldn’t find any updates. I always try to follow the law, but after fishing for yellow perch with minnow and shad darts for my entire life I wasn’t about to stop. So, when I heard they were biting I went out and fished like I always have, but it did cross my mind that I could be ticketed. That made me nervous and sort of ruined the day (well, that and only catching two small perch) and I didn’t try fishing for them again this year. Now that the perch run is over, I hear the regs have been changed to allow for perch fishing with minnow like we always did. Can you please explain to me why the Maryland DNR couldn’t clarify a regulation so things just remained the same as they always had been, until it’s too late, when they had an entire year to straighten this out?
- Name withheld by request
Hoops ‘N Scoops
Q: Why do fish hate basketball?
FishTalk Responds:
We asked the DNR for a response to your letter but didn’t get one. We can’t speak for them, however, we agree that this debacle certainly has been a fail. Thank goodness we can now put it in the rearview, and we hope when next year’s yellow perch season rolls around you get out more often and catch more fish.
A: They’re afraid of the nets. -Anonymous
Send your fish photos, questions, and comments to lenny@fishtalkmag.com
FISH NEWS
By Lenny Rudow
Funding Frustrations
Pennsylvania may have committed to cleaning up its 28,000 miles of streams and rivers flowing into the Chesapeake Bay, but the federal government has shut down the flow of funding—including funds that were already reviewed and granted. Pasa Sustainable Farming, a nonprofit organization which is focused on cultivating environmentally sound, economically viable, and community-focused farms and food systems, began furloughing employees this spring after their contract with the Department of Agriculture went unpaid for over 60 days. Programs assisting farmers with rotational grazing, fencing, natural runoff filtration, reduced farm field pollution, and more, were forced to go dormant.
The leading source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution into the Chesapeake is farmland, and Pennsylvania has more farms in the Bay watershed than any other state. As of 2024, four years after Bay states and environmental groups had sued the EPA for its failure to enforce pollution reduction, Pennsylvania had achieved 29 percent of the required reductions in nitrogen, 50 percent of phosphorus, and five percent of sediment. At that time just under 30 percent of the Bay and its tributaries met water quality standards (a paltry 3.3 percent improvement over the four decades since the original Chesapeake Bay Agreement was signed).
IT’S THE LAW!!
REQUIRES THAT ALL BOATS OVER 16’ CARRY A COMBINATION OF U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVED
FLARES HAVE EXPIRATION DATES AND MUST BE REPLACED EVERY 42 MONTHS!
1. In an emergency situation on the water, PYROTECHNIC FLARES are the most DYNAMIC, BRIGHT & RECOGNIZED signal clearly conveying the message that assistance in needed.
2. Flares are self-contained and require no batteries (which often corrode leak and lose charge in extreme marine environments as well as posing environmental concerns upon disposal).
3. PYROTECHNIC FLARES are up to 300X* BRIGHTER than a flashing LED Electronic Beacon.
FACTS About ORION Marine Flares
4. Orion flares DO NOT CONTAIN Perchlorate, a chemical of concern associated with groundwater pollution.
5. As a result of the altitude achieved by pyrotechnic aerial flares, the sighting area for these signals is exponentially greater than for electronic beacons:
Sighting Area (based upon signal height above horizon) SOS Beacon 3 Mile Radius 12-gauge
&
SIGNALS!
6. Flares are US Coast Guard APPROVED Day and Nighttime signals**. Flashing Electronic Beacons are certified for nighttime use only and require a separate daytime signal.
7. Orion flares are MANUFACTURED IN THE USA whereas most electronic beacons are imported from China.
UNDERSTANDING LOCATE VS ALERT SIGNALS
Due to the curvature of the earth and line of sight restrictions, potential rescuers can only see handheld electronic light and handheld flares (LOCATE SIGNALS) up to 3 miles away. NEW HANDHELD ECO-FRIENDLY FORMULATION. BURNS 35% BRIGHTER WITH 33% LARGER FLAME. Anyone beyond 3 miles will not see Locate Signals. This is why aerial flares (ALERT SIGNALS) should also be on your boat. ALERT SIGNALS can be seen as far away as 41 miles to alert potential rescuers you require assistance. As rescuers approach, LOCATE SIGNALS help pinpoint your exact location.
# Catch a cobia over 50 inches and you’ll no longer have to hunt for a slot fish to keep a second one.
Over 50 Okay
With the raised minimum size of 43 inches for cobia in the Chesapeake Bay, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted to amend the regulations which previously allowed for only one fish over 50 inches per boat per day. For 2025 (in both Virginia and Maryland waters) both fish retained aboard a recreational fishing vessel may be of any size over 43 inches. In addition, the season has been extended slightly to run June 15 through September 20.
Combos for Kids
June is a big month for Angler’s Sport Center Combos for Kids events, where kids get to go fishing and take a combo home for fishing in the future. June 6, 10, and 26 the kids will be casting and (hopefully) catching; visit combosforkids.org to learn more about the organization and its upcoming events.
Casting for Kids
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has announced “Take a Kid Fishing” events running now through early August, mostly at the Aquatic Resources Education Center near Smyrna but also at Silver Lake, Bellevue, and Lums Pond parks. The program is for kids six through 15. Preregistration is required; visit de.gov/takf. Maryland’s Youth Fishing Rodeos, meanwhile, has a healthy schedule for 2025 with over 50 events taking place in 16 different counties. Visit the Maryland DNR Youth Fishing Rodeos webpage to learn more. And youth-only trout fishing in Virginia continues through June 15 (adults assisting youth are not required to have a license or trout stamp but cannot assist with setting the hook or reeling the fish in). Details can be found at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Youth-Only Stocked Trout webpage at dwr.virginia.gov.
TOURNAMENT NEWS
Blues for DU
The third annual Blues for DU, benefiting Ducks Unlimited, is set for June 7-9. Trophies and prize money will be awarded for the top three bluefish (plus a top junior angler award) with fishing from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. within the local waters of Ocean City, MD. Sign-ups, the Thursday evening captain’s meeting, and weigh-ins are at Bahia Marina. Visit the bahiamarina.com tournaments webpage for details.
Tuna Time
The Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament hits the water
June 18 through 21, with registration kicking things off on the 18th at Southside Marina. Fishing starts the 19th with teams fishing one of the three days, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., leaving any Virginia port but returning to weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center in Rudee Inlet. All waters within 85 miles of the Cape Henry buoy are open and IGFA rules apply. Learn more at vbtuna.com
Kids Catching
Head to Indian River Marina June 20-22 for the Kids Catch-All. Kids can fish anywhere—from the jetty or beach, on a boat, or on a charter boat—followed by weigh-ins starting at 3 o’clock at the marina. Custom trophies will be awarded for the heaviest fish in 12 categories and there’s also an “Unusual Catch” award. Saturday and Sunday evening there’s a buffet dinner for participants. Preregistration is necessary, and registration fees provide a donation to the Lyme Disease Association of DelMarVa. Visit kidscatchall.com or email erica.donohue@delaware.gov to learn more.
Time To Tapp
Get ready for the Tappahannock Rotary Club’s Andrew Reavis Memorial Big Fish Tournament on June 21. The heaviest fish will take Adult and Youth prizes for croaker, catfish, largemouth bass, and red drum. The location is the Moose Lodge at the Dock Street Launch, and fishing takes place in the Rappahannock between the Port Royal and White Stone bridges. Added bonus: free hot dogs and burgers! Free hot dogs and burgers! Visit rotarybigfish.com or email info@rotarybigfish.com for the details.
HOT NEW GEAR
Editor’s Note: We wish we could personally test every item that appears on these pages, but that simply isn’t possible. So that you know the difference between when we’ve physically tested a piece of gear and when we’re writing about it because it’s newsworthy and we think you’ll want to know about it, we’ve developed this FishTalk Tested button. When you see it printed next to something in this section, it means we’ve personally run it through the wringer.
