So I made my way out to Matapeake Pier on October 20th, and I've got to say, this spot has a lot going for it—especially if you're new to pier fishing or just want a laid-back day on the water without launching a boat.
The Setup
Matapeake sits on the western shore of Kent Island, right off Route 8, and you can't miss it. There's a small parking lot that fills up on weekends, but on this Monday morning, I had no trouble finding a spot. The pier itself is a good length—maybe 300 feet or so—and it's well-maintained with wooden planking and rails. You've got benches if you want to sit and wait it out, and there's enough room that even when it gets crowded, you're not bumping elbows with the person next to you.
The view alone is worth the trip. You're looking straight out at the Bay Bridge, and the water stretches out wide with plenty of boat traffic passing by. It's peaceful in that Chesapeake Bay kind of way.
My Experience
I got there around 7 AM with my medium-heavy spinning rod, 20-lb braided line, and a tacklebox full of options. Started with bottom rigs using cut menhaden because I was hoping for some stripers or maybe a decent-sized white perch. The water was calm, maybe 55 degrees, and the tide was on the incoming—usually a good sign.
The first hour was slow. Real slow. I repositioned a few times, tried different spots along the pier, and finally got into some action around 8:30. Landed a couple of white perch—nothing to write home about, maybe 8-9 inches each—but hey, fish are fish. Threw them back since I was really targeting rockfish.
Around 10 AM, I switched tactics. Put on a Gotcha plug and started casting out toward the bridge pilings in the distance. On about my fifth cast, I got a solid hit. Fought it for a few minutes and brought in a keeper striper—measured right at 20 inches, just over the legal minimum. That made the morning feel worthwhile.
After that, things quieted down again. I stayed until about 1 PM, caught one more short rockfish that went back in the water, and called it a day.
What You Need to Know
If you're planning to fish Matapeake, here's what I'd recommend:
Bring variety in your tackle. October is transition time on the Bay—fish are starting to move around before winter sets in. I'd pack bottom rigs with bloodworms or cut bait for perch and croaker, plus some lures (bucktails, soft plastics, or plugs) for stripers. You never know what's going to work on any given day.
Check the tide charts. Moving water is your friend here. I had the best luck during the incoming tide when baitfish were getting pushed toward the pier.
Dress in layers. That Bay breeze in October can be chilly, especially early morning. I started in a hoodie and was glad I had it.
Be patient. This isn't a guarantee-a-fish-every-cast kind of spot. It's typical Chesapeake pier fishing—you might wait a while between bites. Bring a chair, some snacks, and be ready to put in your time.
Know the regulations. Maryland's rockfish rules change throughout the year. In October, you're looking at one fish per day, 19 inches minimum (though it bumps to 20 inches in some periods—always double-check current regs before you go).
Who This Spot Is Good For
Matapeake is perfect for anglers who want easy access without a boat. You don't need waders, you don't need to hike, and you can bring the family—there's a little beach area nearby if kids get bored. For someone who's never pier fished the Chesapeake, this is a great starting point. It's not intimidating, and you've got a decent shot at multiple species depending on the season.
My Gear
- Rod/Reel: 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with a 4000-series reel
- Line: 20-lb PowerPro braided line with a 20-lb fluorocarbon leader
- Tackle: Bottom rigs (2-hook), 3-4 oz pyramid sinkers, Gotcha plugs, soft plastic swimbaits, cut menhaden, and bloodworms
Final Rating: 7/10
Matapeake Pier is a solid option, but it's not going to blow your mind on an average day. I caught fish, enjoyed the setting, and appreciated the convenience. The action was slow enough that I wouldn't call it a hot spot, but consistent enough that I'd definitely come back—especially in spring or early fall when the bite typically picks up. For a first-timer or someone looking for a relaxed day of fishing with a chance at some decent rockfish, you could do a lot worse.