Chesapeake in September query [Archive]

WildmanSpecial

02-06-2004, 06:47 AM

I know it is way early but I was wondering what kind of fishing to expect next September when I'm at a conference at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay at Choptank River on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Since I haven't fished that far south (mostly Boston area), what species are around that time of year? Too warm for stripers? I'd love to get into some Spanish Mac...

Thanks for the info to get me psyched up!

Wildman

Eric L

02-08-2004, 12:51 PM

I know it is way early but I was wondering what kind of fishing to expect next September when I'm at a conference at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay at Choptank River on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Chesapeake Bay is like a big brackish resevoir -- totally unlike what you are used to fishing in the Northeast. In September upper/mid Bay (=Choptank area) will have fishing for schoolie stripers (mostly under 24 inches), 1-3 lb blues, weakfish (="grey trout" locally) and, if you head a bit further south, small spanish mackeral (1/2-3 lb). You absolutely, positively need a boat, since most of the fishing is along channel edges and public shore access is extremely limited. Most fishing in the bay is chum/bait or troll. However, in the Fall you can look for pods of breaking fish and use flies or spin tackle to catch fish. If you are lucky enough to find breaking fish make sure to see what's feeding below. Often there are larger fish, including weakfish, below the surface activity. If you want to try more conventional fishing (ie casting lures or flies to structure) either head up the Bay and fish the pilings of the Bay Bridge, or head south and fish the pilings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel in VA. I know that this information is probably not what exactly what you want to hear, but it's better to be prepared in advance than unprepared and disapointed later. The access and quality of the New England inshore fishery blows away what Chesapeake Bay has to offer.

Regards,

Eric