Episodes

  • Unseasonably Warm Chesapeake Bay Fishing Conditions - Striped Bass Bite Below Par, Blue Catfish and Smallmouth Active

    Unseasonably Warm Chesapeake Bay Fishing Conditions - Striped Bass Bite Below Par, Blue Catfish and Smallmouth Active
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is experiencing some unique fishing conditions due to the unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of rainfall.

    **Weather and Tidal Report:**
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-60s, which is warmer than usual for this time of year. The sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and the sunset will be at 4:43 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide at 9:15 AM and low tide at 3:15 PM.

    **Fish Activity:**
    The striped bass bite has been below par across the Bay, but there are some productive areas. In the Upper Bay, anglers have reported localized success, particularly in the Patapsco River, the channel near Love Point, and at the Bay Bridge. Striped bass are hitting bucktails dressed with soft plastics, especially in the evening hours near the Conowingo Dam[2][3].

    In the Upper Bay, white perch and pickerel are providing better action, especially in the creeks of the Magothy. Trollers are doing well using umbrella rigs with five-inch shad baits or tandem rigs along drop-offs and channel edges[3].

    **Types and Amounts of Fish Caught:**
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching striped bass, although the numbers are not as high as expected. Some anglers jigged up several fish between 17 and 20 inches in open water. Blue catfish are also active, with reports of large catches below the Conowingo Dam and in areas like Port Deposit and Havre De Grace. Smallmouth bass and walleye are being caught along rocky shorelines and ledges using crankbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs[2][3].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For striped bass, use bucktails dressed with soft plastics or umbrella rigs with five-inch shad baits. For blue catfish, fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits are highly effective. Smallmouth bass and walleye are biting on crankbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs. White perch can be caught using small metal jigs or by dropping down Fishbites, live minnows, or grass shrimp[2][3].

    **Hot Spots:**
    - The Patapsco River, particularly the mouth and areas with shoreline structure, is a good spot for striped bass.
    - The channel near Love Point and the Bay Bridge are also holding fish.
    - For blue catfish, the waters below the Conowingo Dam, Port Deposit, and Havre De Grace are prime locations.
    - The rocky shorelines and ledges in the Upper Susquehanna are great for smallmouth bass and walleye.

    Keep in mind the warm weather and lack of rainfall have made fishing conditions a bit challenging, but targeting the right species and using the right gear can still yield some great catches.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Bounty: Stripers and White Perch Thrive Amid Changing Conditions

    Chesapeake Bay Bounty: Stripers and White Perch Thrive Amid Changing Conditions
    Nov 16 2024
    As of November 16, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is showing some promising signs for anglers despite the recent challenges.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather has finally taken a turn for the better, with cooler temperatures and some rain moving through the region. This change has seemed to invigorate the fish, making them more active. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high in the mid-50s and a low in the mid-40s. Sunrise is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide expected around 10:30 AM and low tide around 4:00 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    The striped bass bite, which had been sluggish in many areas, is starting to pick up. Anglers are reporting better action, especially during the last hour of daylight. In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, decent striped bass action has been observed around the Bay Bridge on both the east and west sides[2][5].

    ### Catch Reports
    Yesterday, trollers in the Potomac River did well, catching stripers up and down the ledges of oyster bars using single lures, tandems, and small umbrella rigs. Light tackle guide Chad Koenig reported a successful trip with nearly 75 fish caught over 45 minutes of drifting, using soft plastics and metal jigs[5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, soft plastics like the four-inch Z-Man Diezel Minnowz and metal jigs are working well. Tandem rigs with five-inch shad baits and small umbrella rigs are also effective. For those targeting white perch, small metal jigs and dropping down Fishbites, live minnows, or grass shrimp can be very productive[1][3][5].

    ### Hot Spots
    - The Bay Bridge is a hot spot, with both the east and west sides producing decent striped bass action.
    - The Potomac River, particularly the channel edges from Colonial Beach down to Piney Point, is another good area for trollers.
    - The Patapsco River, especially around the mouth and along shoreline structures like shipping docks and seawalls, has been holding fish[1][3][5].

