Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Fishing Report Today

Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Fishing Report Today

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Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Fishing Report Today episodes

  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Specks, and Togs Biting Amidst Chilly Conditions
    As of January 3, 2025, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay is looking promising despite the chilly winter weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
    ### Tidal Report and Weather
    Today, the tides at Cape Henry are as follows: the first low tide is at 3:52 AM, the first high tide at 10:32 AM, the second low tide at 4:37 PM, and the second high tide at 11:01 PM. The tidal heights are moderate, with highs around 3 feet and lows around -0.2 feet[2].
    The weather is cool, with sunrise at 7:17 AM and sunset at 5:00 PM. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions, as recent reports have indicated tough fishing due to poor weather[1].
    ### Fish Activity
    The big news is the continued presence of migratory striped bass moving up the Bay. These fish have been active in areas like Virginia Beach and Cape Charles. Live lining eels is highly effective for targeting these ocean-run stripers, with reports of trophy-sized fish up to 50 inches being caught[1][3].
    Speckled trout fishing remains strong in the rivers and inlets around the Virginia Beach area. Anglers are using Mirr-O-Lures, swim baits, and lead head jigs tipped with soft plastic tails to catch these trout. Lynnhaven Inlet, the Elizabeth River, and Broad Bay are hot spots for speckled trout[1].
    Redfish, particularly puppy drum, are biting in the Virginia Beach tributaries. Using three-to-five-inch paddletail swimbaits along rocky shorelines has been successful. Winter redfish on the lower Eastern Shore are also active, though finding them can be challenging[1].
    Tautog and sea bass are present in good numbers as well. Tautog are being caught at inshore locations like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel using green crab, sand fleas, and other crab baits. Sea bass are abundant at inshore wrecks and reefs, hitting metal jigs, squid, and minnows[3].
    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, live eels are the go-to bait, especially around Cape Charles. For speckled trout, Mirr-O-Lures, swim baits, and lead head jigs with soft plastic tails are effective. Redfish are biting on three-to-five-inch paddletail swimbaits. Tautog are best caught with green crab, sand fleas, and other crab baits, while sea bass will take metal jigs, squid, and minnows[1][3].
    ### Hot Spots
    - **Cape Charles**: A hotspot for migratory striped bass, with live eels being the preferred method.
    - **Lynnhaven Inlet and the Elizabeth River**: Consistent locations for catching puppy drum and speckled trout.
    - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel**: Good spot for tautog using crab baits.
    - **Broad Bay**: Another strong location for speckled trout fishing.
    With the right gear and knowledge of the tides, you should have a productive day fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Remember to handle the fish gently to ensure their survival after the catch.
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    5 min
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Specks, and More Await Anglers this Winter
    As of January 2, 2025, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Virginia Beach area, is quite active despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know for today’s fishing trip.
    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the high tide is at 3:07 PM with a height of 0.68 meters (2.22 feet), and the low tide is at 9:07 AM with a height of -0.11 meters (-0.35 feet)[2]. The weather is cool, with water temperatures in the low 50s, which is typical for this time of year.
    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:20 AM, and sunset is at 4:55 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.
    ### Fish Activity
    The migratory striped bass have started making their way up the Bay, and their activity is ramping up along the deeper channels and shoals. Night fishing around lighted areas, such as bridges and docks, has been particularly productive for striped bass. Anglers have reported catching fish up to 30 inches in the Elizabeth River and other tributaries[1].
    Speckled trout fishing remains excellent in the various rivers and creeks, with multiple citation-size fish being caught. Lynnhaven Inlet, the Elizabeth River, and Broad Bay are hot spots for speckled trout. These fish are taking Mirr-O-Lures, swim baits, and lead head jigs tipped with soft plastic tails[1].
    Redfish have been active in the shallows during warmer periods but are now retreating to deeper waters around docks, bridges, and channels. Three-to-five-inch paddletail swimbaits are effective for catching reds[1].
    Tautog and sea bass are also present in good numbers. Tautog are being caught at inshore locations like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), particularly around the second and third islands, using green crab, sand fleas, and other crab baits on bottom sweeper jigs. Sea bass are abundant at inshore wrecks and reefs, hitting metal jigs, squid, and minnows[1].
