• Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Rockfish, Trout, Drum and More Biting Strong in Virginia

  • Feb 8 2025
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Rockfish, Trout, Drum and More Biting Strong in Virginia

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  • Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, as of February 8, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide charts, today we've got a high tide at 4:57 AM with a height of 2.47 feet, followed by a low tide at 11:17 AM with just 0.02 feet of water. The next high tide is at 5:17 PM, reaching 1.79 feet, and then a low tide at 11:04 PM with -0.24 feet[2].

    The weather is looking decent, with sunrise at 7:00 AM and sunset at 5:37 PM. This time of year, the water is chilly, but that doesn't mean the fish aren't biting.

    Recently, the bigger catches of Rockfish have been making headlines, especially inside the Rappahannock River, where fish over 32 inches have been reported. These larger fish are often caught using swim baits, lipless crankbaits, and topwaters[1].

    For those targeting Speckled Trout, the bite has been strong from the mouth of the Potomac to Rudee Inlet. Popping corks, paddle-tailed swim baits, topwater baits, and Mirr-o-lures are all triggering bites. These fish are shallow and aggressive, making them a lot of fun to catch[1].

    Red Drum and larger Drum are also plentiful, particularly in the lower bay and inside the Elizabeth River. Fresh cut mullet and live Spot are hard to beat for these species. Night fishing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) has been especially good for larger Drum[1].

    Sheepshead are still biting well around the CBBT and other bridge areas like Lynnhaven. Fiddler crabs are the go-to bait for these fish. If you're after Black Drum, Rudee Inlet and the lower bay are your best bets, with live Spot and Croaker strips working well[1].

    For those seeking a mix of species, Lynnhaven Inlet is a hot spot. Here, you can catch Flounder, Spot, Croaker, Trout, and even Rockfish. Sheepshead and Tautog are also common in this area, attracted to the same hard cover structures[1].

    If you're heading out today, consider the following hot spots:

    1. **Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT):** This area is great for larger Drum, Sheepshead, and even some Rockfish. Night fishing here can be particularly productive.
    2. **Lynnhaven Inlet:** This spot offers a variety of species including Flounder, Spot, Croaker, Trout, and Rockfish. It's a great place to try your luck with different baits and lures.
    3. **Rudee Inlet:** Known for its strong Speckled Trout and Red Drum bites, this area is also good for Black Drum and Sheepshead.

    In terms of lures and bait, here are some recommendations:

    - For Rockfish: Swim baits, lipless crankbaits, and topwaters.
    - For Speckled Trout: Popping corks, paddle-tailed swim baits, topwater baits, and Mirr-o-lures.
    - For Red Drum and Black Drum: Fresh cut mullet and live Spot.
    - For Sheepshead: Fiddler crabs and cut Blue Crab.
    - For Flounder: Live Spot, Croaker strips, and crab on jigs or bottom rigs.

    So, bundle up and get out there – the fish are waiting, and with the right gear and knowledge, you're in for a great day on the water. Tight lines, everyone
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