Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Drums, and More - Kickoff of 2025 Season
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Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Drums, and More - Kickoff of 2025 Season
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About this listen
May 16, 2025
By Artificial Lure
Mornin' anglers! Today's the day many of y'all been waitin' for - the first segment of the 2025 striped bass season kicks off right here in the Chesapeake[1]. The water's warmin' up nicely, and fish activity is pickin' up all over the Bay.
The big news this week is those first waves of red drum have shown up in Virginia waters[1]. If you're after these bruisers, load up on cut mullet, bunker, or crab - peelers work real good this time of year[5]. For the smaller puppy drum, switch to shrimp or bloodworms and try the Virginia Beach pier where they've been catchin' plenty[5].
Chesapeake Channa are in a feedin' frenzy right now, especially up in the tidal rivers and creeks of the upper Bay. Look for 'em near grass beds and structure. Paddletails and similar lures have been gettin' the job done[1].
Tautog fishing remains strong along the CBBT islands and Bay structures, but remember the Virginia tautog season closes tomorrow on the 15th - wait, that was yesterday! Season's closed now, folks[5].
For you coastal anglers, black sea bass season just opened mid-month and they're out there in good numbers[3]. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel has been a hot spot. Just outside the Bay, there's been good action for yellowfin tuna and some early mahi showing up. Deep-droppers are coming back with blueline tilefish, golden tilefish, and even some snowy grouper[5].
Flounder fishing is improvin' in the coastal bays[1]. Live minnows, mullet, or those white and chartreuse Gulp baits on a flounder rig are your best bet[5].
Hot spots this week: The CBBT islands for tautog (catch and release now), the lower Bay around the Virginia Beach pier for drum and trout, and the grass beds of Gunpowder Falls for those hungry Channa[1][5].
Hickory shad fishin' is slowin' down in the Susquehanna as they're heading back to the ocean, but you might still catch stragglers[1].
For you blues chasers, some small ones are being caught at Virginia Beach pier, but we're all hoping those big choppers from last year make a return soon. Keep them doodlebugs and cut mullet ready[3][5].
Remember to check them striped bass regulations before heading out today - the rules vary by area and can change without much notice[3]. DNR's got a regulation map showing what areas are open, catch-and-release only, or closed to striped bass fishing[1].
That's the word from the water today, folks. Tight lines and bent rods to ya!
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