Episodes

  • Fishing the Chesapeake Bay: Rockfish, Speckled Trout, and Puppy Drum Action Heating Up for Fall

    Fishing the Chesapeake Bay: Rockfish, Speckled Trout, and Puppy Drum Action Heating Up for Fall
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia is offering some exciting fishing opportunities. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:

    ### Tidal Report, Weather, and Time
    Today, the sunrise is at 6:51 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM. The tidal cycle shows high tide at 9:34 AM and low tide at 3:34 PM. The weather forecast indicates a pleasant day with cooler temperatures, which is ideal for the fall fishing season.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fish activity in the Chesapeake Bay is picking up, especially with the cooler temperatures. Rockfish activity is increasing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel pilings, with larger fish expected to show up towards the end of November and in December. School-sized striped bass are abundant around lighted bridges and piers, particularly at night[1][2][4].

    Speckled trout are still active in the shallows over grass beds, but they are starting to move to deeper waters. The Speck bite is hot, especially inside the rivers and inlets, with hotspots like the Lynnhaven River, Rudee Inlet, Little Creek Inlet, and the Elizabeth, Piankatank, and Rappahannock rivers[1][4].

    Puppy drum are also plentiful in these areas, biting on similar baits as the speckled trout. Sheepshead and tautog are still biting around vertical structures, and the tautog bite is really picking up[1][4].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, use lipless crankbaits, jerk baits, and soft plastics like paddle tail swim baits. Trollers are having success with small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad[2].

    For speckled trout, live Mullet, shrimp, paddle tail swim baits, and popping corks are highly effective. Topwater lures work well in the mornings and evenings in the shallows[1][4].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel**: This area is seeing increased rockfish activity, especially around the pilings.
    - **Lynnhaven River**: A hotspot for speckled trout and puppy drum, with the Lynnhaven Troutzilla Tournament currently underway[1][4].
    - **Rappahannock and James Rivers**: Good spots for catching striped bass by trolling with swim shads, bucktails, and plugs[1].

    Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is in full swing for the fall fishing season, offering a variety of species and exciting fishing opportunities. Make sure to check the local fishing reports and regulations before you head out.
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    3 mins
  • Fall Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay: Trout, Reds, and Stripers Thrive Amidst Transitioning Conditions

    Fall Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay: Trout, Reds, and Stripers Thrive Amidst Transitioning Conditions
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the transitioning weather. Here’s what you need to know:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58°F and a low of 45°F. The water temperatures are still in the low 60s, which is typical for this time of year. Tides are moderate, with high tide at 9:34 AM and low tide at 3:34 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset is at 4:47 PM, giving you ample daylight to hit the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fall season is in full swing, and several species are active. Speckled trout are feeding aggressively on shrimp and minnows near marshes, making areas like Lynnhaven Inlet and the Eastern Shore hot spots. Use shrimp hooked under a popping cork, jigs, plugs, or topwater baits to catch these trout[2][3].

    Red drum, including puppy drum, are also active in the same areas as the speckled trout. Large red drum can be found feeding in the lower Bay, particularly around the 3rd island area of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel[2].

    Striped bass action has been inconsistent but is picking up in certain areas. Trollers are doing well pulling small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad, especially in the Potomac River and around the channel buoys between numbers eight and six. Shallow water bites for stripers and reds are also productive, especially in the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers[3].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For speckled trout, use shrimp, minnows, or small jigs. For red drum, the same assortment of baits works well. For striped bass, small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad are effective. White paddletails and bone-colored topwater spooks are also catching stripers and reds in the shallows[2][3].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Lynnhaven Inlet**: Great for speckled trout and puppy drum.
    - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel**: The 3rd island area is a hotspot for large red drum.
    - **Potomac River**: Channel edges from Colonial Beach down to Piney Point are good for trollers targeting striped bass.
    - **Rappahannock River**: Shallow water areas are producing stripers and reds.

    With the Lynnhaven Troutzilla Tournament underway from November 10 to December 10, Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle is a great resource for local insights and gear[2].

