Episodios

  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Snakeheads, and Offshore Action Abound

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Snakeheads, and Offshore Action Abound
    May 25 2025
    Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning fishing report for May 25, 2025, straight from the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.

    The waters are finally settling down after that heavy rainfall we had earlier this month. The Conowingo Dam had been in spill conditions, making the lower Susquehanna River and Way North region pretty muddy, but things should be improving nicely by now.

    Big news for striped bass anglers - the season opened on May 16th in certain areas of the Bay, but remember that the Way North region remains closed until June 1st. Make sure you check the Maryland DNR regulation map to know exactly where you can and cannot target stripers right now.

    Snakeheads (or as the DNR calls 'em, "Chesapeake Channa") are absolutely on fire right now in the tidal tributaries. They're very active this time of year, holding close to grass beds and structure. Paddletails have been working great for these aggressive fighters.

    Down in Virginia waters, we're seeing some excellent action offshore with big Mahi being hauled in regularly, alongside good catches of Yellowfin Tuna. King Mackerel have also been making a strong showing recently.

    For those looking to try their luck with some bottom fishing, deep dropping has been productive. The coastal bays are showing improved flounder fishing, and sea bass season is now open.

    If you're targeting catfish and white perch, the tidal tributaries should still be holding plenty despite the recent muddy conditions.

    Hot spots for today: I'd recommend trying the tidal creeks around the lower Bay for those snakeheads - they're absolute bulldogs on light tackle. For offshore action, head out from Virginia Beach for a shot at those Mahi and Yellowfin. The Chester River downstream from the line between Hail Point to Long Point to Ferry Point has been productive for various species.

    Lure-wise, paddletails are your best bet for snakeheads, while traditional bottom rigs will work for the perch and cats. Offshore, the standard spreader bars and skirted ballyhoo are getting it done.

    Tide is running mid-cycle today, so plan your trips accordingly. Sunrise was around 5:45 AM and sunset will be about 8:20 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get on the water.

    That's all for now, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and hope to see you on the water!
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    3 m
  • Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Forecast for the Chesapeake Bay

    Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Forecast for the Chesapeake Bay
    May 24 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Saturday, May 24, 2025.

    We are heading into the Memorial Day weekend with fine weather across the region. Expect light breezes through the morning, highs pushing into the low 80s by afternoon, and partly cloudy skies. Sunrise today was at 5:49 AM and sunset will be at 8:14 PM, giving you a long window to get out on the water.

    Tides are running strong today, with an early morning high incoming around 8:15 AM and a low tide just past 2:40 PM. Fish should be more active around the moving water, especially around sunrise and again at dusk.

    In the lower bay, the first wave of big red drum has arrived off Virginia’s Eastern Shore and inside the mouth of the bay. Reports out of Lynnhaven Inlet and around Cape Charles are showing solid catches by boats chunking fresh peeler crab or menhaden, as well as anglers trolling big soft plastics and heavy bucktails along the channel edges. Drums are being caught in good numbers, with a few pushing over 40 inches making for memorable battles[5].

    Sea bass season is now open, and boats running to the wrecks and reefs just offshore are coming back with full coolers. Closer to shore, the flounder bite has picked up in the coastal bays and around the mouth of the Bay Bridge Tunnel, with Gulp swimming mullet on jig heads and live minnows producing steady action[5].

    Spot and small croaker have moved into their summer haunts, particularly around the Bay Bridge piers, the mouth of the Elizabeth River, and the deeper holes at Hampton Roads. Using bloodworms or Fishbites on bottom rigs is the ticket. Most spot are running three to six inches, perfect for live-lining if you are trying for bigger stripers or blues[3].

    The striped bass season in Virginia is open, and early risers drifting around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, the James River Bridge, and the western shore rocks are getting into decent numbers, especially on ebbing tides. Top choices are six to eight-inch paddle tail swimbaits, bucktails tipped with plastic shads, and live spot if you can catch them. The outgoing tide right before sunset is also producing some nice fish on topwater plugs along the rip rap and marsh edges[2][3].

    Speckled trout and bluefish are also being caught in good numbers back in the creeks and grass flats of the southern bay. Popping corks with Gulp shrimp or MirrOlures in natural colors have been hot, especially at dawn and dusk[2].

    For the best shot at a mixed bag, hit two hotspots: try the pilings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for stripers, flounder, and the odd big drum, and check out the inside bars of Lynnhaven or the grassy flats in Poquoson for specks and blues. Don’t forget to bring a few live spot, and some peeler crab or fresh menhaden for bait.

