Kent Island has a lot going for it for anglers. Chesapeake Bay’s largest island is the dividing line of the Upper and Middle Bays. Thousands of fish are forced into just four miles of water as they make their way past the island - the narrowest point in the bay. Kent Island fishing charters take full advantage of this, fishing around the bridge or over oyster bars and rocky structure to the west of the island.
But that’s only half the picture, to the east of Kent Island you have the sheltered waters of Eastern Bay, the incredible backcountry of the Kent Narrows, and the mouth of the Chester River. Everywhere you look, you’ll find Striped Bass, Bluefish, Spotted Seatrout, Croakers, and Sheepshead in reliable numbers. Head upriver, and you could hook into Bass, Carp, and other freshwater species.
Fishing Spots
You will have a very different fishing experience depending on where you launch from on Kent Island. Most charters are based out of Stevensville in the west and Kent Narrows in the east. Generally, the western waters are deeper and more open, while the east is known for its backcountry and estuary fishing. The fishing is amazing wherever you go, and here are a few spots you may want to check out while you’re in town.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Spanning the narrow channel between Kent Island and Annapolis, the bridge is a favorite among locals. You can find a huge range of species here including Croaker, Spotfish, Bluefish, Sheepshead, Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, and Sharks.
Brickhouse Bar
The island’s western shore is lined with oyster bars full of Bluefish and Striped Bass. The rocky bottom can also hold Seabass and Flounder in some areas, making for super productive food fishing.
Hooligan’s Snooze
Located on the southern tip of Kent Island, this spot has reliable Striper and Bluefish action. You may not find monsters here, but you’ll certainly get some keeper Rockfish and plenty of fun fights. And if the fishing’s not hot here, you have a ton of nearby spots in the Easter Bay.
Kent Narrows
People have been fishing the Kent Narrows since settlers first arrived here, and for countless centuries before that. This is some of the best backcountry fishing around, with Croakers, Seatrout, and other inshore favorites. Local families have worked these waters for generations, and know every inch of this backwater maze.
Chester River
The Chester River and its various tributaries dump masses of nutrient-rich sediment into the bay. This means lots of bait, and lots of Striped Bass, Red Drum, and Bluefish to gobble it up. This is also a great spot for Blue Crab. Head upriver, and you can also find Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.
Fishing Techniques
Kent Island fishing guides will usually drop baits for bottom fish like Flounder, Sheepshead, and Seabass. Spot, Menhaden, Mullet, and whatever else is in season works well, sending you home with plenty of fish for dinner.
If you’re heading to the Narrows, switch your bottom rigs for topwater lures to save yourself a lot of snags and frustration. Throwing lures is great fun all around the island, casting jigs or bouncing soft plastics off the bottom to land Bluefish and Rockfish. Fly anglers can get great results with bright clouser patterns and fast-sinking line.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to set a few crab traps first. Blue Crab are some of the tastiest eating around and a staple of Maryland summertime. Fishing from a charter lets you harvest a lot more of these delicious crustaceans, using techniques like trotlining to maximize your haul.
Need to Know
Fishing licenses are not required aboard Kent Island fishing charters, but solo anglers will need to buy a license. Chesapeake Bay fisheries have ever-changing closed seasons and catch limits. Fishing with a guide is the easiest way to stay within the law and still head home with a ton of fish. Otherwise, you can find useful information by chatting to locals in the island’s tackle shops.