Tough Times for Stripers on the Upper and Middle Bay

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Central
Location: Upper and Middle Bay

Usually I�m posting stories and pictures in the winter for yellow perch slabs, but I am writing to discuss local striped bass fishing.

I�ve fished from Podickery Point to Chesapeake Beach, Bloody Point and the rivers for the past two months and the fishing�s been dismal. The only luck I�ve had has been catching under limit fish. I've only had two keepers and that�s after multiple trips burning 100+ gallons of fuel.

I'm not sure if this is the worst fall fishing I�ve ever experienced or if local tackle shops are exaggerating the quality of catches. I've talked to many people about this. From charter captains to my neighbors and we agree it�s been a dismal fall and we hope it turns around.

I caught the one sub-legal striper at Chesapeake Beach. I think it�s time to put the boat on the blocks and pray for a better 2019 because this year has been worse than awful.

I'd like to make a recommendation for the folks at the Department of Natural Resouces. Catch and release only for 2019 and 2020 trophy season.