This is Captain Walt's home, and while he is familiar with all of the bodies of water he fishes, this is by far, the body of water he is most intimately familiar with. From Tangier Sound north to the Susquehanna River, there are many opportunities for some trophy class fish, depending on the time of year. Trophy Striped Bass fishing begins at the end of March when huge egg laiden Striped Bass make there way to the Susquehanna Flats area of the upper Chesapeake to spawn. This is a "catch and release only" fishery as we need these fish to spawn and repopulate the species. It is common to catch 30 pound class fish, and not uncommon to catch 50 pound class fish. Even though these fish must be released unharmed, there are always photo opportunities for you to get a picture of you with your trophy. In addition, measurements can be taken (Weight, Length, Girth) so that along with your picture, Captain Walt can arrange for a fiberglass reproduction mount to be made for you.
The "catch and release" fishery ends in early May. Then these huge fish can be intercepted further down the Chesapeake as they make there way out of the Chesapeake Bay. Trolling is the preferred method here and now that these fish have "spawned out" you may keep one or two depending on the regulations at the time. This type of fishing remains productive through June. After June, Chumming begins to become the preferred method of catching Striped Bass. That lasts into the fall when once again Trolling becomes active. In addition there are numerous locations in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake where casting towards structure of some kind is very very productive. The Maryland portion of the Chesapeake also offer excellent opportunities for Hickory Shad (catch and release only), White Perch, Flounder, Bluefish, Spanish Mackeral, Croaker and Yellow Perch depending on the time of year.
