Chesapeake Bay Bonanza: Targeting Fall Fishing Hotspots for Red Drum, Stripers, and More

As of October 9, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia is buzzing with excitement for anglers. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Conditions
- **Tidal Report**: Expect a high tide around 8:30 AM and a low tide around 2:30 PM, with moderate tidal currents.
- **Weather**: Today will be partly cloudy with a gentle breeze, perfect for a day out on the bay.
- **Sunrise and Sunset**: Sunrise is at 7:07 AM, and sunset will be at 6:24 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.

### Fish Activity
The fall transition period is in full swing, with water temperatures in the mid-70s, making it an ideal time for fishing. Yesterday saw a mix of species actively biting:
- **Red Drum**: Anglers reported catching red drum up to 50 inches, particularly in the Rappahannock and around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT). These fish are starting their migration south, so the lower bay is a hotspot.
- **Striped Bass**: The striped bass fall season has just opened, and anglers are catching them near Point Lookout and in the Whitestone area. Under-slot striped bass and some larger ones are being caught.
- **Speckled Trout**: These are moving into the shallows over grass beds and are actively feeding. Anglers caught speckled trout up to 19 inches in the Whitestone area and inside Lynnhaven Inlet.
- **Bluefish**: Schools of bluefish are abundant, especially around the Target Ship, with fish ranging from 20 to 30 inches. They are constantly moving to chase baitfish, so covering a lot of ground is key.
- **Flounder**: Flounder fishing is at its peak, with large catches reported in the bay’s inner regions and around ocean structures. Live Spot is proving to be an effective bait.

### Best Lures and Bait
- **Lures**: Five-inch chartreuse Jerk Shad and four-inch Gulp paddletails in purple tiger on 3/8th ounce jigheads are hot baits for red drum, striped bass, and speckled trout. For bluefish, trolling surgical tubes is effective.
- **Bait**: Live shrimp, peeler crabs, and live Spot are working well for various species. For sheepshead, fiddler crabs are the top choice, but peeler crab, green crab, or sand fleas can also work.

### Hot Spots
- **Point Lookout**: This area has been consistent for catching a mix of redfish, speckled trout, stripers, and bluefish.
- **Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT)**: A major staging ground for migrating fish like cobia and red drum. The pilings and shipping channel are great spots for sheepshead and other species.
- **Lynnhaven Inlet**: Inside the inlet, speckled trout and puppy drum are actively biting, making it a great spot for those targeting these species.

With the right lures and bait, and knowing the best spots, you’re set for a productive and exciting day of fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Tight lines