As of October 25, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 50 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:04 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM, making the mid-tide periods ideal for fishing.

### Fish Activity
Striped bass, or rockfish, have been the main attraction in the Upper Chesapeake Bay. The Patapsco River, especially around the old Key Bridge and the shipyards, has been a hotspot. Anglers have reported catching over 30 fish in a single day, with most being under the slot size but some reaching up to 22 inches. Jigging has been highly effective, and using fish finders to locate schools has been crucial.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, jigging with metal jigs or using live spot has been very successful. On overcast days, topwater lures close to shorelines have also produced excellent results. For bottom fishing, rigs tipped with bloodworms, peeler crab, lug worms, or Fishbites are working well for catching croaker, spot, and small flounder at river mouths and shoal areas like Seven Foot Knoll and Fort Smallwood.

### Other Fish
White perch are active in open water and inshore areas near structure such as docks, rip-rap shorelines, and marshy shorelines. Light tackle with small spinners and jigs is effective for catching them. Additionally, puppy drum (red drum) are still present in the shallows, though most are under the slot size.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: Specifically around the old Key Bridge and the shipyards for striped bass.
- **Seven Foot Knoll**: For bottom fishing targeting flounder, croaker, and spot.
- **Fort Smallwood**: Good for catching croaker and spot on bottom rigs.

Overall, the Upper Chesapeake Bay is providing a lively fishing scene this October, with a variety of species and effective tactics to try.