Fish

• Stripped bass (rockfish), bluefish, drum fish, sea trout, croaker and perch are all available for the fly fisherman on Chesapeake Bay.
  
  Stripped bass are among the most sought after fish in the region, but numbers have dwindled in recent years and today, fishing the species is strictly controlled. Fisherman are permitted only a limited quantity of fish that must be caught in particular seasons.
  
  Bluefish are abundant from July to October, and the larger ones can be up to 25 inches and weigh 6 pounds. Sea Trout typically arrive in late June and can be easier to catch in the cooler weather of September. Atlantic croaker and white perch also are favorites among locals, and they can be caught year-round.
  
  

Equipment

• Fly-fishing is a delicate art that can be difficult enough with two feet on the ground; fly-fishing from a kayak heightens the challenge. A fly-fishing kayak should be stable and wide enough to hold fly-fishing gear, and it should include a bottom hatch to store bait and fish. Choose a kayak with fly-casting in mind. Look for models with a flat floor that will allow you to stand up to cast. Lighter kayaks are easier to carry, but kayakers should keep in mind that the open waters of the bay can be quite rough. You should feel comfortable in your kayak as you may be sitting for prolonged periods.
  
  

Sites

• Good kayak-fishing spots in Chesapeake Bay include the Suquehanna Flats and Dundee Creek in the upper bay, parts of the Honga River and Tangier Sound in the mid-bay, and the marshes of the Poqueson Flats and the shoals off the Chesapeake Bay bridge in the lower bay. There is no fee to put your kayak in at any of the public launch sites in Virginia. A few sites in Maryland charge a nominal fee.
  
  

Fishing Fees and Regulations

• Fishing in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries requires an appropriate Virginia or Maryland fishing license, or both, depending on the area of the bay you wish to fish. A Virginia saltwater fishing license for the 2010 season is $12.50 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. The cost of a Maryland tidal sport fishing license is $15 for residents and nonresidents. Licenses are available for purchase online, through recognized agents and over the phone. Each license allows for a particular number of different fish species to be caught each day, at particular times of year.
  
  

Warning

• Fly-fishing from a kayak is challenging. Casting is made difficult by the fact that you are usually sitting, and rough waters and wind can interfere with your aim and retrieval. Kayak fishing also puts you in such proximity to the fish that it can often be challenging to properly present the fly. Bare in mind that Chesapeake Bay is a big body of water, and its association with the Atlantic Ocean can make it rough and unpredictable. Always wear a life jacket and try to avoid fishing alone. If you are fishing alone, be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.