Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Specks, and Togs Biting Amidst Chilly Conditions

As of January 3, 2025, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay is looking promising despite the chilly winter weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Tidal Report and Weather Today, the tides at Cape Henry are as follows: the first low tide is at 3:52 AM, the first high tide at 10:32 AM, the second low tide at 4:37 PM, and the second high tide at 11:01 PM. The tidal heights are moderate, with highs around 3 feet and lows around -0.2 feet[2]. The weather is cool, with sunrise at 7:17 AM and sunset at 5:00 PM. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions, as recent reports have indicated tough fishing due to poor weather[1]. ### Fish Activity The big news is the continued presence of migratory striped bass moving up the Bay. These fish have been active in areas like Virginia Beach and Cape Charles. Live lining eels is highly effective for targeting these ocean-run stripers, with reports of trophy-sized fish up to 50 inches being caught[1][3]. Speckled trout fishing remains strong in the rivers and inlets around the Virginia Beach area. Anglers are using Mirr-O-Lures, swim baits, and lead head jigs tipped with soft plastic tails to catch these trout. Lynnhaven Inlet, the Elizabeth River, and Broad Bay are hot spots for speckled trout[1]. Redfish, particularly puppy drum, are biting in the Virginia Beach tributaries. Using three-to-five-inch paddletail swimbaits along rocky shorelines has been successful. Winter redfish on the lower Eastern Shore are also active, though finding them can be challenging[1]. Tautog and sea bass are present in good numbers as well. Tautog are being caught at inshore locations like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel using green crab, sand fleas, and other crab baits. Sea bass are abundant at inshore wrecks and reefs, hitting metal jigs, squid, and minnows[3]. ### Best Lures and Bait For striped bass, live eels are the go-to bait, especially around Cape Charles. For speckled trout, Mirr-O-Lures, swim baits, and lead head jigs with soft plastic tails are effective. Redfish are biting on three-to-five-inch paddletail swimbaits. Tautog are best caught with green crab, sand fleas, and other crab baits, while sea bass will take metal jigs, squid, and minnows[1][3]. ### Hot Spots - **Cape Charles**: A hotspot for migratory striped bass, with live eels being the preferred method. - **Lynnhaven Inlet and the Elizabeth River**: Consistent locations for catching puppy drum and speckled trout. - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel**: Good spot for tautog using crab baits. - **Broad Bay**: Another strong location for speckled trout fishing. With the right gear and knowledge of the tides, you should have a productive day fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Remember to handle the fish gently to ensure their survival after the catch. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.