I caught Rockfish fever this October.  The warm days were growing short and few and I had still not been out fishing on the Bay. This was my 3rd Sunday in a row heading out for Rockfish, as I didn't cover my previous two outings this should serve as a clue that the outcome was slightly different this time.

The fishing reports have been consistent for a few weeks now, good bite in the early morning and around sunset.  Mornings have been cold and and with the boat an hour a way I've been opting for the evening slot.  I hit the water around 2pm.  The weather was mild, mid 60s and a mild drizzle.  The tide was running out with a low tide at 5pm. The previous two trips I went for the rising tide, but I'm mixing it up this week. If it ain't working, try something else.

I packed light for this mission.  I knew I wouldn't be jigging or bottom fishing. I was on the hunt for hungry fish and that meant trolling.  2 rods, one with an umbrella rig with a black ducktail and purpler trailer.  the other was my trusted 6oz white shad tandem rigs.  Simple, basic, usually effective. 

First plan was to chase the reports and head down to Thomas point.  The wind was gusting out of the South and abandoned that idea by the time I got to the mouth of the Magothy.  Turned due east and ran across the Bay to just off Kent Island near Love Point.  I like this spot, good hard bottom and it's been productive before. Trolled around 5ft off the bottom in 20 ft of water for an hour and no sign of life.  

I decided to head further east to the mouth of the Chester River where there's a nice 50ft hole. Maybe there are some Stripers or Blue catfish holded up in there so I get within a few hundred yards and work the deep water. Still nothing, more boats out now though as were getting close to sunset and I felt like I was at least in the right area.  Decided to stick it out and work the area until about 4:30.  Nothing.

I was questioning my luck, my faith, and the decisions in my life at this point. I pull in the lines, secure the hatches and start heading back west to dock.  Just as I'm hitting the Bay I see birds going crazy off Love Point, the same spot I struck out on earlier.  I'm annoyed, out a few hundred in fuel and lost rigs at this point over the month but as they are literally right in my path I decide I'll give It one pass. This had to be a sign.  I pulled in within about 150 yards and plot my course to the north of the activity by about 30 yards.  If there are stripers there, they're going to be picking off the straggler bait fish on the outside.

Dropped my first line with my tandem rig and get it down til it hits bottom then bring it in about bit targeting 5 feet off the bottom.  Turn my attention to umbrella rig when I hear the greatest sound in the world. The whirl of my drag going out.

I grabbed the rod and get to work, it was a good fight.  I got him to the boat and I realized I still had the net down in the cabin.  I was not losing this fish though so it was time for the old boat flip.  I get him the surface, open the transom door and launch him into the boat with a quick flick and he's on the deck.   He's a good size, and when I got him measured he's right under 24".  Pack away the gear and continue my trip back in.  The sun was setting and I was victorious. It was a good day on the Bay.