Fishing
The Chesapeake Bay offers a wide selection of fishing opportunities that many fishermen will find to be rare and unique. Since this area is brackish, freshwater and saltwater species can be found in the bay throughout the year. The major game species of the Chesapeake Bay include croaker, shad, striped bass, largemouth bass, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, black drum, puppy drum, black sea bass, sea trout, white marlin, dogfish shark, sand shark, summer flounder, bluefish, and shad. These populations are diverse, as well as numerous. Of the many species in the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic croaker is one of the most abundant. This fish can be caught throughout the entire year in all locations of the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is among the several places that are great for croaker fishing. Fishermen targeting croaker should equip medium weight rods with a line of 10 to 20 pound test and bottom rigs. These bottom rigs should have medium size hooks and a 2 or 3 ounce weight, depending on the weather conditions. Ideal baits include minnows, squid, nightcrawlers, and blood worms. Spot can be caught using the same fishing tactics that are used to catch croaker. The flounder is also a popular target among Chesapeake Bay anglers. This fish is a bottom feeder, so it will be necessary to equip a rod with bottom rigs. Unlike the croaker and spot, this species does not roam the Chesapeake Bay. In order to catch a flounder, it is necessary to seek out dips in the bay floor. Flounder often reside in these areas, so casting a line with squid into one of these areas will often provide results. For most bay fishing, bottom rigs are the best option available. Trolling can also be used to catch a variety of species including bluefish. This species is often caught at 15 inches or more and puts up a strong fight. Trolling at a speed of 3 to 6 miles per hour is usually effective. Largemouth bass can be caught in large abundance in the upper Chesapeake Bay in the areas known as Havre De Grace and Swan Creek. Diving crank baits, buzz baits, and jigs are the best tackle options for largemouth bass fishing.
Facilities
Throughout the Chesapeake Bay area, there are numerous facilities and accommodations available for public and private use. These include marinas, boat rentals, marine specialty shops, tackle shops, piers, boat landings, grocery stores, restaurants, and lodging. 
Size and Characteristics 
The Chesapeake Bay is a very large body of water. It covers a total surface area of 4,479 square miles. This bay is 300 miles long and varies in width. In Maryland, it is 4 miles wide. It expands to as wide as 30 miles in Virginia. 

Both freshwater and saltwater anglers will find that the Chesapeake Bay is ripe with opportunities for fishing of many different styles. It is the perfect location for a day on the water with the family or a serious day of large game fishing.

	Advertise your Guide Service here: We are looking for accomplished guides to list their services on FishAssist.  Please contact us at advertise@fishassist.com
	Advertise your Local Business, Lodging or Marina on FishAssist.  To list please contact us at advertise@fishassist.com