Episodes

  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Perch, and Catfish Biting in Fall Conditions

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Perch, and Catfish Biting in Fall Conditions
    Nov 23 2024
    For November 23, 2024, if you're planning to hit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, here's what you can expect:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather is shaping up to be more seasonal, with cold fronts moving through the area. This has brought cooler temperatures and some rain, which has positively impacted fish activity. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high in the mid-50s and a low in the mid-40s. Sunrise is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. Tides are crucial; the morning low tide is around 7:30 AM, and the afternoon high tide is about 1:30 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    The cold fronts have finally gotten the fish into their typical fall feeding pattern. Striped bass (rockfish) are schooling up and becoming more active. In the Upper Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Patapsco River and the Bay Bridge, anglers have reported decent striped bass action. Trollers are doing well along the edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings of the Bay Bridge. Light tackle anglers are finding success jigging in the eddies on the backside of pilings during running tides[1][2][4].

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching slot rockfish, with some boats catching up to five fish in the 17-20 inch range. White perch are also active, schooling in deeper waters around the mouths of tidal rivers and shoals. Big blue catfish are another target, especially around Pooles Island, where they can be caught using fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits[1][2].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, umbrella rigs with 5-inch sassy shads, metal blade baits, and soft plastics on half-ounce jigheads are working well. Jigging small silver spoons and chartreuse BKDs on half-ounce heads on the bottom in 10-12 feet of water is also effective. For white perch, metal blade baits, especially the firetiger pattern, are a good choice. For blue catfish, chunking up fresh cut bunker or using clam baits is recommended[1][2][4].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Bay Bridge**: Both the east and west sides of the bridge offer good structure for fish. Trollers should focus along the edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings. Light tackle anglers can jig in the eddies on the backside of pilings during running tides.
    - **Patapsco River**: The mouth of the river and areas from Fort McHenry out to the mouth are good spots for both trollers and light tackle anglers.
    - **Pooles Island**: This area is popular for big blue catfish, especially in the 20-30 foot range.

    With the seasonal weather pattern setting in, now is a great time to get out on the water and take advantage of the improving fish activity. Keep an eye out for bird shows, as they can indicate where the fish are schooling. Good luck on the water
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    3 mins
  • Autumn Fishing Bonanza in the Chesapeake Bay Around Baltimore and DC

    Autumn Fishing Bonanza in the Chesapeake Bay Around Baltimore and DC
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is seeing a significant uptick in fishing activity due to the recent cold fronts and more seasonal weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 55 degrees and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM, making the changing tides ideal for targeting various species.

    ### Fish Activity
    The cold fronts have finally brought water temperatures down, and fish are now schooling up and engaging in their typical fall feeding patterns. Striped bass, or rockfish, are active in several areas. Anglers have reported good success in the Patapsco River, especially around Fort McHenry and the mouth of the river. The Bay Bridge is also a hot spot, with trollers doing well along the edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings. Light tackle anglers are finding success jigging in the eddies on the backside of pilings during running tides[1].

    White perch are schooling and moving to deeper waters, particularly around the mouths of tidal rivers and shoals in the upper Bay. They have been caught in 35-foot depths, with metal blade baits, especially those with a firetiger pattern, proving effective[1].

    Big blue catfish are another target, often caught by chunking up fresh cut bunker, eel, or using clam baits around the lumps near Pooles Island. These lumps in the 20-30 foot range have historically been productive for catfish[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, umbrella rigs with 5” sassy shads have been successful, especially when trolling. Jigging with soft plastics and metal blade baits is also effective. For white perch, metal blade baits with firetiger patterns are recommended. For blue catfish, fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits are the way to go[1].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Patapsco River**: From Fort McHenry out to the mouth, this area is producing both striped bass and white perch.
    - **Bay Bridge**: The edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings are great spots for trollers and light tackle anglers.
    - **Pooles Island**: The lumps around this island are good for targeting blue catfish and striped bass.

    With the current weather and tidal conditions, these spots are likely to yield some impressive catches. Keep an eye out for bird shows, as they often indicate the presence of schooling fish.
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fall Fishing Heats Up with Stripers and White Perch

    Chesapeake Bay Fall Fishing Heats Up with Stripers and White Perch
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is seeing a pickup in fishing activity due to the recent cold fronts and dropping water temperatures.

    **Weather and Tidal Conditions:**
    Expect cooler and breezy weather, with air temperatures predicted to stay mild but gradually cooling. Water temperatures in the main Bay are in the upper 50s, while the rivers are running cooler. Tidal currents are above average this week due to the full moon on November 16, which will continue to influence fishing conditions. Sunrise today is at around 6:50 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:45 PM.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Striped bass are starting to school up and get into their typical fall feeding pattern. Anglers have reported decent striped bass action around the Bay Bridge, with both trollers and light tackle anglers finding success. Trollers are doing well along the edges of the shipping channel and between the pilings, while light tackle anglers are jigging in the eddies on the backside of pilings during running tides[1][2][5].

    White perch are also active, particularly in the deeper waters of the tidal rivers and Bay. They are schooling and heading to deeper water, with metal jigs being the most effective way to target them. The mouths of tidal rivers and shoals in the upper Bay are good places to search for white perch[1][3].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For striped bass, umbrella rigs with 5” sassy shads, metal blade baits, especially those with a firetiger pattern, and soft plastics have been productive. Jigging with plastic skirted soft plastic jigs and metal jigs along channel edges is also reliable[1][2][3].

    For white perch, metal jigs and bottom rigs baited with pieces of bloodworm are recommended.

    **Hot Spots:**
    - The Bay Bridge: Both sides of the bridge offer good structure for fish, with trollers and light tackle anglers finding success.
    - Patapsco River: The mouth of the river and areas around Fort McHenry out to the river's mouth have been good for both trollers and light tackle anglers.
    - Eastern Bay and the mouth of the Choptank: These areas have seen breaking fish and decent striped bass action, especially during strong tidal currents[1][2][5].

    Overall, the cooler weather and dropping water temperatures are setting up for some great fall fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Keep an eye out for bird shows, as they often indicate the presence of schooling fish.
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    3 mins
  • 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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    3 mins