LCasting Forward
ooking forward to long casts and awesome sensitivity? Berkley has a new thermally fused version of braid line called Forward. This means it’s more or less like a next-gen Fireline but when you have it in hand it’ll fool you; the line is extremely limber and silky smooth. It also has a very slick feel, and yes, as usual with braids and especially thermal fuses, you do have to be careful not to tie a regular fisherman’s knot with this stuff or that lure will go slip-sliding away on the first bite. The diameter-to-strength ratio is excellent, and 17-pound Forward is a mere 0.010” (the equivalent to eight-pound mono). It’s available in crystal, flame green, and low-vis green, in four- to 17-pound test, on 150-yard and bulk 1500-yard spools. Price: $29.99/$299. Visit berkley-fishing.com if you’re a forward-looking angler.
Serious BBZness
If you caught last month’s feature about fishing big swimbaits for bass you might be on the hunt for some new lures, and in that case, will want to hear about the FishLab BBZ Hard Swimbait. This four-segment hard bait comes in a six-inch size (4.5” models are also available) and 10 different color patterns—six for freshwater and four for saltwater—that mimic the real thing. Along with a realistic swimming action complimented by a slow sinking/suspending action the BBZ Hard Swimbait comes rigged with 4X #1 or 1/0 BKK treble hooks and heavy-duty split rings. Price: $17.99. Visit fishlabtackle.com and go for a swim… bait.
Pole Position
Most electric kayak motors provide propulsion, period, and sit at the stern or pedal mount. For 2025, however, Minn Kota has a new bow-mount option that functions just like the bow-mounts on a boat. The Kayak Terrova has a stow-and-deploy lever with fall-away ramps that slide the motor into the water in a controlled fashion and an “Autopark” feature that orients the motor for easy retrieval, plus a micro-remote controller which allows steering and triggering features like Spot-Lock, Drift Mode, and Autopilot from your seat. You can also control the motor remotely via Humminbird fishfinders on the One Boat Network system. The Kayak Terrova is a freshwater-rated, 12-volt, 55-pound thrust model with a Weedless Wedge 2 propeller and a 36” shaft that’s deemed indestructible (and has a lifetime warranty). Weight is 40 pounds. Price: $1499.99. Visit minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com to make that kayak fishing rig even cooler.
Rod Squad
By David Rudow
If you’ve been searching for a lineup of light, sensitive rods that can handle everything from a BKD to a live spot—while getting the most bang for your buck—your search may be over. The Shimano Teramar SE was constructed with versatility in mind, which makes it the perfect all-arounder for any day on the Bay. It features cork handles and a Ci4+ reel seat made of a carbon fiber reinforced resin, which reduces overall weight compared to other materials and gives it a huge boost in sensitivity. That makes it perfect for those heavy-current days at the power plant or the bridge tunnel, when you need to feel every little bump. The rods are constructed with Spiral X and High Power X tech, which give them extra backbone, increased casting accuracy, and boosted blank recovery. That means no more floppy tips, people! The lineup includes medium-light to extra-extra-heavy, including choices for everyone from perch fishermen to cobia anglers. Price: $190 to $230. Visit fish.shimano.com and cast to your heart’s delight.
Hey There, Chum
WRedfish Candy
If you fish the Chesapeake Bay you probably heard at some point last season that the slot reds were hot for underspin jigs in the shallows. Old Skool Tackle, located on the Eastern Shore, reacted: check out their 2X Underspin Combo. These ready-to-fish, pre-matched head-andtail underspins come in 1/8-, 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2- ounce weights, in three different red-tempting color patterns. Hooks are 4/0 and 6/0 2X VMC Barbarians. Tails are Old Skool’s 3.75” and 4.75” Hammer soft baits, made with their unique plastisol blend that’s denser and more rugged than most soft plastics and has a hard-kicking tail. Price: $6.49. Visit fisholdskool.com to enter the spin zone.
hy depend on the motion of the water to dispense your freshly ground chum? With the Thump ‘Em Up Fishing Chum ‘Em Up Chum Bucket, you can now electrify your chum slick. This properly perforated bucket has a “ruggedized chum dispensing pump” and a quickdisconnect “power rope” with electrical cord and waterproof switch, so you can supercharge your chumming with the flip of a switch. The maker suggests you “catch some local forage fish, grind them up in a blender, and add them to the bucket.” (Editor’s note: we’ve tried blender-chumming before and can’t recommend it for two reasons: Number one, the fish’s skin wraps around the blade shaft and becomes impossible to remove. Number two, your wife will kill you.) The Chum ‘Em Up Bucket Starter Kit comes with two two-pound bags of chum. Price: $225. Visit thumpemupfishing.com if you’re feeling chummy.
You’re looking at it! Furuno’s award-winning Radar gives you clarity & target separation like no one else. Don’t take our word for it. See for yourself. Scan here, and we’ll show you!
Ready for Battle
You drive around in a camo truck, wear a camo jacket, and have a camo-wrapped boat? Then there’s no doubt you want a camo fishing rod. We’ve seen all sorts of finishes on rods before, but the Kistler Abrams (named after the tank) is the first camo casting creation we’ve encountered. Soon to be available (Kistler says it’s still in the proving stage as we go to press) in casting and spinning versions built on a Kctx carbon blank made in Texas, the 7’3” rods feature topnotch Fuji alconite guides with stainless-steel frames, have a medium-heavy power rating, an extra-sensitive fast-action tip, and come with a limited lifetime warranty. And yes, that’s a machine gun etched into the cork grip. Price: $349.99. Visit kistlerrods.com when you’re ready to add to your angling armaments.
Pop ‘N Plop
Poppers pop and Whopper Ploppers plop, and no one’s about to argue against how effective Whopper Ploppers can be at times. Nor will anyone argue against how effective a popping cork can be at times. So, why not apply the same pop-versus-plop logic to a popping cork? That’s the concept behind Strike King’s Plopping Cork. Rather than having a concave face it has a plopper-like winged top that spins and churns water as you “pop” it. The Plopping Cork is armed with a loud internal rattle system, weighs 1.5 ounces, and comes in orange/green, yellow/green, pink/white, and red/white colors. Price: $14.99. Visit strikeking.com if you’d rather plop than pop.
Get Visual
Anglers who use realtime imagers to scope out the fish then cast right in front of their faces can often track their lure as it moves through the water, but some lures are harder to track than others. A slater of Bait-Pop will help. With “Sparklscales” in the scented gel, your lure’s reflectiveness grows significantly and it’s far easier to see on the screen. This gel can also be applied to your line to make it visible on the imager screen. Scent is the Omnia Original Fish Formula attractant, and Bait-Pop comes in eight different colors. Price: $8.99. Visit omniafishing.com to see what you’ve been missing.
This month we talk redfish—specifically, targeting reds in the shallows of the Chesapeake with Captain Jonathan Bland of Bay Bound Guide Service
Q: What’s your go-to tackle when chasing reds in the shallows?
A: I like to use a 6’8” medium rod, extra fast action, 10-pound braid, and about three feet of 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. Any 2500 to 3000 series reel will do the job. St Croix makes numerous nice affordable rods with these specs.
Q: What’s your favorite lure and/or bait, and why?
A: My favorite lure to throw for reds in the shallows is a quarter-ounce Texas Eye jig with a four-inch Z-man paddletail, just about any color, but I prefer ones with some gold flash in them. The places I fish have lots of grass, and this lure allows me to fish them without getting snagged. It also throws really well and is a great “locator” lure, allowing me to cover a lot of water in a short period of time. Once I locate fish, I typically switch to a MirrOlure or jerk baits that really get the fish’s attention and draw reaction strikes.
Q: How do you like to fish those paddle tails?
A: When fishing for puppy drum you need to slow your lure down; people are often reeling too fast. Even in just two or three feet of water you’ll miss opportunities. A slow retrieve allows the fish to see the lure and chase it down.
