Episodes

  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Spring Spawns, Catfish, and Hot Saltwater Bites

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Spring Spawns, Catfish, and Hot Saltwater Bites
    Feb 15 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for Chesapeake Bay and its surroundings on this chilly February 15th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, we're looking at a low tide of -0.23 ft at 3:39 AM, followed by a high tide of 2.35 ft at 9:54 AM. The afternoon will bring another low tide of -0.21 ft at 3:58 PM, and then a high tide of 2.36 ft at 10:16 PM[2].

    The weather is crisp, with a sunrise at 6:52 AM and a sunset at 5:44 PM. It's a great time to bundle up and hit the water.

    In the Lower Chesapeake Bay, we're seeing the early signs of spring spawning runs. Yellow perch are starting to move into the tributaries, followed by white perch, shad, and eventually striped bass. If you're targeting these species, now is a good time to start checking the tributaries like the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James River[3].

    For those after bigger game, the invasive blue catfish are still very active. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are your best bets for catching these giants, especially in the James River. Crappie action has also been good in the upriver sections, particularly around bridges and docks near the Washington Channel and Oxon Cove. Live minnows are your best choice here while the water temperatures are still cold[3].

    If you're heading out to the saltwater areas, sea bass and tautog are the main targets right now. The special February black sea bass season is in full swing, allowing anglers to harvest until the end of the month. Virginia Beach has been a hotspot for sea bass, with some trips yielding boat limits of up to 90 fish. Five-pounders have been common, so it's a great time to get out there and fill your cooler[1].

    For tautog, Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star has been finding success at various reef sites. It's been a bit hit-or-miss, but when the fish are biting, everyone on board is getting in on the action. Be prepared to move around to find the most active spots[1].

    Sheepshead are another species that's been biting well, especially around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and the artificial reefs in the lower bay. Use fiddler crabs or clams for the best results. Red Drum are also active, with reports of large schools feeding on the surface from the mouth of the Potomac to the entrance of the bay. Jigging them up from hard cover areas has been effective[4].

    In terms of lures and bait, for the perch and shad, small jigs and spoons work well. For the blue catfish, stick with fresh cut bait. For sea bass and tautog, clams, squid, and crabs are your go-to baits. For sheepshead and red drum, fiddler crabs and bloodworms are excellent choices.

    Hot spots to consider today include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for sheepshead and red drum, the artificial reefs in the lower bay for sea bass and tautog, and the tributaries like the James River for yellow perch and blue catfish.

    Stay warm, stay patient, and good luck out there The fish are biting, and it's a great time to be on the water in Chesapeake Bay.
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    4 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report - February 14th, 2025: Puppy Drum, Tautog, and Trophy Blue Catfish Abound

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report - February 14th, 2025: Puppy Drum, Tautog, and Trophy Blue Catfish Abound
    Feb 14 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, as of February 14th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we're looking at a tidal coefficient of 87, which is high, indicating significant tidal movements and strong currents. This can be beneficial for stirring up bait and attracting larger fish. According to the tide charts, the high tide is at 9:25 AM with a height of 2.6 feet, and the low tide is at 3:33 PM with a height of -0.1 feet[2].

    The weather is relatively mild for this time of year, which is a plus. We have about 10 hours and 46 minutes of sunlight today, with the sun rising at 6:53 AM and setting at 5:43 PM. This extended daylight can give us more time to fish, especially during the peak tidal hours[2].

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. In the saltwater sector, Puppy Drum have been active inside Rudee Inlet, taking advantage of the warmer weather. Tautog fishing has been excellent in the ocean, with many double-digit fish being caught. If you're after Sea Bass, now is a good time, but remember to get that special permit. The Elizabeth River and the James River are still good spots for Trout and Drum, where jerkbaits, Mirr-o-lures, and 3-4 inch swim baits are working well[1].

    Offshore, anglers are finding Bluefin and Blackfin Tuna, which is a great sign for those venturing out into the ocean. Surf anglers are also having success with Red Drum along the Carolina surf.

    In the freshwater side of things, the Lower Bay tributaries are starting to see the spring spawning runs kick in. Yellow perch are moving into these areas, followed by white perch, shad, and striped bass. Our invasive blue catfish are still very active in the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James Rivers, with the biggest catches coming from the James River. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are the go-to baits for these trophy-sized fish[3].

    Crappie action has been good in the upriver sections of these tributaries, especially around bridges and docks near the Washington Channel. Live minnows are the best bet while the water temperatures are still cold.

