If you're planning to head out to the Chesapeake Bay today, January 16, 2025, here's what you need to know. First, let's talk about the tides. Today, you're looking at a low tide at 3:27 AM and again at 4:09 PM, with high tides at 9:52 AM and 10:12 PM. The tidal coefficient is average, so expect moderate currents and tidal movements.

Sunrise is at 7:16 AM, and sunset will be at 5:12 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water. The weather has been cold, but that's not stopping the fish from biting.

Migratory striped bass are still active, particularly in the Virginia Beach and Cape Charles areas, although the action in the Middle Bay has been a bit slower. For striped bass, live lining eels is highly effective. In the lower Eastern Shore, winter redfish and puppy drum are active, especially in the Virginia Beach tributaries like Lynnhaven and the Elizabeth River. For puppy drum, using a five-inch swim shad along rocky shorelines has been productive.

Speckled trout are also biting well in the rivers and inlets around Virginia Beach, with soft plastics on jigheads, MirrOlures, and suspending jerkbaits working well. In the Middle Bay, big striped bass are still being caught, particularly around Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay, using soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads.

For today, consider heading to the Elizabeth River or Lynnhaven Inlet for consistent action on puppy drum and speckled trout. If you're after striped bass, Cape Charles is a hotspot, and don't forget to try live lining eels. The recent cold weather and high winds have made fishing challenging, but the fish are still biting despite the conditions.

Stay warm and good luck on the water.