    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, live eels are the preferred method, especially around Cape Charles. For speckled trout, use Mirr-O-Lures, swim baits, and lead head jigs tipped with soft plastic tails. Redfish are biting on three-to-five-inch paddletail swimbaits. Tautog are best caught with green crab, sand fleas, and other crab baits, while sea bass will take metal jigs, squid, and minnows[1].
    ### Hot Spots
    - **Cape Charles**: A prime spot for catching migratory striped bass using live eels.
    - **Elizabeth River**: Excellent for both striped bass and speckled trout.
    - **Lynnhaven Inlet and Broad Bay**: Great areas for speckled trout.
    - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT)**: A hotspot for tautog.
    - **Inshore wrecks and reefs**: Good for sea bass.
    Remember to handle the fish carefully, especially the larger ones, to ensure their survival and help rebuild the population. If you catch a fish outside the slot limit (19 to 24 inches for striped bass), it must be released[1].
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    4 min
  • Chesapeake Bay Winter Fishing Heats Up Amid Cold Snap Excellent Rockfish, Catfish Bites in Lower Bay, Rappahannock
    As of today, December 29, 2024, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly in the Lower Bay area of Virginia, is quite vibrant despite the cold weather.
    First, let's look at the tidal conditions. For Fleet Point, Chesapeake Bay, today's tide times are as follows: Low Tide at 4:24 AM with 0.0 ft, High Tide at 10:46 AM with 1.11 ft, Low Tide at 5:30 PM with 0.04 ft, and High Tide at 11:03 PM with 0.85 ft. Sunrise is at 7:20 AM, and sunset is at 4:54 PM[2].
    The recent cold snap has not deterred the fish, especially the striped bass. The rockfish bite has been excellent, with many anglers reporting catches of fish up to and over 40 inches. These migratory fish have moved into the upper sections of the Lower Bay, and areas like the channel edges between the mouth of the Potomac and Bloodsworth are hot zones. Look for bird activity to locate these fish, as they often indicate the presence of rockfish[1].
    Trollers in the Rappahannock River have also seen better success, with umbrella rigs and tandems featuring five to seven-inch sassy shads, both skirted and un-skirted, being effective. Live lining eels has been particularly successful for catching the larger fish. Metal jigs and large flutter spoons are also recommended for targeting these striped bass[1].
    For those targeting blue catfish, the Rappahannock, James, and Potomac rivers are excellent spots. Fresh cut eel and shad are highly effective baits for these large catfish, with reports of fish weighing up to 72 pounds in the Rappahannock River[1].
    If you're looking for specific hot spots, consider the upper sections of the Lower Bay, particularly around the channel edges between the mouth of the Potomac and Bloodsworth. Down in the Rappahannock River, areas downriver from Urbanna out to the mouth of the river and along the bayfront are also productive[1].
    Remember, the striped bass season will close in Virginia waters after December 31, but catch and release will still be permitted, offering plenty of opportunities for anglers to continue enjoying the winter fishing season.
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Striped Bass Migration and Bite on the Chesapeake Bay this Late December
    For those venturing out onto the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia today, December 28, 2024, here’s what you can expect:
    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    The tide times for Fleet Point, Chesapeake Bay, are as follows: low tide at 3:39 AM, high tide at 10:02 AM, low tide at 4:45 PM, and high tide at 10:17 PM. Sunrise is at 7:19 AM, and sunset will be at 4:54 PM. The weather is expected to be chilly, typical for late December, so make sure to bundle up.
    ### Fish Activity
    The striped bass season is still open in Virginia waters until the end of the month, with a slot limit of 19 to 24 inches, and trophy fish must be released. Yesterday saw a good number of migratory striped bass moving into the lower Potomac River, particularly from the mouth of the St. Mary’s River down to where the Potomac meets the Bay. These fish are often found in 35 to 55 feet of water, close to the bottom, and are identified by the presence of sea lice, indicating their migration from the Atlantic.
