Chilly Chesapeake Bay Fishing: Rockfish, Tuna, and Winter Tactics

Today, December 13th, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the chilly winter weather. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect: ### Tides and Weather As of today, the tide times at Windmill Point are as follows: Low tide at 2:33 AM with a height of -0.15 ft, high tide at 8:47 AM with a height of 1.51 ft, low tide again at 3:36 PM with a height of -0.16 ft, and high tide at 9:08 PM with a height of 1.03 ft. Sunrise is at 7:11 AM, and sunset is at 4:47 PM. The weather is expected to be cool, typical for this time of year. ### Fish Activity Rockfish activity has been increasing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel pilings, with larger fish showing up towards the end of November and into December. This is a great time to target these fish, especially in areas like the rock piles at the Bay Bridge and the ledges along the shipping channel[3][5]. ### Bluefin Tuna For those looking for a bigger challenge, the arrival of Bluefin Tuna in Virginia Beach’s nearshore waters is a significant event. These massive fish, weighing between 150 and 500 pounds, have been spotted around the Chesapeake Light Tower. While they are less common in the Bay itself, anglers have reported encounters east of the CBBT[1]. ### Other Species Striped bass season in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay has just closed, but catch and release fishing is still allowed. Anglers have been catching some striped bass and white perch in the Patapsco River, particularly in deep channels around 40-50 feet of water. Blade baits have been effective for these species. Pickerel have also been active, especially in the upper reaches of creeks and along shorelines with fallen trees and other structure[3]. ### Best Lures and Bait For targeting striped bass and white perch, umbrella rigs and blade baits have been successful. For pickerel, consider using lures that mimic their natural prey. Live bait such as bullhead minnows can also be effective for smaller predator species like yellow perch and flounder[3][4]. ### Hot Spots - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Pilings**: A hotspot for rockfish and occasionally larger species like Bluefin Tuna. - **Patapsco River**: Known for striped bass and white perch, especially in the deep channels. - **Upper Reaches of Creeks**: Good for pickerel, particularly around docks and fallen trees. With the right gear and knowledge of the tides, you're set for a productive day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the winter fishing experience.