The School of Rockfishing

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Southern
Location: Solomons Island

Pre-Spawn fish are heading up the Bay to their natal rivers on the annual spawning run. Captain Rob Schou of the School of Rockfishing put us on a jigging bite out of Solomons Island on Sunday (March27). 10" Bass Kandy Delights and 7" Bass Assassins rigged on 1.5-2 oz jig heads worked off the bottom produced the most fish. The best colors were watermelon, opening night and purple. We released 9 fish over 40" and two in the 50" range. The largest fish was caught by Garrett Cook, we estimated it to be around 52". Water temperature was in the 48-49 degree range. Hopefully the water temperatures will increase soon and prompt fish to spawn before the season opens on the 16th of April. Rockfish spawn in 60-68 degrees.

DNR Note: For advice on safe handling while practicing catch and release please go to http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/cr/.