As of November 7, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia is offering some exciting fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your day on the water.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 48 degrees. The winds will be light, coming from the northwest at about 5 mph. Tides are crucial, and for the Lower Chesapeake Bay, you can expect a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.

### Fish Activity
November has become a prime month for fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, with the striped bass bite really picking up. Anglers in the Potomac River are reporting good success with striped bass, particularly when using small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad. In the tributaries of the Rappahannock, stripers and puppy drum are keeping lines tight, with some speckled trout also being caught.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a noticeable uptick in striped bass catches, especially in the upper end of the slot. Puppy drum were also plentiful, though just short of the slot size. Redfish are becoming less common, but you can still find them in areas like Gwynn’s Island. Sea bass are abundant at the various reef sites scattered throughout the Lower Bay.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, using small metal spoons or lures like bucktails and tandems is highly effective. In the shallows and docks, casting with lures that mimic baitfish, such as 5-inch diesel minnows on a jig head, can yield great results. For redfish, two-to-four-inch Gulp baits have been working well. If you're targeting sea bass, fishing around the artificial reef sites with standard bottom rigs baited with shrimp or fishbites is a good strategy.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the Potomac River, particularly near St. George's Island and the bridge areas. The tributaries of the Rappahannock, such as around Gwynn’s Island, are also producing good catches. For sea bass, the artificial reef sites on both sides of the Lower Bay are excellent places to fish.

Overall, it's a great time to be on the water in the Chesapeake Bay, with plenty of fish activity and various species to target. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations and enjoy your day out.