November 2025 — Chesapeake Bay: Trophy Rockfish Trophy Fishing, Red Drum Lower Bay, Fall Peak Continues. November is a late fall month with water in the 48-58°F range — striper migration south; tautog on the move; bluefin offshore late. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — November 2025
Primary targets this month: Striped Bass, Speckled Trout, Blue Catfish, Red Drum.
Striped Bass
Fall striper run. Target the Susquehanna Flats (catch-and-release spring trophy fishery), the Bay Bridge pilings, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), the rips at Smith Point, and the deeper channels — Eastern Bay and Choptank in fall. Bunker chunks, live eels, paddle tails, and topwater during blitzes. Schools of breaking fish under bird activity.
Speckled Trout
Trout gathering in the lower Bay grass flats, the Eastern Shore creeks (Magothy, Mobjack), and the marsh edges in fall. Larger fish (gator trout 20″+) hold in deeper potholes. DOA CAL Shads, MirrOlure Lil John, MirrOdine suspending baits, and live shrimp under popping corks. Slow the retrieve in cooler water.
Blue Catfish
Blue catfish — the Potomac/Chesapeake trophy species — on the Potomac (the iconic blue cat trophy fishery — 50+ pound fish common), the James River, the Rappahannock. Cut bait (gizzard shad, white perch heads, blueback herring) on 8/0-10/0 circle hooks. 50-80 lb braid. Big fish (50+ lb) routine; 100+ lb fish landed annually.
Red Drum
Red drum (bull redfish) at the lower Bay (around the Bay mouth), the Eastern Shore creeks, and the Tangier-Pocomoke area in summer/fall. The OBX surf fishery — cut menhaden, mullet, or shrimp on heaver tackle (10-12′ surf rod, 6500-class reel). 6/0-9/0 circle hooks. Falling tide concentrates bait.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 48-58°F. Striper migration south; tautog on the move; bluefin offshore late. The Bay’s tidal range is modest (1-3 feet) but the volume of moving water creates strong currents at choke points — Bay Bridge pilings, the CBBT, the Susquehanna Flats, and the major river mouths. Two hours either side of high tide produce best on most structure.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Fall blitz season. Striped bass and bluefish push schools of bait — surface action everywhere. Carry topwater plugs.
- False albacore arrive. Light tackle and epoxy jigs — chase breaking fish for explosive runs.
November Outlook
Late fall — final striper runs, flounder migration peaks, first sustained cold fronts.
Regulations Reminder
Seatrout/Speckled Trout: FL: 15-19″ slot, 3 per day (verify zone). TX: 15-25″ slot, 3 per day. LA: 12″ minimum, 15 per day (verify current). Striped Bass: Federal slot typically 28-31″ with state variations; verify ASMFC and state rules annually. Red Drum: 18-27″ slot, 1 per day in most states. Some states allow one trophy fish over slot. Blue Catfish: No size or bag limit on Potomac and James (invasive — encouraged harvest). Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Tochterman’s (Baltimore, 410-327-6942); Anglers Sport Center (Annapolis); Bunky’s Charter Boats (Solomons); Salt Pond Tackle (Cape Charles).
Public Boat Ramps: Sandy Point State Park (Bay Bridge area), Susquehanna State Park (top of Bay), Solomons Island, Crisfield (Tangier Sound), Kiptopeke State Park (Cape Charles).
Charter Fishing: $500-$800 light tackle striper; $700-$1,100 cobia and big game (lower Bay); $500-$700 catfish (Potomac); $400-$650 inshore mid-Bay.
More Chesapeake Bay Resources
Chesapeake Bay Fishing Guide · Chesapeake Bay Seasonal Calendar · All Chesapeake Bay reports →
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