As of October 11, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities.

### Tidal and Weather Report
Expect above-average tidal currents due to the recent new moon, and higher-than-normal tides from the lingering low-pressure system off the coast. Today's weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy with gentle winds, making it a good day to get out on the water. Sunrise is at 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at 6:22 PM.

### Fish Activity
The fall transition is in full swing, and fish are feeding aggressively as water temperatures cool. In the Upper Chesapeake Bay, striped bass are active, especially around the Patapsco River and near the old Key Bridge. Anglers have reported catching over 30 fish in a single day, with most being under slot but a few reaching up to 22 inches. Jigging and using fish finders have been key tactics here.

In the Middle Bay, the shallow water fishery is thriving for striped bass, red drum, and speckled trout. Puppy drum are plentiful, and areas like the lower Choptank, Little Choptank, West and Rhode rivers, as well as around Poplar Island and Eastern Bay, are hot spots. Paddletails, poppers, and Zara Spooks are popular lures, while spinnerbaits and spin-jigs are favorites for puppy drum.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, jigging metal spoons and using live spot have been effective. In the Upper Bay, casting lures far out into the current near the Conowingo Dam has yielded good results. For blue catfish, fresh cut bait like bunker, blue crab, and clams are working well, especially at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and in the Chester River.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: A hotspot for striped bass, especially near the old Key Bridge.
- **Conowingo Dam**: Great for striped bass and smallmouth bass when water is being released.
- **Lower Choptank and Little Choptank Rivers**: Excellent for striped bass, red drum, and speckled trout.
- **Poplar Island and Eastern Bay**: Good areas for a mix of species including puppy drum and striped bass.

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse and vibrant fishing scene this time of year, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations and be prepared for the changing tides and weather conditions.

As of October 9, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the challenging weather conditions.

### Tidal and Weather Report
The tidal currents are expected to be above average due to the recent new moon, and with a low-pressure system lingering off the Maryland coast, tides will be higher than normal. Be prepared for stronger tidal flows and potentially higher water levels. The weather forecast indicates cloudy conditions with onshore winds, which could make the waters a bit choppy.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:20 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing trips.

### Fish Activity
The shallow water bite has been improving significantly as water temperatures cool down. Striped bass, particularly slot-size fish and some larger ones in the 40-inch class, are actively feeding. These stripers are being caught on soft-plastic paddletails in the 5- to 6-inch range, especially the 5-inch NLBN paddletail. Topwater plugs are also effective, especially for bluefish which are still abundant in the area.

In the upper Bay, white perch fishing is excellent in the tidal rivers and creeks. Anglers are using small spinnerbaits and spin-jigs along the shorelines during morning and evening hours. Bottom fishing with grass shrimp, peeler crab, or pieces of bloodworm is also productive for spot, croaker, kingfish, and small sea bass.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass and bluefish, use soft-plastic paddletails and topwater plugs. Paddletails in chartreuse or purple tiger colors on 3/8th ounce jigheads are particularly effective. For white perch, small jig-spins and spinnerbaits work well. For bottom fishing, pieces of bloodworm or bloodworm alternative baits are good for spot and kingfish, while peeler crab is ideal for croaker, white perch, and blowfish.

### Hot Spots
- **Poplar Island and Eastern Bay**: These areas have seen breaking fish, including striped bass in the 18- to 26-inch range. Look for spots like Seven Foot Knoll, Love Point, The Hill, Thomas Point, and Poplar Island.
- **Mouth of the Patuxent, Point Lookout, Tangier Sound, and Pocomoke Sound**: These areas are excellent for a mix of spot, croaker, kingfish, white perch, northern blowfish, and small sea bass.
- **Upper Bay Tidal Rivers and Creeks**: Great spots for white perch using small spinnerbaits and spin-jigs along the shorelines during morning and evening hours.

### Recent Catches
Yesterday saw a good number of striped bass caught, with many slot-size fish and a few larger ones. Bluefish were also plentiful, with some fish reaching up to 30 inches. Anglers targeting bottom fish caught a mix of spot, croaker, kingfish, and white perch. Despite the sea bass season being closed until October 10, some boats are focusing on tautog and flounder when sea conditions allow.