    For those looking for hot spots, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) is always a reliable choice. The area around the CBBT has been producing excellent catches of Sheepshead and Tautog. Another spot to consider is the Elizabeth River, which is yielding Trout and Drum[1].

    In summary, today looks like a great day to get out on the water. With the high tidal coefficient and mild weather, conditions are ripe for some excellent fishing. Whether you're after saltwater species like Tautog and Red Drum or freshwater fish like yellow perch and blue catfish, Chesapeake Bay has something for everyone.

    So grab your gear, pick your favorite lure or bait, and get ready to reel in some big ones Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Perch, Rockfish & Drum Biting, Lure Tips for Trout, Mackerel & Pickerel

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Perch, Rockfish & Drum Biting, Lure Tips for Trout, Mackerel & Pickerel
    Feb 12 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay for today, February 12th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we're looking at a high tide of 2.61 feet at 8:11 AM and another at 2.26 feet at 8:28 PM, with low tides of -0.4 feet at 1:44 AM and -0.29 feet at 2:24 PM. These tidal conditions should provide some good movement and activity for the fish[2].

    The weather is expected to be relatively mild for this time of year, which is great news for us anglers. Sunrise is at 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at 5:41 PM, giving us a good window to get out on the water.

    In the Chesapeake Bay, particularly in the Virginia waters, we're seeing some promising action. Yellow perch are very active right now, especially in the upper parts of the Bay. They're being caught around the Perryville area and in the mouths of other tidal rivers. Live minnows are working best, but small artificial jigs are also enticing bites. These perch are mostly schooled up in depths of 40 to 60 feet[1].

    If you're targeting bigger game, the lower Bay areas are producing some great catches. Rockfish, although not yet in season for keeping, are starting to show up, with reports of fish over 32 inches coming from inside the Rappahannock River. While you can't keep them yet, they're definitely worth the catch-and-release effort[4].

    Red Drum are also active in the lower Bay, particularly around areas like Sandbridge surf, Buckroe Pier, Lynnhaven Inlet, and Rudee Inlet. Fresh shrimp, cut mullet, crabs, and other forms of cut bait are working well for these Drum. The windy conditions we've been having actually strengthen the Drum bite, so don't let that deter you[4].

    Sheepshead and Tautog are biting well around structures like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and artificial reefs. Fiddler crabs, cut Blue Crab, and even sand fleas are excellent baits for these species. If you're after Flounder, the CBBT and ocean wrecks are your best bets, with live Spot and Croaker strips being effective[4].

    For a hot spot, I recommend checking out the Lynnhaven Inlet. This area has been producing multiple species, including Flounder, Spot, Croaker, Trout, and Rockfish. The grass flats inside the inlets and rivers are also great for Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum, where shrimp and minnows are plentiful[4].

    In terms of lures, topwater baits are still effective for Trout, especially with the cooler weather. For Spanish Mackerel, smaller Drone and Clark spoons in the 2 to 2-1/2 inch sizes work well. If you're after Pickerel, suspending minnows on shad darts and small bucktails under a bobber can be very effective in the chillier waters[4].

    Another area worth mentioning is the upper parts of the tributaries, where crappie action has been good. Areas like Oxon Cove on the upper Potomac River, with its abundant fallen wood, are great spots for crappie. Live minnows will likely be the best bait to use while water temperatures are still cold[3].

    So, grab your gear and head out to the Chesapeake Bay. With the right baits and lures, you're in for a great day of fishing. Tight lines, everyone
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    4 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report 2025 Tides, Perch, Rockfish, Red Drum, Sheepshead, and More!

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report 2025 Tides, Perch, Rockfish, Red Drum, Sheepshead, and More!
    Feb 12 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay for today, February 12th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we're looking at a high tide of 2.61 feet at 8:11 AM and another at 2.26 feet at 8:28 PM, with low tides of -0.4 feet at 1:44 AM and -0.29 feet at 2:24 PM. These tidal conditions are pretty typical for this time of year and should provide some good opportunities for fishing[2].

    The weather is expected to be relatively mild for this time of year, which could stir up some fish activity. Sunrise is at 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at 5:41 PM, giving us a good window to get out on the water.

    In the Chesapeake Bay, particularly in the Virginia waters, we're seeing some promising action. Yellow perch are very active right now, especially around the Perryville area and the mouths of other tidal rivers. These fish are mostly schooled up in depths of 40' to 60', and live minnows are working best, although small artificial jigs are also enticing bites[1].

    For those targeting larger species, the bigger catches of Rockfish are starting to happen, with reports of fish over 32 inches coming from inside the Rappahannock River. While the season for keeping them doesn't open until later, these fish are definitely worth the catch-and-release effort[4].

