As of September 27, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area is buzzing with activity, making it an excellent time to get out on the water.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 68 degrees and a low of 55 degrees. Winds will be moderate, coming from the east at about 10 mph. Tides are crucial; today's high tide is at 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM, with water temperatures hovering around the mid-60s.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 6:47 PM, providing ample daylight for both early morning and late evening fishing trips.

### Fish Activity
The fall transition is in full swing, and fish are actively feeding to fatten up for winter. Striped bass, or rockfish, are schooling up and chasing baitfish, particularly in the Upper Bay. The open water jig bite is picking up, especially in the Patapsco River, with schools of striped bass around the mouth of the river up to Fort McHenry.

In the Middle Bay, the shallow water bite is heating up, with slot red drum, speckled trout, and rockfish being caught near shallow structure. Light tackle with paddletails and other artificials is proving effective.

### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Yesterday saw a good mix of species. Striped bass were plentiful, with many schoolies and some keeper-sized fish caught. Puppy drum and slot red drum were also common, especially in the shallows of the lower Potomac and Eastern Bay tributaries.

White perch fishing has been excellent, particularly near riprap and around the Naval Academy Bridge in the Severn River. Bluefish, although less numerous, can still be found in deeper water areas, and some bull red drum and cobia are lingering in open water.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, half-ounce jigs and Z-Man paddletails are working well, especially when fished around structure. Topwater lures like the Heddon spook and blue Chug Bug are also producing results in the early morning hours.

For white perch, small spinnerbaits and bottom rigs tipped with bloodworms, Fishbites, or peeler crab are effective. For red drum and speckled trout, paddletails and other artificials near shallow structure are the way to go.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: The mouth of the river up to Fort McHenry is a hot zone for striped bass.
- **Severn River**: The area around the Naval Academy Bridge is great for white perch.
- **Love Point**: This spot has been productive for live liners using spot for striped bass.
- **Choptank River**: Shallow waters here are ideal for catching slot red drum and speckled trout.

With the cooler temperatures and abundant baitfish, now is an excellent time to hit the Chesapeake Bay. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations and enjoy the fall fishing season.