LOCATION: Chesapeake Bay
SPECIES: Striped Bass
UPDATE: March 1, 2010
FISHING CONDITIONS: Bay waters are very cold so warm water discharges at power plants are your best way to get out for some action.
WATER TEMPERATURE: Mid Bay 37 Degrees, Lower Bay (CBBT) 42.8 Degrees, Near Coastal 41
MOST COMMON BAIT: Bunker and other baits not identified at this time
“MUST HAVE” FLIES IN DESCENDING ORDER OF IMPORTANCE:
- Large, heavy Clouser deep minnow pattern, Chartreuse and white
- Large bunker patterns and half and half’s
RECOMMENDED LEADER: 16 to 20 pound test, 7 ½ foot or 9 foot.
BEST FLY ROD AND REEL OUTFIT: 9 weight with large arbor reel
IDEAL FLY LINE TYPES: Full sink line in the fastest sink rate.
SPINNING REEL OUTFIT: Six foot, medium, fast action rod with reels loaded with braided line in 20 or 30 pound test. 3 to 4 foot Leader in matching test fluorocarbon.
BEST TECHNIQUES: If you fish a powerful discharge like I do, you will find the best areas are behind the main discharge, along the outer edges of the discharge and a sweet spot at the point where the flow is slowing down. In any of these locations cast your fly up current and let the line pull the fly so it mimics bait caught in its flow. No retrieves are necessary, simply let the bait go. Use a powerful strip set when you feel the hit.
COMMENTS: With air temperatures reaching low 50 today I know spring is getting closer. Look for improving conditions and migration to start. Start planning for Susquehanna Flats on the upper Bay for chances to catch really big Striped Bass on poppers in shallow water.
7-DAY OUTLOOK: Let’s get out there this week and see what can be caught at the mid bay power plants. Hopefully the Nor Easter slated for this week will settle and leave us a few wind free days.
