Fishing Report for October 27th, 2017

Striped Bass

Over the last week we’ve seen plenty of fish being caught but most have been smaller (unders). Reports of bigger fish (overs) are being caught from the Chester down to the Choptank River. In the Annapolis area, most of the larger fish have moved out towards the mouths of the rivers. Areas like Round Bay and the Upper Magothy produced some decent fish which were suspended in 25 feet of water along channel edges.

Though keepers are still being caught in these areas, the majority of these fish, especially overs, are holding out towards the mouths of these rivers. This is also the case in the Eastern Bay down to the Choptank.

Primary methods for wrangling stripers has been with plastics such as BKDs, Bass Assassins, Striper Snipers and Z-Man’s, jigging on 1/2 to 3/4oz Hard Head Jig heads with Chartreuse or White patterns. Sting Silvers have also been working well. The sting silver is a popular one that is a time-honored favorite as it almost perfectly resembles a silverside or bay anchovy.

The topwater bite seems to remain present around jetties and grass beds on ledges with Smack-it’s and Zara Spooks. However, this last high-pressure system that moved in brought cold air and a significant water temperature drop that is likely to end very quickly, unless a warm front moves in.

The troll bite around the mouth of the rivers has been phenomenal, barring the right ebb and flood tide relevant to the time of day. Anglers around the Severn and South River have been hard pressed not to pull together limits of fish, mainly on double drop umbrellas and white Hard Head Custom Baits in 1 to 4oz. Still look for the channel edges and places where stripers can ambush bait, as large schools are still hanging on ledges and breaking frequently. Do yourself a favor, get on the downtide away from the smaller fish, and go at it! Chumming is still a valid option barring you can find a bunker and don’t mind a dirty boat. Get out on Hackett’s and Podickory Point in 25 to 28 feet of water on an ebb tide.

White Perch

It’s jigging time guys and gals, one of our favorite times of the year! The hardest part of catching big black backs is just finding them. Never fear, a simple pattern change is just that, a pattern change! Oyster beds and hard bottom under 20 to 27 feet of water is a great place to look, just turn the fishfinder on, start cruising and ready the anchor. Surprisingly enough, gold sting silvers as well as 1 oz. P-line jigs have been producing a nice grade of fish. These resemble smaller bullhead minnows and Perch can’t resist. If you aren’t interested in catching them on artificial baits, the good news is that minnows, grass shrimp, bloodworms, and razor clams are a fantastic option. As well on #4 or 6 baitholder hooks attached to an ounce of weight down on the bottom.

Pickerel

It’s that time of the year! We’ve been hearing some good reports out of the Magothy and Severn Rivers that pickerel fishing is ON! Search for those grass beds and rock jetties using spinners (maybe on old fashioned Mepps?) or an Angler’s favorite, shad dart and some 1” Berkley Gulp minnow. Expect things to get better over the coming weeks!

Show Us What You Caught!

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