How to Fish in Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay is a massive waterway off the Atlantic Ocean in Maryland and Virginia. Teeming with aquatic life, it is famous for its oysters and crabs. Anglers of every age enjoy casting lines into the bay, either from shore or one of the charter boats that service the region. Good catches of rockfish, flounder, sea trout, striped bass, bluefish and perch are common. Other species include croaker and the occasional king mackerel.

Things You'll Need

• Chesapeake Bay fishing license
• Saltwater fishing rod and reel, spooled with 12- to 15-pound test line
• Saltwater tackle, lures, hooks
• Assorted baits, including bloodworms, shrimp, squid and baitfish
• Charter boat for catching the bigger fish

Instructions

1. Buy a fishing license for the bay. Maryland and Virginia have reciprocal license agreements, meaning you can fish anywhere in the bay with a license from either state. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can buy a seasonal license for an in-state or out-of-state resident, or a five-day fishing permit. Prices vary year to year. Check the license site provided below for the latest information.

2. Fish the eastern bay (closest to land) in your quest for striped bass, perch, bluefish and croakers, all of which can be caught from shore. Bloodworms work best for bluefish, but you'll need wire leaders on your hooks to deal with those vicious teeth. Keep your fingers clear when unhooking a blue.

   Tempt bass, croakers and perch with bucktail jigs bounced off the bottom near rocky outcroppings. Bright yellow, green and chartreuse are popular colors. Alternate with surface plugs on clear days, immediately after bad weather. The plugs resemble baitfish that become active after a storm churns up the water.

3. Hire a charter boat and go into the western bay, where you'll increase your chances of catching big stripers (20 pounds and up), mackerel, big black drum fish and larger bluefish, which can put up a tremendous fight. On most charters, your captain will supply rods, reels, bait and tackle for everyone in your party, but you are welcome to bring your own gear if it is suitable for the conditions.

4. Follow the captain's recommendations for fishing techniques, typically trolling squid strips and rubber lures, bouncing jigs off the bottom, or rigging up chunks of baitfish and bloodworms when the blues are in a frenzy.

5. Keep only the fish you plan to eat and don't exceed the catch limits for any species of fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Sunscreen and a cooler of cold drinks are essential for a day on the bay. The seasick prone should bring any medicines they normally take before going on the water.

• Don't fish without a license. You face a hefty fine and confiscation of your fishing gear.

References

• Licensing requirements
• Chesapeake Bay daily fishing report