    Red Drum are also active in the lower bay areas, such as around Sandbridge surf, Buckroe Pier, Lynnhaven Inlet, and Rudee Inlet. Fresh shrimp, cut mullet, crabs, and other forms of cut bait are working well for these Drum. The windy conditions we've been having actually strengthen the Drum bite, so don't let that deter you[4].

    Sheepshead are another species that's biting well around the lower bay, especially around structures like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and artificial reefs. Fiddler crabs, cut Blue Crab, and even sand fleas are excellent baits for Sheepshead. Tautog are also present in these areas and can be caught using similar baits[4].

    If you're after Flounder, the CBBT and ocean wrecks are your best bets. Live Spot and Croaker strips have been effective for Flounder, while crab on jigs or bottom rigs are good for Sheepshead and Tautog[4].

    For a hot spot, I recommend checking out the Lynnhaven Inlet. This area has been producing multiple species, including Flounder, Spot, Croaker, Trout, and Rockfish. The grass flats inside the inlets and rivers are also great for Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum, where shrimp and minnows are plentiful[4].

    In terms of lures, topwater baits are still effective for Trout, especially with the cooler weather. For Spanish Mackerel, smaller Drone and Clark spoons in the 2 to 2-1/2 inch sizes work well. If you're after Pickerel, suspending minnows on shad darts and small bucktails under a bobber can be very effective in the chillier waters[4].

    Another area worth mentioning is the upper sections of the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James River, where blue catfish have been very active. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are tried and true baits that usually get the blue cats biting. These fish are typically caught in the winter and spring, so now is a great time to try for a trophy-sized fish[1][3].

    So, grab your gear and head out to the Chesapeake Bay. With the right baits and lures, you're in for a great day of fishing. Tight lines, everyone
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    4 mins
  • Winter Wonderland Fishing in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia

    Winter Wonderland Fishing in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
    Feb 10 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on today's fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay, Virginia.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. For today, February 10th, 2025, at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, we're looking at a low tide at 12:05 AM and another at 1:05 PM. The high tides are at 6:47 AM and 7:03 PM. Make sure to plan your trips accordingly, as these tidal changes can significantly impact fish activity[2].

    Weather-wise, it's chilly, just what we expect in February. Bundle up because the cold can be biting. Sunrise is at 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at 5:39 PM, giving us a decent window to get out on the water.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. This time of year, the oceanic action is generally quiet, but there are some exceptions. If you're heading out to the wrecks and reefs off the coast, tautog are still active and willing to take green crabs or white leggers. Shrimp and clam have also proven effective as baits for these tough fighters[1].

    In the freshwater and tributary areas, yellow perch, pickerel, and crappie are your best bets. These fish don't mind the super-cold water temps, so you can find them in the deeper haunts of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Dropping down tandems with minnows or using minnows on a bottom rig can get you into some nice action. Yellow perch have been particularly active around the Perryville area and in the mouths of other tidal rivers, with some jumbos over 13 inches being caught recently. Live minnows are working best, but small artificial jigs are also enticing bites[4].

    Blue catfish are another species that are abundant throughout the Bay and will bite in the cold winter months. They will be holding along deeper ledges in the Susquehanna, Elk, and North East rivers. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are tried and true baits that usually get the blue cats biting. The biggest fish are typically caught in the winter and spring, so now is a great time to try for a trophy-sized fish[3][4].

    For those targeting catfish, don't forget to set some cut baits along the channel edges; they never stop eating, no matter the temperature.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Gunpowder River creeks and tributaries, which have been producing crappie, bass, and perch. The shorelines around Oxon Cove, riddled with fallen wood, are also a great spot for crappie. Fishing at night around areas with illuminated water, despite the cold nighttime temperatures, has been working well too[3].

    So, gear up, stay warm, and get out there. The fish are waiting, and with the right baits and knowledge of the tides, you're set for a great day on the water. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Perch, Rockfish, and More for February 9th, 2025

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Perch, Rockfish, and More for February 9th, 2025
    Feb 9 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay for today, February 9th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we're looking at a high tide of 2.55 feet at 5:57 AM and another at 1.93 feet at 6:14 PM, with a low tide of -0.06 feet at 12:15 PM. These tides should provide some good movement and activity for the fish.

    The weather is expected to be relatively mild for this time of year, which is great news for us anglers. Sunrise is at 6:59 AM, and sunset will be at 5:38 PM, giving us a good window to get out on the water.

    In the Chesapeake Bay, particularly in the Virginia waters, we're seeing some promising action. Yellow perch are very active right now, especially around the Perryville area and the mouths of other tidal rivers. These fish are mostly schooled up in depths of 40 to 60 feet, and live minnows are working best, although small artificial jigs are also enticing bites. With some reports of boat limits and jumbos over 13 inches, this is a great time to target these perch[1].

    Rockfish are also starting to make their presence known, especially in the Rappahannock River. While the season for keeping them doesn't open until later, the larger ones are active and worth the catch-and-release effort. Use swim baits, lipless crankbaits, and topwaters to lure them in[3].

    Red Drum are active in the lower bay areas, such as around Sandbridge surf, Buckroe Pier, Lynnhaven Inlet, and Rudee Inlet. Fresh shrimp, cut mullet, crabs, and other forms of cut bait are working well for these Drum. The windy conditions we've been having actually strengthen the Drum bite, so don't let that deter you[3].

    Sheepshead and Tautog are biting well around the lower bay, especially around structures like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and artificial reefs. Fiddler crabs, cut Blue Crab, and even sand fleas are excellent baits for these species. If you're after Flounder, the CBBT and ocean wrecks are your best bets, with live Spot and Croaker strips being effective[3][5].

    For a hot spot, I recommend checking out the Lynnhaven Inlet. This area has been producing multiple species, including Flounder, Spot, Croaker, Trout, and Rockfish. The grass flats inside the inlets and rivers are also great for Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum, where shrimp and minnows are plentiful[3].

    In terms of lures, topwater baits are still effective for Trout, especially with the cooler weather. For Spanish Mackerel, smaller Drone and Clark spoons in the 2 to 2-1/2 inch sizes work well. If you're after Pickerel, suspending minnows on shad darts and small bucktails under a bobber can be very effective in the chillier waters[3].

    So, grab your gear and head out to the Chesapeake Bay. With the right baits and lures, you're in for a great day of fishing. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Rockfish, Trout, Drum and More Biting Strong in Virginia

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Rockfish, Trout, Drum and More Biting Strong in Virginia
    Feb 8 2025
    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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    4 mins
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report February 2025: Rockfish, Drum, and More Biting!

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report February 2025: Rockfish, Drum, and More Biting!
    Feb 7 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay for February 7th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we're looking at a high tide of 1.69 feet at 5:22 AM and another at 1.25 feet at 5:43 PM, with a low tide of 0.06 feet at 12:52 PM[2].

    The weather is expected to be relatively mild for this time of year, which could stir up some fish activity. Sunrise is at 7:01 AM, and sunset will be at 5:36 PM, giving us a good window to get out on the water.

    In the Chesapeake Bay, particularly in the Virginia waters, we're seeing some promising action. The bigger catches of Rockfish are starting to happen, with reports of fish over 32 inches coming from inside the Rappahannock River[1].

    For those targeting Rockfish, it's important to note that while the larger ones are active, the season for keeping them doesn't open until later. However, the excitement is building up, and these fish are definitely worth the catch-and-release effort.

    Red Drum are also active in the lower bay areas, such as around Sandbridge surf, Buckroe Pier, Lynnhaven Inlet, and Rudee Inlet. Fresh shrimp, cut mullet, crabs, and other forms of cut bait are working well for these Drum. The windy conditions we've been having actually strengthen the Drum bite, so don't let that deter you[1].

    Sheepshead are another species that's biting well around the lower bay, especially around structures like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and artificial reefs. Fiddler crabs, cut Blue Crab, and even sand fleas are excellent baits for Sheepshead. Tautog are also present in these areas, and they can be caught using similar baits[1].

    If you're after Flounder, the CBBT and ocean wrecks are your best bets. Live Spot and Croaker strips have been effective for Flounder, while crab on jigs or bottom rigs are good for Sheepshead and Tautog[1].

    For a hot spot, I recommend checking out the Lynnhaven Inlet. This area has been producing multiple species, including Flounder, Spot, Croaker, Trout, and Rockfish. The grass flats inside the inlets and rivers are also great for Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum, where shrimp and minnows are plentiful[1].

    In terms of lures, topwater baits are still effective for Trout, especially with the cooler weather. For Spanish Mackerel, smaller Drone and Clark spoons in the 2 to 2-1/2 inch sizes work well. If you're after Pickerel, suspending minnows on shad darts and small bucktails under a bobber can be very effective in the chillier waters[4].

    So, grab your gear and head out to the Chesapeake Bay. With the right baits and lures, you're in for a great day of fishing. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins