The fishing action was intense this week, bringing in a variety of amazing catches from tautogs to smallmouth bass. The stories behind each of these catches capture the thrill, challenge, and pure joy that come with angling.
Let’s dive right into the top 10 catches of the week, where every fish tells its tale!
1. Willie Shine’s 10-Pound Tautog Triumph
When you see a tautog this size, you know you’re looking at a serious catch. Willie Shine managed to hook this 10-pound beast while jigging in just under 30 feet of water in Buzzards Bay. The weight and power of this fish must have been incredible on the line!

Reference | On The Water
Harvey Russell’s Morning Tautog Adventure
Harvey Russell of My Brother Charters snagged this solid 20-inch tautog bright and early. There’s something about a crisp morning on the water, and this tautog didn’t disappoint. With his reel skills and a lucky jig, Harvey’s catch is one to remember!

Reference | On The Water
3. Chain Pickerel Chasing Vudu Mullet in Bass Ponds
Chain pickerel are keeping anglers entertained with their aggressive strikes this season. Although not everyone’s top pick, they deliver a great tug on the line! This particular pickerel was hooked after a swift chase in a herring-run pond, proving that pickerels know how to keep anglers on their toes.

Reference | On The Water
4. Cambo Charters’ Tautog Double Feature
This week’s haul on Cambo Charters was a sight to see. With two large tautogs in hand, this happy customer can attest to the fun of reeling in these prized fish from the depths of Buzzards Bay. It was all smiles and high-fives on deck after this catch.

Reference | On The Water
5. Giant Trevally: The One That Got Personal
You know you’re in for a good story when an angler says ‘it got personal’! On Instagram, @hoodhumorrison shared this fierce Giant Trevally caught after an intense battle. Known for their strength and size, GTs are a thrill to catch, and this one took its angler for a real ride.

Reference | Muax Hammer’s Instagram
6. Frankie Goff’s Blue Catfish from Conowingo Dam
Frankie Goff held nothing back when she hauled in this massive blue catfish at the Conowingo Dam pool. Blue catfish like these are abundant in the area, and anglers use everything from surf rods to bottom rigs to land these giants. Frankie’s catch was one for the books.

Reference | Maryland Government
7. Pedro Roman’s King Mackerel at Oak Island Pier
Pedro Roman’s weekend king mackerel catch was a stunner! Caught right off Oak Island Pier, this mackerel was a serious fighter, giving Pedro a thrilling experience he won’t forget. Mackerels are fast and strong, so catching one of this size is no small feat!

Reference | The State Port Pilot
8. Rich and Xavier’s Smallmouth Bass Adventure
On a warm November day, Rich and Xavier set out for big smallies and found success as the day went on. Despite the fish’s initial reluctance, their persistence paid off with a handful of quality bass. This is a classic example of quality over quantity—a memorable haul of beautiful, big bass!


Rich and Xavier’s hard-earned smallmouth bass catch.
Reference | Advanced Bassin
9. Red Drum from CaughtUpFishing
A red drum this size is something special! Known for their unique reddish hue and characteristic black spot, red drums are popular for their strength and beauty.
This one was hooked with expert skill, showing just how rewarding red drum fishing can be in saltwater and brackish areas.

Reference | CaughUpFishing’s Instagram
10. Capt. Triston Elston’s Speckled Trout
Venice guide Capt. Triston Elston reeled in this magnificent speckled trout. Known to be some of the best of the year, these speckled trout are especially active in the fall, drawn to the lower Mississippi by waters from the Gulf of Mexico. A fantastic example of fall fishing at its best!

Reference | Sportfishing
And there you have it! From massive catfish to exotic red drum, these top 10 catches of the week represent the best of what’s biting right now.
Each of these anglers has a story to tell, and each fish has a tale behind it. It’s been a thrilling week on the water, showcasing just how rewarding a day of fishing can be.
Whether it’s the patience, the skill, or the pure excitement of the catch, these moments capture the heart of the fishing experience. Here’s to many more incredible catches and unforgettable days out on the water!
Happy fishing, and tight lines!