Article by Capt. Matt Abell
As the temperature rises, the air seems to get heavier, and a bead of perspiration finds it’s way into your eyes to administer a summertime sting. We realize that these hated hot weather symptoms can only be soothed by spending some time on a body of water which emulates the same salinity as the sweat that you just wiped from your brow. So let’s go fishing .... if nothing else, for your health!
Light winds and calm seas have allowed for some “fintastic” floundering around the barrier islands of the ESVA. The inshore bite has been encouraging as we have been blessed with clear water in and around the many inlets of the shore. The cleanest, clearest and coolest waters have arrived on the last part of the flood. We did best this week on a chartreuse and pink or a chartreuse and orange color combination tipped with minnows and silversides. The nearshore reefs are also producing bent rods as flatfish fly over the gunwales. If the oceanic current allows, hovering directly over the fish laden structure and offering 2 oz. jigs tipped with Gulp or large strips of cut bait seem to ring the dinner bell. This week Captain John of Huntress Charters out of Chincoteague has been as hot as the weather. To bring these impressive catches to the dock, he keeps his clients on top of the reef and in the strike zone.
While you are sampling the salty Atlantic, you may want to try your luck at some triggers and spades. These tropical looking ESVA residents come home this time of year to shallow wrecks and reefs and readily take small #4-#1 hooks on fluorocarbon leaders suspended near the structure. A little clam chum will help improve your chances for success.
The offshore scene is still a little lack luster. Some yellowfin and big eyes have been trolled up, many in and around the Washington Canyon. The mahi bite has improved greatly as good numbers of small to medium sized fish have been chunked up and bailed around any floating flotsam from the canyon to the 20 fathom line. On those days that the trolling bite does not promote both screaming drags and fishermen, a quick stop for tilefish breaks the boredom and cure the hunger pains associated with an empty cooler.
The central Chesapeake has been fairly quiet as the summertime doldrums dig in their heels. Sheepshead still are cooperating and the many reef sights. Chunks of crab fished near the bottom have coerced most of these sneaky striped bait stealers into the net. A nice class of bluefish also continue to call the Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds their home. Rapala x-raps seem to attract the most attention and are a sure bet for bullish bluefish runs and aerial acrobatic exhibitions.
The southern bay has been the scene of some great cobia and red drum action. The CBBT has housed the best of these hot weather wonders. Schools of reds have been spotted around the pilings and the islands, and readily take jigs presented to them from afar. It may take a while to find them, but when you do it’s game on and you will be having so much fun that you will forget worries, stress, and even the heat.
This week you will have a choice… either stay inside and hide on a climate controlled couch or get out on the water and feel the cooling salt spray on your face. If you give it a try, the Lord will provide AC and the ESVA will provide the fun. So get out there, grab some cold bottles of water, and enjoy this wonderful place we home! §
