As we step into the last weekend of September, the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore and Washington D.C. is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the impending cool, wet, and breezy weather.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, September 28th, expect overcast skies with a high chance of rain and stiff east winds, which might limit boat outings. Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 6:44 PM. Tides will be moderate, with high tide around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM.

### Fish Activity
The fall transition is in full swing, and fish are starting to school up, chasing the abundant baitfish in the Bay. Striped bass, or rockfish, are particularly active, especially in the Upper Bay. Anglers reported a strong striped bass bite in the Patapsco River, particularly around the mouth of the river up to Fort McHenry and near Love Point. The early morning hours have been ideal for topwater fishing around rock jetties, old pilings, and piers.

### Catch Reports
Yesterday, anglers had success with live lining spot, catching several striped bass. Bottom fishing in the tidal rivers and areas like Six and Seven Foot Knoll, and the Bay Bridge, yielded white perch, spot, and croaker. Bloodworms, Fishbites, and peeler crab have been effective baits for bottom fishing. In the shallows, white perch up to 13 inches were caught using spinners and chartreuse Perch Hounders around docks and rock jetties.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, half-ounce jigs and Z-Man paddletails are working well, especially when fished around structure. Topwater lures like blue Chug Bugs have also produced numerous blowups in the early morning. For bottom fishing, bloodworms, lugworms, and Fishbites are the go-to baits.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: The area from the mouth of the river up to Fort McHenry is a hot zone for striped bass.
- **Love Point**: This spot has been productive for live liners using spot.
- **Six and Seven Foot Knoll**: Excellent for bottom fishing, targeting white perch, spot, and croaker.
- **Bay Bridge**: Good for white perch fishing in depths of 10 to 15 feet on both the east and west sides.

With the cooler weather setting in, now is a great time to get out and enjoy the fall fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Just be prepared for the changing weather conditions.