Tips on Catching Striped Bass in the Chesapeake

Fish Where They Live

Striped bass are an inshore fish that can be found in the Chesapeake and its rivers and estuaries. They are not usually found more than 5 miles offshore and prefer deep, clear water between 65 to 70 degrees. Use a fish finder to tell you water depths and temperatures to target striped bass.

Fish Rivers and the Bay

They migrate from salt water to fresh water in the spring to spawn and are found in the bay's deep channels in the summer and winter, so fish the rivers and estuaries in the spring and progress into the bay waters in the summer, fall and winter.

Troll With Live Bait

Striped bass feed at night, typically eating any kind of small fish, crabs and squids. They go for live, excited bait; shad, herring, eel and shiner have all been used with success. Use a cast net to catch fresh live bait; soft plastic jigs, crankbaits and spoons are also good options.

Fish the Edges of Shipping Channels

The steep edges of the shipping channels at Bloody Point, Thomas Point, Breezy Point, Cove Point and Hooper's Island Light have been known to produce a good catch when the Chesapeake surface temperature begins to warm up. Use a nautical chart to locate shipping channels and these landmarks as well as deep water where striped bass are known to live and feed.