For those venturing out onto the Chesapeake Bay today, January 25, 2025, here’s what you can expect:

First off, let's look at the tides. Today, you'll have a high tide at 4:53 AM and another at 5:05 PM, with low tides at 11:12 AM and 10:55 PM. The water temperatures are still in the low 40s, which is typical for this time of year.

Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day with winds that could make the bite a bit tougher. The sunrise is at 7:11 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:22 PM, so plan your day accordingly.

Fish activity has been somewhat sluggish due to the cold weather. However, there have been reports of striped bass, particularly in the Middle Bay area. Anglers have been catching fish over the 40-inch mark, though the action is not fast and furious. These fish are mostly lethargic, hanging close to the bottom and scattered along ledges.

For lures, soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads, such as BKDs and Bust ‘Ems on G-Eye heads, have been effective. Bouncing jigs with soft plastics along the bottom while drifting in areas where fish have been marked is a good strategy.

If you're looking for hot spots, Chesapeake Beach has been a hot zone with some short-lived bird action. The area off the mouth of Eastern Bay, particularly where pods of fish can be located on sonar in 40’ to 60’ of water, is also worth checking out. The warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) is another spot where fish congregate to escape the cold, though bites here have been few and far between.

Historically, Bloody Point near Eastern Bay holds fish in the deeper depths during winter, so it's worth a try if the open water bite doesn't pick up.

Stay warm and patient out there, as fishing is a grind right now. Good luck