September can be one of the best months of the year for boating on the Chesapeake Bay and Rivers. It’s hard to believe the summer has unofficially come to an end, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. “September (and October) are my favorite months of the year for boating. The temperature is so comfortable that it allows my family to get on our boat at least 3 times a week. We’ll pack a picnic, catch perch and frankly, the crowds on the water have decreased so much that it makes it less stressful,” commented John Eger, Facility Manager of Atlantic Marinas Ferry Point.
The team at Atlantic Marinas pulled together their top reasons why they love boating in September.
- Temperature – We love that daylight sticks around throughout September long after the school bell rings. That gives us over 12 hours of daylight to have tons of fun on the water. Plus, the average temperature is 79 degrees, the humidity is lower, and the water is still warm enough to swim.
- Schedules – The community pools are closed, and kids are back to school. Sporting events are starting to pick up, but official games and tournaments have not yet kicked into full gear. Our schedules start to shift in September so you may discover new times and days that boating can slip into your schedule.
- Less stress – Boating traffic at the height of the summer can easily make a “fun” outing incredibly stressful. Once back-to-school hits, the boat traffic and crowds on the Bay significantly decrease, making your excursions MUCH more enjoyable in September.
- Regattas – Who doesn’t like watching some friendly competition? And if you’re like us, you just like to say the word “regatta”. In the fall months, Regattas increase and can make for a fun day. This guarantees you are still waterfront while also getting a great seat to watch the action. Volunteers are always needed too! Click here to view an event calendar.
- Fishing – Unfortunately, we have not yet found the back-to-school supply list that includes fishing supplies. September continues to be a great time to fish as water temperatures have warmed to the upper 70s and low 80s. If you are seeking areas with cooler waters, fish the surface early in the day or head to deeper waters or upwind areas. Save the date for the annual Atlantic Marinas Fishing Tournament on October 29th.
- Bragging rights – September is a great time to bank your last days on the water to earn that coveted spot in the Spin Sheet Century Club, a club for those who log 100 days on the water. A fun end-of-year party is promised for all those who hit this significant milestone, which is enough incentive for us! Click here for more info.
We hope this article inspires you to spend more days on the water this September.
Sources:
https://fishtalkmag.com/fishing-reports/middle-bay
https://www.spinsheet.com/calendar
