Maryland and Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report
From Ocean City, Taylor Bakke of Always Bent Fishing OC reported that he had just returned from a trip to the Outer Banks where he was fishing for bluefin tuna, but noted that the local fisheries are coming to life. Freshwater species are back in play now that the ponds have thawed, he said, and a couple of guys in Ocean City have plucked schoolie stripers in the back bays. Water temps are still pretty chilly, but Bakke believes a few warm days will do a lot of good for the striper bite in the backwaters and marshes. With a warm front coming, which will bring temperatures into the 50s and low 60s, better days of fishing are ahead.
Captain Jamie Clough of Eastern Shore Light Tackle Charters reported that he finally got back out on the water today to scout for upcoming trips. He and Captain Mike used their electronics to search for fish in the fog and eventually found a few nice schools in warmer water close to shore. Big white paddletails were the ticket, yielding a number of schoolies and a respectable fish for the skipper in low-visibility conditions. They’ve got some availability coming up, so head to the ES Light Tackle Charters Facebook page for rates and contact info to get in on the action. The fishing should only improve from here…