Black Sea Bass

While not as commonly targeted as some other species in the West Point area, Black Sea Bass can be found in the deeper, cooler waters of the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of the York River. These fish are structure-oriented, so look for them around wrecks, reefs, and submerged pilings. The best time to target them is generally during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, when they move inshore. A standard bottom fishing rig with squid or clams works well. A key to success is finding the right depth; sea bass prefer deeper water, so use your fish finder to locate structure in the 40-60 foot range. Be mindful of the current, as it can be strong in this area, and adjust your weight accordingly. Local knowledge suggests that areas near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a bit further south, hold a higher concentration of these fish, but exploratory trips closer to West Point can yield surprising results.