"Chesapeake Bay Buzzing With Fall Fish Activity - What Anglers Need to Know"

As of October 11, 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. ### Conditions Sunrise today is at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 6:24 PM. The weather forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with a high of 68 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the northwest at about 10 mph. Tides are moderate, with high tide at 10:17 AM and low tide at 4:17 PM. ### Fish Activity The fall transition period is in full swing, and fish are becoming more active as water temperatures cool. Red drum are a highlight, with schools consistently found around the islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and in the shallows over grass beds and nearshore structure. Anglers have been catching red drum ranging from 21 to 50 inches, particularly in the areas around Virginia Beach and the CBBT. Sheepshead are still abundant at wrecks, reefs, and bridges, preferring to feed on crabs crawling along pilings or hard surfaces. Fiddler crabs are the top bait choice, but peeler crab, green crab, or sand fleas can also work well. Speckled trout are moving into the shallows, prowling over grass beds and feeding on baitfish and shrimp. Using fresh shrimp under a popping cork or on a fish finder rig has been highly effective. Bluefish schools are active, especially around the Target Ship area, with fish ranging from 20 to 30 inches. Trolling surgical tubes has been successful for catching these bluefish. ### Best Lures and Bait For red drum and speckled trout, five-inch chartreuse Jerk Shad and four-inch Gulp paddletails in purple tiger on 3/8th ounce jigheads are recommended. Live shrimp, especially under a popping cork, are also very effective. For sheepshead, fiddler crabs are the go-to bait. If you can't find fiddlers, peeler crab or green crab will work as well. ### Hot Spots The area around the CBBT is a major hotspot, with red drum and sheepshead being caught consistently. The shipping channel and shoal areas are also productive for cobia, although the season is now catch and release. The bayfront near Point Lookout and the Rappahannock River are good spots for catching a mix of redfish, speckled trout, and striped bass. The Target Ship area is another consistent spot for bluefish. Inside Lynnhaven and local rivers, anglers are finding success with drum, flounder, spot, croaker, trout, and rockfish. The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a good location for catching spot, drum, and small croaker. With the diverse range of species and favorable conditions, today promises to be an excellent day for fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Tight lines