    That’s the scoop for today. Stay safe on the water, respect your fellow anglers, and tight lines!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report - May 23, 2025: Stripers, Flounder, Spot, and More!

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report - May 23, 2025: Stripers, Flounder, Spot, and More!
    May 23 2025
    Hey y'all, Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 23rd, 2025.

    Folks, we're hitting that sweet spot where the water's warming up nicely across the Bay, sitting right around 70 degrees. The striped bass season has been open for about a week now in Virginia waters, with a 20-28 inch slot limit and one fish per day. Anglers have been having good luck at the Bay Bridge, Patapsco River, and Chester River. If you're working the shallows, focus on shoreline points, docks, and rip-rap, especially during strong tidal movements.

    Speaking of tides, we've got a falling tide through mid-morning today, so plan accordingly. Sunrise was around 5:50 AM and we'll have sunlight until about 8:20 PM, giving you plenty of time on the water.

    Flounder fishing has really picked up in the past week or so, particularly around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. They're hitting squid and cut bait pretty well. Bring your minnows if you want the bigger ones.

    The spot are running strong right now, especially around the Bay Bridge, river mouths, and Six and Seven Foot Knolls. They're perfect size for live lining, mostly 3-6 inches. Bottom rigs or Chesapeake sabiki rigs with Fishbites or bloodworms are your best bet.

    Croakers have also shown up, though they're running on the small side, under the 9-inch minimum. Look for them mixed in with the spot.

    For you offshore folks, there's been good news with Mahi and Yellowfin Tuna being caught in decent numbers. King Mackerel have been making a strong showing too.

    Don't sleep on those Chesapeake Channa - they're feeding aggressively right now in the tidal rivers and creeks of the upper Bay. Look for them near grass beds and structure. For you tournament anglers, don't forget about the "Snakes on the Dundee" tournament coming up June 7th at Gunpowder Falls State Park.

    Gray trout (weakfish) action has been steady, with some nice catches reported using squid, peeler crabs, and live spot.

    Hot spots this week: Definitely hit the CBBT if you're after flounder, the Bay Bridge area for spot and stripers, and any of the grass beds in the tidal rivers for those Channa.

    Weather's looking mighty fine today, so get out there and wet a line. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and full coolers to y'all!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update: Flounder, Trout, and More as Conditions Improve

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update: Flounder, Trout, and More as Conditions Improve
    May 21 2025
    Howdy, folks! Artificial Lure here with your mid-week fishing update for the Chesapeake Bay area on this fine Wednesday morning, May 21st.

    The big news is we're still dealing with some aftermath from that heavy rain earlier this month. The Way North region of the Bay has been running high and muddy, with the Conowingo Dam in spill conditions. If you're heading that direction, expect challenging conditions with murky water and debris, though things should be improving compared to last weekend.

    Remember, striped bass season opened May 16th in certain areas of the Bay, but the Way North region remains closed until June 1st. Check the Maryland DNR regulation map if you're unsure about boundaries - don't want anyone getting ticketed!

    For those looking to bend a rod today, flounder are showing up in better numbers throughout the Bay and coastal waters as we hit that sweet 70-degree water temperature. They're feeding during daylight hours, so hit the inlets, coastal bays, and structure like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Fresh squid, live bait, or cut bait have been producing nice catches.

    Gray trout (weakfish) are also becoming more active throughout the Bay. The smaller ones are taking bottom baits while the bigger specimens in the 5-10 pound range are hitting trolled lures and live bait. Try squid, peeler crabs, shrimp, or live spot if you can get 'em.

    Croakers have made their spring arrival and are providing steady action, especially for folks fishing light tackle with bloodworms, squid, or cut fish. They're schooling with spots in many areas around the Bay.

    Down in Virginia waters, the first waves of big red drum have arrived, and the sea bass season is now open. If you're looking to head offshore, reports indicate big mahi and yellowfin tuna are being caught, with king mackerel making a good showing recently.

    Hot spots this week include the CBBT structure for flounder, the tidal tributaries for catfish and white perch, and Virginia's coastal bays for improving flounder action.

    For those planning their day, we've got sunrise at 5:52 AM and sunset coming at 8:14 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get after 'em.

    That's the word from the water today, folks. This muddy water should continue clearing up if we don't get more rain, so fishing should only improve as we head toward Memorial Day weekend. Until next time, keep them lines tight and them fish biting!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Mahi, and the Elusive Channa

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Mahi, and the Elusive Channa
    May 19 2025
    Hey there, anglers! This is Artificial Lure coming at ya with your fresh Chesapeake Bay fishing report for this fine Monday morning, May 19th, 2025.

