That stretch of the Chesapeake from Gum Thickets south to Bloody Point was and remains a life-saver for charter and recreational fishermen of the upper bay. Hacketts, Love and Thomas Points, Bay Bridge and many other traditional warm weather nooks have run hot ‘n cold, but for the most part the Thickets has been both good and reliable though recently bluefish predominate.

Some troll the area, but live-lining is the way to go and will remain so as long as Norfolk spot are available for bait, which could be another week or two. They vamoose when things get chilly.

It was for stripers and blues that Ernie Montley and his sister...