    ### Catch Reports
    Anglers reported catching their limit of four slot fish, along with several under-slot and slot fish that were released. Trollers and light tackle anglers have been successful, especially around areas like Piney Point. On the Rappahannock River, the action is slower but still productive, with fish concentrated down river from Urbanna out to the mouth. There have been reports of larger fish, with one boat landing three fish over 35 inches.
    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, trollers have found success with tandems and umbrella rigs, particularly with chartreuse baits. Light tackle anglers are using 5- to 8-inch soft plastics on jigheads, typically in the 1- to 1 1/2-ounce range to reach the 35- to 50-foot depths. For blue catfish, which are plentiful in the James and Potomac rivers, fresh cut eel and shad are highly effective.
    ### Hot Spots
    - **Lower Potomac River**: From Colonial Beach down to the mouth of the river, this area has been particularly productive for striped bass.
    - **Rappahannock River**: Down river from Urbanna out to the mouth, this area is seeing a mix of scattered but sizable striped bass and large blue catfish further upriver.
    Remember to handle trophy fish with care and use ethical catch and release techniques. Covering a lot of water and using side scan technology can significantly increase your chances of finding schools of fish. Good luck out there
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Late December Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay
    If you're heading out to the Chesapeake Bay today, December 27, 2024, here's what you can expect:
    First off, let's talk about the tides. For Fleet Point, the high tide is at 9:17 AM with a height of 0.31 meters (1.02 feet), and the low tide is at 2:52 AM with a height of 0.02 meters (0.06 feet). You'll have another low tide at 3:59 PM and a high tide at 9:30 PM[2].
    Sunrise is at 7:19 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and late afternoon fishing[2].
    The weather is expected to be cool, typical for this time of year, so make sure to bundle up.
    Fish activity has been decent despite the late season. Yesterday, anglers reported catching some trophy-sized striped bass, particularly around the Bay Bridge and the Patapsco River. These fish are mostly migratory and offer good catch-and-release opportunities since the striped bass season officially closed after December 10th[3].
    For striped bass, umbrella rigs with five-inch skirted sassy shads in chartreuse and white have been producing several bites. Trolling in deeper waters, around 45-50 feet, has also yielded results. Blade baits have been effective for catching white perch and some striped bass near the bottom[3].
    Other species like bluefish, black drum, and sheepshead are still active year-round. For bluefish, you can use lures like spoons or jigs, while black drum and sheepshead often take bait like crabs or clams[1].
    Hot spots include the rock piles at the Bay Bridge, the ledges along the shipping channel, and the deep channels in the Patapsco River. These areas have been holding schools of fish, especially white perch and striped bass[3][4].
    Remember to check the size limits and daily catch limits for each species to ensure you're fishing responsibly. For example, striped bass must be between 18-27 inches if you're planning to keep them, though currently, it's catch-and-release only[1].
    Good luck out there, and stay warm
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Fishing the Chesapeake Bay: Tides, Weather, and Migratory Fish Hotspots on December 26
    If you're planning to hit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia today, December 26, here's what you need to know.
    First off, let's look at the tides. According to the tide charts, you've got a low tide at 1:43 PM and high tides at 6:20 AM and 6:31 PM. The best times to fish are usually during the moving tides, so aim for the periods around these times when the water is either coming in or going out[5].
    The weather is expected to be cold, given the time of year, so bundle up. Sunrise is at 7:16 AM and sunset at 4:54 PM, so you've got a good window to get out there.
    Fish activity has been picking up, especially with the recent arrival of migratory fish. In the lower Potomac, large numbers of striped bass have moved in, with many trophy-sized fish in the mix. These fish are often found between the mouth of the St. Mary’s River and where the Potomac meets the Bay, particularly in 35 to 55 feet of water. Trollers and light tackle anglers have been successful using tandems and umbrella rigs, with chartreuse baits performing well[1].
    Down on the Rappahannock River, the striped bass action is slower but still present, with fish scattered from Urbanna out to the river's mouth. Here, covering a lot of water is key, and some boats have reported catching fish over 35 inches. Big blue catfish are also abundant in this area, and fresh cut eel or shad works well for them[1].
    For lures, umbrella rigs with five-inch skirted sassy shads in chartreuse and white have been effective for striped bass. For blue catfish, stick with fresh cut bait like eel or shad[1][3].
