New to the area

[NoleAnimal]

Hello all,
My name is Scott and I just transferred to Ft. Meade, however, I live in the Naval Housing over across the river from the Academy. I am originally from North Florida and used to do a lot of fishing in that area. Mostly targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout and Cobia on the expansive grass flats and tidal creeks we have in that area. After being removed for choice tidal fishing areas for several years, I am really excited to be back in an area with such great opportunities. I can't wait to catch my first Striper!!
At any rate, first things first. I don't have a boat or any contacts in the area yet, so I am looking for good shore casting opportunities to get myself and me 12 year old daughter started. We've already caught a few small LMB and a ton of Bluegill in a local pond, but Jonas Green Park and the Naval Housing seawall are easily accessible to me. I just don't know how to fish these areas or what to fish for. I've read that White Perch and Pickerel are possibilities, but I've never fished for or caught either. I didn't even know what a pickerel was until I read these forums.
Ok, so I've been told that bloodworms stationary on the bottom are a winning technique, but I was hoping to be able to use my large assortment of plastics and topwater lures left over from my Florida fishing days. I'm not much of a bottom fisher. I prefer to be actively casting and retrieving. I read a debate on here about Gulp bloodworms vs. Fishbites and many people thought Fishbites were better, so... I bought both and decided I will give Gulp bloodworms, tipped with Fishbites a try and see where that gets me. Unfortunately, I haven't had time yet (probably this weekend).
Having said all of that, I am still asking for suggestions for locations and techniques for interesting fishing from shore, especially since the fishing is much more seasonal here than I am used to. I am used to a few key techniques working 9 months of the year. Also, is it possible to hook up on stripers from shore anywhere?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!
Scott

[TomGlenBurnie]

Scott, thank you for your service.
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There are a ton of very nice folks around. You should " walk on" =HO from sandy point state park.
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Make a post like " available to HO out of SPSP next wed or thurs " New to MD, love to fish.
Lots of guys need a second pair of hands.
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Join the SRRK club, out of annapolis. they are in the forum stack, in club section. Lovely folks.
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The water on the radio tower side is shallow. Look for places where there are drop off's.
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There is 40 foot water across the river from you, off eastport, on the corner facing USNA.
You can get to the deep with a canoe.
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more ?'s....... call my cell 410 627 0504 I know the area. Tom g. RMC [SS]

[J.A. Veil]

Scott -

Welcome to the Severn River area. We are blessed to have a variety of local fishing in the river and its creeks and coves plus we are located next to the Chesapeake. There are plenty of ways to fish -- I'm sure you will learn where and when to use your light tackle. As Tom mentioned, I encourage you to come to a meeting of the Severn River Rod and Keg Club. I am the current president. We meet the first Wed of each month at various local watering holes. You will get to meet other local fishermen and can learn where the fish are biting at that time.

The SRRKC board has not had a huge number of fishing reports this winter and spring. Hopefully that will pick up real soon. The main Tidalfish board has loads of posts, many of which provide helpful fishing information.

Regarding the use of Fishbites, in my experience over the past 5 or more years, the local bay water temperature does not get warm enough until about the second week of June for the Fishbites to dissolve and spread their scent. Prior to that date, I don't bother using them. After that date, they work about as well as live bloodworms. Gulp uses a different formulation. I have caught fish through the winter using different shapes of Gulp baits on jigheads.

[NoleAnimal]

Thanks for the welcomes and the advice! I'll try to make it out to an SRRKC meeting in the near future.