By Susan Kerr
Tips for Chesapeake Bay Fishing
The Chesapeake Bay's waters lap the shores of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and North Carolina, putting it within a couple of hours' drive of several East Coast metropolitan areas. Along with breathtaking scenery, an abundance of boating sites and many
beaches, the Bay is also a popular venue for those angling for sea bass, rockfish and other fish species.
Licensing
Before packing for a fishing excursion on the Chesapeake Bay, check out the licensing requirements for each state. Most now offer the option of buying a fishing license online or by phone. For both state residents and nonresidents, an annual license in Maryland costs $15.00 and a Virginia license $12.00. Delaware charges $8.50 for residents and $20.00 for nonresidents for annual licenses. If a fishing boat is chartered, its license covers all passengers.
Charters
For the novice, hiring a charter boat is a good first step. The boat's captain and crew are familiar with what species are in season, where the best spots are, daily catch limits, the best places to eat, safe boating practices, and so forth. Rates vary significantly, but a full-day charter usually costs from $300 to $600. Partial-day rates are also available.
Tackle
A charter boat will provide the appropriate tackle for fishing. More free-spirited anglers will need to buy their own rods, lines, lures, bait, nets, reels and so forth. Prices range from about $125 upward to $500 for a beginning set of tackle. However, rods and reels will last for many years while lines will need replacing every year or two.
Gear
Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
Weather varies seasonally on the Bay, so bringing along several layers of clothing is a good strategy. The basics include a tee shirt for a base layer, a long-sleeved shirt for additional warmth or sun protection, shorts or pants (the pants with zip-off legs are very handy for this reason), a windbreaker or rain suit, a pair of leather work gloves, a wide-brimmed hat and shoes with non-marking soles. Do not forget the sunscreen.
Dining
Bluefish
When the day's fishing is over, sample some of the Chesapeake Bay's cuisine. As expected, the region's fish and seafood play starring roles on the menu. Crabs, clams, oysters, bluefish, croaker and sea bass recipes abound, many of them dating back to colonial times. Local mom-and-pop crab shacks often offer the best food for the lowest price, albeit skimping on upscale ambiance.
Resources
About the Author:
Susan Kerr has been a professional writer since 1992. She is the former managing editor of "Pennsylvania Business Central" and "State College Magazine," and is now a contributor to several Faircount Media publications such as "The Year in Veterans Affairs and Military Medicine." Kerr holds a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership from St. Francis University.
Photo Credits:
localism.com,sawyercharters.com,goldmarlin.com
