Sportfishing Weekly
Cover illustration for “Jigging for Rockfish Under Chesapeake Bay Bridges”

Essay Rockfish Tackle

Jigging for Rockfish Under Chesapeake Bay Bridges

How tide, depth, and piling shape decide where and how to jig.

Priya Subramaniam7 min read

Fishing Regulations · Rockfish Seasons · Rockfish Tackle

A blog and newsletter on Chesapeake Bay rockfish and seasonal fishing calendar and What to expect on a charter day.

Cover illustration for “Light Tackle Casting for Bay Rockfish in Shallow Water”

Essay Rockfish Tackle

Light Tackle Casting for Bay Rockfish in Shallow Water

How to cast light tackle to shallow rockfish and release them well.

Garrett Okonkwo · 8 min read

Cover illustration for “Trolling Umbrella Rigs for Chesapeake Bay Rockfish”

Essay Rockfish Tackle

Trolling Umbrella Rigs for Chesapeake Bay Rockfish

This rig covers depth and distance by balancing frame design with trailing bait placement.

Marcus Thibodeau · 8 min read

Cover illustration for “Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing Prices and What They Include”

Essay Fishing Regulations

Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing Prices and What They Include

Know what's bundled into the charter rate before dividing the cost among your group.

Priya Subramaniam · 8 min read

Depth and position relative to current further change how fish orient, so neighboring pilings are not interchangeable.
From Jigging for Rockfish Under Chesapeake Bay Bridges
Cover illustration for “What to Expect on a Chesapeake Bay Rockfish Charter”

Essay Fishing Regulations

What to Expect on a Chesapeake Bay Rockfish Charter

Learn when to book, what gear the crew provides, and how the season shapes your fishing method.

Priya Subramaniam · 8 min read

Cover illustration for “Federal Waters Striper Rules Near the Bay Mouth”

Essay Fishing Regulations

Federal Waters Striper Rules Near the Bay Mouth

Boats must know whether they're in state or federal waters, as stripers are banned in the EEZ.

Delores Ybarra · 9 min read

Cover illustration for “ASMFC Striped Bass Management Plan Explained”

Essay Fishing Regulations

ASMFC Striped Bass Management Plan Explained

How slot limits, bag rules, and quota cuts work together to rebuild a depleted stock.

Marcus Thibodeau · 9 min read

Cover illustration for “Chesapeake Bay Fishing License Requirements by State”

Essay Fishing Regulations

Chesapeake Bay Fishing License Requirements by State

Freshwater licenses don't cover the Bay's tidal waters in Maryland or Virginia.

Priya Subramaniam · 10 min read

From the archive

  1. 01Essay Fishing RegulationsChesapeake Bay Rockfish Catch-and-Release Best PracticesDelores Ybarra · 10 min read
  2. 02Essay Fishing RegulationsVirginia Striped Bass Regulations on the ChesapeakePriya Subramaniam · 11 min read
  3. 03Essay Rockfish SeasonsChesapeake Bay Rockfish Population Trends and Stock AssessmentsMarcus Thibodeau · 9 min read
  4. 04Essay Rockfish SeasonsChesapeake Bay Rockfish Season Dates by StateDelores Ybarra · 9 min read
  5. 05Essay Rockfish SeasonsSummer Rockfish Locations in Deep Bay ChannelsDelores Ybarra · 10 min read
  6. 06Essay Rockfish SeasonsWinter Catch-and-Release Rockfish Season RulesMarcus Thibodeau · 10 min read
  7. 07Essay Rockfish SeasonsFall Striper Migration in the ChesapeakeMarcus Thibodeau · 10 min read
  8. 08Essay Rockfish SeasonsChesapeake Bay Rockfish Spawning Run TimingDelores Ybarra · 11 min read
  9. 09Essay FeaturesMaryland Rockfish Size and Bag Limits for the Current YearDelores Ybarra · 10 min read
  10. 10Long read FeaturesLive Lining Spot for Big Chesapeake StripersMarcus Thibodeau · 12 min read