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