Episodes

  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Ideal Conditions for December Anglers

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Ideal Conditions for December Anglers
    Dec 1 2024
    As of December 1, 2024, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is shaping up nicely with the onset of cooler weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Expect cooler weather to dominate the first week of December, with main Bay surface water temperatures already in the low 50s[2]. Tidal currents will be above average due to the new moon on December 1, which should enhance fishing conditions. Sunrise today is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass activity has seen an uptick with the recent cold fronts. Anglers are reporting decent action around the Bay Bridge, particularly on both the east and west sides, where trolling along the edges of the shipping channel and jigging in the eddies behind the pilings have been productive[1].

    In the Upper Bay, the mouth of the Patapsco River is a hot spot, with fish being caught at depths of around 30 feet in the main channel. Jigging and trolling are the preferred methods here, with soft plastic jigs and umbrella rigs with 5-inch shad baits working well[2].

    White perch have moved to deeper waters, typically 30-35 feet deep, and can be found schooled up near the mouths of the Patapsco and Chester rivers. Metal jigs, especially those with a firetiger pattern, are effective for catching these perch[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, soft plastic jigs and umbrella rigs with 5-inch shad baits are highly recommended. Trollers should use heavy inline weights to get down to the suspended fish. For white perch, shiny metal jigs are the way to go, as they are attracted to the reflective surface[1][2].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Bay Bridge**: The rockpiles and edges of the shipping channel are excellent spots for both striped bass and white perch.
    - **Mouth of the Patapsco River**: This area is seeing good action for striped bass at depths of around 30 feet.
    - **Mouth of the Chester River**: Another good spot for white perch and striped bass, especially with the fish moving into deeper waters.

    Overall, the cooler weather and increased tidal currents are making for some exciting fishing opportunities in the Chesapeake Bay. Keep an eye out for bird shows, as they can indicate active schools of fish.
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Heats Up Amid Cool Weather and Prime Tidal Conditions for Striped Bass and White Perch

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Heats Up Amid Cool Weather and Prime Tidal Conditions for Striped Bass and White Perch
    Nov 30 2024
    As of November 30, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some promising fishing conditions despite the chilly weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather is expected to be cool, with surface water temperatures in the low 50s, and bottom waters slightly warmer[4][5]. Tidal currents will be above average due to the new moon on December 1, which can make for some exciting fishing[4].

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:43 PM, giving anglers a good window to hit the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass (rockfish) are the main target this time of year. In the Middle Bay, anglers have been experiencing an improving rockfish bite, especially around the Bay Bridge. Trollers are doing well along the edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings, while light tackle anglers are finding success jigging in the eddies on the backside of pilings during running tides[1].

    In the Lower Bay, trollers and jiggers are catching rockfish in the Potomac River, particularly along the ledges of oyster bars. Soft plastics and metal jigs are working well, and bird shows are becoming more prevalent, indicating active fish[2].

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Yesterday saw decent striped bass action, with reports of slot and under-slot fish being caught. At the Bay Bridge, anglers caught fish up to 25 inches, and some earlier catches included fish over 30 inches. In the Lower Bay, trollers near buoys 8 to 12 on the Rappahannock River caught several slot fish and a couple of over-slot stripers[1][2].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, jigs of multiple varieties, six-inch chrome jerkbaits, and soft plastics like paddletails and BKDs are effective. Trollers are using single lures, tandems, and small umbrella rigs. For white perch, shiny metal jigs and bottom rigs baited with bloodworms are good choices[1][2][4].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Bay Bridge**: The pilings and rockpiles under the bridge are excellent spots for jigging for striped bass and white perch.
    - **Mouth of the Choptank**: This area has seen bird shows and breaking fish, indicating active schools of rockfish.
    - **Potomac River**: The ledges of oyster bars are producing good catches of striped bass for trollers and jiggers.