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse and exciting fishing experience this week, so make sure to check the local conditions and adjust your tactics accordingly.

As of October 8, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities, especially with the fall transition in full swing. Here’s what you need to know:

**Tidal Report and Weather:**
Expect above-average tidal currents this week due to the recent new moon. A low-pressure system off the Maryland coast has been producing prolonged onshore winds, resulting in higher-than-normal tides. Today, you can anticipate strong tidal movements, especially during the morning and evening hours.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at around 7:10 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:20 PM, giving you ample time for both morning and evening fishing sessions.

**Fish Activity:**
The shallow water bite is really picking up as water temperatures cool down. Anglers are reporting a mix of species, including striped bass, red drum, speckled trout, and bluefish. In the upper Bay, white perch fishing is excellent in the tidal rivers and creeks, with small spinnerbaits and spin-jigs working well along shorelines.

**Fish Caught:**
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a variety of fish. In the middle Bay, puppy drum and striped bass were abundant, particularly in areas like the lower Choptank, Little Choptank, West, and Rhode rivers. Around Poplar Island and Eastern Bay, red drum up to 25 inches and speckled trout up to 19 inches were caught. Bluefish schools are still active, with many fish in the 20-24 inch range and some up to 30 inches.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For striped bass, red drum, and speckled trout, paddletails, poppers, and Zara Spooks are highly effective. Spinnerbaits and spin-jigs are particularly attractive to puppy drum. In the upper Bay, grass shrimp, peeler crab, or pieces of bloodworm work well for white perch and other bottom-dwelling species. For bluefish, five-inch chartreuse Jerk Shad and four-inch Gulp paddletails in purple tiger on 3/8th ounce jigheads have been successful.

**Hot Spots:**
- **Poplar Island and Eastern Bay:** Excellent for catching red drum, speckled trout, and striped bass.
- **Lower Choptank, Little Choptank, West, and Rhode rivers:** Great spots for puppy drum and striped bass.
- **Point Lookout:** Known for its consistent bluefish catches, especially around the Target Ship area.
- **Upper Bay Tidal Rivers and Creeks:** Ideal for white perch fishing using small spinnerbaits and spin-jigs.

With the right lures and bait, and an understanding of the tidal and weather conditions, you should have a productive day on the Chesapeake Bay. Good luck out there

As of October 7, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay region around Baltimore and Washington D.C. is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the changing weather and tidal conditions.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, you can expect above-average tidal currents due to lingering low pressure, so be cautious of floating debris. The weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy with a high of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:24 PM.

### Fish Activity
The shallow water bite is heating up as water temperatures cool, making it an ideal time for fall fishing. In the Upper Chesapeake Bay, striped bass are active, particularly around the Patapsco River and near the old Key Bridge. Many of these fish are under the slot size, but some slot-sized fish up to 22 inches are being caught. Jigging with 5- to 6-inch soft plastics on 3/8th ounce jigheads has been very effective.

In the Middle Bay, the shallow water fishery for striped bass, red drum, and speckled trout is thriving. Areas like the lower Choptank, Little Choptank, West and Rhode rivers, as well as around Poplar Island and Eastern Bay, are hot spots. Paddletails, poppers, and Zara Spooks are popular lures, while spinnerbaits and spin-jigs are favored for puppy drum.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, use 5- to 6-inch soft-plastic paddletails in chartreuse or purple tiger on 3/8th ounce jigheads. Topwater plugs like Zara Spooks and poppers are also effective, especially during overcast days. For bottom fishing, bloodworms, peeler crab, and grass shrimp are working well for spot, croaker, white perch, and blowfish.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: A hotspot for striped bass, especially near the old Key Bridge.
- **Seven Foot Knoll**: Good for bottom fishing, with an abundance of small flounder, croaker, and spot.
- **Poplar Island and Eastern Bay**: Excellent for striped bass, red drum, and speckled trout.
- **Mouth of the Patuxent, Point Lookout, Tangier Sound, and Pocomoke Sound**: Great areas for a mix of spot, croaker, kingfish, white perch, and northern blowfish.

