Weather (Click Here)
Before you hit the trails or set up camp, make sure to take a second glance at the weather for this weekend!
Today's Moon Phase according to NASA (Click Here)
Waxing Crescent: "This phase occurs when the illuminated half of the Moon faces mostly away from Earth, with only a tiny sliver visible to us from our planet. As the Moon's orbit carries the Moon's dayside farther into view, the sunlit crescent appears to grow. A waxing crescent rises shortly after sunrise and sets shortly after sunset, rising a little later each day. It is easiest to find in the evening when the sky grows darker."
Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report 1/26 Composed by AJ Lewis (Click Here)
As anglers eagerly await the spring striped bass action, pickerel remain a popular target, showcasing consistent activity. These feisty fish can be found in abundance across various tidal rivers around the Chesapeake Bay. Anglers are employing diverse lures and baits to entice pickerel, particularly around shallow structures like piers, reefs, and fallen trees. Pulling an inline spinner or using a Willowvibe paired with a 3.75-inch plastic proves to be a reliable strategy however if you prefer the live bait approach, a minnow under a slip bobber is also an extremely effective method!
Winter fishing enthusiasts are finding Blue catfish to be an exciting pursuit, offering a thrilling experience during the colder months. These invasive species, prevalent in most tidal rivers along the upper and middle bay areas, present an enticing challenge. With no creel limit, anglers can enjoy the thrill of the catch, and the reward is substantial—these catfish provide ample meat when filleted correctly. Typically dwelling in the deeper parts of channels, Blue catfish are proving resilient and more active, adding an extra layer of excitement to winter angling!
The areas located just outside of Chesapeake Beach remain an incredible hotspot for landing trophy-sized Striped Bass. Numerous anglers are reporting noteworthy catches throughout the day, highlighting the mornings and evenings as prime time for this exciting pursuit. The consistent success in this location is drawing attention from anglers seeking thrilling experiences and remarkable catches. Employing the traditional jigging technique proves to be more than sufficient for an exciting and bountiful fishing experience, yielding a good number of these coveted sport fish! Anglers are using plastics that range in the 5 to 7 inch range with Pink or Chartreuse being more popular paired with varying jig heads depending on the depth these fish are located at! The Flutter Spoon with a teaser remains a classic yet highly effective lure for enticing bites as well!
South Bay
The Striped Bass bite remains consistent and robust around the mouth of the Potomac River. Anglers are finding success with the two most effective techniques: jigging and trolling! For those facing challenges with the Striped Bass bite, exploring other species in the Potomac River is a rewarding alternative. Deeper waters harbor White Perch staging to evade the cooler temperatures. White Perch are often found in schools, ensuring that if you catch one, there are plenty more to follow! Any form of Bottom Rig will suffice, however the tried and true Chesapeake Sibiki Rig tipped with live or artificial bait proves to be the White Perch slayer!
Venturing into more secluded regions around the southern bay area unveils the presence of Black Seabass, particularly in areas with a hard bottom surface. Employing Bottom or Tandem Rigs becomes crucial for effectively targeting these splendid fish. Anglers unanimously recommend enhancing your rig with squid or soft crab as the most effective approach to attract these captivating fish! While not as prevalent as some might desire, black seabass present a diverse option amid the subdued winter fishing scene!
This Weekend's Tide Predictions (Click Here)
Keep an eye on this weekend’s tide schedule. These are the predicted tides for the Western Shore of the Chesapeake from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Wednesday 2/14:
Low tide starting at 2:20 a.m. and again at 3:02 p.m.
High tide starting at 8:46 a.m. and again at 8:50 p.m.
Thursday 2/15:
Low tide starting at 3:08 a.m. and again at 4:04 p.m.
High tide starting at 9:48 a.m. and again at 9:39 p.m.
Friday 2/16:
Low tide starting at 4:01 a.m. and again at 5:09 p.m.
High tide starting at 10:53 a.m. and again at 10:34 p.m.
Saturday 2/17:
Low tide starting at 4:58 a.m. and again at 6:17 p.m.
High tide starting at 12:01 a.m. and again at 11:32 p.m.
Sunday 2/18:
Low tide starting at 5:58 a.m. and again at 7:24 p.m.
High tide starting at 1:11 p.m.
Beach Cam
