As of September 29, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the recent windy conditions.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with moderate winds, making it a bit challenging for boaters but ideal for those who prefer calmer waters. The sunrise is at around 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:43 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide expected around 10:30 AM and low tide around 4:30 PM.

### Fish Activity
Fall fishing is in full swing, and the cooler temperatures have activated a wide range of species. Striped bass are very active, particularly in the upper Bay. Anglers have reported breaking schools of striped bass at the mouth of the Severn River and around Fort McHenry. The topwater bite has been excellent in the early morning hours around rock jetties, old pilings, and other structure.

Weakfish are also making a strong appearance, with some impressive 25- to 30-inch fish being caught inshore around Ocean City. Sheepshead and tautog are biting well in the bays, and there are reports of speckled trout and red drum in the mix.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, half-ounce jigs and Z-Man paddletails are working well, especially when fished near structure. Topwater lures like blue Chug Bugs are also producing numerous blowups in the first hour of the morning.

For white perch, small spinnerbaits, spin jigs, and small jigs tipped with bloodworms, fishbites, or peeler crab are effective. Bottom rigs near promising shoreline structure are also yielding good results.

For bottom fishing, bloodworms, lugworms, and fishbites are attracting spot, perch, and croaker. Live spot or similar-sized live fish, as well as Gulp baits in pink or white on a jig head, are catching the largest flounder.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: This area has been a hot zone for striped bass, with schools swimming around the mouth of the river up to Fort McHenry. Live lining with spot has been particularly effective.
- **Love Point**: Known for its excellent action on rockfish while live lining with spot. The area around Buoy 13 along the shipping channel near Baltimore Light and Bodkin Point is also loaded with fish.
- **Belvedere Shoal and Six and Seven Foot Knoll**: These locations are excellent for bottom fishing, with plenty of spot, perch, and croaker available.

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse and exciting fishing experience this fall, with many species active and ready to bite.