FIshing Advice: Eastern Bay

[crabtacular]

Hello All,

I'm out of my element on this question so tips, advice, references would be greatly appreciated.

Typically, I do fresh water or ocean fishing....not really Chesapeake Bay ever.

HOWEVER, in July I am being put on the spot by my in - law to take my kids and his kids fishing for a day or two near the Eastern Bay / Tilghman Island. He apparently is buying a boat, and is moving down that way. And when I go visit him, he has this crazy expectation that I know what to do just because I know fishing from the other places I go / live.

My gut tells me that I would catch croaker, smaller stripper that time of year.......but my question is HOW should I fish for them with the kids (teenager type).

Correct me for what you think I might have listed as wrong in the following:

1) Use my light / mid tackle salt water 6' combo like items (15lb test as a ball park)
2) Look for quick dropoffs and try that area
3) Tackle : something to jig with?  Live bait?   I'd love any recommendation
4) Bottom fishing would be easier for the kids....but is there any use to bottom fishing this time of year with the crabs?

I should tell you....I'm not really caring about catching a 30" stripper / rockfish...I'm more about just trying not to look like a schnook in front of my in-law. Any kind of action I keep telling him that this is not my area of knowledge.....he doesn't seem to be hearing me. I want to at least be equipped with knowledge.

I have a copy of Rudrow's Guide coming.....if someone could throw me a bone in the mean time on any advice on #1-4 above though, I'd really appreciate it. 

Ultimately.....I'd love for the kids to catch something......so targeting a specific species is of no consequence.

Thanks for your help.....any advice is welcome (however, lies and false hope I probably could do without ;-)  )

[Mikie]

Fish around Poplar Island using any of the techniques you listed. You should do ok. I would go either at daylight or at dusk and go right up to the shallows anywhere around the island.

[jack1747]

Peeler or soft crab on a standard bottom rig..... You should be able to fill the boat with croaker.  Move around until you find fish then anchor up. 

[KI Crabber]

I would look for hard bottom. Preferably oyster shells. Use bottom rigs with hard crab pieces,,,no need to pay for peelers or softcrabs for fish bait.

[Mr. Breeze]

Peeler or soft crab on a standard bottom rig..... You should be able to fill the boat with croaker.  Move around until you find fish then anchor up.  

What he said. I'd leave the softcrab for the frying pan.  Peeler stays on the hook better. Coming out of Tighlman, go south to an area just north of Sharps Island Lighthouse.  I believe its called stone rock.  Drift the bottom rigs and in July, you should load the boat with croaker, and an occasional rock.  Maybe even a black drum.

[reds]

Hello All,

I'm out of my element on this question so tips, advice, references would be greatly appreciated.

Typically, I do fresh water or ocean fishing....not really Chesapeake Bay ever.

HOWEVER, in July I am being put on the spot by my in - law to take my kids and his kids fishing for a day or two near the Eastern Bay / Tilghman Island. He apparently is buying a boat, and is moving down that way. And when I go visit him, he has this crazy expectation that I know what to do just because I know fishing from the other places I go / live.

My gut tells me that I would catch croaker, smaller stripper that time of year.......but my question is HOW should I fish for them with the kids (teenager type).

Correct me for what you think I might have listed as wrong in the following:

1) Use my light / mid tackle salt water 6' combo like items (15lb test as a ball park)
2) Look for quick dropoffs and try that area
3) Tackle : something to jig with?  Live bait?   I'd love any recommendation
4) Bottom fishing would be easier for the kids....but is there any use to bottom fishing this time of year with the crabs?

I should tell you....I'm not really caring about catching a 30" stripper / rockfish...I'm more about just trying not to look like a schnook in front of my in-law. Any kind of action I keep telling him that this is not my area of knowledge.....he doesn't seem to be hearing me. I want to at least be equipped with knowledge.

I have a copy of Rudrow's Guide coming.....if someone could throw me a bone in the mean time on any advice on #1-4 above though, I'd really appreciate it. 

Ultimately.....I'd love for the kids to catch something......so targeting a specific species is of no consequence.

Thanks for your help.....any advice is welcome (however, lies and false hope I probably could do without ;-)  )

Email me at captmike@missjocharters a few days before you expect to go out and I'll fill you in on a location and bait.

I run charters out of a marina at the mouth of Eastern Bay, so I'm well familiar with the area.

[cullenw08]

Im with KI. If your rod isn't bouncing on those oyster shells you're not in the right spot. Not real familiar with the area but shallow marshes and structure are also good spots to look for rock sized 18 to 25''

[flounderpounder]

chum and chunk channel edges....  blues and rock.  or just chase birds and cast