Article by Capt. Matt Abell
Rain, rain, go away would be the theme song of the week as the Eastern Shore weather has kept boats on the hard, coolers empty, and anglers dreams ebbing out with the tide. However, there is always a flood after an ebb so get ready- the bite will return as will sunshine fair seas, and calm winds!
The seaside, of course, has been pledged by dirty water and slow fishing. Monday, I had the pleasure of taking a couple of first class flounder crankers to the serene waters around Metompkin Inlet. At first, the water was brown and the bite was slow but as the time of high water approached, we were allowed a short time of fishable clarity. The fish seemed to hone in on pink teasers with gulp and the biggest fish fell victim to a silverside fished on the top hook of a double flounder rig. After the tide gained strength and water levels started to recede, visibility decreased and with it so did the bend in our rods. Thank goodness we were blessed with a nice mess of clear water critters to fill our dismal weather dinner plates!
While conditions have been less than ideal for seaside flatfish, the summertime inshore shark fishery is on schedule. While most of these toothy tenacious trophies are protected and must be returned to fight another day, the sheer sight and excitement can brighten up the cloudiest of days. Particularly for young anglers, the screaming drag, long runs, aerial explosions (blacktips), menacing appearance and size will make memories and stories for a long time to come. The ebbing tide seems to do the trick regardless of turbidity. The areas that we have had the most productive results have been deep drains that empty shallow flats where prey is literally brought to a waiting set of jaws. All you need is a little chum, some cut bait, and some wire fish finder rigs with 8/0 circle hooks for some sharp toothed struggles.
The Chesapeake has been fairly quiet with the wind keeping a good many anglers home watching the weather channel in hopes of a reprieve. The cobia have been fairly cooperative between the guests. Most fish have been lured by chum and chucks of fresh bunker while others have been sighted, and offered a live eel as an invitation to come to dinner. A 7/0-9/0 circle hook on a fishfinder rig deployed in the 15’-25’ waters of the area from the lower Pocomoke Sound to the CBBT is all that is required to dance with the man in the brown suit.
Leeward shores of the Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds have offered a opportunity to engage in some late spring season red and spec action. Soft crab chunks casted to spotted grass beds have been the ticket for shallow water spotted surprises. There has even been some slot reds that have proven reward to a few foul weather fishermen.
So don’t give up, enjoy the bounty that the Lord has given us and remember it can’t rain (or blow) all the time. When the sun comes out it’ll just remind us how lucky we are to live in this wonderful place we call home! §