    If you're looking for hot spots, consider the area from Colonial Beach down to the mouth of the Potomac River. Another good spot is the Rappahannock River, especially down river from Urbanna. For those targeting blue catfish, the James and Potomac rivers are known for holding large populations of these fish[1].
    So, gear up, check your lines, and get ready for a productive day on the Chesapeake Bay. Good luck out there
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Rockfish, Puppy Drum, and Offshore Bounty on December 22, 2024
    If you're planning to hit the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia today, December 22, 2024, here's what you need to know:
    First off, let's look at the tides. For Dividing Creek, you've got high tides at 4:41 AM and 4:51 PM, with low tides at 10:48 AM and 11:11 PM. The tidal heights are moderate, with highs at 0.91 feet and lows at 0.16 and 0.09 feet, respectively[2].
    Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset will be at 4:50 PM, giving you a good window of daylight to get out on the water.
    Fish activity has been quite lively in the bay lately. Rockfish, particularly school-sized ones, are abundant in the lower bay, especially around bridges and piers with lights at night. Larger rockfish are starting to show up, especially around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel pilings. Lipless crankbaits and jerk baits are proving effective for these fish[1].
    If you're targeting Specks and Rockfish, you might also catch some Puppy Drum. Sheepshead are still being caught around vertical structures, and Tautog fishing is also going well, with crabs being a good bait though they're getting harder to find as the weather cools[1].
    Bluefish up to 28 inches are being caught in various spots inside the bay, and there's an excellent black sea bass bite on offshore structures. Deep-droppers can expect good catches of sea bass, tilefish, and even some snowy grouper and swordfish[1].
    For pickerel, the action in the tributaries has been strong, with fish hitting large baits like 5” white Zman paddletails. The upper creeks and ponds off the Severn River have been particularly productive for pickerel[3].
    As for hot spots, Elizabeth River Park is a great place to fish, offering a 125-foot pier and convenient boat access. Here, you can catch spot, sand perch, black sea bass, and more. Another good spot is First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, where you can catch striped bass, summer flounder, spadefish, and cobia right from the beach[4].
    So, pack your gear, grab some lipless crankbaits or jerk baits, and head out to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel pilings or Elizabeth River Park for a productive day of fishing. Good luck
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Late December Chesapeake Bay Fishing: Stripers, Blues, and Brisk Conditions
    For December 21, 2024, if you're planning to hit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, here's what you need to know:
    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, you're looking at high tides at 12:38 PM with a height of 2.45 feet and again at 00:23 AM with a height of 2.31 feet. The low tides will be at 6:06 AM with 0.27 feet and 6:41 PM with 0.17 feet[2][4].
    The weather is expected to be chilly, typical of late December, but that's not stopping the fish from biting. Sunrise is at 7:13 AM and sunset at 4:51 PM, giving you a good window to get out there[2][4].
    Striped bass, or rockfish, are the main attraction right now. Large numbers of migratory fish have moved into the lower Potomac, particularly from the mouth of the St. Mary’s River down to where the Potomac meets the Bay. These fish are showing up with sea lice, indicating they're fresh from the Atlantic. The striped bass season is still open until the end of the month, but remember the slot limit is 19 to 24 inches, and trophy fish must be released with care[1].
    Trollers and light tackle anglers are finding success in 35 to 55 feet of water, with chartreuse baits outperforming other colors recently. Down on the Rappahannock River, the action is slower but still worth a shot, especially down river from Urbanna out to the mouth. Here, you might catch some big ones, with reports of fish over 35 inches[1].
    For those targeting blue catfish, the Rappahannock, James, and Potomac rivers are your best bets. Fresh cut eel and shad are working well for these giants, with a recent catch of a 72-pound blue catfish reported[1].
    If you're looking for hot spots, consider the lower Potomac from Colonial Beach down to the mouth of the river. Another good spot is the Rappahannock River, especially around Urbanna and the bayfront. For a more leisurely day, shore fishing or fishing from a pier like the Sea Gull Fishing Pier near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel can also yield some great catches[1][3].
    So, grab your gear, bundle up, and get out there – the Chesapeake Bay is waiting for you.
