Maryland · Chesapeake Bay
INSHORE FISHING
IN SOLOMONS ISLAND
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in Solomons Island. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in Solomons Island
Solomons Island, Maryland offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Solomons Island sits where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, creating a productive mixing zone for striped bass, bluefish, and flounder. The island's marinas and charter fleet provide access to some of the best Chesapeake Bay fishing in Maryland. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in Solomons Island target an impressive roster of species including Striped Bass, Flounder, Redfish. Peak season runs through April, May, October, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Solomons Island. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, Maryland fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
Inshore Fishing Calendar — Solomons Island
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass |
F
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F
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G
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P
|
P
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G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
| Flounder |
—
|
—
|
—
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—
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
—
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—
|
—
|
—
|
| Redfish |
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
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—
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—
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—
|
F
|
F
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—
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—
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Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Solomons Island
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Solomons Island area.
Patuxent River Mouth
The mouth of the Patuxent River where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay at Solomons Island is one of the most productive inshore fishing areas on Maryland's western shore. Striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and white perch feed along the river mouth's channel edges, shoals, and oyster reefs throughout the season. The convergence of river and bay currents creates a nutrient-rich mixing zone that attracts and holds baitfish in dense concentrations.
Back Creek
Back Creek is the protected harbor area at Solomons Island where the Calvert Marine Museum sits, with docks, pilings, and bulkheads providing inshore fish habitat. White perch, striped bass, spot, and croaker hold around the creek's structure, with the sheltered waters offering calm-condition fishing even when bay winds are high. The creek's accessibility from Solomons Island's waterfront restaurants and marinas makes it a convenient light-tackle destination.
Mill Creek
Mill Creek enters the Patuxent River just upstream from Solomons Island, winding through marshland with oyster bars and deeper channels that hold resident gamefish populations. Striped bass, white perch, catfish, and largemouth bass occupy the creek's brackish waters where freshwater mixes with tidal Patuxent River flow. The creek's quiet waters and natural shorelines provide a peaceful fishing experience away from the busier bay and river areas.
Solomons Island Pier
The public fishing pier at Solomons Island extends into the Patuxent River near its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay, providing accessible shore-based fishing. Spot, croaker, white perch, striped bass, and bluefish are caught from the pier throughout the warm months during tidal transitions. The pier's waterfront location in the heart of Solomons Island makes it a popular gathering spot for anglers of all ages and experience levels.
Top Inshore Fish Species in Solomons Island
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a Solomons Island charter. Click any species to learn more.
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Peak: Apr, May, Oct, Nov
The iconic striper is the most sought-after gamefish on the Atlantic coast. These powerful, line-ripping fish migrate from the Chesapeake Bay to New E...
Flounder
Paralichthys albiguttata
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Redfish
Sciaenops ocellatus
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.
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Solomons Island
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in Solomons Island.
Boats
Inshore fishing in Solomons Island is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in Solomons Island typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in Solomons Island
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in Solomons Island. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Solomons Island. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Inshore Fishing in Solomons Island
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in Solomons Island include Striped Bass, Flounder, Redfish. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in Solomons Island are April, May, October, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Solomons Island offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in Solomons Island is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in Solomons Island, your captain provides all required Maryland fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in Solomons Island is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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