Rockfish on the bay

[danielcooper9]

I have only fished for Rockfish a couple of times on charters (near Solomons) where they do everything except reel in the fish. I would like to fish from my boat but having never done it before, would like to get some help, if possible.

First, I marina out of essex area. Second, I have a 26' express cruiser with only 2 rod holders. Since I'm really not set up for trolling, someone had suggested to go down to the bay bridge, get some spot to use as bait, anchor and fish.

Anyone having success fishing like that? Options for fishing closer to home? If fishing with spot is succesful, how exactly do you rig them? Any other suggestions? Method for catching enough small spot for bait? I know teaching someone to fish via a blog is not the most productive but I'm hoping to find some simple techniques that allow me to take my daughters fishing and not get bored to death because we don't catch anything all day.

Thanks
Dan

 

[Mike M2]

Go to www.tidalfish.com for all the Rockfish help you can stand...

 

[rnbenton]

Dan, something you may want to consider. A few years ago when I retired and moved back to FL I had been living/working out of the country for several years so had not done much fishing at all for quite some time. Plus, I located in a part of FL where I had never lived before.

So, to shorten the learning curve, I hired a local guide to go out with me, in my boat and teach me how best to fish using my boat and equipment. Plus he recommended some configuration changes to the boat and some simple equipment additions.

It was fairly cheap and well worth the time and money. From there I fish 3-4 days a week and, trust me, there is PLENTY of fresh fish on our dinner table!

Bob