    The waters are heating up and so is the action! With temperatures now approaching 70°F along the coast, we're seeing that mid-May transition in full swing. The striped bass season opened just a few days ago on May 16th, and folks are already reporting good catches. Remember your regulations - in Virginia waters you've got until June 15th, with a 20-28 inch slot size and a one fish per day limit[5].

    Those big mahi are starting to show up offshore, along with some nice yellowfin tuna. King mackerel have been making a strong appearance lately too[1]. If you're heading out deeper, don't forget your deep dropping gear - that's been producing consistently.

    Inshore, flounder fishing is picking up nicely in the coastal bays[2][4]. They're daytime feeders, so no need for those early morning runs. Try around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel with squid, live bait or cut bait for best results.

    Gray trout (weakfish) are active throughout the Bay now. The smaller ones are hitting bottom baits while the lunkers are taking trolled offerings or live spot. Fresh squid, peeler crabs, and shrimp have all been producing[4].

    For you catfish hunters, blue cats are biting well in the Potomac and Rappahannock[3]. Always a reliable target when other fish get finicky.

    The wild card this season is those Chesapeake Channa that are in a feeding frenzy right now. They're holding near grass beds and structure in the tidal rivers and creeks. If you're looking for a challenge, try throwing paddletails around vegetation[2][5].

    Hot spots this week: The St. Mary's River has been giving up some nice puppy drum, with a few being caught by anglers live-lining small spot at night[3]. Also, check out the CBBT pilings for flounder and the mouth of the Rappahannock for a mixed bag of species.

    Bait-wise, bloodworms, squid and cut fish are your best bet for panfish, while larger lures and live baits are working for the predators.

    That's all for now, folks. Remember to wet those lines often and release what you don't need. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines until next time!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Flounder, Croaker, Trout & More Biting Across the Bay

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Flounder, Croaker, Trout & More Biting Across the Bay
    May 18 2025
    Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your Chesapeake Bay Virginia fishing report for Sunday May 18th 2025

    Sunrise rolled in at 553 am with sunset coming up at 808 pm. Skies are mostly clear today with air temps climbing into the upper 70s perfect for a day on the water. Winds are light and variable and the tide schedule favors morning and evening fishing with a moderate incoming tide just after sunrise and a falling tide in the afternoon.

    Water temperatures are pushing 70 degrees and that’s sparked a real uptick in fish activity across the Bay and along our coastlines. The flounder bite has turned on in a big way. Anglers are pulling nice keepers from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and in deeper channels near Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets. Squid strips, cut bait, and Gulp swimming mullets are all getting hits in 15 to 30 feet of water. Try drifting with live minnows or working bucktail jigs tipped with soft plastics for your best shot at a doormat flattie[4].

    Croaker season has arrived strong and they’re abundant from the Hampton Roads piers to the mouth of the James River and all along the CBBT. They’re hitting bloodworms, fishbites, and small strips of squid on bottom rigs. Light tackle is all you need for a bend in the rod and a bucket of tasty panfish[4].

    Gray trout, also known as weakfish, are another hot bite right now. Look for them in the lower Bay, especially around structure and channel edges. They’re taking squid, peeler crab, shrimp, and live spot, with some larger fish coming to those slow-trolling live bait rigs[4].

    Striped bass season opened May 16 in Virginia waters with a 20 to 28 inch slot and a one fish per day limit. Look for schoolies prowling shallow flats at first and last light. Jigging soft plastics like BKDs or paddle tails around drop-offs, or tossing topwater plugs early in the morning, has put fish in the box for many anglers[5][1]. Remember to check the slot and local regs.

    Surf fishermen are reporting red drum and bluefish showing up in better numbers along the Virginia Beach stretch and into the lower Bay. The drum are taking peeler crab and fresh cut bunker while the bluefish prefer metal spoons or mullet rigs[3].

    If you are looking for hot spots this weekend, try setting up near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for mixed-bag action on flounder, croaker, and stripers, or drift the edges of Lynnhaven Inlet for flatties and gray trout. For those on foot, the Buckroe Fishing Pier and James River Fishing Pier are always reliable for croaker and spot.

    Best of luck out there and tight lines.
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Sheepshead, Drum, and Bluefish Bites for Mid-May

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Sheepshead, Drum, and Bluefish Bites for Mid-May
    May 17 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Saturday, May 17, 2025.