    Overall, the cooler weather and changing tides are getting the fish into their typical fall feeding patterns, making this a great time to be on the water.
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    3 mins
  • Late-Fall Fishing Bonanza: Stripers, Cats, and Walleye in the Chesapeake and Potomac

    Late-Fall Fishing Bonanza: Stripers, Cats, and Walleye in the Chesapeake and Potomac
    Nov 29 2024
    As of November 29, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the unseasonable weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather has been unusually warm for this time of year, but recent cold fronts have started to bring more seasonable temperatures. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high in the mid-50s and a low in the mid-40s. Sunrise is at 6:57 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 10:30 AM and low tide around 4:30 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing has been improving, especially in the lower Bay. In the Potomac River, anglers have been catching stripers along the ledges and channel edges, particularly around the 301 Bridge and down to the mouth of the river. The fish are more active during the early morning and evening hours, often associated with bird activity[2][3].

    Blue catfish are also biting well, with significant catches reported below the Conowingo Dam and in the Potomac River. These fish are schooling up and moving to deeper waters, making areas like Port Deposit and Havre De Grace hotspots[1][2].

    Smallmouth bass and walleye are active above the Conowingo Dam, hitting jerkbaits, craw jigs, spinners, and crankbaits along rocky shorelines and deeper ledges. Walleye are more active at night, moving shallower under the cover of darkness[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, soft plastics on half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce jigheads, especially white and chartreuse colors, are working well. Trollers are also successful with small umbrella rigs, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad. In the Potomac, five-inch white soft plastics on jigheads have been effective[2][3].

    For blue catfish, cut bait, particularly fresh eel, is the top choice. Ensure you have extra rigs due to the rocky bottom that can snag gear[1].

    For smallmouth bass and walleye, jerkbaits, craw jigs, spinners, and crankbaits are recommended. Rocky shorelines and deeper ledges are key areas to target[1].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Conowingo Dam**: This area is producing a few striped bass, especially in the evening hours, and blue catfish are abundant below the dam.
    - **Potomac River**: The lower Potomac, particularly around the 301 Bridge and the mouth of the river, is a hotspot for striped bass and blue catfish.
    - **Port Deposit and Havre De Grace**: These areas are known for their blue catfish activity.
    - **Upper Susquehanna**: Above the Conowingo Dam, smallmouth bass and walleye are active along rocky shorelines and deeper ledges.

    Overall, it's a great time to hit the water, especially with the cooler temperatures and increased bird activity indicating active fish. Be patient, and don't hesitate to move around to find the best spots.
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers and Cats Biting Around DC, Middle Bay Rockfish Heating Up

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers and Cats Biting Around DC, Middle Bay Rockfish Heating Up
    Nov 28 2024
    As of November 28, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is seeing some promising fishing conditions despite the recent cold fronts.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather has been cooler with some rain, which has helped to activate the fish. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-50s. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM, which should provide good windows for fishing.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:55 AM, and sunset is at 4:43 PM, giving anglers a decent amount of daylight to hit the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    The striped bass bite has been improving, especially in the Lower Bay. Anglers have reported finding schools of stripers from the 301 Bridge down to the mouth of the Potomac River. These fish are often associated with bird activity, particularly around the Potomac where recent cold fronts have increased bird shows[1].

    In the Middle Bay, the rockfish bite is also picking up, with reports of slot and under-slot fish being caught near the Little Choptank and around the mouth of Eastern Bay. Drifting and trolling around channel edges and river mouths have been productive[2].

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Striped bass are the main target, with many slot fish (between 18 and 28 inches) being caught. In the Potomac, trollers are scoring on stripers using single lures, tandems, and small umbrella rigs. Kayak anglers have had success with five-inch white soft plastics on half-ounce jigheads[1].

    Blue catfish are also active in the Potomac, particularly north of the 301 Bridge and in the waters around Washington D.C., where some very big fish have been reported[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, soft plastics, metal jigs, and bucktails dressed with shad are working well. Trollers are having success with small umbrellas, tandems, and single lures. Jigs of multiple varieties and six-inch chrome jerkbaits have also been effective in the Middle Bay[1][2].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Potomac River**: The area around the 301 Bridge down to the mouth of the river is holding schools of stripers and blue catfish. Look for ledges and areas with bait and bird activity.
    - **Little Choptank**: This area has produced plenty of slot and under-slot fish, especially off the ends of piers reaching into relatively deep spots.
    - **Matapeake and Eastern Bay**: These areas are seeing bird shows and breaking fish, indicating active schools of rockfish[2].