    Get out there and enjoy the fall fishing season on the Chesapeake Bay
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update: Drum, Trout, and Perch Biting in Warm November

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update: Drum, Trout, and Perch Biting in Warm November
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the unseasonably warm weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with mild temperatures, making it an ideal day for fishing. Sunrise is at around 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:53 PM. Tides are crucial, and today you can expect a high tide at 8:15 AM and a low tide at 2:30 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been robust, especially in the southern parts of the Chesapeake Bay. Yesterday saw a lot of action around the bridge structures near Virginia Beach. Anglers reported catching several species, including red drum, black drum, sheepshead, and speckled trout.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    In the southern Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), anglers caught six red drum up to 23 inches, a 20-inch black drum, and over 20 sheepshead up to 14 inches using mud crabs and shrimp. Speckled trout have been a standout species, with big fish becoming more common in areas like Lynnhaven Inlet, Rudee Inlet, and Little Creek. Yellow perch and white perch are also active, especially in the creeks and deeper holes within the rivers and the main bay front.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For targeting the larger fish, using bigger baits such as 5-inch paddle tails has been effective. For yellow and white perch, downsizing to 3-inch paddle tails or using minnows can increase your chances. Topwater lures are working well in the shallows during low light hours, especially for puppy drum and speckled trout. Gulp baits rigged on one-quarter ounce jigheads are also catching fish everywhere. For sheepshead and black drum, mud crabs and shrimp are the go-to baits.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT):** This area is a hotspot for red drum, black drum, sheepshead, and speckled trout.
    - **Lynnhaven Inlet and Rudee Inlet:** These inlets are productive for speckled trout, especially during the incoming tide.
    - **Creeks and Deeper Holes:** Areas like the Severn and Magothy rivers are great for catching yellow and white perch.

    Covering a lot of water with faster-moving baits is key this time of year, as many fish are feeding actively in various parts of the bay. Enjoy your day on the water
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Trout, and More Amid Unseasonably Warm Conditions

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Trout, and More Amid Unseasonably Warm Conditions
    Nov 16 2024
    As of November 16, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the unseasonably warm weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Conditions
    Sunrise today is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM. The tidal cycle shows high tide at 8:15 AM and low tide at 2:15 PM. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-60s, which is warmer than usual for this time of year.

    ### Fish Activity
    The striped bass bite, although inconsistent in some areas, has shown improvement in the Lower Bay. Anglers have been catching stripers around the Bay Bridge, particularly on the east and west sides, and in the Potomac River near Colonial Beach and Piney Point. Trollers are having the best luck, using small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad[3][4].

    Speckled trout are active in the shallows, feeding on shrimp and minnows near marshes. Using shrimp hooked under a popping cork, jigs, plugs, and topwater baits has been productive. The Lynnhaven area is particularly hot for speckled trout, with the ongoing Lynnhaven Troutzilla Tournament drawing in many anglers[1].

    Puppy drum and red drum are also making appearances. Puppy drum are biting in the same areas as the speckled trout, while larger red drum can be found in the lower Bay, especially around the 3rd island area of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Sheepshead, tautog, and flounder are still active inside the Bay, with tautog bites picking up significantly[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, use small metal spoons, umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad. For speckled trout, shrimp under a popping cork, jigs, plugs, and topwater baits are effective. For red drum and puppy drum, mud crabs and shrimp are good choices. Tautog and sheepshead are biting well on crabs and clams[1][4].

    ### Hot Spots
    - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, especially the 3rd island area, is a hotspot for large red drum, sheepshead, and tautog.
    - The Lynnhaven area is excellent for speckled trout, with the marshes and inlets providing ideal feeding grounds.
    - The Potomac River, particularly around Colonial Beach and Piney Point, is good for striped bass and puppy drum[1][3][4].

    Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities, despite the unusual weather. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations and enjoy the fall fishing season.
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Trout, Stripers, and Bulls Abound Despite Cooling Temps

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Trout, Stripers, and Bulls Abound Despite Cooling Temps
    Nov 15 2024
    As of November 15, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the cooling weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Conditions
    - **Tidal Report**: Expect a high tide around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM. The changing tides, especially the incoming tide, have been favorable for catching various species.
    - **Weather**: The day is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58°F and a low of 45°F. The recent cold weather has slightly slowed down the speckled trout bite, but it's still active.
    - **Sunrise and Sunset**: Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset is at 4:53 PM. Low light hours, especially during sunrise and sunset, are ideal for topwater lures.

