Maryland · Chesapeake Bay
FLOUNDER FISHING
IN SOLOMONS ISLAND
Solomons Island is a solid destination for flounder fishing. Book a charter and target flounder with local experts.
About Flounder Fishing in Solomons Island
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Flounder are unique flatfish that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, ambushing prey from below. Gulf flounder and Southern flounder are the primary species in southern waters, while Summer Flounder (fluke) dominates from the Carolinas northward. Both eyes migrate to the top (left) side as juveniles, creating their distinctive flat profile. The "eyed" side is brown-green with irregular spots and blotches that change to match the surrounding bottom — a remarkable camouflage ability.
Scientific name: Paralichthys albiguttata
Flounder Seasonal Calendar — Solomons Island
Month-by-month availability for flounder in Solomons Island, MD.
How to Catch Flounder in Solomons Island
Techniques & Bait
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader, 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads or Carolina rig with 1/0-3/0 wide-gap hooks. Patience is key — flounder often mouth the bait before committing, so wait for the second thump before setting the hook.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Solomons Island
Top spots where local captains target flounder and other inshore species.
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.
Other Species in Solomons Island
More fish you can target while visiting Solomons Island.
Flounder Fishing in Solomons Island — FAQ
Flounder fishing in Solomons Island is productive during .
Flounder fishing charters in Solomons Island are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
No — when you book a charter in Solomons Island, your captain provides all required Maryland fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Flounder 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 Flounder in Solomons Island, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Cobia, Tautog, Redfish. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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