3 OCT 2024 · As we step into the first week of October, the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore and Washington D.C. is offering some exciting fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for today, October 3, 2024.
### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be moderate and sunny, with calm conditions, making it ideal for a day on the water. Daytime air temperatures are cooling down, and the Bay's surface water temperatures have dropped to the lower 70s. Due to the new moon on October 2, tidal currents will be above average, and tides will be higher than normal due to prolonged onshore winds from a low-pressure system off the coast.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:30 PM, giving you ample time to catch both the morning and evening bites.
### Fish Activity
Fishing has been good in the upper and middle Bay areas. White perch are active in the tidal rivers and creeks, particularly in the morning and evening hours. Anglers are having success casting small spinnerbaits and spin-jigs along the shorelines. Bottom fishing with grass shrimp, peeler crab, or pieces of bloodworm on various shoals and knolls is also yielding good results.
In the middle Bay, a mix of spot, croaker, kingfish, northern blowfish, and small sea bass are being caught. The mouth of the Patuxent, Point Lookout, Tangier Sound, and Pocomoke Sound are excellent spots. Bloodworms or bloodworm alternative baits work well for spot and kingfish, while peeler crab is effective for croaker, white perch, and blowfish.
Striped bass, or rockfish, are starting to show up in the back bays and creeks, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Soft plastic jigs are a popular choice for targeting these fish.
### Best Lures and Bait
For white perch, use small spinnerbaits and spin-jigs. For bottom fishing, grass shrimp, peeler crab, or pieces of bloodworm are effective. For spot and kingfish, bloodworms or bloodworm alternatives work well. Peeler crab is good for croaker, white perch, and blowfish. For striped bass, soft plastic jigs are recommended.
### Hot Spots
- **Upper Bay:** The tidal rivers and creeks, especially around the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the Chester River from Chestertown to the Crumpton area, are great for white perch and blue catfish.
- **Middle Bay:** The mouth of the Patuxent, Point Lookout, Tangier Sound, and Pocomoke Sound are excellent for a mix of spot, croaker, kingfish, and small sea bass.
- **Back Bays:** Channels leading towards the inlet, particularly around the inlet and Route 50 bridge area, are good for striped bass and flounder.
With the right lures and bait, and an understanding of the tidal and weather conditions, you're set for a productive day of fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.