Article by Capt. Matt Abell
As the folks south of us are dealing with a major storm and awaiting our prayers, the eastern shore continues to be a refuge for fishing folks. The Atlantic has been a little churned up, but there are always salty spoils to be landed on the greatest place on earth!
We always revel in the fact that we live under the protection and opportunity that is forwarded to us by the red, white, and blue. This last week the red has been especially giving, RED DRUM that is. Anglers have been testing the drags against tide running tyrants from Cape Charles all the way up to the 72 marker. These sporty spot tails have been taking cut baits like spot, kingfish and hardhead on fish finder rigs with 8/0 octopus circles. The late afternoon hours and into the early evening have produced the most activity with a running tide also having a productive influence. We have had trophies from the low 40 inch length all the way to a 50+ inch fish of a lifetime mark. A bycatch of sharks, rays and even a cobia or two helps keep things exciting and boredom at bay. These fish have taken up residence around reef sites and shoals in the 15 through 30 foot depths of the Chesapeake.
The Chesapeake, along with more sheltered waters, has also offered a preview of fall flats casting. Specs and puppies have started to come out to play as the water cools ever so slightly. Four inch paddle tails in colors like momma’s chicken have been a crucial part of a successful shallow water arsenal. Hopefully, as the days shorten and water cools the quest for backwater treasure will become more consistent with bent rods and big smiles.
The flounder action on seaside has been a little off as churning seas have kept water turbid and boats moored in their slips. When the seas let up and water cleared the flounder have reassured us that they were still around and willing to take a variety of baits including minnows, silversides, squid strips, fish fillet strips and of course Gulp. Don’t forget the most important part of a successful flounder scenario is clean water. When the conditions don’t seem to cooperate, dressing up your rigs with bright colored skirts and trailers will attract attention and increase productivity.
If rough waters has ruined a day with the kids consider the pursuit of the perch. Good numbers of perch have accepted invitations to dinner as anglers young and old alike have fished small brackish creeks in and around the mouths of rivers emptying into the Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. Top and bottom rigs with small beaded spinner hooks tipped with bloodworm or peeler bits have done a good job filling the dinner plate. For those that want a little more challenge, RumbleFish and OldSkool underspins with 2 inch grubs have been a super fun and exciting way to stretch a light line no matter what the weather is!
This past week we continued our nearly daily battle with big channel bass that tested tackle and skill while making memories as dreams of a Chesapeake gold came across the gunwale. At one point I witnessed two men that had been friends for a longer time than I have been alive, laugh and reminisce about old stories while brand new ones were stripping line off their reels. At one point we could hear the massive fish drumming under the boat and when I was asked what it was that they were doing …. All I could think was that they were just reminding us of how blessed we are to live in this wonderful place that we call home! §
