By Lani Gering

As an intro to this column, I want to fork over that I utilized the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence aka AI in pulling this information together. I ran into a time crunch at deadline and our usual band of “From the Bay” contributors were unavailable this month. While I personally am very wary of the consequences of using AI, having spent a lot of time in the Bay area over the last 32 years, I know the following info to be true and have merit.

September is an excellent month for the Chesapeake Bay, with pleasant temperatures, decreasing crowds, and diverse fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy activities like boating, kayaking, and fishing for species such as striped bass, bluefish, and red drum. The cooler weather is ideal for wine tasting at the region’s many vineyards, and you can also explore nature and enjoy waterfront accommodations for a relaxing late-summer experience.

Activities & Vibe

• Boating and Kayaking: September offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a perfect month for boating and kayaking on the Bay and its rivers.
• Wine Tasting: The Chesapeake Bay Region boasts numerous vineyards, many on the Eastern Shore, making it a great time to explore and enjoy local wines.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets, explore diverse wildlife, and experience the natural beauty of the Bay and its surrounding marshes and creeks.
• Relaxation: With the summer crowds thinning out, September is a great time to find serene waterfront accommodations and a more relaxed pace.

Fishing

• Targeted Species: Anglers can target a variety of fish, with popular choices including striped bass (rockfish), bluefish, mackerel, and red drum.
• Fishing Locations: Look for breaking fish in channel edges, near bird activity, and in tributaries like the Rappahannock and Piankatank rivers.
• Effective Techniques: Anglers are successful with trolled spoons and surgical eels, as well as jigging, bottom fishing, and casting artificial baits like Mirrolures, surface poppers, and twister tails.
• Best Times: Fish activity can slow down during the hot midday hours, with mornings and evenings often being the best times to fish.

Environmental Conditions

• Temperature: While still warm, the water temperatures begin to cool in September, which generally improves fishing conditions and makes for more comfortable outdoor activities.
• Crowds: Crowds on the water and at boat ramps often decrease significantly after the unofficial end of summer, creating a less stressful experience for visitors.

Things to do in September

• Attend the Maryland Seafood Festival: This annual event at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis features local seafood vendors, entertainment, and other activities.
• Go crabbing: Late summer and early fall are the most bountiful times for crabbing. You can take a guided crabbing trip on a historic workboat or drop your own crab pots.
• Go charter fishing: September is a peak time for fishing. Charters in the southern Bay region chase large cobia and red drum, while the central Bay offers striped bass (rockfish) and Spanish mackerel.
• Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum: Explore the history and culture of the Bay with hands-on exhibits in St. Michaels, MD. The museum also offers historic workboat cruises.
• Enjoy a waterfront festival: In mid-September, the Chesapeake City Seafood Festival features local food and live music along the waterfront in Chesapeake City, MD.
• Explore scenic parks: Enjoy walks and bike rides as the weather cools. The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail in Virginia offers a paved path for admiring the region’s early fall foliage.
• Take a scenic cruise: Options range from sunset happy hour cruises to trips to the charming town of St. Michaels. You can also see the historic log canoe races on the Miles River.

While the above doesn’t include nearly everything there is to see and do in and around the Bay, it touches on some highlights. I encourage readers to check the respective websites/blogs and social media pages for Anne Arundel, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties since they are all very drivable from Alexandria and make for a nice day trip or an overnight stay. Spend a day walking around City Dock in the heart of Annapolis, check out everything that Solomons Island has to offer and treat yourself to an afternoon/evening in Leonardtown and see how that town has grown. You will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of each of these areas.