Tactical Angler: Fishing Tactics

Fishing tactics and techniques used on the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding freshwater fishing areas are covered in depth.

December 6, 2024
December of 2023 and into January of 2024 was utterly epic striped bass action for Middle Chesapeake Bay anglers, as swarms of massive 40-plus-inch rockfish flooded the area and chewed on plentiful…
November 1, 2024
Raise your hand if you heard about swordfish hitting the docks last year, the epic bluefin action that cranked up early last December, or the nonstop bottom fishing action that capped off the…
October 15, 2024
The absolute adrenaline rush and unforgettable battle that follow an explosive topwater strike are moments that every novice angler should have the privilege of experiencing. Let’s dive into the…
October 12, 2024
These days, Chesapeake Bay anglers face a real problem when it comes to catching a striped bass for dinner: Argh — it stretches to 18.75! Argh — the tape shows 24.25! With a slot limit of 19” to 24…
October 5, 2024
An October wahoo will slice off hooks and lures faster than you can read a single word in this sentence, hit inline swivels to de-rig your line, shake free even when solidly hooked, and are tougher…
September 23, 2024
It’s October and you’re itching to get out for a few hours of largemouth bass fishing? You know of a certain little lake that has a good supply of fish and the time feels right to get onto some good…
September 12, 2024
You’ve made it to the river – finally, away from all your stress and responsibilities – in pursuit of some mean ‘ol smallmouth bass. You find a juicy looking bunch of isolated boulders to cast at.…
August 27, 2024
We get just three months to target cobia on the waters of Chesapeake Country and for many anglers, those 90 days are more exciting than any other season. As we go to press with the September edition…
August 19, 2024
The hunt for speckled trout during the warmer months can be particularly tricky. Many of our shallow water grass flats are ghosts of what they were in the spring, and increasing water temps have left…
August 8, 2024
Smallmouth bass are awesome fighters, and can make a day on sweet-water thoroughly exciting. You’ll fin this species in both rivers and reservoirs, and targeting smallish smallmouth in streams can be…
August 8, 2024
Those who have gone night fishing for striped bass already know that the night bite is often the right bite. At some times of the year it's virtually the only path to success, and at others it will…
August 8, 2024
Early fall is a great time to target swordfish at the Mid-Atlantic canyons. The fish are in feeding mode, but the weather is still fairly predictable and overnighters are possible for those who haven…
August 8, 2024
Being successful offshore depends on knowledge and skill, and relates less to luck than most other forms of fishing. Why? Because it isn’t as simple as putting a worm on a hook and waiting for a bite…
July 27, 2024
Docks offer built-in habitat for small fish and crustaceans, which then attracts predator species like striped bass looking for an easy meal or a place to hide from the bright sun. Whether it was…
July 4, 2024
Gray triggerfish are an interesting—and frustrating—target for anglers especially when hitting the inshore wrecks along the DelMarVa coast. Though they’re common throughout the Mid-Atlantic region…
June 28, 2024
For the past few years we've seen a terrific cobia bite in the lower and lower-middle Chesapeake Bay, as well as inshore along the DelMarVa coast. If you pay attention to our Way South Chesapeake…
June 28, 2024
One of the bright spots in Chesapeake Bay fishing in recent years has been the abundance of cobia. The season of 2021 wasn’t quite as hot as the blockbuster of 2020, but then 2022 and 2023 were…
June 23, 2024
Is the heat of summer giving you the blues, when it comes to jigging for stripered bass? Well, here’s some good news—it always feels cooler out on the water. So when sweat starts pouring down your…