Winter Striped Bass Catch & Release in Chesapeake Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Winter striped bass fishing in Chesapeake Bay watersCatch and release trips for up to three guestsCold weather adventure with Salty Siren Fishing guides
Winter fishing in the Chesapeake Bay isn't for everyone, but if you're looking to test your skills against some of the best striped bass action on the East Coast, this is your chance. Captain and crew at Salty Siren Fishing know exactly where these fish stack up during the colder months, and they're ready to put you on them. This top-rated catch and release adventure targets trophy stripers when they're hungry and aggressive, giving you the best shot at landing that fish of a lifetime. With only 3 anglers per trip, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight these powerful fish.
Bundle up because you're heading out into some of the Bay's most productive winter fishing grounds. The cold air might bite, but the striped bass action more than makes up for it. These fish are feeding heavily before moving to their spawning grounds, making them some of the most aggressive fighters you'll encounter all year. Your captain knows the structure, drop-offs, and channels where these bass congregate during winter months. Expect to work deeper water around points, humps, and channel edges where baitfish get pushed around by current and wind. The boat stays comfortable with wind protection, but dress in layers and bring waterproof gear - you'll be handling fish and dealing with spray. Remember, every fish goes back in the water, so have your camera ready for those trophy shots before release.
Winter striped bass fishing in the Chesapeake means adapting your approach to colder water conditions. You'll primarily be jigging with heavy spoons, bucktails, and soft plastics around structure in 20-40 feet of water. The captain provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for these conditions - typically medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle 2-4 oz jigs and the powerful runs these fish are known for. Vertical jigging is the name of the game, working the water column from bottom to surface until you find where they're holding. Live lining spot and working large swimbaits along channel edges also produces when conditions are right. The key is staying mobile and covering water until you locate active schools. These fish move with bait and current, so your captain will keep adjusting position throughout the day to stay on them.
Striped Bass are the main attraction during winter months in the Chesapeake, and for good reason. These fish range from schoolies in the 18-24 inch range up to true trophies pushing 30+ inches and 15+ pounds. Winter stripers are in prime condition, having fed heavily through fall and carrying serious weight. They fight harder in cold water, making long, powerful runs and testing your drag system. The best action typically happens from December through February when fish are staging for their spring spawning migration. What makes winter striper fishing so addictive is the quality over quantity - you might not catch 50 fish, but the ones you do hook are memorable.
Redfish show up as a bonus species, especially around shallow structure and marsh edges when water temperatures allow. Chesapeake reds average 24-32 inches and provide that classic bulldogging fight that makes them so popular. They're not as common as stripers during winter, but when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately by the way they head straight for bottom and stay there.
White Perch might seem like small potatoes compared to stripers and reds, but they're actually a customer favorite for their scrappy attitude and excellent table fare. These fish school up tight in winter, so when you find them, you can catch them steadily. They average 8-12 inches but fight well above their weight class.
Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish are seasonal visitors that show up when baitfish are thick and water temps cooperate. Spanish mackerel are speed demons that test your reflexes with explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Bluefish bring that famous aggressive attitude, often hitting lures multiple times and fighting dirty with their razor-sharp teeth. Both species add variety to your day and keep you guessing what might hit next.
Winter fishing in the Chesapeake Bay offers some of the year's most rewarding angling, but it's not a secret among serious fishermen. Slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during prime conditions. With only 3 anglers per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention from the crew and room to fish comfortably. This world-class fishery produces trophy striped bass that swim in tackle shops and fishing magazines across the country. Don't miss your chance to experience what keeps anglers coming back to these waters year after year. The fish are there, the captain knows where to find them, and that trophy striper is waiting for your next cast.
Step aboard this well-equipped motorboat designed for serious winter striped bass fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip silently through the water without spooking the fish, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots even when the winter weather gets rough. The fish finder helps locate schools of stripers holding in deeper channels and structure. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work lures and fight fish without tangling lines. The boat handles the Bay's chop well, keeping you steady when that trophy bass makes its run. Winter fishing means bundling up, but this setup gets you to where the big stripers are feeding when other boats stay at the dock. Perfect for catch and release fishing when the striped bass are at their heaviest.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that show up in the Bay spring through fall, and they'll tear up anything in their path. These blue-green fighters typically weigh 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find schools in open water, around structure, and even in the surf, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're chasing baitfish. What makes them popular? Pure aggression - they hit hard and fight dirty, plus they're great eating when prepared fresh. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for beginners. Fair warning: always use a wire leader and be careful handling them - those teeth will slice you up. Look for bird activity and surface commotion to find the action.
Sciaenops OcellatusWhile redfish aren't native to Chesapeake Bay waters, they occasionally show up in our southern tributaries during warmer months. These copper-colored fighters are easily spotted by their distinctive black eyespots near the tail - nature's way of fooling predators. They average 28-33 inches and love super shallow water, often with their backs showing above the surface. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around structure in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best chances when water temps climb. What makes them exciting? They're sight-fishing targets that explode on topwater lures and fight hard in shallow water. Here's the key: cast past them and work your bait back slowly - spook them and the whole school disappears.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Chesapeake's signature fish, and for good reason. These powerful fighters typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, with those distinctive dark stripes running down their silver sides. They're structure lovers - you'll find them around bridge pilings, drop-offs, and rocky points, especially in moving water. Winter fishing can be fantastic since they stay active in cooler temps between 55-68°F. What makes them special? The fight is legendary - they'll make strong runs and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when the water's cold, work your bait slower near the bottom around structure. They're less aggressive but still feeding, so patience pays off with bigger fish.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch are abundant year-round in the Bay and make great action when the stripers are finicky. Despite the name, they're actually in the bass family and typically run 7-10 inches, rarely topping a pound. You'll find schools around docks, grass beds, and creek mouths in brackish water. Spring is prime time when they move into shallower tributaries to spawn - April through June is money time. Why do guests love them? They're scrappy little fighters that often come in doubles and triples, perfect for kids and light tackle fun. They're also excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's great pan-fried. Pro tip: use a multiple hook rig with bloodworms or small jigs. When you find one, there's usually a whole school underneath.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel show up in the Bay during summer months, bringing speed and excitement to our trips. These streamlined speedsters average 1-2 feet long with distinctive yellow spots along their silver sides. They're surface feeders that travel in large schools, often giving away their location by birds working overhead. You'll find them in open water around structure and channel edges. Late spring through early fall is peak season when water temps warm up. Guests love the fast action - they're one of the quickest fish in the water and hit lures hard. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's the trick: troll small spoons or cast ahead of the school and retrieve fast. Their razor teeth cut through mono, so use a wire leader.
Annapolis, MD