I'm excited to share my latest adventure on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, where we chased striped bass and explore everything this beautiful area has to offer. We set our sights on Kent Island, known for its prime fishing spots and stunning views. Despite the chilly weather, we were fired up to get out on the water with our good friend Jeff Little, Tom Weaver, and Dave Sikorski from the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Maryland. The CCA plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of our fishery resources, and it's always a privilege to connect with folks who share a passion for conservation.
I'd like to take a moment to thank our Sponsor of this article, the ACA, please remember to wear your lifejacket when enjoying the water. They have a fantastic online course for anyone thinking about getting into paddle sports. Check out the link for the free course!
Catching Big Striped Bass
Our mission? To catch some big striped bass, stripers, also known as rockfish in these parts. The Chesapeake Bay is a year-round home for these fish. The spring run is an exciting time to be out on the water. One of the advantages of fishing from a boat is the ability to cover more ground than a kayak. Which we certainly did—77 miles to be exact! With the help of electronics and a keen eye on the water, we searched for schools of bait and actively feeding fish. The strategy was all about using light tackle jigging, a technique that requires precision and the right gear. We used heavy jig heads paired with soft plastic swimbaits, slowly jigging them off the bottom to entice those hungry stripers.
Local Guide Tom Weaver
Fishing in these conditions requires a good sense of humor and a bit of friendly competition. Tom Weaver, a local guide, was a great sport as we traded stories and fish sizes. There's nothing quite like the camaraderie on the water, especially when you're giving each other a hard time about who caught the bigger fish. Whether it was a 43-inch striper or just a decent-sized catch, the joy of fishing is in the experience, not just the numbers.
Wear Your Lifejacket
Safety is always a priority, and wearing a life jacket is non-negotiable. It's like a seatbelt—you never know when you'll need it, but when you do, it can save your life. The Chesapeake Bay's open waters can be unpredictable, and it's essential to be prepared. We fished in a spot called Eastern Bay, where we carefully navigated around to avoid spooking the fish. It's all about respecting the environment and the creatures that call it home.
Building Striped Bass Habitat
One of the highlights of the trip was learning more about the CCA's work in building habitats. Their artificial reef-building program involves students and communities in creating reef balls that enhance fish habitats. It's a reminder that conservation is a collective effort, and the work we do today ensures that future generations can enjoy these waters as much as we do.
Understanding the Striped Bass Fishery
As we wrapped up our adventure, I couldn't help but reflect on the importance of understanding the fishery and the habitat. It's not just about catching fish; it's about appreciating the ecosystem and doing our part to protect it. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, there's always something new to learn and discover.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our road trip angler adventure on the Chesapeake Bay. Be sure to check out Tom Weaver at Fish With Weaver on Instagram and Jeff Little's channel, The Little Things, on YouTube for more fishing tips and stories. And remember, always wear your life jacket, dress for the weather, stay safe out there, and keep chasing those big fish!
Tight lines,
Jameson Redding
