Posted Thursday, April 14, 2011
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Chesapeake Beach Fishing in Maryland
 Chesapeake Beach, Maryland is located on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, where the Bay and Fishing Creek intersect. Tall sandstone cliffs can be found at the city’s southern end. Because of the constant wave action of the Bay, along with other elements of erosion, some of the sand has found its way into the Chesapeake, forming shallows and sandbars. These areas provide protective nurseries for several fish species, which in turn provide food for larger predatory fish species. Needless to say, Chesapeake Beach is a haven for fishermen. The town supports excellent marinas and a great fleet of fishing charter boats.
Some of the best Chesapeake Bay fishing can be found on boats out of Chesapeake Beach. The best angling usually runs from April through November, when the rockfish season begins, some time around the middle of April. Check out the general fishing guidelines for Chesapeake Beach below.
Black Drum
 If you’re itching to fish before trophy striper season opens, head out in March for some black drum fishing. Black drum are often caught on crabs, and the fish can grow to enormous sizes. In fact, individuals weighing over 100 pounds have been caught. These fish are fun to catch, but the big ones aren’t good to eat. Smaller drum weighing five pounds or less, often referred to as “puppy drum,” make for some good eating, however!
Rockfish
Also known as stripers, rockfish are the most sought after fish in the Chesapeake. During the spring trophy season, fishermen will have the opportunity to catch some very large striped bass, including a few individuals that measure more than forty inches in length. Rockfish are usually caught by trolling or casting artificials.
Flounder
In early May, the flounder start biting. These fish are usually caught on or near the bottom, while fishing with artificial baits or live fingerling fish. Flounder don’t get huge, but because of their flat shape, they put up quite a fight. These are perhaps the tastiest of the fish in the Bay, with mild white flesh. The flounder in the Chesapeake can often be landed until late October.
Croaker and Spots
Both these small fish species start biting in late spring and can be found throughout the Bay, especially in shallow areas. Easy to catch, plentiful, and excellent in the frying pan, spot and croaker are great to target when you’re fishing with kids or with beginners. Both of these species usually bite well into the fall months.
Weakfish and Spotted Seatrout
These two species are similar in appearance, size, behavior, and taste. In fact, some anglers have a hard time distinguishing the two. Usually landed on artificials, shrimp, or live minnows, these fish are highly prized for their excellent flesh. Weakfish and trout might be caught by drifting, bottom fishing, casting, or trolling.
Bluefish
Blues are very aggressive fish that can be tempted by a wide variety of baits, including dead shrimp, cut bait, artificials, and live bait. Once hooked, they put up quite a fight. The flesh is somewhat bloody, but if you know how to prepare it for cooking, it can be quite tasty.
Black Sea Bass
Another warm-weather resident of the Chesapeake, black sea bass are usually found on or near the bottom, near structure. This might include rocks, wrecks, or artificial reefs. Their flesh is delicious, and it’s highly prized by chefs.
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