Maryland · Chesapeake Bay
REDFISH FISHING
IN TILGHMAN ISLAND
Tilghman Island is a solid destination for redfish fishing. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Tilghman 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 — Tilghman Island
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Tilghman Island, MD.
How to Catch Redfish in Tilghman 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 Tilghman Island
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Knapps Narrows
Knapps Narrows is a narrow tidal channel separating Tilghman Island from the mainland, with a drawbridge and strong currents that create one of the Eastern Shore's most productive inshore fishing spots. Striped bass, white perch, bluefish, and blue crabs concentrate in the narrows where tidal flow funnels baitfish through the passage. The narrows are accessible by boat or from the bridge itself, providing fishing opportunities on every tide change.
Dogwood Harbor
Dogwood Harbor on the western side of Tilghman Island is a working waterman's harbor where the last commercial sailing fleet in North America docks its skipjacks. The harbor's pilings, docks, and surrounding shallow waters hold white perch, striped bass, and blue crabs. Fishing from the harbor area provides a unique connection to Tilghman Island's centuries-old maritime heritage while targeting the same species the watermen have pursued for generations.
Blackwalnut Cove
Blackwalnut Cove is a shallow embayment on the southern end of Tilghman Island where tidal flats and marsh grass create sheltered inshore habitat. White perch, striped bass, and yellow perch feed along the cove's grass edges and oyster bars during rising tides. The cove's calm, protected waters make it ideal for kayak fishing and light-tackle casting in one of the most tranquil settings on the Eastern Shore.
Harris Creek
Harris Creek enters the Choptank River east of Tilghman Island and is the site of one of the largest oyster reef restoration projects in North America. The restored oyster reefs attract striped bass, white perch, and blue crabs that feed on the abundant shellfish and baitfish living on the reef structure. The creek's ecological restoration has dramatically improved its fishery, making it a showcase for habitat-based fisheries management on the Chesapeake Bay.
Other Species in Tilghman Island
More fish you can target while visiting Tilghman Island.
Redfish Fishing in Tilghman Island — FAQ
Redfish fishing in Tilghman Island is productive during .
Redfish fishing charters in Tilghman 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 Tilghman 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 Tilghman Island, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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