### Recent Catches
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of striped bass, red drum, and speckled trout in the shallow waters. In the Upper Bay, over 30 striped bass were caught near the shipyards in the Patapsco River, with most being under slot size but a few reaching up to 22 inches. In the Middle Bay, puppy drum and slot-sized striped bass were common catches, along with some larger red drum in deeper waters.

With the black sea bass season closed until October 10, boats are now focusing on tautog and flounder when sea conditions allow. Despite the temporary closure, the overall fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay remains vibrant and promising for this time of year.

As of October 6, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for today’s outing.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. The winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. Tides are crucial; the high tide is at 8:47 AM and the low tide at 3:04 PM, with water temperatures still in the mid-70s.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:08 AM, and sunset will be at 6:23 PM, giving you ample daylight to hit your favorite spots.

### Fish Activity
The fall transition is in full swing, and fish are becoming more active as water temperatures cool. Striped bass, particularly schoolie stripers, are abundant in areas like the Turkey Point and the Conowingo Dam pool. These fish are often found in 10 to 20 feet of water and are best targeted early in the morning using metal spoons or soft-plastic paddletails like the 5-inch NLBN paddletail.

In the lower Bay, anglers are catching a mix of red drum, speckled trout, and bluefish. Red drum are biting well in deeper waters, especially around the Rappahannock, where jigging Stingsilvers in 30 to 40 feet of water has yielded slot reds and even a 50-inch bull red.

Bluefish schools are still active, particularly around the Target Ship area, where they are chasing baitfish in depths of 20 to 40 feet. Topwater plugs are effective for these aggressive feeders.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, use 5- to 6-inch soft-plastic paddletails, especially the NLBN paddletail, on jigs between 5/8- and 3/4-ounces. Metal spoons also work well in the early morning hours.

For red drum, Stingsilvers and five-inch chartreuse Jerk Shad on 3/8th ounce jigheads are highly effective. For bluefish, topwater plugs and surgical tubes are good choices.

For bottom fishing, pieces of bloodworm or bloodworm alternative baits work well for spot and kingfish, while peeler crab is effective for croaker, white perch, and blowfish.

### Hot Spots
- **Turkey Point**: Known for schoolie striped bass in 10 to 20 feet of water, especially during early morning hours.
- **Conowingo Dam pool**: A reliable spot for striped bass when water is being released from the dam. Cast lures far out into the current and work them just above the bottom.
- **Target Ship area**: Consistent for bluefish schools in depths of 20 to 40 feet.
- **Point Lookout**: Good for a mix of red drum, speckled trout, and striped bass, especially near the bayfront.

With these conditions and tips, you should have a productive day on the Chesapeake Bay. Good luck and tight lines

As of October 5, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the recent weather conditions.

### Weather and Tidal Report
The weekend is expected to be challenging due to the aftermath of a Nor'Easter, with cloudy skies and strong northeast winds. However, this weather has brought warmer water, bait, and bass into the area. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM, which can create ideal conditions for certain species.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:08 AM, and sunset is at 6:24 PM, providing a good window for both morning and evening fishing trips.

### Fish Activity
Striped bass fishing has been ramping up, particularly in the upper Bay tributaries. Anglers have reported catching stripers between 18 to 26 inches, with some larger fish in the 40-inch class mixed in. These fish are aggressively feeding on mullet and other baitfish. Bluefish are also active, scouring the back bays for bait and taking topwater plugs and soft-plastic jigs.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft-plastic paddletails in the 5- to 6-inch range, such as the 5-inch NLBN paddletail, have been highly effective. Jigs between 5/8- and 3/4-ounces paired with these soft plastics are also producing good results. For bluefish, topwater plugs and Got-Cha lures dressed with twister tails are working well. Drifting cut bait in the evenings can also yield bluefish catches.