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • "Bountiful Bites: Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast for December 20, 2024"
    For December 20, 2024, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly in the Virginia region, is looking quite promising despite the cooler weather.
    First, let's look at the tidal conditions. Today, the high tides are at 3:20 AM and 3:39 PM, with low tides at 9:32 AM and 10:17 PM. The tide heights are relatively mild, which should provide stable fishing conditions[2].
    The weather is expected to be chilly, but the warm fall has kept many species active. Sunrise is at 7:16 AM, and sunset is at 4:49 PM, giving you ample daylight to hit the water[2].
    In recent days, the southern Chesapeake Bay has been a hotspot for various species. Speckled trout have been abundant in tributaries like the Elizabeth River, Linkhorn Bay, and Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlet. Anglers have reported catching numerous speckled trout, along with striped bass, puppy drum, and jumbo white perch. Topwater lures during low light hours and Gulp baits on quarter-ounce jigheads have been particularly effective[1].
    Offshore, sea bass and tautog have been plentiful around wrecks and reef sites. Larger sea bass are being found further offshore, with some boats reporting limits of up to five-pound fish in short periods. Bluefish and bluefin tuna have also been spotted, with tuna found as close as five to 20 miles offshore near Virginia Beach[1].
    Around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), anglers are catching red drum, black drum, and sheepshead. Mud crabs and shrimp have been excellent baits for these species. The bridge structures around Virginia Beach are also holding a variety of gamefish, including reds, blacks, and sheepshead[1].
    For today, consider heading to the CBBT or the tributaries mentioned earlier. Use topwater lures or Gulp baits for speckled trout and puppy drum in the shallows. For offshore fishing, target wrecks and reef sites with jigs or live baits to catch sea bass and tautog.
    Overall, the southern Chesapeake Bay is your best bet for a productive day of fishing, with a wide range of species available and favorable tidal conditions.
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Tuna, and a Chilly Bite
    If you're planning to head out to the Chesapeake Bay today, December 19, 2024, here's what you need to know:
    First off, let's talk about the tides. For Fleet Point, you're looking at a high tide at 2:32 AM and another at 2:54 PM, with low tides at 8:41 AM and 9:33 PM. The water levels are relatively mild, with highs around 0.33 meters (1.08 feet) and lows just above zero[2].
    The weather has been quite chilly lately, especially after the recent cold front, which has dropped the water temperatures to around 44 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit inshore. This cold snap has triggered the migratory striped bass to start moving in, making for some exciting fishing[3].
    Sunrise today is at 7:16 AM, and sunset will be at 4:48 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.
    Fish activity has been robust, especially with the bluefin tuna bite still active, though it's been affected by the weather. Yesterday, anglers caught some impressive bluefin, with reports of 150-pound class fish being landed offshore. However, when the bluefin weren't cooperating, anglers found success with inshore striped bass. There was a significant bass blitz, with every cast yielding multiple stripers, all 35 inches or bigger[3].
    For lures and bait, you'll want to use what works best for the species you're targeting. For striped bass, spoons, plugs, and live bait like eels or bunker are highly effective. If you're after bluefin tuna, trolling with large lures or using chunk bait can be productive. For other species like sea bass and flounder, jigs and squid or shrimp bait are good choices[4].
    Some hot spots to consider include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which is known for its sea bass, flounder, and even occasional catches of unique fish like angel sharks. The Lynnhaven Inlet and areas around Norfolk are also great for catching a variety of species, including striped bass and bluefish[1][4].
    So, bundle up, check your gear, and get ready for a day of fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. The cold weather might be a bit uncomfortable, but the fish are definitely active and ready to be caught.
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min

About Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Fishing Report Today

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Tune in to the "Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Fishing Report Today" for up-to-the-minute insights on fishing conditions in Chesapeake Bay. Get expert tips, weather updates, and explore the best fishing spots in Virginia. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a fishing enthusiast, this podcast offers valuable information to enhance your fishing adventures. Discover more about local fish species, bait recommendations, and seasonal patterns to maximize your catch. Don't miss your daily dose of fishing wisdom and ensure a successful day on the water with our expert hosts.