Iris Marie Charter Fishing Seasons

Fish & Seasons

Mid-April
When the Iris Marie begins fishing. Exact dates depend on the opening of the Maryland striped bass season. Please call for the Opening Day date.

Opening Day to Mid-May
We will be trolling for the trophy Rockfish. Fish will range in size from sub-legal (under 28 inches) to 50 plus inches. If your goal is to catch a large fish this is the time to go.

Mid-May to October
Is when we begin chumming. This is light tackle fishing at its finest. The average size of the stripers usually drops but is made up for in quantity. We will continue to chum for Rockfish until the end of October.

Mid-June
Is when we normally begin to see the first Bluefish and Croaker of the season.

July
Brings more action with Rockfish, Bluefish, and Croakers, but we also see Spot, Flounder, Sea Trout, and Spanish Mackerel in the catch. This summertime variety fishing lasts through August and into mid September.

Mid-September to late October
The fishing is centered around Rockfish, Bluefish, and occasionally Sea Trout. This can be some of the best fishing of the year with the fish realizing that winter is coming they begin to gorge themselves in preparation for the fall migrations. The fall fishing on the Chesapeake Bay can be fantastic.

November
The angling season turns full circle and we again begin trolling for the large stripers. Although this season is not as reliable as the spring time, it does give the angler a legitimate shot at a 40 to 50 inch fish. We will continue to chase these big rock until they move down the Bay too far, usually around the end of December or early January.

Please remember that when fishing one is dealing with mother nature and things change from year to year and even as fast as hour to hour on the Bay. Weather patterns, normal fish population cycles, and unforeseen fishery regulation changes can all play a role in the seasonal nature of fishing.