Calvert Cliffs Opening Day

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Mid Bay
Location: Calvert Cliffs

I timed my arrival at Breezy Point to miss the morning rush hour at the ramp. 3 fishers jigged the Calvert Cliffs discharge stream from about 0930 until 1400. A couple of boats anchored just out of the stream near the discharge outlet, partially obstructing access. We found creative ways in, though. Very little on the scope, a few small pods way out on the edges of the stream, nothing in close. Jigging unproductive. I tried an alternate rock fishing technique which paid off just after the flood started with a 35.5" striper over very rough bottom. Again, nothing on the scope. Fish didn't want to come to the boat, giving my Mitchell 300 a good test. The anti-reverse release feature allowed line in or out without flipping the bale, which aided in adjusting to depth changes during the drift. Had a second good hit but no hookup. Then the mini bite went cold. A little bit of trolling on the way back with no results.