    ### Fish Activity
    - **Speckled Trout**: These fish are still very active, particularly in the inlets such as Rudee, Lynnhaven, and Little Creek. They are hitting soft plastic jigs in white, pink, and chartreuse, as well as Gulp baits rigged on one-quarter ounce jigheads[2][5].
    - **Striped Bass**: School-sized striped bass are abundant in the northern areas, especially around the mouths of the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. Trolling near deep channel edges and chasing birds working over bait balls have been effective strategies[1][5].
    - **Red Drum**: Bull red drum are still present near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, particularly around the third island. Surf fishing at Sandbridge and other beaches is also yielding results, with cut mullet on fish finder rigs being a successful bait[5].
    - **Sheepshead and Flounder**: These species are still available at the CBBT and various bridges in the Virginia Beach area. Sheepshead are biting on sand fleas and crab chunks[1][5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    - For speckled trout, use soft plastic jigs, Gulp baits, and topwater lures during low light hours.
    - For striped bass, topwater plugs and jigs are effective, especially when targeting the outskirts of schools.
    - For red drum, cut mullet on fish finder rigs is working well.
    - For sheepshead, sand fleas and crab chunks are the top baits.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Lynnhaven Inlet**: This area has been a standout for speckled trout, with many anglers reporting good catches.
    - **Mouth of the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers**: These areas are flush with reports of striped bass activity, especially around the deep channel edges.
    - **Third Island of the CBBT**: This spot is producing the best results for bull red drum.
    - **Rudee and Little Creek Inlets**: These inlets are also productive for speckled trout and other species.

    With the right gear and knowledge of these hot spots, you should have a productive and enjoyable day fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Specks, and More as Fall Season Hits its Stride

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Specks, and More as Fall Season Hits its Stride
    Nov 14 2024
    As of November 14, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities, especially with the fall season in full swing.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 50 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:47 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide at 9:34 AM and low tide at 3:34 PM, making the mid-tide periods ideal for fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fish activity in the Chesapeake Bay has been quite active. Striped bass, also known as rockfish, are being caught in good numbers, particularly in the Upper Bay around the Patapsco River, the channel near Love Point, and at the Bay Bridge. In the Lower Bay, trollers are finding success along channel edges from Colonial Beach down to Piney Point, using small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad[3][5].

    Speckled trout are feeding aggressively near marshes, especially in areas like Lynnhaven, where they are taking shrimp hooked under popping corks, jigs, plugs, and topwater baits. Puppy drum and red drum are also active in these areas, with some large red drum still present around the 3rd island area of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel[4][5].

    White perch are beginning to move into deeper waters as the water temperatures drop, but they can still be found at the mouth of rivers and around oyster bottom in depths of 20 feet or more. Small metal jigs and live minnows or grass shrimp are effective for catching them[3].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad is highly effective. In the shallows, bone-colored topwater spoons and white paddletails have been successful[5].

    For speckled trout, shrimp under popping corks, jigs, plugs, and topwater baits are the way to go. For red drum and puppy drum, similar baits such as jigs and topwater spoons are working well[4].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Patapsco River**: Known for larger schools of striped bass hunting baitfish, with birds often indicating the fish's presence.
    - **Lynnhaven**: A hotspot for speckled trout and puppy drum, with the ongoing Lynnhaven Troutzilla Tournament attracting many anglers.
    - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel**: The 3rd island area is a prime spot for large red drum, while the bridge itself holds a mix of striped bass and white perch.
    - **Rappahannock River**: Shallow water areas here are producing stripers and reds, especially in the evening with bone-colored topwater spoons.

    Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse and exciting fishing experience this time of year, with various species active in different parts of the bay.
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    3 mins
  • Fall Fishing Frenzy on the Chesapeake Bay: Speckled Trout, Puppy Drum, and More

    Fall Fishing Frenzy on the Chesapeake Bay: Speckled Trout, Puppy Drum, and More
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is buzzing with activity, making it an exciting time for anglers in Virginia. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    The weather is expected to be crisp, with a gentle breeze, perfect for a day of fishing. Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide occurring in the late morning and low tide in the early afternoon, which should provide optimal conditions for fishing in various spots.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a flurry of activity across the bay. Speckled trout, affectionately known as 'specks,' were the stars of the show, with many anglers reporting catches weighing between 3 to 6 pounds. These fish are congregating in sheltered waters such as Rudee, Lynnhaven, and Little Creek Inlets, as well as the serene bayside creeks of the Eastern Shore and the expansive Poquoson Flats.

    Puppy drum are also making a strong appearance, biting eagerly on the same assortment of baits as the speckled trout. Large red drum continue to patrol the lower Bay, particularly around the 3rd island area of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and the surf near Sandbridge.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For speckled trout and puppy drum, shrimp artfully hooked under a popping cork, skillfully cast jigs, enticing plugs, and topwater baits are proving highly effective. Shrimp and minnows near marshy areas are particularly attractive to these fish.

    In the deeper waters, sheepshead, tautog, and flounder are available for those with the skill to catch them. School-sized striped bass are being drawn to lighted bridges and piers at night, making nighttime fishing a thrilling experience.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hottest spots right now is the Lynnhaven Inlet, where the Lynnhaven Troutzilla Tournament is underway from November 10 to December 10. This area is teeming with speckled trout and puppy drum.

    Another prime location is the Poquoson Flats, where the combination of shallow waters and abundant baitfish makes it an ideal spot for catching a variety of species. The York and Elizabeth Rivers are also worth exploring, as they offer a mix of sheltered and open waters that attract multiple fish species.

    Venturing further offshore, the bottom fishing scene is bustling, with seabass, large flounder, bluefish, black drum, and triggerfish being hauled up in significant numbers.

    With the fall fishing season in full swing, Virginia’s waters promise abundant opportunities for both novice and experienced fishermen alike. So grab your rod, and get ready to enjoy the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay's Bountiful Fall Fishing: Stripers, Specks, and More Await Anglers

    Chesapeake Bay's Bountiful Fall Fishing: Stripers, Specks, and More Await Anglers
    Nov 9 2024
    As of November 9, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exceptional fishing opportunities, despite the occasional challenging weather conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees and a low of 45 degrees. Winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10 mph. Tides are crucial, and today you can expect a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:33 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you ample daylight to explore the Bay.

    ### Fish Activity
    The Lower Chesapeake Bay has been seeing a surge in striped bass activity. Anglers have reported a noticeable uptick in the striper bite, particularly in the Potomac River where trollers are doing well with small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad[2][4].

    Speckled trout, or "specks," are also very active, especially in the sheltered waters of Lynnhaven, Rudee, and Little Creek Inlets. These fish are favoring shrimp and minnows near marshy areas, making shrimp under a popping cork, jigs, plugs, and topwater baits highly effective[4].

    Puppy drum and large red drum are also making appearances, with the puppy drum biting in the same areas as the speckled trout and the large red drum patrolling the lower Bay, particularly around the 3rd island area of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and the surf near Sandbridge[4].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, use small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad. If you encounter ribbonfish, deploying small metal spoons can be wise[2].

    For speckled trout, shrimp under a popping cork, skillfully cast jigs, enticing plugs, and topwater baits are all proving highly effective. Puppy drum are also biting on these same baits[4].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Lynnhaven Inlet**: This area is bustling with speckled trout and puppy drum activity. The sheltered waters here provide ideal conditions for these species[4].
    - **Potomac River**: Trollers are finding success with striped bass using small umbrellas and bucktails. Casting the docks and shallows is also yielding good results[2].
    - **Gwynn’s Island Area**: This spot is known for its mix of stripers, reds, and pockets of speckled trout. It’s a diverse and rewarding area to fish[2].

    Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities this fall. With the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you’re set for a productive and enjoyable day on the water.
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    3 mins