Tips on Fishing the Chesapeake Bay

Water Quality

Algae blooms, runoff and similar water quality issues can have a direct impact on a Chesapeake Bay fishing experience. For example, exceptionally muddy waters in an otherwise clear estuary may require you to change your lures to a brighter color to successfully attract the bay's fish. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources website provides real-time updates on the water quality of popular fishing spots in Chesapeake Bay (see Resources), so you can make an educated decision on how to prepare for your fishing trip.

Licenses

All anglers must obtain a fishing license from either Maryland or Virginia, the two states surrounding the Chesapeake Bay. Contact Maryland's sport fishing bureau at (800) 918-2870 to obtain a Chesapeake Bay license. An annual Maryland bay license costs $15 for residents and non-residents alike. Alternatively, you may obtain a recreational fishing license from Virginia at (800) 541-4646. This license costs $30 for residents and $48 for non-residents.

Catch Limits

Anglers operating in Chesapeake Bay must adhere to the catch limits imposed in the bay to ensure the sustainability of bay fishing. Regulations change yearly depending on the current fish populations. Rarer fish, such as grouper, are extremely limited while common fish like scup can be caught in large quantities. Individuals who catch fish beyond the current limitations must release the fish back into the bay.

Locations

Select your location on the bay depending on what you wish to catch. Certain regions are known to be better than others. For example, the shoals along the mouths of the Chester and Magothy Rivers are popular for schools of fish, such as perch and croakers. Meanwhile, sharks and rays are typically common in the northern regions of the bay while various crab species can be found at the outlet of the Elk River.