Q: What type of spots do you look for the reds in?
A: When fishing for reds I like to target grass beds or oyster bars. On the Lower Bay grass beds are plentiful,
and finding ones that have the clearest water surrounding them is important. Fishing the leeward side of creeks, sod banks, or points will help with finding clean water when it’s windy. Focus on environmental features like the mouths of little creeks and guts or tucked away coves that are thick with grass.
Q: What haven’t we talked about yet that you believe is key to catching drum in the shallows?
A: Fun fact: the hardest part of red drum fishing is finding them, not necessarily getting them to bite. They’re very opportunistic feeders and will eat
just about anything you throw at them, and if the lure is near them, they’ll likely eat it. Finding them is what’s challenging. They love to eat juvenile crabs, so environments like shallow grass beds and oyster bars are conducive since crabs live in these environments. And don’t hesitate to fish in water shallower than three feet—reds like the shallows. That’s where the bait they feed on is. And by the way, when taking a boat into unfamiliar shallows fishing an incoming tide gives you some insurance if you are to run aground.
If you’d like to jump aboard with Capt. Jonathan and chase after those redfish, among other Chesapeake Bay species, contact him via phone or text at (410) 610-4971 or email at bland.jonathan17@gmail.com
# Capt. Jonathan Bland with a beautiful Chesapeake Bay redfish.
JUNE
(continued)
18-21 Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament
Teams fish one of the three days, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., leaving any Virginia port but returning to weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center in Rudee Inlet. All waters within 85 miles of the Cape Henry buoy are open and IGFA rules apply.
19 MSFC Monthly Meeting
7 to 8 p.m. at Elks Lodge #1272 in Cambridge, MD. Mid-Shore Fishing Club of Maryland.
20-22
10th Annual Kids
Catch-All
Open to all youth anglers ages 3 to 18. Fish one or both days, June 21 or 22. Lines in at 6 a.m., out at 3 p.m. You may fish in the bay, inlet, or ocean. Weigh ins at Hook’em and Cook’em Bait and Tackle at Indian River Marina, Rehoboth Beach, DE. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Lyme Disease Association of Delmarva, Inc.
21 Rotary Big Fish Tournament
7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Presented by the Tappahannock Rotary Club. Fishing areas on the Rappahannock and its tributaries are expanded to between Port Royal and Whitestone Bridges. Cash prizes for largemouth bass, croaker, red drum and catfish; all proceeds go to charitable causes. $150 per contestant by June 1; $175 after.
21-22
7th Annual Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam
In Ocean City, MD. $7000 guaranteed cash payout and over $8700+ in prizes. Kayak and SUP fishing tournament. The C-P-R division winner going to Valencia, Spain to represent the USA in the World Championship. Anglers will be weighing the top three fish in any qualifying species to win.
26 Anglers Combos for Kids Event
At Mike’s Beach. Boats needed. Presented by Anglers Sports Center.
28 The Mariners’ Sips & Trips Doors open 6:30 p.m. At the Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, VA. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with a journey through time while enjoying international wines and curated food pairings. Explore rarely seen artifacts and hear exciting stories. Tickets: $60 members, $75 general public, $35 non-drinker.
July
1
CCA SoMD Chapter Kayak Jugging on Mallows Bay 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CCA Maryland will partner with Heroes On the Water (HOW) to host up to 20 participants for kayak angling employing a technique called “jugging” on Mallows Bay in MD.
4 Annual Solomons Fourth of July Boat Parade
All are invited to show up on Mill Creek in Solomons, MD, at noon on the 4th. Show your American pride and dress up your boat or your person and join in on the fun (Stars and Stripes only). 38.331264 by 76.450065 is the start. There is no registration, just show up and jump in line. For more information, please contact melissa. mccormick101@gmail.com and stay on channel 68 the time of the parade. All are welcome, just please follow all navigational aids and rules of the road. Safety first.
5 Chesapeake Cowboys Boat Docking In Matthews, VA.
9 Frederick Saltwater Anglers Monthly Meeting
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Frederick Elks Lodge #682. Optional food starts at 6 and the meeting begins at 7. We have a speaker and vendor along with raffle prizes and a 50/50.
10 Anglers Combos for Kids Event
At Mike’s Beach. Boats needed. Presented by Anglers Sports Center.
10
CMM Waterside Music Series
7 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD. Live music by Darius Rucker.
10-13 Potomac Jazz and Seafood Festival
A four-day extravaganza of nationally acclaimed jazz artists, delectable Southern Maryland seafood, and breathtaking Potomac River views in St. Mary’s County, MD. Proceeds from this event go towards funding the non-profit Friends of St. Clement’s Island and Piney Point Museum’s missions.
17 MSFC Monthly Meeting
7 to 8 p.m. at Elks Lodge #1272 in Cambridge, MD. Mid-Shore Fishing Club of Maryland.
19 CCA SoMD Chapter Book Signing Event
4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 10425 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD. This year’s event will feature renowned author, chef, angler, conservationist and James Beard award winner Hank Shaw of the website Hunter, Angler, Gardener, Cook, who will be promoting his new book “Borderlands.” Ticketed event.
19 Antique Outboard Motor Club Meet
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Flying Point Park (511 Kennard Ave.) in Edgewood, MD. Everything vintage outboard motors and associated marine. For more info, contact Lee at (410) 833-6152.
26 Maryland Marina Nautical Flea Market
Buy, sell, or trade boat-related gear, with tables available for individuals and vendors. Kids’ activities, food truck, raffle for prizes, and free transient slips for the weekend. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Maryland Marina.
26-27 SMBC Leonardtown Bash on the Bay Vintage race boat exhibition at Leonardtown Wharf Park.
31 Anglers Combos for Kids Event At Mike’s Beach. Boats needed. Presented by Anglers Sports Center.
31 CCA Angler’s Night Out 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at West End Grill in Annapolis. Presented by Waterfront Marine. “Chesapeake Cobia Mastery” with Capt. Jon Henry (Tidewater Charters). Talk and Q&A. Free and open to the public.
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Reader Photos
# Dave Moore of Shark Whisperers was hauling black drum out of the surf on Assateague when this striped surprise ate his sand flea.
# Nicole reports that the cobia were biting off the Outer Banks this spring.
# Lanny found this snakish creature living in Calvert County.
# Vadim hauled up this 21.5-pound black drum from the suds of Assateague.
# Nate had a great day at Mattawoman this spring catching a mix of blue cats and bass.
# President Glenn and crew prove that the folks at the American Sportfishing Association don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk!
# Alan, Dave, and Rowan enjoyed the shad run in a big way.
# Ryan, Dale, Dan, Kevin, and Alex timed it right for the white perch this spring.
# Adam struck gold on his first bowfishing trip of the season.
# Nash caught a BEAST of a bronzeback while fishing in the Shenandoah.
# Topwater did the trick in a northern VA creek, for Mark—nice snakehead, man!!
# Bill and Willis fished with Apex Predators Potomac Creek and got into the snakeheads.
# Mildred hit the 30” mark, and Charlie started snapping off the pics.
# Master Angler and former cover model Lucy got in on the shad run.
# Corey caught up the cats on the Susquehanna.
# John caught this muskie in Tridelphia Reservoir, on a War Eagle Finesse Spinnerbait.
# Bill tried some fly fishing in Utah and fooled this trout into biting.
# FishTalk Contributor Peter Turcik holds the catch of the year, outfitted in one fine fly fishing vest!
# Claire caught her first largemouth! Claire caught her first largemouth!
# Chris and Diana landed a couple of marlin and had a heck of a fun time in Cabo. And yes, Diana did catch the big one.
# Buck got some nice yellows.
# Russell bundled up, hit the surf, and BAM!
# Herb found some nice largemouth swimming in the Eastern Shore millponds.
# Webb enjoys angling from salt to fresh and north to south.
Grady-White 306 Canyon: New and Improved!
