It really alarms me when I hear recreational fishermen "boo-hooing" about the lack of fish in the Chesapeake- especially when the crying is based on an occasional fishing outing. Anecdotal information very often clouds our perception of reality. Could it be that just maybe we are not fishing in the right place at the right time?

Case in point was this year's late fall and early winter migratory striper fishery in the mid and lower bay. Trophy stripers were just not around in the numbers we had seen in previous years in November and December. It appears that the critical factor was exceptionally high water temperature in the bay in October, November and early December. There was no shortage of stripers further up the East coast. As the water-cooled, we did see an abundance of migratory rockfish off the Virginia coast in January and February.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT PLACE?
I've been out fishing with anglers who make a decision on where to go based on where they caught fish at the same time last year or even previous years. Don't "be stuck on stupid" and think that the migratory fish have an internal calendar and move to a certain location on a certain day. More reliable considerations are water temperature, water clarity, oxygen content, and water flow. When conditions are right schools of baitfish move into an area and the predator fish - stripers, bluefish, flounder, trout and Spanish mackerel will soon follow. Sure conditions may be exactly the same as in previous years and the fish will be at the old honey hole on a given day, but it is probably just coincidental.

HOW DO I GET TO THE RIGHT PLACE?
Keep a log of the location, water temperature, water clarity and flow when you do have good catches. Also check out reliable fishing reports. Keep in mind that reports in weekly printed publications are often a week old and these fish can move fast. Better sources are: fishing chat boards such as www.tidalfish.com, dockside observations at fish cleaning stations, reports from your fishing buddies and commercial catches.

An excellent source is your local commercial fisherman. What is popping up in the nets will soon be caught on hook and line. These men are very knowledgeable about what's going on in the local fishery and can be helpful in your recreational pursuits especially if you patronize their business.

When conditions are right in a certain area don't just drive to a spot and set out your lines. Spend time looking for pods of bait and work the bait. Feeding fish will usually be where you see bait especially balled up bait. Check out surface activity and diving birds especially large birds such as gannets if you are seeking trophy stripers. Large groups of birds sitting on the water and slicks are good signs of recent fish feeding activity. It is real important to learn how to read the bait on your fish finder. The best way is to look at the screen when you are into the fish. Look for the same images the next time!

STILL NOT CATCHING?
Well you've found the fish and other boats are hauling in the fish all around you and nada. Be patient! Even when fish are in a feeding frenzy you must place your lures right in front of their mouths to get a hook-up. Check out the depth of the fish and make any necessary adjustments in your lure depths to get baits exactly where the fish are. This is true if you are trolling, jigging or casting. Water depth, location of your lures in the water column, direction of travel and speed are critical to your catching even when the bite is on. Always stay on the wheel and practice safe boating when several other boats are fishing close together. There is plenty for fish for everybody and the fish will move up and down the beach or ledge.

Other important considerations are: lure selection (shape, color, size, shad length,); cleanliness of the baits; distance from the boat; direction and speed.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Based on what we have seen and what we caught last spring and this late winter at the mouth of the bay we have no shortage of stripers, bluefish are on the increase, Spanish mackerel definitely increased and flounder are holding their own especially in the clearer waters of the lower bay. Methodically seek out your prey and you will be rewarded in 2006!

Accept the challenge. Don't expect the fish to come to you. GO TO THE FISH!!!

Above all be safe and courteous on the water and be patient and determined.