As of September 26, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the challenging weather conditions.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be cool, wet, and breezy, marking the transition into what locals call "Rocktober." Daytime temperatures are milder, while nights are cooler, which has cooled the main Bay surface water temperatures to the lower 70s. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM. Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 6:47 PM.

### Fish Activity
Fish are actively feeding as they prepare for the coming winter. Striped bass, particularly slot fish between 19 and 24 inches, are being caught in good numbers. Anglers are finding them near the mouth of the Patapsco River, the remaining piers of the Key Bridge, and around Love Point. Live-lining spot along channel edges and jigging with soft plastic jigs are effective methods.

White perch fishing remains strong, especially in the morning and evening hours. They are being caught in about 10-15 feet of water using small spinnerbaits, spin jigs, and bloodworm-flavored Fishbites on bottom rigs. The Severn River and areas near the Naval Academy Bridge are hot spots for white perch.

Bluefish are still present, with larger ones being caught near the main channels and around the Target Ship. Trolling spoons and surgical tube lures in red or green, or jigging with metal jigs, are working well for these fish. Smaller bluefish, known as "snappers," are also being caught while trolling small Drone spoons.

Weakfish and sheepshead are also active, with weakfish up to 25-30 inches being reported in the upper Bay. Sheepshead and tautog are being caught in the bays, particularly around structure like rock jetties and old pilings.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, tandem lures, soft plastic jigs, and live-lining spot are highly effective. White perch are biting on small spinnerbaits, spin jigs, and bloodworm-flavored Fishbites. Bluefish are being caught with spoons, surgical tube lures, and metal jigs. For weakfish and sheepshead, traditional baits like squid and minnows, as well as Gulp baits in white or pink, are working well.

### Hot Spots
- **Mouth of the Patapsco River**: Excellent for striped bass using live-lining spot and jigging with soft plastic jigs.
- **Severn River**: Great spot for white perch, especially near the Naval Academy Bridge.
- **Love Point**: Another good location for striped bass, using similar tactics as the Patapsco River.
- **Target Ship**: Ideal for catching larger bluefish while trolling spoons and surgical tube lures.

Recreational crabbing is also thriving, with many areas producing full bushels of crabs, particularly in waters between 6 and 10 feet deep.

Overall, despite the windy conditions, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse and active fishery, making it a great time to get out on the water.