It’s the offseason in the Chesapeake Bay. However, anglers who are equipped to handle the cold can try fishing some of the tributary rivers. There, you could be hooking into some Crappie or Perch.

You’ll need to wait a little more to go fishing in the bay. Try finding a guide to explore some of the local rivers, and you may have some luck fishing for Catfish or Crappie.

As the waters are getting warmer, so is the catch and release Striped Bass action. You can also try fishing the back rivers for some Blue Catfish or Carp.

Spring is an amazing time to go fishing for big Rockfish! You won’t be able to keep any yet but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the thrill of the hunt.

The first two weeks of May often feature a limited trophy Rockfish season. This means you may get to keep one if regulations allow! The standard Striped Bass season starts in the second half of May.

The waters are teeming with White Perch, Spotted Seatrout, Redfish, and Striped Bass. This is the prime time to go fishing, so make sure you grab the opportunity. 

The Rockfish season may be closed for a portion of July, including catch and release fishing. Check the regulations and try fishing for Spanish Mackerel, White Perch, or Bluefish instead.

Bass should be on the menu again! If you’d like some more variety, Spotted Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, and Redfish should all be biting.

For anglers looking for some delicious panfish, White Perch is a great option this time of year. Otherwise, jump back on that Rockfish bite while the weather is still warm.

October? More like Rocktober! Appropriately named, this month is when Striped Bass will be going into a feeding frenzy. For anglers looking to put some fish in the freezer, now’s the time.

While the weather may be getting colder, the fish should still be biting. It’s the last month where anglers will be able to keep Striped Bass, so make sure to use the opportunity. 

There should still be some Striped Bass around but it’s all catch and release fishing. As the winter sets in, try exploring some of the tributary rivers for Perch, Crappie, or Catfish.