Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay, particularly in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, as of January 30, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the water temperatures in the Middle Chesapeake Bay are hovering in the upper 30s, which means the fish are going to be hugging the bottom tightly. The weather has been quite chilly, and the winds have been kicking up, making it a bit of a grind out there.
Now, let's look at the tidal report. For January 30, the low tide is at 5:40 PM with a height of -0.08 meters (-0.25 feet), and the high tide is at 10:46 PM with a height of 0.52 meters (1.7 feet). Sunrise is at 7:08 AM, and sunset is at 5:27 PM. These tidal changes can significantly affect fish activity, so keep an eye on them.
Recently, there have been some reports of striped bass, or rockfish, being caught in the Middle Bay. Despite the cold, a few brave anglers have managed to land some beautiful fish, with some catches in the 40-inch-plus range. These fish have been mostly lethargic, hanging close to the bottom and scattered along ledges. To target them, bouncing jigs with soft plastics along the bottom while drifting in areas where fish have been marked has been the most effective method.
For lures, BKDs and Bust 'Ems on G-Eye heads have been noted as particularly effective. These artificial lures mimic the natural movement of prey and can entice even the most sluggish fish to strike.
If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the area around Chesapeake Beach, which has seen some short-lived bird action and reports of fish over the 40-inch mark. Another good spot is off the mouth of Eastern Bay, where pods of fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40 to 60 feet of water. The warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) is also worth a visit, as it attracts fish seeking relief from the cold water.
In addition, Bloody Point near Eastern Bay is historically a good area to find fish in the deeper depths during the winter months. Keep in mind that fishing around the power plant can be a grind, but it's a good place to search for some action if the open water bite doesn't pick up.
In summary, while the fishing has been challenging due to the cold weather, there are still opportunities to catch some impressive striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay area. Be prepared to fish deep, use the right lures, and keep an eye on those tidal changes. Stay warm and tight lines