Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update August 17th 2025: Bluefish, Mackerel, Drum & More Biting Strong

Good morning, this is Artificial Lure with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Sunday, August 17th, 2025. We’re kicking off the day with balmy late-summer conditions here in Virginia. Sunrise hit around 6:19 a.m., and anglers will see the sun set at 7:56 p.m. Today brings about 14 hours of daylight, giving you plenty of time to work the water. Tides are running strong, with a high tide peaking at 2:41 p.m. and a low tide bottoming out near 8:06 a.m. at the Bay Bridge Tunnel. The tidal coefficient this morning is high—a 71—which means more current and active fish, especially around the turn of the tide. By midday, it backs off to 68, finishing at 64 this evening (source: Tides4Fishing). Weather-wise, expect light northeast winds under 10 knots, settling down as the day wears on, with mild waves in the 1 to 2-foot range. It’s a classic August day: warm, humid, but not punishing, so bring plenty of water and the sunscreen if you plan to soak it in (National Weather Service Marine Forecast). Now, let’s talk fish! The bite has been strong across the lower and middle bay, especially close in at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and the Hampton Roads area. Reports from recent charters, notably Four Winds Chartering and Johnny Quest Sport Fishing in Virginia Beach, show limits of **bluefish** caught consistently. Spanish mackerel are running heavy as well, making for excellent action on light tackle. **Large red drum** are getting pulled from the deeper holes and near the shoals—42" and 49" class fish caught and released have been the highlight this week according to Hatteras Harbor Marina and anglers over on Tidal Fish Forum. White perch are also hitting, particularly in the shallows early and late; tip here is to work near ledges and creek mouths around Fleet Point and Tanners Creek. If you’re after something bigger, anglers fishing cut bait—especially menhaden pieces—have been rewarded with not just bluefish and drum, but also catches of inshore sharks and stingrays. Flounder are trickling in around drop-offs and deeper structure as well, with live minnows or Gulp shrimp getting bites. Best baits and lures today: - For **bluefish and mackerel**: Silver spoons, Got-Cha plugs, and flashy bucktails work best. Troll them quick near the surface. - For **red drum and cobia**: Fresh cut bait (menhaden or mullet) fished on sturdy circle hooks. If tossing lures, go with 5–7 inch soft plastics on heavy jigheads, gold spoons, or even big topwater poppers if you see fish cruising. - For **white perch**: Bloodworms, cut grass shrimp, or perch rigs tipped with thin slices of squid excel. Ultralight jigs bounced right along bottom structure can bring in steady numbers. Current hotspots: - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel**: Active bluefish and mackerel bite on the pilings. The outgoing tide mid-morning should be prime. - **Hampton Flats and Back River Reef**: Red drum and flounder reported this week—hit deeper holes with cut bait on an incoming tide. - **Fleet