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  • Late December Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay

    Late December Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay
    2024/12/27
    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
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    2 分
  • Fishing the Chesapeake Bay: Tides, Weather, and Migratory Fish Hotspots on December 26

    Fishing the Chesapeake Bay: Tides, Weather, and Migratory Fish Hotspots on December 26
    2024/12/26
    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
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    2 分
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Rockfish, Puppy Drum, and Offshore Bounty on December 22, 2024

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Rockfish, Puppy Drum, and Offshore Bounty on December 22, 2024
    2024/12/22
    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
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    3 分
  • Late December Chesapeake Bay Fishing: Stripers, Blues, and Brisk Conditions

    Late December Chesapeake Bay Fishing: Stripers, Blues, and Brisk Conditions
    2024/12/21
    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.
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    3 分
  • "Bountiful Bites: Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast for December 20, 2024"

    "Bountiful Bites: Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast for December 20, 2024"
    2024/12/20
    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.
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    3 分
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Tuna, and a Chilly Bite

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Tuna, and a Chilly Bite
    2024/12/19
    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.
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    3 分
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Perch, and Pickerel for a December Outing

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Perch, and Pickerel for a December Outing
    2024/12/14
    For those heading out to fish in the Chesapeake Bay today, December 14th, here’s what you can expect:

    First off, let's look at the tides. For Fleet Point, the high tide is at 10:54 AM with a height of 0.4 meters (1.31 feet), and the low tide is at 5:36 PM with a height of -0.04 meters (-0.12 feet)[2].

    The weather is looking relatively calm, with sunrise at 7:13 AM and sunset at 4:47 PM. This time of year, the colder temperatures are starting to set in, but it's still a great time to catch some fish.

    In terms of fish activity, the striped bass season has just closed in Maryland waters, but catch and release is still allowed. However, the bite hasn't been as strong as hoped this fall. That said, there are still some pockets of fish to target. The Patapsco River has been a hotspot, with anglers trolling umbrella rigs in the main river channel edge catching fish in about 45 feet of water. Deep channels in the Patapsco are also holding schools of white perch, mostly in the 40-50 foot range. Blade baits have been particularly effective for catching striped bass and perch, which are holding close to the bottom[1].

    For those targeting other species, the pickerel bite has been very consistent, especially in the tributaries like the Magothy River. Anglers are finding them around docks in the upper reaches of creeks and along shorelines with fallen trees and other structure. This makes the pickerel a great option throughout the winter fishing season[1].

    If you're looking for other hot spots, the rock piles at the Bay Bridge and the ledges along the shipping channel on the main stem of the Bay are also worth checking out. These areas tend to hold a variety of species, including striped bass, bluefish, and even some tog[1].

    In terms of lures and bait, umbrella rigs and blade baits are your best bets for striped bass and perch. For pickerel, using lures that mimic baitfish or other small prey can be very effective.

    So, grab your gear and head out to the Patapsco River or the Magothy River for a day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. With the right lures and knowledge of the tides, you should be able to catch some decent fish despite the colder weather. Good luck out there
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    3 分
  • Chilly Chesapeake Bay Fishing: Rockfish, Tuna, and Winter Tactics

    Chilly Chesapeake Bay Fishing: Rockfish, Tuna, and Winter Tactics
    2024/12/13
    Today, December 13th, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the chilly winter weather. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:

    ### Tides and Weather
    As of today, the tide times at Windmill Point are as follows: Low tide at 2:33 AM with a height of -0.15 ft, high tide at 8:47 AM with a height of 1.51 ft, low tide again at 3:36 PM with a height of -0.16 ft, and high tide at 9:08 PM with a height of 1.03 ft. Sunrise is at 7:11 AM, and sunset is at 4:47 PM. The weather is expected to be cool, typical for this time of year.

    ### Fish Activity
    Rockfish activity has been increasing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel pilings, with larger fish showing up towards the end of November and into December. This is a great time to target these fish, especially in areas like the rock piles at the Bay Bridge and the ledges along the shipping channel[3][5].

    ### Bluefin Tuna
    For those looking for a bigger challenge, the arrival of Bluefin Tuna in Virginia Beach’s nearshore waters is a significant event. These massive fish, weighing between 150 and 500 pounds, have been spotted around the Chesapeake Light Tower. While they are less common in the Bay itself, anglers have reported encounters east of the CBBT[1].

    ### Other Species
    Striped bass season in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay has just closed, but catch and release fishing is still allowed. Anglers have been catching some striped bass and white perch in the Patapsco River, particularly in deep channels around 40-50 feet of water. Blade baits have been effective for these species. Pickerel have also been active, especially in the upper reaches of creeks and along shorelines with fallen trees and other structure[3].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For targeting striped bass and white perch, umbrella rigs and blade baits have been successful. For pickerel, consider using lures that mimic their natural prey. Live bait such as bullhead minnows can also be effective for smaller predator species like yellow perch and flounder[3][4].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Pilings**: A hotspot for rockfish and occasionally larger species like Bluefin Tuna.
    - **Patapsco River**: Known for striped bass and white perch, especially in the deep channels.
    - **Upper Reaches of Creeks**: Good for pickerel, particularly around docks and fallen trees.

    With the right gear and knowledge of the tides, you're set for a productive day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the winter fishing experience.
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    3 分