Area fishing is red hot

There are plenty of spot and then some for fishermen in the Patuxent and Potomac rivers. Just a cup of bloodworms and a bottom-rig is all it takes to be successful when the fish are this plentiful.

This good fortune won’t last all summer, so enjoy some time outside and put some fillets in the freezer while the fishing is red hot.

Southern Maryland lakes and ponds — There’s very little chance you’ll be flying the skunk flag if you spend some time at a local pond in the early morning or late afternoon.

Topwaters for bass or a little piece of worm hung about two feet below a bobber for bluegill are almost guaranteed to catch some fish. And if you have permission to fish a private pond, don’t forget to take along your fillet knife, some Zip-loc bags and a trash bag for the leftovers you will be taking home and disposing of properly. Present the farmer or pond owner with some fresh fish fillets and you

will likely be warmly welcomed back next time. Southern Maryland lakes

and ponds — There’s very little chance you’ll be flying the skunk flag if you spend some time at a local pond in the early morning or late afternoon.

Topwaters for bass or a little piece of worm hung about two feet below a bobber for bluegill are almost guaranteed to catch some fish. And if you have permission to fish a private pond, don’t forget to take along your fillet knife, some Zip-loc bags and a trash bag for the leftovers you will be taking home and disposing of properly. Present the farmer or pond owner with some fresh fish fillets and you will likely be warmly welcomed back next time.

Patuxent River — Capt. Bernie Shea (www.sheadlady.com) on his charter boat “Shea-D-Lady” reports he’s been having great bottom-fishing trips over the past week with large spot and some keeper croaker mixed into the catch. Anglers are averaging 50 or more fish on one of his half-day trips from the Calvert Marina.

The Solomons Charter Captains Association fleet (www. fishsolomons.com) reports that Green Holly and just north of the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge have been hot spots for the usual trio of croaker, spot and white perch. Anglers looking for rockfish have to set their alarms plenty early to get out on the water by sunrise.

Potomac River — Andy Andrzejewski with the Reel Bass Adventure guides (301932-1509) said the bass bite has become more tide-specific in the summer heat.

A couple of low tides with low light and catches can be good. During daytime heat, bass are seeking shade, so the usual array of topwater baits followed up with plastics and small white spinnerbaits or vibrating jig baits are what he recommends during morning hours. Once the sun is high, bass can be found in shady areas around boat docks and wrecks, near creek ledges, and deep in grasses.

Finesse worms work well around docks and hard cover, while thick grass requires heavy jig and creature combos.

Capt. Dennis Fleming of Fishamajig Guide Service (240-538-1260) reports a rather intense fishery for stripers from Colonial Beach to the Gov. Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge. The majority of anglers are trolling, but light tackle fishermen are scoring in shallow water.

Fleming recommends fishing the humps and bumps early and late. Most fish are undersized, so handle with care, but keepers are possible for persistent anglers.

Aqualand Marina (301-259-2222) reports excellent bottom fishing

at Morgantown Bar and Swan Point for croaker, perch and spot. Catfish are plentiful above the Nice Bridge. Chesapeake Bay —

Capt. Walleye Pete (www. walleyepete.com) is currently working the waters from Sharpes Island up to Rock Hall and reports rainy days are producing lots of action with Storm Chug Bugs and Zara Spook surface plugs on rocky structure from 4 to 12 feet deep.

When it’s not rainy or overcast, good fishing can still be had from daylight until a half-hour after sunrise. Later in the day, Walleye Pete has been finding schools of fish north of the Bay Bridge and recommends targeting them with 1-ounce Hardhead Custom Baits skirted jigs in either chartreuse or white.

Speckled sea trout

are being caught from Hoopers Island down to Smith Island. Pale tails on 3/8-ounce jigheads will be your best bet for hooking one.

Ken Lamb of the Tackle Box in Lexington Park (301-863-8151) reports anglers are catching Spanish mackerel on the edges of the ship’s channel at Smith Point and south to the mouth of the Rappahannock. The mackerel should come up to Point Lookout, Hoopers Island, the Targets

and the Patuxent soon.

Atlantic Ocean — The 30th annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament kicked off Thursday, so it’s going to be a busy weekend in Ocean City. This year you can watch the weigh-in at the Fishing Center as it’s happening at www. oceancitytunatournament.com/fish-cam.

Gulp Swimming Mullets is the bait of choice for flounder and the hot spot this week has been near the duck blinds in the South Bay.