As of November 8, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore and Washington D.C. is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the mild and breezy weather. Here’s what you need to know for today’s fishing trip.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Expect moderate, breezy weather with average flows in the Maryland rivers and streams. The new moon on November 1 has resulted in above-average tidal currents on Wednesday and Thursday, which will continue to influence fishing conditions. Water temperatures in the main Bay are in the low 60s, while the rivers are slightly cooler.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM, giving you ample daylight to hit your favorite spots.

### Fish Activity
Striped bass fishing is particularly good in the lower Bay, where anglers are enjoying excellent jigging and trolling along the main channels and the mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Many of these striped bass are measuring over 24 inches, providing great catch and release action. The cooler water temperatures have improved the survivability of catch and release striped bass, so you can fish with confidence.

In the Upper Bay, localized success for striped bass can be found in areas like the Patapsco River, the channel near Love Point, and around the Bay Bridge. Trollers are doing well using umbrella rigs with five-inch shad baits or tandem rigs with similar profile baits along drop-offs and channel edges.

White perch are moving to deeper waters as the temperatures drop. They can be found over oyster reefs in the lower sections of tidal rivers and around the Bay Bridge. Jigging with metal jigs and a small plastic jig tied in above, or using bottom rigs baited with grass shrimp or pieces of bloodworm, are effective methods.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, casting 1/2- to 3/4-ounce jigheads paired with 5- to 7-inch plastics is working well. Trollers are successful with umbrella rigs and tandem rigs featuring shad baits. For white perch, metal jigs with a small plastic jig or bottom rigs with grass shrimp or bloodworms are recommended.

### Hot Spots
- **Lower Bay:** The mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers are hot spots for striped bass.
- **Upper Bay:** The Patapsco River, particularly the mouth and areas around the shipping docks, seawalls, and riprap shorelines, are holding good numbers of striped bass.
- **Bay Bridge:** This area is excellent for both striped bass and white perch, especially around the rock piles.

Yesterday saw a mix of catches, including striped bass, white perch, and even some blue catfish in the upper Bay. With the right lures and bait, you should be able to find some action today. Good luck and tight lines