– Advertisement / Advertise with Us –

Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report for August 29 – September 4, 2025

August 30, 2025

This week’s Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report was packed with insight from two veteran captains. Offshore specialist Captain Russ of Top Notch Charters joined the show to break down marlin fishing, gear setups, and how to read offshore conditions for success. Later, Captain C.L. Marshall of Tangier Sound Charters shared big news about upgrading his boat to a Parker 2510 and reported on the strong red drum, speckled trout, and bluefish action in the bay. Host Steve guided the conversation as both captains highlighted the importance of preparation, specialized gear, and adapting to conditions to maximize your chances on the water.

Conditions Recap

Warm late-summer water has fish feeding aggressively in both offshore and inshore areas. Offshore currents are pushing bait south, setting up strong marlin activity near the Norfolk Canyon and surrounding waters. Nearshore, bait schools pinned on the surface have drawn in speckled trout, bluefish, and puppy drum. Structure and edges in 30–50 feet have also been productive, especially around channel ledges and ballast stone piles that hold sheepshead and red drum. Weather conditions remain changeable, and captains emphasized safety, preparation, and reading the water daily to adjust.

Offshore Report with Captain Russ

Captain Russ detailed what makes late summer prime time for white and blue marlin, with circle hooks and light tackle (30 lb test with fluorocarbon leaders) producing the best hookup ratios. His spread includes dredges, teasers, and ballyhoo rigged with O-rings for natural presentation. He noted the importance of respooled reels, fresh leaders, and having contingency plans for changing conditions offshore.

Along with marlin, anglers are finding tuna and gaffer mahi scattered along weed lines and floating debris, with the occasional wahoo mixed in. Russ also explained how to use temperature breaks, chlorophyll charts, and current direction to locate fishable water when planning trips.

Gear Spotlight: Penn Fathom reels spooled with 30 lb line, 80 lb fluorocarbon leaders, and circle hooks rigged with ballyhoo are his go-to setup for targeting marlin while ensuring healthy releases.

Inshore & Bay Report with Captain C.L. Marshall

Captain C.L. Marshall shared exciting news about upgrading to a Parker 2510, giving his operation more deck space, safety, and versatility. He reported steady topwater action for bluefish and striped bass (rockfish), with schools of bait pinned near the surface leading to boiling topwater bites. He’s been using heavy mono leaders to save lures from sharp bluefish teeth.

Speckled trout and puppy drum action is heating up, especially around grass beds and shallow flats. Wake baits and popping corks with soft plastics are producing consistent strikes. Meanwhile, deep-water red drum fishing has been excellent at night with fresh live bait, and unexpected sheepshead catches on large circle hooks over ballast stone structure highlight just how diverse the Chesapeake fishery is right now.

Gear Spotlight: C.L. recommends a 2500–3000 size spinning reel spooled with 15 lb braid and an FG-knot connection to a fluorocarbon leader. For trout and puppy drum, Yo-Zuri wake baits and popping cork rigs with soft plastics remain staples. For red drum, he favors 8 oz sinkers on fish finder rigs with 80 lb leader and circle hooks.