Chesapeake Bay Bonanza: Fall Fishing in Full Swing

As of October 12, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia is buzzing with activity, making it an exciting time for anglers. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Tidal Report, Weather, and Daylight The tidal cycle today will see a high tide around 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM. Weather conditions are expected to be calm with light winds, perfect for a day out on the Bay. Sunrise is at 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at 6:20 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish. ### Fish Activity The fall bite is in full swing, with many favorite species actively feeding. Striped bass, puppy drum (red drum), and bluefish are among the most common catches. The shallow water bite has been particularly good, especially in the tributaries and shallows of the Lower Bay. Anglers have reported excellent action on redfish, including both slot and over-slot fish, particularly around the Rappahannock and St. Mary’s areas. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Yesterday saw a strong catch of striped bass, puppy drum, and bluefish. Bluefish in the two-to-eight-pound range have been plentiful, with some reaching up to 28 inches near the Target Ship. Bull red drum and cobia, although fewer in number due to the start of their southward migration, are still being caught. Speckled trout and white perch are also active in the shallower waters of the tributaries. ### Best Lures and Bait For striped bass and puppy drum, five-inch chartreuse Jerk Shad and four-inch Gulp paddletails in purple tiger on 3/8th ounce jigheads have been highly effective. Trollers have had success using number one and two planers with surgical hoses and small metal spoons for bluefish and mackerel. For cobia and larger bluefish, surgical eels are the go-to choice. ### Hot Spots - **Target Ship Area**: This has been a consistent spot for catching bluefish, with many fish in the 20-to-24-inch range and some up to 30 inches. - **Rappahannock and St. Mary’s Tributaries**: These areas have seen excellent action on redfish, including slot and over-slot fish, as well as speckled trout and striped bass. - **Lower Potomac**: Kayak anglers have reported solid success on slot redfish while casting scented jigs and bouncing them slowly along the bottom. With the fall season in full swing and plenty of bait around, the fishing in the Chesapeake Bay is only going to get better. So, grab your gear and head out to take advantage of this fantastic fishing opportunity.