    Overall, the cooler weather and recent rain have improved fishing conditions, making it a good time to hit the water in the Chesapeake Bay. Be patient, as the bite windows can be limited, but the rewards are worth the effort.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Autumn Fishing in the Chesapeake: Stripers, Cats, and Perch Bite Despite Breezy Conditions

    Autumn Fishing in the Chesapeake: Stripers, Cats, and Perch Bite Despite Breezy Conditions
    Nov 15 2024
    For November 15, 2024, fishing in the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is looking promising despite the cooler and breezy weather. Here’s what you need to know:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Expect cooler, breezy weather with temperatures hovering around the mid-50s to low 60s. The full moon on November 16 will result in above-average tidal currents all week. Salinity in the Bay is slightly saltier than average, and water temperatures are still above 60 degrees in the tidal rivers.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing has been a bit slow in the upper Bay, but there are some success stories. Anglers have reported catching striped bass at Eastern Bay, Poplar Island, Thomas Point, and the mouth of the Choptank River. At the Bay Bridge, drifting with live eels, spot, or small white perch near the bridge pier bases has been effective. Jigging along channel edges and casting paddletails along promising shorelines are also yielding results[5].

    Blue catfish are very active, particularly below the Conowingo Dam, where they are taking cut bait and soft plastic jigs. Smallmouth bass are feeding well in the rocky shorelines and ledges, hitting jerkbaits, crankbaits, and jigs. White perch are now in the deeper waters at the mouths of tidal rivers and can be targeted with metal jigs[4][5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, umbrella rigs pulled behind heavy inline weights along channel edges are popular. Bucktails dressed with a sassy shad or twistertail in white or chartreuse are effective. Live eels, spot, or small white perch are good baits when drifting near bridge pier bases.

    For blue catfish, cut bait with fresh eel is the top choice. Smallmouth bass are hitting lures that represent crayfish or small baitfish, such as grubs and tubes. White perch can be caught using metal jigs.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Conowingo Dam**: Excellent spot for blue catfish and some striped bass, especially in the evening hours.
    - **Bay Bridge**: Good for striped bass by drifting with live bait or jigging along channel edges.
    - **Eastern Bay and Poplar Island**: These areas have seen some success with striped bass.
    - **Thomas Point and the mouth of the Choptank River**: Also showing some striped bass activity.

    With the cooler weather and changing tides, it's a great time to get out and enjoy the fishing before winter sets in. Make sure to bundle up and take advantage of the good fishing conditions.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Late-Season Chesapeake Bounty: A Promising Fishing Report for the Baltimore-DC Area

    Late-Season Chesapeake Bounty: A Promising Fishing Report for the Baltimore-DC Area
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area is offering some promising fishing opportunities despite the unconventional weather patterns. Here’s what you need to know:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather has been unseasonably warm, with a brief cooldown expected this weekend before warming up again. Water temperatures are still in the low 60s, which is above average for this time of year. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 10:30 AM and low tide at 4:30 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset is at 4:53 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing has been localized but productive, particularly in areas like the Patapsco River, the channel near Love Point, and around the Bay Bridge. Anglers have reported catching striped bass in the 17 to 20-inch range using umbrella rigs with 5-inch shad baits or tandem rigs with similar profile baits. The mouth of the Patapsco River has seen larger schools of striped bass chasing baitfish, often indicated by bird activity.

    White perch are moving into deeper waters as the temperatures drop. They can be found at the mouth of rivers, areas with oyster bottom in depths of 20 feet or more, and around the Bay Bridge. Small metal jigs, Fishbites, live minnows, or grass shrimp are effective for catching white perch.

    Pickerel have been active in the creeks of the Magothy River, making them a good alternative target until the striped bass bite improves.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Patapsco River**: The mouth of the river and areas with shoreline structure like shipping docks, seawalls, and riprap shorelines are holding fish.
    - **Bay Bridge**: The rock piles here are great for catching a mix of striped bass and white perch.
    - **Pooles Island**: While striped bass reports are slim here, it's a good spot for big blue catfish using fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits in the 20 to 30-foot range.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, use umbrella rigs with 5-inch shad baits or tandem rigs with similar profile baits. Trolling along drop-offs and channel edges has been effective. For white perch, small metal jigs, Fishbites, live minnows, or grass shrimp work well. For blue catfish, fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits are recommended.

