Maryland · Chesapeake Bay
REDFISH FISHING
IN CHESAPEAKE BEACH
Chesapeake Beach is a solid destination for redfish fishing. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Chesapeake Beach
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Chesapeake Beach
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Chesapeake Beach, MD.
How to Catch Redfish in Chesapeake Beach
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Chesapeake Beach
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Chesapeake Beach Fishing Pier
The Chesapeake Beach public fishing pier extends into the Chesapeake Bay from the western shore town, providing shore-based access to the bay's productive inshore fishery. Striped bass, bluefish, white perch, spot, and croaker are caught from the pier throughout the fishing season. The pier's location on the western shore puts anglers within reach of migrating striped bass schools that travel the bay's main channel from spring through fall.
Rod 'N' Reel Marina Basin
Rod 'N' Reel Marina in Chesapeake Beach is one of the most storied charter fishing marinas on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, with a basin that itself holds productive fish habitat. Striped bass, white perch, and bluefish hold around the marina's docks and pilings, particularly during evening hours when lights attract baitfish. The marina serves as the primary departure point for Chesapeake Beach's charter fleet targeting bay stripers and bottom fish.
Fishing Creek
Fishing Creek is a tidal tributary entering the Chesapeake Bay at Chesapeake Beach, winding through marshland with deeper bends and oyster-lined banks. White perch, striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish hold in the creek's brackish waters where freshwater influence mixes with bay salinity. The creek offers quiet, protected fishing that contrasts with the open bay, making it ideal for kayak anglers and families seeking sheltered conditions.
North Beach Shoreline
The North Beach shoreline stretches along the Chesapeake Bay just north of Chesapeake Beach, featuring a boardwalk-accessible sandy beach with productive surf fishing for bay species. Striped bass, bluefish, spot, croaker, and white perch are caught from the beach by casting into the shallow bay waters during tidal transitions. The accessible shoreline makes it one of the most family-friendly fishing locations on Maryland's western shore.
Other Species in Chesapeake Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Chesapeake Beach.
Redfish Fishing in Chesapeake Beach — FAQ
Redfish fishing in Chesapeake Beach is productive during .
Redfish fishing charters in Chesapeake Beach are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Chesapeake Beach, your captain provides all required Maryland fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Maryland include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Chesapeake Beach, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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