Striped bass season reopened in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay. For anglers targeting striped bass in the middle to upper bay area, prime locations include Poplar Island. Early morning is the best time to fish around the rocks here, using topwater plugs and subsurface plugs like Rapala X-Raps. Another hotspot is the Bay Bridge, particularly around the eastern side of the bridge, where fish can be found in 10-30 feet of water. Live lining spot around the bridge pilings is an effective technique, especially when the tide slows down or fishing pressure is high.
Additionally, mid-size bluefish have made a strong showing in the southern part of the bay, and they can also be found in some areas of the middle bay. Poplar Island remains a consistent area for bluefish in the middle bay section. To locate bluefish, look for bait balls along the channel edges. Often, you’ll see them breaking the surface, indicating a productive spot to cast your line.