All the way back in 2006
Grady-White reinvented one of its eminently popular center consoles, the Bimini 306, and it became the Canyon 306. Large enough to take on just about anything the Chesapeake can dish out as well as handling a wide range of conditions on the open Atlantic, it proved more popular than ever. And since then the boat has been upgraded and tweaked in a number of ways. For 2025 more changes are in store on the Canyon 306 and it’s a fair bet that countless anglers will once again find it to their liking.
This year’s changes are focused at the helm, starting with a new laminated safety glass windshield. It conceals the hard top supports to provide a nearly unobstructed view with no cross-supports blocking your vision, and wraps all the way back around the top of the console to boost your protection factor at the helm. Grady-White also shifted the helm station around, moving the switch panel and Yamaha display lower,
so the electronics can now be mounted closer to the captain’s line of sight.
Neither of these changes are huge, nor would they warrant calling the Canyon 306 a “new” model (something some less scrupulous builders try by merely slapping a new sticker on the hullsides), but they improve the boat and demonstrate Grady-White’s never-ending efforts to make their boats better—even the uberpopular ones.
Speaking of making boats better: the Canyon 306 has all the standard GradyWhite fare that’s made the company one of the most successful boatbuilders on the planet, including their trademark SeaV2 variable-degree hull, which tapers back to 19.5 degrees of deadrise at the transom. We think the best way to judge it is to go on a ride on a Grady-White for yourself, but note that J.D. Power and Associates has ranked this hull’s performance at number one in all of the eight marine studies they’ve done.
Fit and finish, meanwhile, is unassailable. Same goes for the boat’s equipping.
Look at most boats and you’ll see a short list of standard features followed by a long list of cost-adding options, sometimes even absolutely critical items like a raw water washdown or a set of rocket launchers for the T-top. Check out the specs on a Canyon 306, however, and you’ll see the exact opposite. In fact, the boat has just 11 listed options yet 66 standard features—and they lump plenty of items together, such as the T-top, which also includes a radio bow, stowage net, tri-color LED recessed lighting, fore and aft spreader lights, four rocket launchers, and reinforced mounting points for outriggers and radar.
On the fishing front, the Canyon 306 has a 47-gallon livewell in the transom, a rigging station with a sink and cooler box, eight flush-mount gunwale rodholders, four more launchers in the leaning post, under-gunwale racks, integrated tackle stowage, and a total of 150 gallons of insulated fishbox capacity split between three boxes. Family
WCanyon 306 Performance
ith max power, a pair of F350 Yamaha outboards, the Canyon 306 cruises at right around 40 mph at 4500 rpm while getting 1.4 mpg. Goose the throttles and top-end is in the mid-50s.
Quick Facts
LOA: 30’6”
Beam: 10’7”
Displacement: 6950 lbs.
Draft (min.): 1’9”
Transom Deadrise: 19.5 degrees
Fuel Capacity: 290 gal.
Max. Power: 700 hp
anglers will be happy to hear that the console head compartment has a sink, shower, and additional stowage, and unlike many rather Spartan center console heads, this one boasts a composite cherry/holly sole. Additional comfort-boosters include a freshwater shower aft and freshwater washdown forward, a folding aft bench seat, a Bluetooth stereo with four speakers and a subwoofer, USB ports, and coaming bolsters. One item that will also make the captain’s life a little more leisurely
# Check out the new and improved helm and windshield on the Canyon 306.
is the engine flush system with hose attachments.
In a day and age when new (NEW! NEW!) tends to garner all the headlines, sometimes it pays to take a step back and reassess the existing options. And one that’s not exactly new but certainly is better than it was before is the GradyWhite Canyon 306.
Scan code or visit fishtalkmag.com/okuma for a chance to win a pair of Okuma Cat Slayer Fishing Rods (Value $120). No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Winner will be announced on LIVE with Lenny on June 5, 2025.
ENTER WIN AT: fishtalkmag.com/okuma
Area Dealers
Norfolk Marine, Norfolk, VA, (757) 895-7432 or norfolkmarine.com
Taylor Marine, Milford, DE (302) 251-2506 and Ocean City, MD (443) 647-8265 or taylormarinecenter.com
Tristate Marine, Deale and Annapolis, MD (410) 867-1447 or tristatemarine.com
Get Ready for Rockfish
Five ways to celebrate striped bass season with a bent rod.
By Lenny Rudow
We waited, and waited, and waited, and now rockfish season is ON! From the Bay’s headwaters clear down to its junction with the Atlantic Ocean anglers like us are in a celebratory mood, as we venture forth onto the Chesapeake ISO slot-sized stripers. Where will you go? What will you do? The choices are limitless, but consider these five options from north to south to get in on the action.
Toss Topwater at the Top of the Bay
Hit the Susquehanna Flats with a wide selection of dog-walking, chug-a-lugging, surface-disturbing plugs. Remember to choose subtle presentations with spooks and gliders when the waters are calm, and switch over to poppers and
propbaits that cause a commotion when there’s a chop on the surface. Low light conditions are key and most of the time daybreak and dusk will by far be the most productive times of day for this gig, so get up early or stay out late.
Bonus Tip: It takes some self-control (well, LOTS of self-control), but be sure to hesitate for a second before setting the hook on a strike. Go off on a hair trigger, and you might yank that lure away before the fish has a chance to chomp down.
Liveline at the Bay Bridge
We can’t say for sure when summer numbers of spot will arrive but there are lots around up to the bridge already, and white perch also make a solid offering. Hold your boat within an easy
cast of the pilings and be sure to use enough weight to keep the baitfish 10’ to 20’ down. If you fish a piling for 10 or 15 minutes without a strike, move on to the next. Any of the pilings can prove productive on any given day, but generally speaking two sets stand out: the east side north bridge spider legs just outside of the deep channel water, and the west side south bridge quadpilings where the bridges start bending northward.
Bonus Tip: Fill the livewell with plenty of baits, at least four or five per person, because you should change for a fresh bait every time you miss a strike. Once some scales get rubbed off the baitfish or it starts swimming in a lethargic manner the rockfish won’t be nearly as enthusiastic about eating it.
# Low light conditions are key when you’re looking for a topwater bite.
You want to up your game and catch more catfish? These 10 tips will help.
It’s true that in many of our waterways, their huge populations make catfish one of the easiest species to target. But it’s just as true that there’s no such thing as a sure thing when it comes to fishing, and there will be days when you have a tough time getting a bent rod even when you know there are countless catfish swarming in the waters all around you. Go fishing with a lackadaisical attitude and sure, you’ll still catch fish some or maybe even most of the time. Put these 10 tips to use, however, and you’ll catch a lot more catfish a lot more of the time.
1. Don’t cast all your baits out then let them sit on the bottom for hours at a time. Freshness counts, and a bait that’s been soaking for an hour or more should be considered officially in need of replacement. If you check a bait and it looks washed out or muddied up from the bottom, ditch it and put on a new one. Speaking of bait freshness: remember that fresh bait always trumps the frozen stuff.
2. Mix some floaters (sometimes called the “Santee” or “Santee Cooper” rig) into your spread. Baits set on bottom using a fishfinder rig will usually draw plenty of strikes, but a float rig will work magic some days. Most of these have a float six inches to a foot from the hook, two to three feet above the weight. You can also use a floating jig on the end of a weighted line. These tend to be particularly effective when your target is blue catfish, which often cruise around off the bottom and are more predatory than scavenging as opposed to some other catfish species.
