FISHING REPORT: September 10, 2026
Weather/Water Conditions
The cooler weather we've been seeing this week is starting to make a noticeable difference on the water. We're moving into that early fall transition, and the changing temperatures are pushing bait and predators into some predictable areas.
As the water cools off, bait is moving closer to shore and into the warmer water that holds through the evenings. With the tides pushing that bait along the coastline, around bridges, grass flats, and docks, predators are following right behind it.
The best bite windows are still around first light and right around sunset, especially with bait becoming more active around those temperature changes.
What's Biting Inshore
The striped bass bite continues to be one of the biggest stories inshore, and we're now seeing speckled trout getting into the mix as well.
- Striped Bass: Stripers are showing up around the inlet and are especially active around dock lights. Glide baits and live eels are still some of our favorite ways to target them. The 3 Deep Custom glides and Yo-Zuri glides have been producing, especially when worked around structure and areas holding bait.
- Speckled Trout: Speckled trout are also showing up around the inlet and running the dock lights. These are great areas to work when bait is stacked up around the lights, especially in the evening.
- Red Drum: Puppy drum are being reported in the inlets, but they remain very scarce. We're seeing more overslot drum than puppy drum right now, with the bigger fish continuing to move through.
- Flounder: Flounder are starting to move, and we're beginning to see more activity as the water temperatures change. The bite should continue improving as we get farther into September.
- Bluefish: Blues are still around bait, especially where mullet and menhaden are concentrated. Find the bait pockets and work an artificial through them.
- Mullet: The mullet run is still going strong, with the biggest concentrations generally showing up in the morning and evening. Finding those bait schools is one of the keys to finding the fish right now.
Most consistent setup we've seen: For stripers and trout, focus on dock lights, structure, and areas where bait is holding. Glide baits, paddle tails, and live eels are all good choices.
What's Biting In The Bay/Ocean/Offshore
Oceanfront & Sandbridge
The surf drum bite is starting to pick up, and the changing weather is playing a big role.
We're seeing bait balls moving with the tides, and the cooler weather is bringing that bait closer to shore where it can find warmer water in the evenings. Predators are following that bait and trapping it along the coastline and around structure.
- Menhaden bait balls are still producing Spanish mackerel and big bluefish, with a few cobia mixed in.
- We're also seeing some solid whiting and pompano, with sand fleas and shrimp continuing to produce.
Keep an eye on the shoreline, birds, and bait activity. When those bait balls start getting pushed against the beach, that's when things can get really interesting.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
The Bridge-Tunnel continues to produce with flounder and cobia, and both are starting to move as we transition toward fall.
We've continued seeing some impressive flounder and big cobia come through the shop. There have also been reports of big bluefish and good-size Spanish mackerel around the Bridge-Tunnel.
Look for birds, bait balls, and areas where the current is pushing bait into structure. The bridges are natural ambush points this time of year.
Hot Tip: Follow the bait. As water temperatures change, bait will reposition, and the predators won't be far behind. Coastlines, bridges, grass flats, docks, and inlet structure are all worth checking.
Offshore
Offshore fishing is still producing a great variety of fish.
- Mahi-Mahi: The mahi bite remains strong, with plenty of fish being caught and some good size mixed in.
- Black Sea Bass: Sea bass are still biting well and continue to provide steady action offshore.
- Flounder: The flounder bite is still on fire, and with fish beginning to move, we're expecting this to remain a major target heading into the fall.
With mahi, sea bass, and flounder all cooperating, there's still plenty of reason to make an offshore trip before the season really starts to transition.
Best Bite Window
The changing temperatures are making the early morning and evening particularly important right now. Bait is moving with the tides, and fish are taking advantage of those temperature changes to feed.
Best times:
First light through the early morning and right after sunset.
Tide influence:
Pay close attention to moving water around the inlet, coastline, bridges, grass flats, and docks. Bait getting pushed into these areas creates natural feeding zones for stripers, trout, drum, blues, and other predators.
Fishing Tips
Some of our best recent producers include:
- 3 Deep Custom glide baits — excellent for striped bass around structure
- Yo-Zuri glide baits — another great choice for stripers
- Z-Man Mulletron — perfect for matching the mullet running through the area
- 5" NLBN paddle tails — versatile for stripers, blues, flounder, and other inshore predators
- Live spot, croaker, mullet, and eels — great options for bigger predators
- Squid — still producing for flounder and sea bass
- Sand fleas and shrimp — good choices for whiting, pompano, and surf fishing
Looking ahead
We're officially starting to see the fall transition take shape, and the fishing is responding.
- Striped bass and speckled trout are becoming more active around the inlet and dock lights, flounder are beginning to move, and the cobia are still around as we get into the final stretch of their season.
The surf drum bite is also starting to build as bait gets pushed closer to shore. Keep watching those bait balls around the coastline, bridges, grass flats, and docks because that's where the predators are going to be.
We're also getting closer to the time when bull reds should start cruising through in bigger numbers, so keep an eye out.
The summer bite isn't over yet, but fall is starting to show itself. Get out there while the fish are moving, keep those catches coming, and let's see what hits the scales this week!