Maryland · Chesapeake Bay
REDFISH FISHING
IN SOLOMONS ISLAND
Solomons Island is a solid destination for redfish fishing. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Solomons Island
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 — Solomons Island
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Solomons Island, MD.
How to Catch Redfish in Solomons Island
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 Solomons Island
Top spots where local captains target redfish 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.
Redfish Fishing in Solomons Island — FAQ
Redfish fishing in Solomons Island is productive during .
Redfish 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.
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 Solomons Island, 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 Solomons Island, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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