3. Bring a mix of baits. As a general rule of thumb you’ll want to match the hatch, and offer up a meal that’s similar to the most prevalent species in the area. But these are fish we’re talking about, people, and sometimes there’s just no explaining why they choose what they choose. Mud shad are a consistently good bet in Chesapeake tributaries, for example, but sometimes cut white perch outcatches them… and this can happen up the river during the winter months, when and where the white perch
# It looks like contributor Eric Packard made a new friend of the feline variety.
Barbels in the Bullseye presented by
aren’t yet around in good numbers. Similarly, we’ve seen bunker be the bait of choice during late fall when the bunker have already abandoned upriver areas. The bottom line? You just never know what will be best, so give ‘em a smorgasbord and let the catfish tell you what they want most on any given day.
4. Try bringing chicken. No, tossing chicken breast into a river is definitely not the best way to match the hatch, but catfish sharpies know that when properly prepared, it can make for a deadly bait. Preparation includes marinating the breast in strawberry Jell-O or cherry Kool-Aid for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Yeah,
we know that sounds weird, but pretty much everyone who tries it swears by it. That said, don’t neglect to remember the above tip—we’d encourage trying that colorful chicken breast but we’d also encourage having some fresh cut fish chunks in the water, too, and letting the catfish decide which they’d prefer to eat on any given day.
5. Gear up specifically for catfish, rather than making do with whatever tackle you have that happens to be closest in nature. If you didn’t catch our article “Gearing Up for Ginormous” in the March edition check it out now at FishTalkMag.com, and be sure to check out our “Gearing Up for Monster Blue Catfish” video at
FishTalk’s YouTube channel. We’ve fished Okuma Cat Slayer and Cat Slayer Custom rods side-by-side with rockfish gear, and yes, it does make a difference. Use the right tool for the job and you will catch more fish.
6. Give night fishing a shot, especially once the heat of summer sets in. Catfish get very active at night and in many waterways night fishing will be the best way to target them. That said, look back to Tip #5; make sure you have rods that are coated with UV paint and are highly visible in the darkness, like the Cat Slayers, so you see that tip bob and dip at the very first nibble.
7. If you’re fishing from a kayak or boat in areas where there aren’t too many snags and most of the structure relates to drop-offs and channel edges, consider drifting rather than anchoring up. Since there may not be any obvious “road signs” telling you where to stop and fish, drifting will let you prospect without having to anchor and re-anchor. When and if you discover a hot zone you can change tactics and stick around. Sometimes when the current and/or wind drops out, slowtrolling is a good move, too.
8. Don’t go under-gunned. Sure, the bulk of the catch will likely be 20” to 30” fish. But there are some true river monsters out there in Chesapeake Country and whether you’re fishing in the James, the Potomac, or the Susquehanna, there’s a very good shot at hooking into a fish of 40 pounds, 50 pounds, or even more. This is not the time nor the place for wimpy rods and reels, or at some point you’ll very likely regret it.
9. Bulk up your spread as much as possible, and fan-cast around your boat or from the shoreline. Casting out three lines per angler will allow you to cover a heck of a lot more water than one line per angler, and it can make a huge difference in the catch.
# Armed with Okuma Cat Slayer Custom gear, John cranked in a fine mess ‘o blue cats.
10. Pay attention to cold fronts. Many freshwater-oriented species are sensitive to changes in the weather, and blue catfish in particular can turn on and off like a light switch when a front passes through. Every day is different, but as a rule of thumb they tend to feed hard six to 12 hours ahead of a front and often shut down when the front passes through and causes a major change on the barometer.
You say you kept hearing how easy it was to load up on cats, but caught a skunk when you tried? Maybe you had high hopes for a loaded cooler, but barely caught enough for dinner? It’s a fact that catfish populations have exploded in our region in recent years, but these are still wild creatures and they still act in ways that can be tough to predict. Plus, they definitely aren’t aching to get yanked out of the water by a human. There’s simply no such thing as a sure thing in fishing no matter what species you’re targeting and where you go fishing. But if you take heed of these 10 tips your chances of hooking up just got better—and those rods will be bending before you know it.
We want to give Okuma one more shout-out for sponsoring our catfish-crushing series this spring, and remind everyone that they did so after carefully designing the Cat Slayer and Cat Slayer Custom rods to be ideal specifically for targeting catfish. With the blue catfish population explosion here on the Bay there’s never been a better time to target the cats, and there’s never been a better rod than the Cat Slayers made for the task. We’ve tried ‘em and we’re believers—wrap your hands around one of these rods and judge for yourself, and we’re pretty darn sure you’ll come to the same conclusion.
# The Cat Slayer rods are designed specifically to be the ideal catfish-catching creation.
Cat Slayer Custom Rods are built to dominate trophy catfish, day or night. With durable e-glass blanks and Okuma’s UFR rod-tip technology for maximum power, they present ultimate strength and durability. UV-activated paint and guide wrapping ensure precise casting and strike detection in low light. Available in six models from 7’6” to 8’0” with medium light to heavy power, Cat Slayer Custom Rods let anglers pursue their passion anywhere, anytime.
REACTIVE
WHAT to LOOK FOR in a TOW VEHICLE
You need a new tow vehicle? Here are some critical features to look for.
By Staff
Whatever make and model you use to haul Mom’s Mink down the highway, chances are that you had the truck before you had the boat. Or maybe when you bought that tow vehicle, you just eyeballed its max capacity and figured everything else would be just fine. That’s a shame, because as we all know, your fishing boat is one heck of a lot more important than that silly old land vehicle. In fact, we anglers should be choosing a truck based solely on how well it fits our trailer boats. (Yes, “boats” with an “s.”) If you’re headed over to the truck dealership, first we’d recommend you recalculate your finances and see if that money couldn’t be better spent on a newer, bigger boat. But if that’s not in the cards, be sure to look for:
TOW CAPACITY
– Naturally, this is the bottom-line feature that determines if X vehicle can tow Y boat.
But those numbers that greet your eyes aren’t always as straightforward as it seems. The problem isn’t so much the vehicle’s rating, because the major manufacturers deliver reliable and somewhat conservative numbers. The problem lies with our boats. Published boat weights are not always 100 percent on target. Some manufacturers publish boat weight without power, while others publish it with the outboard or outboards included. What’s worse, some don’t even tell you which is which. Then consider tankage. Gas weighs around six pounds and water around eight, so if you have a full 120-gallon fuel tank and 20-gallon
freshwater tank, you’ve boosted the load by close to 1000 pounds. On top of all that, through the years cores and foams can soak up water and gain weight. The bottom line? To be safe, always allow at least a 10-percent margin of error when matching up tow capacity with the load.
POWERPLANTS
– This is another area where it’s pretty safe to go by the manufacturer’s recommendations by looking at gross combined vehicle weight (GCVW) ratings. GCVW is essentially the total load—truck, trailer, boat, fuel, everything—and different powerplants will give trucks different ratings. That said, naturally, bigger is always better and if you’ll be hauling a large boat or travelling through mountainous areas, diesel will
do you better than gas. The low-end torque is vastly superior, and will speed things up quite a bit when it comes to going up hills and steep inclines.
HITCH TYPE
– Hitches are rated by class from 1 through 4. Class 1, also known as bumper hitches, are rated for pulling up to 2000 pounds with no more than 200 pounds of tongue weight (note that in all cases specific capacities can vary with additional towing features). They’re also called “one time” hitches, because after you own a vehicle with one you probably won’t buy another—they really aren’t good for pulling anything heavier than a kayak or dinghy. Note that a 16’ center console with a 60-hp outboard plus the weight of the trailer and gear can exceed 2000 pounds, so even small boat owners will generally need at least a Class two. Class two hitches generally get you up to 3500 pounds and are often seen in the form of a 1.25” receiver used on small SUVs.
Classes three and four jump to a 2.0” receiver and take the rating to 8000 pounds and 10,000 pounds. These are what you’ll generally find on today’s tow vehicles. If you need a monster truck to pull a monster boat, however, a Class 5 may be in order. With a 2.5” receiver these are rated for 18,500 pounds, and with a 3.0” receiver, can go up to 21,000 pounds.
