Where to Fish
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel spans a 20 mile long gap of the lower Chesapeake Bay. The bridge was voted "One of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World," according to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel website. Fishing from this marvel is possible in the right spots. The Sea Gull Pier, near the southernmost of the four man-made islands at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, is a fishing-permissible area. There is a 625-foot wheelchair accessible ramp to this fishing pier. You do not need a fishing license to fish from this pier.
Species and Crabs
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Rockfish, bluefish, drum, speckled trout, flounder, spot and croaker fill the waters of Chesapeake Bay. Fishing from the Pier allows for opportunities to catch any of these sport species. In addition, it is permissible to drop a crab pot into the waters off the pier and try for blue-shell crab. Due to the man-made islands of the Bay Bridge, striped bass conglomerate around the concrete where the current is blocked.
Tackle and Gear Choices
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The folks at Light Tackle Techniques for Chesapeake Bay Bridge report success using ¾ or 1-ounce jig heads with 2/0 to 4/0 hooks with soft-plastic baits such as Bass-Assassins, Bass Kandy Delights or Mann's HardNose jerkbaits at the bridge piers and pilings. They also talk about "matching the catch," meaning they match the size of their bait to the size of the larvae and hatchlings in the water during the time of year they fish. During the summer months this equates to four to six inch lures.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
