Any Chesapeake Bay Fisherman on here?

CAGE RATTLER

CAGE RATTLER

New Member
Apr 10, 2009
400
Essex, MD
Boat Info
85 Amberjack 255
Engines
2010 496 MAG MPI
I know Sea Rays arent typically fishing boats but mine sure is :grin: and Im trying to decide how early i can de-winterize and get in on some early Trophy Rock Fishing.

Ive never been able to get an early season start and really want to this year. I still have some upgrades I want to do this season (Windlass, Mercmonitor & new guages) so I guess i should get started soon!

Im not too worried about temps dropping below freezing since i have an engine compartment heater. Im more worried about a late heavy snowfall. By the way, I kept my engine compartment heater on all winter and i have a remote weather station that keeps track of temps in there, and even with the frigid temps in the teens we had a few weeks ago, my engine compartment temp never got below 38 degrees.
 
I dont go out until opening day, maybe a week or two before just to make sure the boats running good.
I have a Fountain SFC with outboards so cold weather was never a problem but I am buying a 290 Amberjack from over on the Eastern Shore this weekend and am wondering when I should bring that home. End of this month probably. I figure the engines will be fine and I just wont use any fresh water or the head until I'm sure it won't freeze again.
 
I fish the bay quite a bit--330AJ . My boat is supposed to go in the water at the end of March . by then, no worries with cold temp, My engines are anti-freeze cooled so if I had to , it would simply be a matter of draining manifolds and exchangers. no different than any other inboard. At least in my case, the sea ray makes a very comfortable and stable fishing platform. the 330 ec(aj) has 13'6" beam as well. lots of room to move around and I have to admit, autopilot is awesome when trolling for rockfish
 
I've fished in the Chesapeake and lower Potomac for a few years now, in my little 175. But like you, I've never quite made it to the early Rockfish season. I'm afraid I probably won't this year either. Just too many winter projects that I'm dragging behind on before I can get the boat ready.

But this year should be nicer accomodations, with the 280DA. I'll still be out there fishing (and the kids will have a place to use the bathroom)!

Tom
 
Mines also FWC so it should make it easier.
I almost uncovered it last weekend.
Glad i didnt since we got the snow early this past week.

I think i'll shoot for an april 1st launch this year.
Hoping to get in on some C&R trolling before opening day.

One of my future proijects will be an auto pilot but probably wont be this season.
Just bought a new truck and now project funds are a lil tight.
 
I love fishing but I am not familiar with rockfish fishing. Is it done with a fly or bait? I am guessing that they are freshwater fish?

I am a saltwater fisherman and love going deep sea fishing. I usually pay a charter to do my deep sea fishing as it can get quite messy so I would rather the charter boat be the one to cop the mess. :)

Do you guys have live tanks or put them straight on ice?
 
Paul, the Chesapeake Bay is "brackish" water. The top half is fed by fresh water rivers and streams, and the lower half connects to the Atlantic ocean. The salt content varies greatly from the northern part to the southern part.

The Rockfish seem to like the saltier water better, but I have heard of guys catching them just about everywhere. Most of the guys from our marina head south where the water is salty to go rockfishing.

Can't help with the equipment. I buy my fish, I drink beer on the boat.
 
Paulkarlsven said:
I love fishing but I am not familiar with rockfish fishing. Is it done with a fly or bait? I am guessing that they are freshwater fish?

I am a saltwater fisherman and love going deep sea fishing. I usually pay a charter to do my deep sea fishing as it can get quite messy so I would rather the charter boat be the one to cop the mess. :)

Do you guys have live tanks or put them straight on ice?
Click to expand...

A typical lure for Rock would be “spoons” with a small amount of weight well below the lure. In the Chesapeake Bay you want to fish the channels trolling across from deep to shallow, watch your depth finder as soon as you start coming into the shallower water hold onto the rods as you cross the channel.

The current limit in Maryland is two per angular and must be at least 18 inches. They are not much of a fighter, unless you get a real big one and then that can be fun, but they are a very good eating fish. They are very popular here in local restaurants. When caught they go in the cooler over ice.

I go out with friends to Rock fish on the bay, like you I do not want that mess on my boat.
 
"Not much of a fighter"?????
When your trolling for them with broomsticks & 80# braid & hook up with 30 inchers and under, you are correct cause your just dragging them through the water.

I personally prefer LTJ (light tackle jigging) and its a blast even hooking up with smaller fish. I release most of my fish but will occasionally keep a couple for dinner.

Rockfish, also called striped bass or stripers can be caught in the Chesapeake bay by trolling, jigging, chumming, casting near structure & live lining with fresh caught spot. Allot of people also fly fish for them. You can also catch rockfish in fresh water reservoirs.
 
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Man, you guys are getting me excited talking about it!

I think it will be easier to keep my 280 cleaner, than my 175. The 175 had full glued in carpet and took a lot to keep it clean. With the snap-in carpet, it'll be easy to just hose her down and be done with it!
 
As you can see in my signature picture there is a red planner boards in the cockpit. These work great on the bay and the Potomac. Here is a picture of a spring trophy caught by a buddy of mine while I was piloting his boat. My wife caught a 43" 40lbs fish last year. Rocket launchers are a must. I like trolling you get to fish and take a boat ride all in the same day.
 

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My Amberjack is getting splashed this week so I can prep for the trophy season. I have all my rods preped, unbrella rigs riged, and my tandems all sharpened and ready to go. It has been a LONG winter.
 
I havent been able to get anything done yet.
Still trying to get ready by opening day.
Actually, from what ive heard in the past, I dont want to be out there opening day .... lol. Maybe the week before for some C&R though.
 
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