UTERBlue marlin fishing in Chesapeake Bay
In Chesapeake Bay, blue marlin peak August and are around July–September, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. August: Blue marlin in the Norfolk Canyon on big lures.
Not in Chesapeake Bay this month.
Blue marlin in Chesapeake Bay, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyAround
- AugustPeakBlue marlin in the Norfolk Canyon on big lures.
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish blue marlin near Annapolis, Kent Island, Solomons
The biggest estuary in the country: 200 miles of brackish bay fed by the Susquehanna, Potomac, Patuxent, Choptank, Nanticoke, Rappahannock and James, with oyster bars, channel edges and lumps in the main stem, marsh islands down Tangier Sound, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel's pilings and islands at the mouth. Salinity climbs from fresh at the Flats to ocean at Cape Henry.
What to use for blue marlin
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Goggle-eyesBridled through the eye sockets for sailfish and kingfish, kite-fished or slow-trolled.
- Opelu (mackerel scad)Bridled live and slow-trolled or drifted down for ahi, ono and marlin; cut for bottom fishing.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 74–88°F water, best at 78–84°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch blue marlin in Chesapeake Bay?
Peak season is August. Blue marlin are in Chesapeake Bay July–September. August: Blue marlin in the Norfolk Canyon on big lures.
Where do blue marlin hold in Chesapeake Bay?
Look on ledge / hard bottom — around Annapolis, Kent Island, Solomons, Tilghman Island, Crisfield, Deltaville.
What is the best bait for blue marlin in Chesapeake Bay?
Live bait: blue runners (hardtails), goggle-eyes, opelu (mackerel scad). Blue runners (hardtails): Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
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