Image Left: Anglers Owner Mike Holds up two Brown Trout he caught in Western Maryland!
Image Right: Anglers Prostaff Alex shows off a huge Striped Bass he caught while fishing in the south bay area!
The Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report has ARRIVED!
Upper and Middle Bay
- Exciting times for anglers as trophy-sized Striped Bass make their seasonal appearance! While the typical depth for successful catches is around 30 feet, there’s a twist this year – some monsters have been unexpectedly reeled in from super shallow waters, ranging from 2 to 6 feet deep. The mystery of their unusual behavior adds an extra layer of excitement to the pursuit of these magnificent fish! Striped Bass continue to be a target around flocking birds, signaling the presence of migrating baitfish. The favored methods for successful catches are jigging and trolling, with trolling taking the lead. Using either an umbrella or tandem rig while trolling has proven to be the preferred and effective approach for anglers aiming to capitalize on the excitement surrounding these actively feeding Striped Bass!
- Blue catfish are proving to be an excellent alternative for anglers facing challenges with the striped bass bite. These invasive and hard-fighting fish not only offer an exciting battle but also provide a generous amount of meat to stock up your freezers. Targeting blue catfish is particularly straightforward, especially in the winter months with dropping water temperatures. While catfish, in general, are known to go for various lures and baits, blue catfish have a preference for cut soft crab or cut bunker. Armed with this knowledge, anglers can enhance their success and make the most of the winter fishing season!
- Great news for anglers seeking pickerel action! The pickerel bite is at its prime, with these predatory fish actively hunting smaller prey. Given their nature as ambush predators, anglers can maximize their success by targeting pickerel around shallow water grass or structure. For those looking for a tried-and-true lure recommendation, the Zman Willow Vibe paired with a 3.75-inch plastic has proven to be a favorite among our own staff here at Anglers. This winning combination is a surefire way to entice and hook some good-sized pickerel!
South Bay
- Trophy Striped Bass Fishing is picking up! These prized fish are displaying a wide variety of depth preferences, with the most common being around 30 feet. However, an unusual winter pattern is creating unique opportunities to catch trophy-sized Striped Bass in as little as 3 feet of water—a deviation from the norm that adds an extra layer of excitement to the angling experience. While flocks of birds typically signal the presence of migrating baitfish pursued by Striped Bass, there’s been a recent decrease in the frequency of these avian indicators. Nevertheless, anglers are finding success through two favored methods: trolling and jigging. Trolling, in particular, has been coming out on top, offering exceptional opportunities to connect with Rockfish!
- Excellent insights for white perch anglers! These fish are currently staging deep, starting at around 30 feet with a hard bottom. Given their inclination to move and stage in warmer, deeper waters, traditional spinners may not be as effective. The go-to solution is a bottom rig, and Anglers recommends the Chesapeake Sibiki Rig for its depth-reaching capabilities and regulatory compliance with Maryland waters, boasting only 2 hooks. To enhance your success, tipping these rigs with live or artificial bait proves to be the perfect strategy. Prepare for a rewarding day of white perch fishing and a cooler filled with these tasty catches!