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