    Overall, the fishing in the Upper Chesapeake Bay is showing signs of improvement, especially with the cooler weather forecasted. Keep an eye out for bird activity and fish schools, and be prepared to adjust your tactics as the water temperatures continue to drop.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Fall Fishing Forecast for Chesapeake Bay: Stripers, Perch, and Tautog Bite

    Fall Fishing Forecast for Chesapeake Bay: Stripers, Perch, and Tautog Bite
    Nov 9 2024
    For November 9, 2024, in the Chesapeake Bay area around Baltimore and Washington D.C., here’s what you can expect:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Winds will be moderate, blowing at about 10 mph from the northwest. Sunrise is at 6:33 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM. Tides will be moderate, with high tide at 8:15 AM and low tide at 2:15 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    The striped bass bite has been mixed across the Upper, Middle, and Lower Bay. In the Upper Bay, anglers are catching a mix of white perch and some striped bass, particularly in the creeks of the Magothy River[1].

    In the Middle Bay, the striped bass bite has been slower due to the fall turnover, where cooler surface waters mix with oxygen-deprived bottom waters, making fish less active. However, using smaller baits with slow presentations, such as four-inch Z-Man Diezel Minnowz, has been effective. Schools of striped bass are roaming along the edges of Poplar Island, and white perch are moving to deeper waters, often found under schools of striped bass[2].

    In the Lower Bay, the striped bass action has slowed a bit, but there are still good opportunities, especially around the mouth of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Anglers are finding schooling fish, particularly during early-morning and evening hours when birds are active. Tautog and sea bass fishing also remains steady in the deeper waters[3][5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, casting 1/2- to 3/4-ounce jigheads paired with 5- to 7-inch plastics, such as BKDs and paddletails, has been working well. Subtly jigging small silver spoons and chartreuse lures on bottom in 10’ to 12’ of water can also trigger bites. For inactive fish, a three-quarter ounce white Rat-L-Trap can be effective[2][3].

    For white perch, small metal jigs dropped to the bottom under bird activity or around dock lights at night are recommended[2].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Poplar Island in the Middle Bay**: Schools of striped bass are roaming along the edges, and using subtle jigging techniques can yield results.
    - **Mouth of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers in the Lower Bay**: These areas are seeing good striped bass action, especially during early-morning and evening hours when birds are active.
    - **Creeks of the Magothy River in the Upper Bay**: Good for catching a mix of white perch and striped bass.

    Remember to adjust your tackle according to the wind and water conditions, and be patient as the fish adjust to the fall turnover.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Ideal Conditions for a Successful Day on the Water

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Ideal Conditions for a Successful Day on the Water
    Nov 8 2024
    As of November 8, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore and Washington D.C. is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the mild and breezy weather. Here’s what you need to know for today’s fishing trip.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Expect moderate, breezy weather with average flows in the Maryland rivers and streams. The new moon on November 1 has resulted in above-average tidal currents on Wednesday and Thursday, which will continue to influence fishing conditions. Water temperatures in the main Bay are in the low 60s, while the rivers are slightly cooler.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM, giving you ample daylight to hit your favorite spots.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing is particularly good in the lower Bay, where anglers are enjoying excellent jigging and trolling along the main channels and the mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Many of these striped bass are measuring over 24 inches, providing great catch and release action. The cooler water temperatures have improved the survivability of catch and release striped bass, so you can fish with confidence.

    In the Upper Bay, localized success for striped bass can be found in areas like the Patapsco River, the channel near Love Point, and around the Bay Bridge. Trollers are doing well using umbrella rigs with five-inch shad baits or tandem rigs with similar profile baits along drop-offs and channel edges.

    White perch are moving to deeper waters as the temperatures drop. They can be found over oyster reefs in the lower sections of tidal rivers and around the Bay Bridge. Jigging with metal jigs and a small plastic jig tied in above, or using bottom rigs baited with grass shrimp or pieces of bloodworm, are effective methods.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, casting 1/2- to 3/4-ounce jigheads paired with 5- to 7-inch plastics is working well. Trollers are successful with umbrella rigs and tandem rigs featuring shad baits. For white perch, metal jigs with a small plastic jig or bottom rigs with grass shrimp or bloodworms are recommended.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Lower Bay:** The mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers are hot spots for striped bass.
    - **Upper Bay:** The Patapsco River, particularly the mouth and areas around the shipping docks, seawalls, and riprap shorelines, are holding good numbers of striped bass.
    - **Bay Bridge:** This area is excellent for both striped bass and white perch, especially around the rock piles.