### Hot Spots
- **Seven Foot Knoll, Love Point, The Hill, Thomas Point, and Poplar Island**: These areas have seen breaking fish and aggressive feeding by striped bass.
- **Ocean City Inlet**: This spot is excellent for catching a mix of bluefish and striped bass using soft plastic jigs and bucktails.
- **The mouth of the Patuxent, Point Lookout, Tangier Sound, and Pocomoke Sound**: These areas are good for catching spot, croaker, kingfish, white perch, northern blowfish, and small sea bass.

Overall, despite the challenging weather, the Chesapeake Bay is offering plenty of action for anglers willing to brave the conditions.

As of October 4, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is buzzing with fishing activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
The tide is expected to be moderate, with high tide around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM. Weather conditions are looking favorable, with partly cloudy skies and a gentle breeze out of the northwest at about 10 mph. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:34 PM.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of action across the bay. In the upper Chesapeake Bay, smallmouth bass were active in the rivers, particularly around the Susquehanna and Patapsco rivers, where topwater lures and bait like live minnows were effective.

In the middle bay, rockfish (stripers) were scattered but still catchable using topwater lures like yozuri knock pencils and three-inch baits. The lower Choptank, Herring Bay, and the lower Patuxent were hot spots for redfish, with four-inch Gulp Paddleshad in Chrome working well.

### Best Lures and Bait
For rockfish, livelining spot or jigging with eels are good options, especially around areas like Love Point and the Sewer Pipe. However, due to size restrictions, many anglers are opting for livelining spot instead.

For redfish and speckled trout, the lower bay areas saw success with zman micro chatterbaits and three-inch paddle tail trailers. Catfish are also moving shallow, and fish finder rigs with catfish candies or Texas-style rattles are proving effective.

### Hot Spots
- **Upper Bay:** The Susquehanna and Patapsco rivers for smallmouth bass.
- **Middle Bay:** The lower Choptank, Herring Bay, and the lower Patuxent for redfish.
- **Lower Bay:** Areas around Windmill Point, Smith Point, and the Target Ship for a mix of rockfish, redfish, and speckled trout.

Overall, the fall bite is in full swing, and the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities. Make sure to check the local regulations and enjoy the great fishing conditions.

As we step into the first week of October, the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore and Washington D.C. is offering some exciting fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for today, October 3, 2024.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be moderate and sunny, with calm conditions, making it ideal for a day on the water. Daytime air temperatures are cooling down, and the Bay's surface water temperatures have dropped to the lower 70s. Due to the new moon on October 2, tidal currents will be above average, and tides will be higher than normal due to prolonged onshore winds from a low-pressure system off the coast.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:30 PM, giving you ample time to catch both the morning and evening bites.

### Fish Activity
Fishing has been good in the upper and middle Bay areas. White perch are active in the tidal rivers and creeks, particularly in the morning and evening hours. Anglers are having success casting small spinnerbaits and spin-jigs along the shorelines. Bottom fishing with grass shrimp, peeler crab, or pieces of bloodworm on various shoals and knolls is also yielding good results.

In the middle Bay, a mix of spot, croaker, kingfish, northern blowfish, and small sea bass are being caught. The mouth of the Patuxent, Point Lookout, Tangier Sound, and Pocomoke Sound are excellent spots. Bloodworms or bloodworm alternative baits work well for spot and kingfish, while peeler crab is effective for croaker, white perch, and blowfish.

Striped bass, or rockfish, are starting to show up in the back bays and creeks, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Soft plastic jigs are a popular choice for targeting these fish.

### Best Lures and Bait
For white perch, use small spinnerbaits and spin-jigs. For bottom fishing, grass shrimp, peeler crab, or pieces of bloodworm are effective. For spot and kingfish, bloodworms or bloodworm alternatives work well. Peeler crab is good for croaker, white perch, and blowfish. For striped bass, soft plastic jigs are recommended.

### Hot Spots
- **Upper Bay:** The tidal rivers and creeks, especially around the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the Chester River from Chestertown to the Crumpton area, are great for white perch and blue catfish.
- **Middle Bay:** The mouth of the Patuxent, Point Lookout, Tangier Sound, and Pocomoke Sound are excellent for a mix of spot, croaker, kingfish, and small sea bass.
- **Back Bays:** Channels leading towards the inlet, particularly around the inlet and Route 50 bridge area, are good for striped bass and flounder.

