Severn 7/6 - Anyone want some 1 1/2" soft plastics?

[Crotalus]

Schools of bait fish were swirling everywhere this morning. The fish chasing them were small (at least the ones I caught) and most of them had sharp teeth. I think I had 5 paddle tails bit in half, but I managed to boat my first bluefish. Caught a handful of small rockfish, as well, and a few perch that were chasing the bait fish in shallow water. A crabber told me there was another fisherman catching croaker, I may have to try my hand at them next time out. Saw probably a couple dozen dead or dying fish, most of which were perch, otherwise it was a good morning on the water, but it got hot, quick.

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Free to a good home, haha.
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[brianisoutside]

Severn 7/6 - Anyone want some 1 1/2" soft plastics?

Yea blue fish will do that. Try zman plastics, they hold up better to teeth


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[ronaultmtd]

Bluefish are every where in the Bay...use metal or hard baits...and they are fairly small bluefish

[Crotalus]

Thanks, guys. I wasn't prepared for bluefish this morning, but will have the appropriate gear next time. It was still fun trying to get one hooked up, even if I lost a few plastics.

[TimHVids]

Do you mind telling how the water clarity was there? I have been hearing its clear and after seeing a video from a photographer/videographer for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, it makes me really want to get over there. This guy was snorkeling around the Severn River sanctuary I believe, the shallows were beautifully clear...

[Crotalus]

I could just barely see the bottom in about three feet of water, so clear, but wouldn't go as far as saying beautifully clear. This was down at Jonas Green.

[TimHVids]

Yea the 'sanctuary' area is farther north up the river I believe, so maybe with the correct conditions its a bit clearer. In the snorkeling video from the guy there was tons of grass and a few crabs swimming around. It really has me interested in this area. It's insane how its so shallow there around Jonas... It's so close to the mouth of the river I just assumed the water was much much deeper. I gotta take a trip out there soon! Thanks for sharing!

[Mark]

John Rentch and I were also on the river yesterday launching from Jonas. Unfortunately our catches were unremarkable. We launched at noon and the heat was stifling in the few hours we were out. I was thoroughly drained of energy when we came in and I believe I only traveled 4 miles or so staying mostly between the bridges, casting to structure.

We too noticed dead fish floating and I wondered what caused it. It hope it's not a water quality issue.

As to water clarity, if that video mentioned in this thread is the same one I saw, remember that it was done in early spring. The water clarity is presently reaching a summer pattern now with more turbidity. SAV which was pervasive only weeks ago in the Severn has diminished greatly.

There are some fairly deep spots near the launch. I've marked a hole of 40 feet not far from the fishing pier but the bottom comes up fast to 10 or 12 feet as you head toward shore. The middle of the river between the bridges often reaches 25 feet or more. But the edges are indeed shallow which is one reason the river is a good fishery.

[TimHVids]

Good point regarding the seasons and turbidity. I need to put in on the Severn asap, plus I want to see how my kayak fairs in water with more boating activity producing more wake. As of now I think its more of a still water kayak...

[J. Rentch]

Met you as you were leaving. My partner-Mark and Imwent to Manresa and I got a nice variety-White Perch, a Pickerel, several Pumpkin Seeds, and I swear a Yellow Perch. It got off right at the yak, but I am sure it had vertical black stripes! Good sign I hope.

[Crotalus]

It's insane how its so shallow there around Jonas... It's so close to the mouth of the river I just assumed the water was much much deeper.

Yeah, what Mark said. Much of the river is 20-30', I just happened to check the clarity when I was near shore by some of the docks.

John Rentch and I were also on the river yesterday launching from Jonas. Unfortunately our catches were unremarkable. We launched at noon and the heat was stifling in the few hours we were out. I was thoroughly drained of energy when we came in and I believe I only traveled 4 miles or so staying mostly between the bridges, casting to structure

Met you as you were leaving. My partner-Mark and I went to Manresa and I got a nice variety-White Perch, a Pickerel, several Pumpkin Seeds, and I swear a Yellow Perch. It got off right at the yak, but I am sure it had vertical black stripes! Good sign I hope.

I was hoping you guys would have cleaned up so you could tell me what I was doing wrong, but that is some nice variety. It was hot and humid out there by 9 am, you guys are tough to have fished in the afternoon.

We too noticed dead fish floating and I wondered what caused it. It hope it's not a water quality issue.

I hope not, too. The couple dying perch I saw looked perfectly fine externally, but seemed to be gulping for air. Certainly weren't gut hooked fish that were thrown back or anything like that. The fish I caught were plenty lively, though.