Bluefish Fishing in Maryland
When bluefish are caught across Maryland, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Bluefish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Maryland by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching bluefish in Maryland
Bluefish catches in Maryland run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 38% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Maryland fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch bluefish in Maryland?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release bluefish in Maryland?+
Across Maryland, about 38% of the bluefish caught are kept and 62% are released. That works out to roughly 250K kept and 401K released in 2024.
How many bluefish are caught in Maryland?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 651K bluefish caught by recreational anglers in Maryland in 2024, making it the #8 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this bluefish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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