Article by Capt. Matt Abell
The end of summer is on the horizon and our thoughts are drawn to school bells and the end of vacations. But for some of us the approach of the change of seasons is the focus of our angling aspirations.
The best news from this week has been the start of the red drum spawn. This happens every year during the last half of August from the 72a buoy, to the target ships, to the cell reef in the lower Chesapeake. We have been concentrating on the lower Chesapeake from 42a up to the areas of Pungoteague Creek. An assortment of cut and live baits of kingfish, spot and hardhead (croaker) fished on a 8/0 circle hook with a fishfinder has rung the dinner bell for some giant, citation sized channel bass. The activity spikes near sunset as the Lord paints a backdrop that lets us know that heaven is indeed real. You can catch bait right in the same areas on small T&B rigs tipped with bloodworm. Bottom structure like shoals and sloughs in the 18-30 foot range seem to be the desired setting for a spot tailed battle that will certainly get the adrenaline pumping. Along with the reds we’ve had a helping of cobia as we wade through the endless tide of blues and sharks. Be ready anytime you crank a ray to the boat because he may have the man in the brown suit in tow.
The Chesapeake has also given us a array of other options as well. Spanish mackerel and blues have been pulled from the water and put on the table with trolled spoons ( Clark, Drone, Spanky’s) towed behind planers from puppy hole all the way down to the CBBT. Sheepshead still hold the title for most sought after bottom dweller and continue to lurk around the reefs of the lower bay. Capt. Ray Johns of Crisfield Charters had a great week catching striped brawlers, which gave big nonsheepish grins to his clients who were doing the cranking.
The Atlantic has continued to offer decent offshore fishing for tuna and mahi. The fish have been taken by way of trolling as well as chunking butters and squid. Flounder have been jigged up off our near shore reefs , like the blackfish banks site on 2 oz. Spro’s with Gulp or strips of cut bait. Triggers and spades have offered great pullage on shallower wrecks on suspended chunks of clam below slip bobbers.
The inshore seaside report is still dominated by clear water flounder that seem to be most active on the last of the flood. Double teaser rigs in white, chartreuse, pink, and orange have helped load the box with delicious delicacies. Gulp and a silverside or minnow seal the deal. There has also been a few small croakers around Chincoteague near queen sound. Small hook’s tipped with bloodworm or squid on bottom rigs will put a smile on any croaker cranking kid. The surf also has provided good panfish action with spot and kingfish being pulled through the suds.
This week I had the opportunity to take several charters which included firefighters, law enforcement, medical professionals and community service professionals. Every one of these awesome folks help make our little spit of land the greatest in the world. The lord blessed us with a bunch a big reds, a few cobia, and most of all great times that will stay with us as memories forever. It’s truly amazing to see the happiness that a screaming red can bring to a person that has spent their life making this the most wonderful place we call home! §