SIDEVIEW MIRRORS
are a critical item that many people never think about. Bigger is better, and on some models you’ll see swing-out or telescopic mirrors that help extend the view. If you end up towing with a truck that doesn’t score high in the mirror department, remember that you can buy mirror extenders that slide or clip onto existing mirrors.
SPECIAL FEATURES –
Whether you’re looking at a Chevy, Ford, Ram, Toyota, or whatever, you can bet that the manufacturer offers a special towing feature or two unique to the brand. Some offer sway control, “smart” hitches that can calculate weight, reverse steering knobs, load-leveling air suspension systems, and more. Much of this stuff seems gimmicky and different people may find this or that more or less useful, so how you feel about these features is a personal decision. That said, one we’ve found particularly helpful is the anti-drifting feature offered by some manufacturers, which prevents the truck from rolling backwards when you take your foot off the brake on an incline (read: boat ramp). If ever there was a useful feature invented for trailer-boaters, this is it. Whatever feature may or may not interest you, it certainly makes sense to investigate the options before signing on any dotted lines.
Okay: are you ready to start truck shopping? Great. But we’d still recommend looking at new fishing boats, instead.
# Tow, tow, tow your boat!
# Even small center consoles are likely to need a tow vehicle sporting a Class 3 or Class 4 hitch.
cover most of the island—which is exactly what happened.
An old picture shows a dock and breakwater just above the surface on the east side of the house surrounded by large trees. The breakwater was already submerged in 1999. A submerged row of pilings is all that is left of the dock. A rusted excavator White used to reclaim rock from the breakwater is still there, abandoned in place, mostly underwater and now reef structure (Image 2). It was on top of the rocks, but now all that shows is the arm. Tropical Storm Isabel had severely damaged White’s house in 2003, widened the breach between the point and the island, scoured portions of the main island, and destroyed over half of the trees. A series of storms after Isabel destroyed what was left of the house and washed away the point.
An old barge was permanently moored with spuds and sunk in place as a breakwater northwest of the point to protect the house from wind-driven waves. The barge is now submerged most if not all of the time, and some of the deck sheathing is missing. Its west end rests on one of four parallel underwater stone groins that run east-west.
The submerged breakwater is immediately to the east and southeast, marked by the excavator at its northwest end. The reclaimed rock which White had laid alongside the house foundation is scattered around a shoal off the southeast corner of the barge. A small, rusted, half-submerged bulldozer is becoming an island unto itself at the southeast end of the remaining northern islet. The entire area from the barge and excavator south is foul. Take note that existing physical conditions are not charted or marked, and cautious navigation is essential. Image 3 depicts the approximate layout of the ruins.
Another little islet (Site 3) halfway to Adam Island to the north had a small graveyard, long lost to erosion. The tombstones, according to White, are scattered underwater on the west side. To the south a hydraulic dredge is still there in the creek, its hull submerged.
After field assessment, other locations (James and Barren Islands) were eventually selected for the next round of restora-
tion projects. Holland Island was left to the whims of Mother Nature, and today the ruins and shallows around Holland Island are a good place to hunt for speckled trout, redfish, and stripers. In addition to the wrecks and submerged rocks there are sunken foundation ruins offshore on the west and northwest side, and grass beds are on the east side. The west side of the remnant main island has some small points worth checking out. The creek and abandoned dredge are worth a look for specks when the tide is right.
At the southwest end of Holland Island Bar stood Holland Island Bar Light (Site 4) on a screw-pile foundation, now a skeletal steel tower, marking the entrance to Kedges Straits. Rock was placed around other light stations following the particularly bad winter ice of 1917-18 and Coast
Guard historical pictures show that an icebreaker rockpile, now submerged, was put in here as well.
The light had a perilous history. In one instance the keeper was found deceased under mysterious conditions in 1931. This lighthouse also has the distinction of being mistaken by Navy aviators (flying from New Jersey on a training mission) for the Old Hannibal target ship and was bombed with blank ordnance in 1957.
Anglers should also check the charted oyster sanctuary west of Holland Island (Site 5). This is the location of one of the first field tests of reef balls (see “Bridges Under Troubled Waters”). Although there are only about 25 placed at the site, redfish and stripers are sometimes found there.
As well as being a regular contributor to FishTalk, Wayne Young is the author of multiple books detailing wrecks and fishing reefs in the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and beyond. All are available at Amazon.com, and you can find his Facebook page at “Chesapeake Bay Fishing Reefs.”
# Chart 1: General location of features around Holland Island. Top left – Last house. Tammy Banta photo courtesy of Maryland Environmental Service. Top right – Holland Island Bar Light with icebreaker showing. USCG historic photo.
With too wide of a gap, you’ll run the risk of your spot fouling itself on the hook, so downsize. But keep in mind that hooks smaller than 6/0 can lead to more deeply hooked rockfish, something we’d all like to avoid as it can kill under- or over-slot fish that will be released. So, leave them at home. Regarding leader, go on the heavier end of things for abrasion resistance when fishing your bait on the bottom or near structure, and go lighter if you’re around more open water.
When fishing from shore in slow current or light wind, we’ll look to employ a live-lining tactic known as free-lining (more on this later). Use a barrel swivel or connection knot to attach your mainline to the leader with the snelled non-offset circle hook.
If the area you’re fishing has heavy current or the wind is howling, you’ll want to use a fish finder rig. Take a sinker slide and thread your mainline through the tube, then attach a barrel swivel to the end of the mainline. Now, tie your leader with the snelled hook to the barrel swivel. Grab a one- to five-ounce sinker and clip it onto the sinker slide. The advantage of using a sinker slide and having a wide range of weights in your tackle box is
to find that sweet spot where your rig holds bottom while not being too heavy to the point where the fish will feel significant resistance when taking the bait.
# Baitrunner spinning reels have specialized, secondary drag systems to allow for effective freelining; the lever on the back of the reel engages and disengages the system.
Rod selection for live bait fishing is not as critical as with a more finesse tactic such as jigging. A mediumheavy or heavy power rod with a moderate action is a common choice, but, especially as a beginner, there is no need to break the bank on a new pole; you should use whatever rod you may have already, so long as it’s not too stiff. A stout broomstick of a rod will not have the bend necessary to allow your circle hook to set in the fish’s mouth. Spinning or conventional rods will both work.
Your choice of reel will require a bit more specificity than that of the rod. Whether it’s spinning or conventional tackle, a freespool function is preferred by many live-lining anglers. Most conventional reels come standard with this feature. Spinning reels, however, don’t always have it. There are certain models manufactured specifically for live-lining, so look for reels labeled “live liner” or “baitrunner.” They will be equipped with a secondary, lighter weight drag system that allows line to be pulled out when a fish takes the bait. Each of these reels will also be equipped with a switch or lever to engage the main drag system to set the hook and fight the fish. With most
# Spot are easy to catch on a bottom rig baited with bloodworm or Fishbites.
models the main drag will kick in if you begin cranking the handle, too. Spooling up with monofilament is preferred by most for this method of fishing.
If for whatever reason you can’t get your hands on a baitrunner reel, you can absolutely live line from shore with a regular spinning reel. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to leave the bail flipped open while your bait is in the water when free lining, and that your drag will have to be set very loose when using a fish finder rig in order to maximize your chance of hooking and landing fish. Doing so will make livelining a bit more difficult on a windy day or in ripping current, but please don’t shy away from this incredibly effective fishing tactic because you may not have the “right” gear.
Tactics for Live-lining
Take a moment to survey the conditions at your fishing spot, be it a bridge, pier, bulkhead, or jetty. Is the wind heavy or light, the current fast or slow? These factors are critical in deciding how to present that tantalizing live spot to a hungry rockfish. In mild to moderate conditions when live-lining from shore, it’s best to free-line your spot and hook him through the nose. This will keep him swimming in the middle to upper half of the water column, which is where the rockfish will likely be feeding in shallow water during the summertime. It will also allow for the most natural presentation of your bait. If it seems like your spot is not swimming deep enough, try hooking him through the back, between the dorsal fin and head. But beware, as this will force the spot to swim down towards the bottom where a hungry crab or ray might be eagerly awaiting a meal.
