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Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update: Snakeheads, Catfish, and Offshore Action
Artificial Lure's Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report
May 10, 2025
Mornin' anglers! Artificial Lure here with your weekend fishing update around the Chesapeake.
The weather's been cooperating nicely this week, with warm conditions perfect for getting out on the water. Sunrise was at 5:58 AM today with sunset coming at 8:07 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to cast those lines.
Snakehead fishing has been nothing short of excellent this spring! The Potomac Creek tributaries are absolutely loaded with them right now. One lucky angler pulled in a monster 30.5-incher this past week. For the best results, try working those topwater frogs over the emerging grass flats and hydrilla fields. Both Maryland and Virginia sides of the Potomac are producing well, and don't sleep on the Rappahannock around Fredericksburg and Port Royal.
Catfish action remains hot and heavy. Blues are biting well in the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James. If you're hunting trophy cats, head to the Susquehanna where folks are reporting catches of blue cats up to 40 pounds! Simple bottom rigs baited with worms have been producing impressive numbers - one angler reported 45 fish in a single outing earlier this week.
For those looking to target tautog, the CBBT islands and Bay structures are still producing strong catches, but remember that Virginia's tautog season closes on May 15th, so only five more days to get after them.
Drum action is picking up nicely along the Virginia Beach area. For the big ones, try cut mullet, bunker, or peeler crab. If you're after those puppy drums, switch to shrimp or bloodworms in the inlets and rivers.
Important note for striper enthusiasts: the closure remains in effect for all Maryland waters of the Bay. The season reopens on May 16th, but not in all areas, so check the Maryland DNR regulations map before heading out.
Offshore, the deep-droppers are hauling in blueline and golden tilefish, snowy grouper, blackbelly rosefish, and spiny dogfish. Trollers are connecting with yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and the big mahi are showing up in good numbers.
Hot spots this weekend: For snakeheads, try Potomac Creek's grass flats. For trophy blues, the area around Port Deposit and Havre De Grace is your best bet. If you're after sheepshead, the CBBT structures have been reliable.
That's the word from the water today, folks. Remember to check your regulations, especially with striper season changes coming soon. Until next time, tight lines and full coolers!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Published on 7 months, 1 week ago