Largest & Hardest Fighting Stripers Now Available (w/pics)

I’ve been looking forward to this since last spring…a chance to land some large and hard fishing striped bass in Maryland Chesapeake Bay. It finally happened…….

Dave Heath contacted me on Monday asking me if I would like to join him light tackle fishing out of Buzz’s Marina in Ridge, MD. We would meet at a Royal Farms Store (we use it as a Park & Ride) on Rt. 97 approximately 2 hours north of the ramp. Once we arrived I had an opportunity to meet and talk with the owner, Mike. I’ve heard he’s a character and that he is. He will give you a up-to-date fishing report, help you launch your boat, and act as a doctor giving first aid to those when needed.

We headed out to the fishing grounds just off the shipping channel where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. We had 2 hook ups within 3 minutes after we stopped over a large school of healthy, fat, hard fighting, and drag pulling stripers.

What a Beautiful Sight

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Just look for some large birds, like gannets or sea gulls working the water, come in up current from them, and start a drift. It won’t be long before your screen lights up and you have the opportunity of catching one or more of these stripers. Light tackle equipment with a large, heavy jigging spoon or a 7 inch soft plastic baits, rigged on a 1 or 1 1/2 ounce jighead, are very productive. Don’t waste any time getting the lure to the bottom and start jigging it immediately. Watch the sonar screen if all the fish are on the bottom keep the lure close, or on the bottom. If they are suspended, start jigging the lure on the bottom and then jig it through all the water columns.

These Lures Work

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We landed fish from 23 inches to 32 inches with only one little 17 inch striper, which I had the pleasure of catching. It was well worth the drive ‘down south’. Thanks David for the memorable catching trip.

David with one of the Smaller Stripers

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These fish should stay around through December. If you do plan to go down, dress warm and be safe on the water. It is cold enough to give you hyperthermia if you fall in. If you’ve put your boat away, call a local guide to enjoy a day on the Chesapeake Bay.

Be safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday.

• This topic was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Capt. Tom Hughes.