Extremely strong current and heavy winds require a different approach for live-lining from land. Firstly, we’ll be switching our setup from a freeline to a fish finder rig. Heavy current or wind will sweep a free-lined spot away from the place where you’re fishing in an instant. We have to use a sinker to
keep our spot in place, since we shoreline warriors are not equipped with the capability to drift like our boat-owning peers. Use however heavy a pyramid sinker is necessary on your fish finder rig to hold bottom. Hook your spot through the nose when using this rig.
Once you’ve cast out your bait, it’s extremely important to keep the reel disengaged. That means we’re set to freespool on a conventional reel, using
the freespool function or secondary drag system on a baitrunner reel, and/or the bail is flipped or drag set extremely loose on a regular spinning reel. When you get a bite, line will start ripping off of the spool. Count five or so seconds in your head, then engage the reel. Don’t set the hook hard or snappy. Simply crank the reel handle and the circle hook should set itself right in the corner of the fish’s mouth. Fish on!
For more article on how to learn to fish, visit fishtalkmag.com/tag/fishing-beginners
# Noah employed the freelining tactic and displayed incredible patience as this rockfish ran with his bait.
A great day of offshore fishing is something we all dream about, but if you misjudge the weather, that dream can become a nightmare.
By Staff
Once you’ve been bitten by the offshore fishing bug you’ll lie awake in bed at night, thinking about how you can make the next trip happen. You’ll sit in your office chair staring slack-jawed at the computer, daydreaming about thrashing tuna and jumping marlin. You’ll spend your spare time lurking in the garage, making up leaders while mental visions of sinking the gaff into pelagic beasts run in a loop. There’s only one cure: leave the inlet at daybreak. Going offshore on your own boat is an adventure that leaves you with an indelible desire to go again, and again, and again. Getting out on each and every possible fishing day seems to take on an overwhelming importance, but there are only so many days in the season and your work schedule probably limits just when you can pull the trigger. Most limiting of all, however, is the weather. If you decide to run offshore when the conditions are wrong you risk having a miserable day, breaking stuff, or even endangering yourself or your crew. But there will also be days
when the weather report looks bad, you cancel the trip, and later hear that the boats that went out enjoyed sunny skies and screaming drags. Every time the opportunity to go offshore presents itself you have to make a go/no-go call—one of the toughest decisions any recreational angler captaining his or her own boat has to make.
Critical Factors
As a matter of safety it’s up to you to know your boat and its limitations. This isn’t determined by size alone but also by construction quality, hull design, age, equipping, and reliability of the systems. There’s no one-size-fits-all size limit for this or that sea state, and no blanket statements apply. This is a matter of judgement, pure and simple, and the truth of the matter is that if you don’t feel confident making the judgement call, you probably shouldn’t be running the boat offshore.
Then, there’s the matter of people’s limitations. The term “fishable” means different things to different people, and all of us have our own personal level of
punishment we’re willing to endure. So, the first thing you need to consider is just what level this is for both you and your crew. Note to young guys: pay special attention to the “and your crew” part. Many anglers in their 20s and 30s have no problem bashing through three and four footers at 30 mph for hours on end, but the very same experience might put old Uncle Billy in a wheelchair for a week. If things look at all iffy, before making a go/no-go call survey the crew to get a feeling for their seagoing torture threshold and take it into consideration.
Next, consider your destination. If the only action is 70 miles from the inlet and it’s going to be all 70 or bust, there’s nothing wrong with applying a bit more pessimism than you might if there were fish on the inshore lumps 20 or 30 miles out. Shorter runs mean less punishment in general, and they also mean you can get home quicker if you need to abort.
Finally, time of year and even day of the week matters, too. If it’s a weekend day in the middle of the summer you
# When it’s blowing hard enough to rip up a chop like this inside the bay, a smart captain won’t take his boat outside of the inlet.
Offshore Fishing
presented by
can be certain other boats will be out there in case you need assistance. On a Wednesday during the off-season, on the other hand, it can be a very lonely ocean.
The one variable we haven’t talked about here is storms. Obviously they throw a kink into the entire go/no-go question, but have to be considered separately from the prevailing conditions as the percentage-chance of encountering a storm is a different—and equally undependable—forecast. Each mariner’s risk tolerance will vary, but remember that a single thunderstorm can turn a beautiful day on the ocean into a raging maelstrom.
We use our phones to monitor storm prevalence, direction, and intensity when we’re on or close to land, but of course that’s not possible in the offshore realm. The best way to see at a glance where storms are and where they’re headed once you’re offshore is to arm yourself with SiriusXM Marine and get that intel beamed directly to your chartplotter from space. We thank SiriusXM for supporting FishTalk and this offshore series, and are beyond happy to help spread the word about their marine weather service. Having used it ourselves to effectively ID the path of storms and dodge them while offshore, we’re believers in this system. Check out the free trial at siriusxm.com/marine, and the first time those thunderstorms pop up we bet you’ll become a believer, too.
Reading the Weather
All of these factors naturally have to be matched up with the weather forecast. If they’re calling for winds of 30-plus nobody in their right mind will say “let’s go for it” regardless of the boat, the crew, the destination, and the timing. At the other end of the spectrum there are light and variable winds. It’s the in-between part we struggle with. And remember, all forecasts are not created equal—if you generally go by the forecast you see on The Golf Channel, well, then you really should go golfing instead of offshore fishing. Wise captains will check at least two offshore weather forecasts and if there’s any disagreement in them, check a third and see who agrees. Very wise captains will be constantly monitoring the weather via SiriuxXM, looking at both the latest marine zone forecasts and the current weather data including wind speeds, wave heights, and buoy data. On trips when the go/ no-go call is a close one they’ll reserve judgement until just before departure and look at the very latest data streaming in on the MFD.
Generally speaking, when there are forecasts for winds under 10 knots it’s likely to be a nice day, 10 to 15 is doable for most of us but could get uncomfortable, 15 to 20 is likely to be uncomfortable but could get ugly, and anything over 20 is likely to range from miserable to dangerous unless you’re on a very big boat crewed by professionals. The tough part, of course, is that forecasts don’t always match up with reality. Bearing in mind that there will be exceptions, generally speaking, the cautious among us will allow for five knots of leeway in either direction. You also need to consider which direction the wind is blowing from. In the Mid-Atlantic region anything with east in it will likely be bumpier than anything with west in it. The worst of all is usually a northeast wind, hence the old saying that “NE” stands for “never, ever.” Of course, this is a consideration not a rule; two knots of wind out of the northeast is essentially irrelevant, but 12 knots out of the northeast could create a sea state that feels more like one generated by 15 or 16 knots out of the northwest.
# A sight like this is to be avoided at all cost.
Capt. Paul Menzi Ocean City, MD
Capt. Paul Menzi, Winner of the 2024 White Marlin Open Tournament
Wave Height vs. Period
Wave size and frequency should also play into your decision making, and wave period makes a huge difference. As a rule, the shorter the period is the bumpier the ride will be and the tougher it is to remain standing when you get where you’re going.
Long-period waves are generally swells, and a four-foot swell at a 12-second period makes for very comfortable conditions. But short-period waves are mostly wind-driven, and four-foot waves at a five-second period will be very bumpy. Some people like to go by a “two times” rule and feel that if the period is at least double the wave height, all will be well. Very conservative people might look for a period that’s triple the height. So, what does all this boil down to?
There’s no easy answer. Every day is different, every boat is different, and every crew is different. The bottom line is sim-
# When you’re loaded for bear and visions of drag-screaming pelagics have been running through your head all week it’s tough to make a no-go call, but making the wrong call is even worse than staying on land.
ply that you, the captain, have to make a judgement call—and when it’s looking iffy, that will be a tough call to make.
