Keeper rockfish in Severn

[Tom Lagana]

I did not see any fish breaking when I was catching on top water not sure of the depth but I’m pretty sure it was no deeper than 15 feet. I took Tom’s advice and cast a few times in one area if I didn’t get any hits I moved on.

Look for current that’s really the key. Any structure you find will have the potential to hold fish. 15 feet is too deep. I look for shallow water. I had keepers come out of 2-4ft.

In other news I managed 2 bull reds this past week


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jim McFalls]

What water depths are you targeting early mornings for top water? Do you throw the top water even if you’re not seeing breaking fish on the surface?

Any time I fish topwater (unless I'm throwing into a boil somewhere in deeper water) I'm in shallow water, and I throw even if I don't see breaking fish. This applies to the Severn, Tred Avon, San Domingo Creek, and other bodies of water on the Eastern Shore where I've fished on top this year. Same goes for shallow water in the main stem of the bay. For me, breaking fish is a rare occurence. This one is from Monday. I caught several that size but kept only this one. You have to move if you get nothing after 4-5 casts. And keep your eyes open for swirls as well as any other surface action that might indicate large fish. Also, you absolutely must be on the water before sunrise. The bite shuts down quickly in the morning, and I can't speak to the evening bite since I rarely go out at that time of day.

They are there. You just have to work hard and fast to get them.

Catch 'em up!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Jim McFalls]

Look for current that’s really the key. Any structure you find will have the potential to hold fish. 15 feet is too deep. I look for shallow water. I had keepers come out of 2-4ft.

In other news I managed 2 bull reds this past week


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My MAN!!!!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[ronaultmtd]

Bull reds are one bad hombre...strong fish, determined fighters...congratulations on a memorable fishing trip...two on one trip is like winning the lottery!

[Fish123]

Thanks for the advice. I was under the impression of if you don’t see fish don’t throw top water. I bought a few top water lures and am excited to give it a try tomorrow morning. Trying to launch by 515 tomorrow morning out of weems.

[Fish123]

I ended up not getting out today due to some family stuff, would y’all suggest launching out of weems or Jonas green?

[Crotalus]

Given the wind forecast, probably Weems, so you could get out of the wind if you need to. I launched out of Jonas Green this morning (to fish for perch) and the wind started getting annoying around 9:30 or so.

[Fish123]

When targeting stripers on top water in the evening what time does that bite start? I’m assuming close to sunset? Thanks and sorry for all the questions

[Jim McFalls]

Again, I rarely fish that time of day so I can't comment on the evening bite. What I might suggest is doing some experimentation and investigation on your own to see when that particular bite starts. I did the same thing with the morning bite, and that work, over a relatively short period of time, produced results. Still does. Think of it as a challenge. Being a life-long musician, educator, and an evolving and skill gathering yak fisherman, I know that putting in the work will produce results. At least that what I tell my students!

Catch 'em up!

Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk