Late December Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay

If you're heading out to the Chesapeake Bay today, December 27, 2024, here's what you can expect: First off, let's talk about the tides. For Fleet Point, the high tide is at 9:17 AM with a height of 0.31 meters (1.02 feet), and the low tide is at 2:52 AM with a height of 0.02 meters (0.06 feet). You'll have another low tide at 3:59 PM and a high tide at 9:30 PM[2]. Sunrise is at 7:19 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and late afternoon fishing[2]. The weather is expected to be cool, typical for this time of year, so make sure to bundle up. Fish activity has been decent despite the late season. Yesterday, anglers reported catching some trophy-sized striped bass, particularly around the Bay Bridge and the Patapsco River. These fish are mostly migratory and offer good catch-and-release opportunities since the striped bass season officially closed after December 10th[3]. For striped bass, umbrella rigs with five-inch skirted sassy shads in chartreuse and white have been producing several bites. Trolling in deeper waters, around 45-50 feet, has also yielded results. Blade baits have been effective for catching white perch and some striped bass near the bottom[3]. Other species like bluefish, black drum, and sheepshead are still active year-round. For bluefish, you can use lures like spoons or jigs, while black drum and sheepshead often take bait like crabs or clams[1]. Hot spots include the rock piles at the Bay Bridge, the ledges along the shipping channel, and the deep channels in the Patapsco River. These areas have been holding schools of fish, especially white perch and striped bass[3][4]. Remember to check the size limits and daily catch limits for each species to ensure you're fishing responsibly. For example, striped bass must be between 18-27 inches if you're planning to keep them, though currently, it's catch-and-release only[1]. Good luck out there, and stay warm