Well, nobody said offshore fishing was easy. But once you’ve been bitten by that bug…
CHESAPEAKE AND MID-ATLANTIC
FISHING FORECAST
Gathered from our reports by Dillon Waters
We all know printed fishing reports are generalized, and weeks have passed before the report gets into your hands. For timely, up-to-date reports, visit our website FishTalkMag.com. Current reports will be published every Friday by noon — just in time for your weekend fishing adventures. In the meantime, here’s our monthly prognostication.
Coastal
With warmer temperatures and more predictable weather, expect offshore fishing to kick into high gear this month. Tuna and mahi are both sure to be around during June and with a little luck a billfish or two, too. Back along the coast, meanwhile, flounder should be biting in full summer form so work those oceanic wrecks and coastal bay channel edges with minnow ‘n squid sandwiches or by bouncing jigs right on bottom. At some point this month we should begin seeing sheepshead in the inlets, kingfish will be biting in the surf, and with a little luck those chopper blues won’t have turned tail and headed north just yet.
Freshwater
June is prime time for sweetwater, and rather than list out all the species that should be biting this month we’ll just name the ones that stop biting: ummm… never mind. Look for bass to be in post-spawn mode, feeding hard around shoreline structure to regain weight. Crappie will be done spawning, too, and we can expect them to start collecting and suspending around mid-depth structure like standing timber. Snakehead fishing might get a bit tougher when spawning action kicks in, but shortly after that hunting fry balls will again become a thing.
# Fishing reports editor Dillon Waters found a Potomac walleye this spring—now that’s a cool catch!
Way North
The Flats often get red hot at this point in the season, with a mix of rockfish and bass willing to hit topwater at daybreak and sunset. Also look for good action when the dam opens up and boosts flows a bit, especially if it’s been dry. And, what about those blue catfish? Break out your Cat Slayers and go on the hunt because they should be in full-on eating mode—last June we were regularly hearing about 40-pluspounders in this zone.
Upper Bay
White perch and snakeheads should be biting in the Upper Bay creeks right about now, but you know what the main target is these days: rockfish. If the recent past provides any clues the best striper fishing on the Bay will likely be taking place in the Upper zone, either in the Patapsco or on the east side somewhere between Love Point and Tolchester.
Middle Bay
With stripers in season we know what’s on your mind this June. By this time last year they’d already moved shallow—and by the middle of the month there were already some redfish mixed in with them. Fingers are crossed…
Lower Bay
When cobia season opens up mid-month that’s sure to steal the limelight, but up to then all bets are off for the Lower Bay tribs at this point in the season. Rockfish, redfish, specks, blues, and flounder could all be, and should all be, in the mix by now. Note that last year at this time there was a push of keeper-sized flounder around the river mouths from Smith Point south; prospecting for ‘em could prove very, very interesting if that trend continues to grow.
Tangier, Pocomoke, and Lower Shore
All of the southern Chesapeake species are now on the menu in this neck of the woods. Best of all, you can expect that shallow water fishing is now in prime form. Just remember that when a south wind blows, as it did much of last June, finding clean water will be the key to success. Get in on the action before it turns into an oven out there—that is, if the opening of cobia season doesn’t grab all of your attention.
Way South
Welcome to cobia central! When the 15th arrives there will still be bull reds, sheepshead, flounder, and more around the CBBT, but in these parts cobia are king. Remember that the new minimum is 43” but if you catch and keep two the second one can now be over 50”. Also remember that last season the cobia were quite finicky at times, and casting an assortment of swimbaits, plugs, and live baits was sometimes necessary to figure out what they’d strike on any given day.
# Mark and Gabe had fun hanging out in the Patapsco last year, and it’s a good bet for this June, too.
By Eric Packard
OBack in the day when a few raindrops would wreak havoc on a cell phone, I dropped an iPhone in the drink. That was before they were water-resistant or waterproof. Wrapping things up quickly, rushing home, and then putting the phone
into a bowl of rice did not do the trick. But, at least I was able to recover it. Some of my buddies weren’t so lucky. Their phones were lost to Davy Jones’s Locker in the depths of the Chesapeake Bay or their favorite lake.
So, what to do? For years I simply risked it all and carried my cell phone in the breast pocket of my PFD. I would take the phone out to photograph my catch and gently place it back in afterwards. But eventually I bought a cell-
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MARKETPLACE &
Boating
Director of Sales
Partnership
Pocket Yacht Company announced that Seth Fike is the company’s new director of sales. With a background in boating and a track record of leadership in both the military and marine industry, Seth brings a wealth of experience to the Pocket Yacht team. Born and raised on Deep Creek Lake in Oakland, MD, Seth is a U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Lake Erie (CG 70) out of Pearl Harbor. Following his military service, he earned a marketing degree from West Virginia University and transitioned into the marine industry in 2017. His journey began at Bill’s Marine Service, where he advanced from sales associate and service writer to service coordinator and eventually assistant GM and sales manager. Seth brings a passion for boating and firsthand operational knowledge to lead sales across Pocket Yacht Company’s multiple locations from Maryland to Florida. His commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction aligns seamlessly with Pocket Yacht’s reputation for delivering top-tier service and quality products. “We’re thrilled to welcome Seth to the leadership team,” said Mark Schulstad, owner and managing director of Pocket Yacht Company. “His service-minded background, industry experience, and strong leadership qualities make him the ideal person to help guide our sales team and continue providing an exceptional customer experience.” pocketyachtco.com
PowerTime, a division of SailTime Group, announces a new partnership with American Boating, the powerboating education provider recently launched by American Sailing. Through this partnership, all PowerTime Boat Clubs will now offer American Boating’s certification courses, equipping members with the skills and credentials necessary to operate boats safely and confidently. Additionally, existing American Boating schools will have the opportunity to open new PowerTime franchises, expanding access to premium boating experiences across the country. PowerTime Boat Club provides a hassle-free boating experience by offering unlimited access to a fleet of professionally maintained boats, eliminating the burdens of ownership. With the addition of American Boating’s courses, members can now enhance their skills while enjoying the benefits of club membership. Todd Hess, CEO of SailTime Group, emphasized the impact of this partnership: “As the demand for powerboating education grows, it’s critical that boaters have access to high-quality training. Partnering with American Boating allows us to bring structured, hands-on education, ensuring boaters are well-prepared to operate safely and responsibly.” powertimeboating.com; americanboating.com
Official Dealer
Legasea Marine announces its appointment as an official dealer for MJM Yachts Legasea Marine will represent MJM throughout the state of Virginia and the North Carolina counties of Dare, Chowan, Perquimans, Camden, and Currituck.
MJM Yachts are renowned for their timeless design, advanced composite construction, and exceptional fuel efficiency. Designed and built in the US, inside their Washington, NC, factory, MJM delivers a uniquely nimble ride in a yacht that’s both spacious and elegant. “Adding MJM Yachts to our lineup is a natural fit for Legasea Marine,” said Chris Hall, president and co-founder of Legasea Marine. “Their focus on quality, comfort, and performance mirrors our own values and what our customers demand on the water. We’re excited to bring these incredible vessels to the boating communities of Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.” In representing MJM Yachts, Chris Hall has a lifetime of relevant industry experience to draw from, having specialized in helping customers purchase countless downeast-style motoryachts at his former and current sales firms. His expertise and personal approach have earned him a reputation for delivering a seamless and rewarding ownership experience to Mid-Atlantic cruising enthusiasts. With this new partnership, Legasea Marine is excited to offer the full range of MJM models, supported by expert sales guidance, personalized service, and access to factory-trained technicians. Boaters in the region will benefit from Legasea’s deep local knowledge and commitment to helping customers enjoy every aspect of yacht ownership. legaseamarine.com