    Yesterday saw a mix of catches, including striped bass, white perch, and even some blue catfish in the upper Bay. With the right lures and bait, you should be able to find some action today. Good luck and tight lines
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Striped Bass, Blue Catfish, and More to Catch This November

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Striped Bass, Blue Catfish, and More to Catch This November
    Nov 7 2024
    As of November 7, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know:

    **Weather and Tides:**
    Expect moderate and breezy weather with mild air temperatures continuing into the near future. Tidal currents are above average due to the new moon on November 1, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset is at about 4:45 PM.

    **Water Conditions:**
    Water temperatures in the main Bay are in the low 60s, with the rivers running slightly cooler. Salinity is slightly higher than average above Cove Point, and oxygen levels are adequate from the surface to the bottom. Water clarity is average, so be sure to check the Eyes on the Bay Satellite Maps for the latest conditions.

    **Fish Activity:**
    The fishing action is robust, especially for striped bass and blue catfish. In the upper Bay, the Conowingo Dam Pool and the lower Susquehanna River are hotspots for blue catfish and striped bass. Use medium-sized surf rods with thin braid and cut bait to reach the bottom for blue catfish. For striped bass, soft plastic jigs and paddletails are highly effective.

    In the middle Bay, the striped bass fishing has been disappointing in shallow waters, but deep water jigging at the mouths of tidal rivers and areas with bird activity over bait schools has been more promising. The lower Bay is offering excellent striped bass fishing, particularly by jigging and trolling along main channels and the mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Many of these striped bass are over the 24-inch mark, providing great catch-and-release action.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For striped bass, use soft plastic jigs, paddletails, and live eels. Trolling with small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad is also productive. For blue catfish, cut bait, especially fresh eel, is the top choice. White perch and catfish in the tidal creeks and rivers can be caught using bloodworms, cut menhaden, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and shrimp.

    **Hot Spots:**
    - **Conowingo Dam Pool:** Great for blue catfish and striped bass.
    - **Lower Susquehanna River:** Excellent for blue catfish and striped bass.
    - **Mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers:** Ideal for striped bass jigging and trolling.
    - **Port Deposit, Havre De Grace, and the Elk River:** Additional hotspots for blue catfish and striped bass.

    With the right gear and knowledge of these conditions, you should have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip on the Chesapeake Bay.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Rockfish, Catfish, and Stripers Await Anglers

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Rockfish, Catfish, and Stripers Await Anglers
    Nov 3 2024
    As of November 3, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:58 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 10:15 AM and a low tide at 3:45 PM, making the changing tides ideal for various fishing spots.

    ### Fish Activity
    In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, rockfish are starting to come out of their October lull, indicating a promising catch for anglers. Below the Conowingo Dam, blue catfish are very active due to the cooler water temperatures, and striped bass are also being caught with increasing frequency.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Anglers in the Middle Bay have reported catching rockfish, while those below the Conowingo Dam are landing lots of blue catfish, particularly on cut bait with fresh eel being the top choice. Striped bass are also common, especially where the water is churning from the open dam gates. Smallmouth bass and a few walleye are being caught along the rocky shorelines and ledges of the lower Susquehanna River.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For blue catfish, cut bait with fresh eel is highly effective. For striped bass, larger rods are necessary for longer casting distances, and keeping lures off the bottom to avoid snagging is crucial. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs are effective for smallmouth bass. For rockfish, traditional lures such as shad darts tipped with grass shrimp have been productive.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Below the Conowingo Dam**: This area is hot for blue catfish and striped bass, with the churning water from the open gates attracting a lot of fish.
    - **Port Deposit, Havre De Grace, and the Elk River**: These spots are also good for blue catfish and other species like smallmouth bass and walleye.
    - **Middle Bay Tributaries**: Areas like the South River and other tributaries are holding redfish and offering good perch fishing.

    With the cooler water temperatures and favorable tidal conditions, now is a great time to get out on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy some excellent fishing.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins