As of October 12, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is seeing a mix of conditions that are affecting the fishing.

### Weather and Tides
The weather has been quite erratic lately, with east winds churning up the bay and causing dirty water in some areas. However, this is expected to settle down, with clearer skies and cooler temperatures prevailing. Tides for today are moderate, with high tide around 9:30 AM and low tide around 3:30 PM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at 6:15 PM, providing a good window for both morning and evening fishing trips.

### Fish Activity
Despite the windy conditions, fishing in protected areas has been productive. In the Middle Bay, redfish have been on fire, particularly in the creeks off the South River. Anglers have reported catching multiple redfish, many just under the slot, along with some rockfish in the slot and a few overs and unders.

In the Lower Bay, the fall bite is in full swing. Striped bass, puppy drum, and speckled trout are being caught in good numbers. The shallow water bite is heating up as water temperatures cool, making it ideal for species like redfish and striped bass. Bluefish schools are still active, especially around the Target Ship, with fish ranging from 20 to 24 inches and some up to 30 inches.

### Best Lures and Bait
For redfish and rockfish, paddletails and other artificials near shallow structure have been effective. Five-inch chartreuse Jerk Shad and four-inch Gulp paddletails in purple tiger on 3/8th ounce jigheads are hot baits. Small spinnerbaits near riprap have also been good for white perch. For bluefish, trollers are using number one and two planers with surgical hoses and small metal spoons.

### Hot Spots
- **South River Creeks**: Protected areas here are filled with bait and have been producing a lot of redfish and some rockfish.
- **Target Ship Area**: This has been a consistent spot for bluefish, with many fish in the 20- to 24-inch range.
- **Rappahannock River**: Deeper water here has yielded slot red drum and some larger bull reds while jigging Stingsilvers in 30 to 40 feet of water.
- **Western Shore from Tolly Point to the Power Plant**: Decent rockfish action has been reported in this area, including some over-slot fish.

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse and exciting fishing experience as the fall season sets in. Just be prepared for variable weather conditions and adjust your fishing spots accordingly.