How To Fishing Methods and Tips

How to go fishing including trolling, jigging, chumming, how to fish with bait, and many forms of fishing techniques often used for fishing the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and for freshwater fishing. If you are a new angler be sure to check out our Fishing for Beginners section.

August 19, 2020
Black drum which derive their name from their black body and the drumming sound that they produce are a popular target for Chesapeake Bay fishing for both beginners and experienced fishermen, from…
August 15, 2020
The dog days of summer are upon us. The ocean is warm, beach sand burns your feet, and surf fishing can be good — really good. This is not the time to try and drag a big monster bluefish or black…
July 30, 2020
Truth: the most effective way to stack Spanish mackerel into a fishbox is trolling for them with planers and spoons. Another truth: this can get thoroughly boring, even when the bite is good, as…
July 28, 2020
Bluegills are a popular recreational fish for beginner fishermen and are primarily concentrated throughout freshwater bodies of water, and in fresh areas of tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay. They…
July 22, 2020
Ribbonfish, otherwise known as cutlassfish, are a popular fishing target throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans and have become a more common catch for those enjoying some Chesapeake Bay…
July 20, 2020
Spadefish are one of the most under-rated sportfish in our region: they’re present in large numbers over wrecks and fishing reefs close to shore all summer long; they make for great table fare; and…
July 18, 2020
Most offshore anglers who go tuna trolling are well aware of the fact that temperature breaks act as offshore structure. Flotsam and bait tend to collect along them, and visible rips may form where…
July 12, 2020
While I can’t promise you the “perfect” formula for catching a sheepshead — or a “criminal” as some folks call them thanks to their striped jumpsuits — I can promise you this much: if you do the work…
June 27, 2020
Most of you will fondly remember last summer’s Spanish mackerel run, which was the best I can ever remember on the Chesapeake Bay. Almost every time I say that, whoever I’m talking with responds by…
June 25, 2020
Mahi-mahi, otherwise known as Dolphinfish, travel in schools and can be found offshore but often wander closer to the shore in the summer—making them a popular inshore fishing target—during the…
June 13, 2020
Some 20 to 30 years ago advances in gear and lures changed the way many of us see Chesapeake Bay fishing. Anglers up and down the shores of the Bay set aside the pool-cue rods, wire lines, and 20-…
June 11, 2020
The Atlantic croaker is a popular recreational fish for both beginner and experienced fishermen that can be found in the muddy and sandy bottoms, making them a popular target for bottom fishing in…
May 30, 2020
Flounder are a popular target searched out by anglers who enjoy Chesapeake Bay fishing, anglers probing the Mid-Atlantic coastal bays, and even many who fish in the Atlantic’s inshore waters. The…
May 26, 2020
You want to hit a tidal creek or river for snakeheads, while maintaining the opportunity for a mixed bag? Small spinnerbaits are just the ticket. Bloody Point Perch Prowlers and similar small…
May 14, 2020
Okay, I’ll admit it up front: in our area black drum don’t get the same respect as red drum. I don’t get it. Together with cobia, these two species make up one of those fishing “Grand Slams” that…
May 4, 2020
We wait all winter for it — and spring on the Chesapeake offers some of the most diverse and challenging striped bass fishing opportunities available anywhere. It also offers the chance to catch a…
April 26, 2020
Known for their beautiful, colorful patterned appearance, and an amazing ability to swim upstream, rainbow trout are a great fish to catch any time of the year. Rainbow trout are special because…
March 29, 2020
Every angler’s definition of fishing success varies, but I’m inclined to believe that each would include the phrase “catch fish.” When an angler says, “it was a beautiful, relaxing day of fishing,”…