With the right lures and bait, and an understanding of the tidal and weather conditions, you're set for a productive day of fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.

As of October 2, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the transitioning fall weather.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, expect a mild fall day with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. The sunrise is at around 6:55 AM, and the sunset will be at approximately 6:30 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM, making the changing tides ideal for various fishing techniques.

### Fish Activity
The fall season has brought a mix of species to the bay. Striped bass, although not as abundant as in the summer, can still be found, particularly around the Bay Bridge and the rocks at Poplar Island. Early morning and late evening are the best times to catch them using topwater plugs or subsurface plugs like Rapala X-Raps. Live-lining spot around the bridge pilings is also effective.

White perch fishing remains excellent, especially in the tidal creeks and rivers. Anglers are having success using small spinnerbaits near riprap and bottom rigs tipped with bloodworm-flavored Fishbites. The Severn River, particularly near the Naval Academy Bridge, has been a hot spot for white perch.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish are still present in the lower bay, with trolling using Clark spoons and planers being a successful method. The east side of the bay, from Solomon’s to the Target Ship, is a good area to target these species.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, use topwater plugs, subsurface plugs like Rapala X-Raps, or live-line spot. For white perch, small spinnerbaits and bottom rigs with bloodworm-flavored Fishbites are effective. Spanish mackerel and bluefish can be caught using Clark spoons, small metal or epoxy jigs, and planers.

### Hot Spots
- **Bay Bridge**: A prime location for striped bass, especially around the eastern side of the bridge in 10 to 30 feet of water.
- **Poplar Island**: Early morning fishing around the rocks here can yield good results for striped bass.
- **Severn River**: The area near the Naval Academy Bridge is excellent for white perch.
- **Lower Bay**: From Solomon’s to the Target Ship, this area is great for trolling for Spanish mackerel and bluefish.

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities as the fall season sets in. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and adjust your tactics accordingly to make the most of your fishing trip.

As of October 1, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be moderate, with temperatures in the mid-70s and light winds, making for comfortable fishing conditions. Sunrise is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:30 PM. Tides are relatively normal, with high tide expected around 9:00 AM and low tide around 3:00 PM.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been robust, especially in the upper and middle Bay areas. Striped bass, also known as rockfish, are active, particularly during the morning hours. Anglers have reported catching them using topwater plugs and subsurface plugs like Rapala X-Raps around areas such as Poplar Island and the Bay Bridge.

In the rivers, such as the Severn and Patapsco, breaking schools of striped bass have been observed, and topwater action has been excellent during tide changes. Smallmouth bass in the upper Bay's rivers are also biting well on topwater lures and various baits due to the abundance of baitfish.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Striped bass in the 28- to 31-inch range are common, with some larger fish also being caught. White perch are plentiful in the tidal creeks and rivers, and can be caught using small spinnerbaits, spin jigs, and baits like grass shrimp, bloodworms, or peeler crab.

Bluefish and Spanish mackerel, though more prevalent in the lower Bay, can still be encountered further north, especially when trolling with small spoons or using surgical tube lures.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, topwater plugs and subsurface plugs like Rapala X-Raps are highly effective. In the rivers, using 3-inch baits like Zman micro chatterbaits with a chartreuse trailer has been successful.

For smallmouth bass, topwater lures and baits that mimic the abundant baitfish are working well. White perch can be caught with small jigs, spinnerbaits, and baits like grass shrimp or bloodworms.

### Hot Spots
- **Poplar Island**: Known for its rocky structure, this area is great for catching striped bass using live-lining spot or casting topwater plugs.
- **Bay Bridge**: The eastern side of the Bay Bridge is holding fish, especially in 10 to 30 feet of water. Live-lining spot around the pilings is effective.
- **Severn and Patapsco Rivers**: These rivers are seeing breaking schools of striped bass and excellent topwater action during tide changes.

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse and active fishing scene, making it a great time to get out on the water.