    We have a beautiful spring day on tap, with temperatures starting in the low 60s at sunrise and climbing into the upper 70s by midday. Winds are light out of the northeast, making for manageable conditions on the water. Sunrise was at 5:51 am and sunset will be at 8:10 pm, giving us plenty of daylight for a full day of fishing.

    Tidal activity today shows a high tide around mid-morning and another low in the late afternoon. This sets up well for targeting structure and drop-offs during moving water, especially around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the mouth of the James River.

    Let’s talk fish action. The Chesapeake Bay is heating up, literally and figuratively. Anglers are reporting steady catches of sheepshead around bridge pilings and structures—crabs or fiddler crabs on a bottom rig are your best bet here. Tautog fishing has been strong but note the season ended on May 15. For those looking for drum, both red and black drum are making appearances near the CBBT and Eastern Shore shoals. Use cut mullet, bunker, or fresh peeler crab for the big ones, while bloodworms work well for puppy drum in the rivers.

    Piers and surf are producing puppy drum, black drum, trout, and some small bluefish. If you’re after bluefish, metal spoons and shiny lures or cut bait are working well. Spanish mackerel are showing up for trollers using small Clark spoons—try trolling them along the channel edges for best results. Speckled trout can be found in the surf and inside the inlets, hitting on soft plastics and live bait.

    Flounder are starting to pick up; live minnows, mullet, and white or chartreuse gulps rigged on a flounder rig have produced bites, especially near Lynnhaven Inlet and the Cape Henry wrecks.

    Offshore, anglers are reporting action with big mahi and yellowfin tuna for those willing to make the run. Inshore, deep droppers are catching blueline tilefish and even some snowy grouper.

    Hot spots to try today include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for sheepshead and drum, and the mouth of Back River for trout and flounder. The piers at Virginia Beach are consistent for a mixed bag, especially early in the morning.

    To recap on baits and lures: crabs and fiddlers for sheepshead, cut bait and peeler crab for drum, metal spoons and Gotcha plugs for bluefish and Spanish mackerel, and soft plastics or live minnows for trout and flounder.

    Tight lines out there, and stay safe on the water. It’s shaping up to be a classic mid-May day on the Bay.
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Drums, and More - Kickoff of 2025 Season

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Drums, and More - Kickoff of 2025 Season
    May 16 2025
    CHESAPEAKE BAY FISHING REPORT
    May 16, 2025
    By Artificial Lure

    Mornin' anglers! Today's the day many of y'all been waitin' for - the first segment of the 2025 striped bass season kicks off right here in the Chesapeake[1]. The water's warmin' up nicely, and fish activity is pickin' up all over the Bay.

    The big news this week is those first waves of red drum have shown up in Virginia waters[1]. If you're after these bruisers, load up on cut mullet, bunker, or crab - peelers work real good this time of year[5]. For the smaller puppy drum, switch to shrimp or bloodworms and try the Virginia Beach pier where they've been catchin' plenty[5].

    Chesapeake Channa are in a feedin' frenzy right now, especially up in the tidal rivers and creeks of the upper Bay. Look for 'em near grass beds and structure. Paddletails and similar lures have been gettin' the job done[1].

    Tautog fishing remains strong along the CBBT islands and Bay structures, but remember the Virginia tautog season closes tomorrow on the 15th - wait, that was yesterday! Season's closed now, folks[5].

    For you coastal anglers, black sea bass season just opened mid-month and they're out there in good numbers[3]. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel has been a hot spot. Just outside the Bay, there's been good action for yellowfin tuna and some early mahi showing up. Deep-droppers are coming back with blueline tilefish, golden tilefish, and even some snowy grouper[5].

    Flounder fishing is improvin' in the coastal bays[1]. Live minnows, mullet, or those white and chartreuse Gulp baits on a flounder rig are your best bet[5].

    Hot spots this week: The CBBT islands for tautog (catch and release now), the lower Bay around the Virginia Beach pier for drum and trout, and the grass beds of Gunpowder Falls for those hungry Channa[1][5].

    Hickory shad fishin' is slowin' down in the Susquehanna as they're heading back to the ocean, but you might still catch stragglers[1].

    For you blues chasers, some small ones are being caught at Virginia Beach pier, but we're all hoping those big choppers from last year make a return soon. Keep them doodlebugs and cut mullet ready[3][5].

    Remember to check them striped bass regulations before heading out today - the rules vary by area and can change without much notice[3]. DNR's got a regulation map showing what areas are open, catch-and-release only, or closed to striped bass fishing[1].

    That's the word from the water today, folks. Tight lines and bent rods to ya!
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    3 m
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