| Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby: |
|---|
| Captain Tom Hughes |
| Captain Russ Wilkinson |
Fishing conditions: May is an unpredictable month. The spawn is just about over and the largest stripers are headed south in the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. Once there they will head north along the Atlantic Coast. Maryland Sector of the Chesapeake Bay Look for stripers around visible and underwater structures from the Rt. 50 Bridge south to Poplar Island. Last week there were some nice stripers caught around Bloody Point.
Inshore temperature: 64 Degrees F
Offshore temperature: 62 Degrees F
Type of bait fish are feeding on: Menhaden, shad, herring, perch, eels, and crabs
Fish species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, White Perch
Fishing season: All Year Long
Nearest airport: Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Recommended fly fishing leader: 7 ½ Foot Leader
Recommended fly fishing tippet: 20 Pound Test
Best fly fishing rod: 9' 9 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: Striper WF
Best sinking fly line: Density Compensated Full Sink
From April 1st until May 3rd the Susquehanna Flats, headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, is an excellent location to catch that once in a lifetime striped bass in skinny water. A 9 or 10 weight rod is the best choice here, with a large arbor reel attached. This outfit allows you to cast large flies on topwater, or if they’re deep, a 5 inch half and half sinking clouser.
From May 4th until May ...
Using Sinking Fly-Line Short Striping the Fly - Cast the fly and count it down to the desired depth. The rod tip should be parallel and very close to the water surface during the retrieve. Start stripping swiftly in no more than 2' increments at a swift speed. Repeat this until you catch a fish or the fly is back at the boat.
Resident stripers are starting to show up in the Maryland Sector of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Once they school up tight (summer pattern) there will be plenty striped bass to catch with a fly rod or on light tackle.
