Summer Tidal Creek Rockfish?

[DanMarino]

Just a general question for you experienced salt water guys.

I'm looking for a tidal creek type of situation where I could launch a kayak, paddle around in some marshy type areas, and perhaps catch some small rockfish. I'd be happy catching anything bigger than the 12 inch smallies that are abundant on the Upper Potomac. Would anyone have any general suggestions for areas where I would do some tidal/marsh type fishing like that? I'm not up for big water/bay fishing or wide river areas.

Thanks for any suggestions that people would be willing to PM me.

Tom

[DanMarino]

Guess I'll go to Mattawoman and catch some snakeheads instead...

[Redfish12]

Pretty much any of them should work? Most everywhere around here that has brackish water has rockfish. Just find moving water + structure and you should find them. Earlier you can get there the better. I'm not sure what's close to you but the little ones are pretty abundant this year.

[DavidGQ]

What's bait do u guys normally use for rockfish?

[DanMarino]

Nothing is close to me since I live near Columbia. The Harbor Hospital ramp on the Patapsco isn't too bad of a drive, but I was thinking of hitting something more scenic and marshy.
Thanks,

13

[kanvery]

If I remember correctly Jffoley checked out Wye Island last year and had some luck. Looks like a good spot to explore. You'll need a cart though I believe to launch as the launch is 1/4 mile from parking? Maybe he'll chime in and give you the details.

[bignose]

Do yourself a huge favor and get a copy of Exploring the Chesapeake in Small Boats by John Page Williams.
Excellent reference!
Mostly you'll find loads of white perch in most of the areas, with rockfish from 8-18" as a bonus.
The Magothy and Severn aren't too bad from Columbia, however access is always an issue.
There are a few mashy areas in Middle Branch's south side that aren't too ugly considering the proximity to the harbor. I actually like the area right around Fort McHenry, although they are having some water quality issues in the inner harbor as of today.
Mattowoman is an hour plus drive from Columbia. Also try Nanjemoy Creek, about an hour plus from Columbia. Some catch fish in Curtis Bay and Marley Creek, I haven't done much there. There is a small ramp and shore access at the end of Catherine Ave/Outing Ave (use goggle earth), where there is a mix of marsh and docks, but all I've caught there are small white perch.

[kevinfry]

St Jeromes creek, Breton Bay are good options for both these days. On eastern shore I'd hit the Honga.

[DanMarino]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I'll check out the book and the possible creeks. White perch are not my thing. I can catch a ton of small white perch at Rocky Gorge and Tradelphia, so hopefully I can get into a few juvenile rockfish.

13

[Redfish12]

Should be able to get them on the same stuff. White grubs work pretty well and are always a good back up.