    Overall, it's a good time to hit the water, especially during the last hour of daylight when the fish tend to be more active. Patience and the right gear should yield some rewarding catches.
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Heating Up as Temperatures Drop

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Heating Up as Temperatures Drop
    Nov 24 2024
    As of November 24, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is seeing some promising fishing conditions despite the chilly weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather has been cooler with temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s, and there have been occasional cold fronts that have helped drop the water temperatures, now in the low 50s. This drop in water temperature has started to get the fish into their typical fall feeding pattern. Tides are moderate, with high tide expected around 10 AM and low tide around 4 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset is at 4:43 PM, providing a decent window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass (rockfish) activity has been picking up, especially with the recent cold fronts. In the Middle Bay, trollers are doing well along the edges of the shipping channel and around the Bay Bridge, where the structure offers good spots for jigging[2].

    In the Lower Bay, particularly in the Potomac River, trollers are scoring on stripers using single lures, tandems, and small umbrella rigs. Light tackle anglers are also finding success with soft plastics and metal jigs, especially on ledges with abundant bait[1].

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Reports indicate that striped bass are the main catch, with fish ranging from 20 to 30 inches. There have been some larger fish caught, up to 31 inches in some areas. Blue catfish are also active in the deeper holes and sharper ledges of the tidal rivers, with cut alewife, American eel, and gizzard shad being popular baits[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using small umbrella rigs, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad is effective. Soft plastics and metal jigs are also working well, especially when jigged in the eddies around bridge pilings and rockpiles. For blue catfish, cut alewife and gizzard shad are top choices[1][2].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Bay Bridge**: The edges of the shipping channel and the rockpiles under the bridge are great spots for jigging and trolling for striped bass.
    - **Potomac River**: The ledges of oyster bars and channel edges from Colonial Beach down to Piney Point are producing good results for trollers.
    - **Mouth of the Chester and Patapsco Rivers**: These areas have been good for finding schooled-up fish chasing big schools of bait, making them ideal for using larger presentations like 5-inch paddle tails and 8-inch straight tails[4].

    Overall, the cooler weather and dropping water temperatures are setting up for a good late fall fishing season in the Chesapeake Bay. Be prepared to move around to find the bait and the fish, and don't hesitate to use a variety of lures and baits to maximize your catch.
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Perch, and Catfish Biting in Fall Conditions

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Perch, and Catfish Biting in Fall Conditions
    Nov 23 2024
    For November 23, 2024, if you're planning to hit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, here's what you can expect:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather is shaping up to be more seasonal, with cold fronts moving through the area. This has brought cooler temperatures and some rain, which has positively impacted fish activity. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high in the mid-50s and a low in the mid-40s. Sunrise is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. Tides are crucial; the morning low tide is around 7:30 AM, and the afternoon high tide is about 1:30 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    The cold fronts have finally gotten the fish into their typical fall feeding pattern. Striped bass (rockfish) are schooling up and becoming more active. In the Upper Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Patapsco River and the Bay Bridge, anglers have reported decent striped bass action. Trollers are doing well along the edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings of the Bay Bridge. Light tackle anglers are finding success jigging in the eddies on the backside of pilings during running tides[1][2][4].

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching slot rockfish, with some boats catching up to five fish in the 17-20 inch range. White perch are also active, schooling in deeper waters around the mouths of tidal rivers and shoals. Big blue catfish are another target, especially around Pooles Island, where they can be caught using fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits[1][2].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, umbrella rigs with 5-inch sassy shads, metal blade baits, and soft plastics on half-ounce jigheads are working well. Jigging small silver spoons and chartreuse BKDs on half-ounce heads on the bottom in 10-12 feet of water is also effective. For white perch, metal blade baits, especially the firetiger pattern, are a good choice. For blue catfish, chunking up fresh cut bunker or using clam baits is recommended[1][2][4].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Bay Bridge**: Both the east and west sides of the bridge offer good structure for fish. Trollers should focus along the edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings. Light tackle anglers can jig in the eddies on the backside of pilings during running tides.
    - **Patapsco River**: The mouth of the river and areas from Fort McHenry out to the mouth are good spots for both trollers and light tackle anglers.
    - **Pooles Island**: This area is popular for big blue catfish, especially in the 20-30 foot range.

    With the seasonal weather pattern setting in, now is a great time to get out on the water and take advantage of the improving fish activity. Keep an eye out for bird shows, as they can indicate where the fish are schooling. Good luck on the water
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    3 mins
  • Autumn Fishing Bonanza in the Chesapeake Bay Around Baltimore and DC

    Autumn Fishing Bonanza in the Chesapeake Bay Around Baltimore and DC
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is seeing a significant uptick in fishing activity due to the recent cold fronts and more seasonal weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 55 degrees and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM, making the changing tides ideal for targeting various species.

    ### Fish Activity
    The cold fronts have finally brought water temperatures down, and fish are now schooling up and engaging in their typical fall feeding patterns. Striped bass, or rockfish, are active in several areas. Anglers have reported good success in the Patapsco River, especially around Fort McHenry and the mouth of the river. The Bay Bridge is also a hot spot, with trollers doing well along the edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings. Light tackle anglers are finding success jigging in the eddies on the backside of pilings during running tides[1].

    White perch are schooling and moving to deeper waters, particularly around the mouths of tidal rivers and shoals in the upper Bay. They have been caught in 35-foot depths, with metal blade baits, especially those with a firetiger pattern, proving effective[1].

    Big blue catfish are another target, often caught by chunking up fresh cut bunker, eel, or using clam baits around the lumps near Pooles Island. These lumps in the 20-30 foot range have historically been productive for catfish[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, umbrella rigs with 5” sassy shads have been successful, especially when trolling. Jigging with soft plastics and metal blade baits is also effective. For white perch, metal blade baits with firetiger patterns are recommended. For blue catfish, fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits are the way to go[1].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Patapsco River**: From Fort McHenry out to the mouth, this area is producing both striped bass and white perch.
    - **Bay Bridge**: The edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings are great spots for trollers and light tackle anglers.
    - **Pooles Island**: The lumps around this island are good for targeting blue catfish and striped bass.

    With the current weather and tidal conditions, these spots are likely to yield some impressive catches. Keep an eye out for bird shows, as they often indicate the presence of schooling fish.
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fall Fishing Heats Up with Stripers and White Perch

    Chesapeake Bay Fall Fishing Heats Up with Stripers and White Perch
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is seeing a pickup in fishing activity due to the recent cold fronts and dropping water temperatures.

    **Weather and Tidal Conditions:**
    Expect cooler and breezy weather, with air temperatures predicted to stay mild but gradually cooling. Water temperatures in the main Bay are in the upper 50s, while the rivers are running cooler. Tidal currents are above average this week due to the full moon on November 16, which will continue to influence fishing conditions. Sunrise today is at around 6:50 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:45 PM.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Striped bass are starting to school up and get into their typical fall feeding pattern. Anglers have reported decent striped bass action around the Bay Bridge, with both trollers and light tackle anglers finding success. Trollers are doing well along the edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings, while light tackle anglers are jigging in the eddies on the backside of pilings during running tides[1][2][5].

    White perch are also active, particularly in the deeper waters of the tidal rivers and Bay. They are schooling and heading to deeper water, with metal jigs being the most effective way to target them. The mouths of tidal rivers and shoals in the upper Bay are good places to search for white perch[1][3].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For striped bass, umbrella rigs with 5” sassy shads, metal blade baits, especially those with a firetiger pattern, and soft plastics have been productive. Jigging with plastic skirted soft plastic jigs and metal jigs along channel edges is also reliable[1][2][3].

    For white perch, metal jigs and bottom rigs baited with pieces of bloodworm are recommended.

    **Hot Spots:**
    - The Bay Bridge: Both sides of the bridge offer good structure for fish, with trollers and light tackle anglers finding success.
    - Patapsco River: The mouth of the river and areas around Fort McHenry out to the river's mouth have been good for both trollers and light tackle anglers.
    - Eastern Bay and the mouth of the Choptank: These areas have seen breaking fish and decent striped bass action, especially during strong tidal currents[1][2][5].

    Overall, the cooler weather and dropping water temperatures are setting up for some great fall fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Keep an eye out for bird shows, as they often indicate the presence of schooling fish.
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    3 mins