Article by Capt. Matt Abell
So the climate of the Eastern Shore is returning to a hospitable level and folks are hitting the water with out fear of spontaneous combustion. The summertime fishing continues to hold steady, offering us all some mid year opportunities to enjoy the sport we all hold dear.
The inshore wrecks and reefs have been the main stay for many ESVA anglers. Flounder, spades, and triggers with a spanish mac mixed in have been the dishes served at the metaphorical midsummer picnic. The flounder have been found entrenched in near shore structure in 20-70 foot depths. These perfectly adapted predators have been tempted by and array of baits including the traditional minnows and squid, but also long strip baits of cut flounder or even silvery ribbonfish. Jigs tipped with chartreuse, pink, white, and orange ( salmon red ) gulp grubs have also contributed to a fine feast of fillets.
The spades and triggers ( mostly spades ) have been found circling the many wrecks and reefs off the Va Barrier Islands. The best strategy that we have found has included small #4-#1 octopus or octopus circles on 20 pound fluorocarbon leader, weighted down with a split shot, and suspended under a slip bobber. We seemed to have more interest in baits fished a little deeper, suspended just above the structure. A little chum to sweeten the deal would definitely bring positive possibilities but is not a requirement to battle a tropical looking trophy.
Inside the inlets, anglers have enjoyed some pretty good summer flounder fishing. The fish are keying in on teaser style high low rigs in the same chartreuse, pink, white, and orange colors that have been productive offshore. Minnows and silversides coupled with squid or gulp have fit the bill for a successful trip. However, the most crucial factor, is clear water which seems only to be available on the last part of the flood tide. So definitely take that into consideration when planning your next outing.
The deep blue waters of the Atlantic have been fairly quiet as anglers test their skills against an illusive tuna bite and a few marlin that will hopefully make a celebrity appearance during the open. Mahi have been pretty plentiful around floating structure like pot floats and other drifting debris. Deep dropping for tiles has also added to the fillets in the frying pan.
The Chesapeake has continued to offer up some red drum and sheepshead action on structure from the CBBT to the Md line. The Md rock season is back in full swing as anglers take to the shallows of the Tangier sound in search of stripes as well as specs. The lower bay is still the scene of some cobia. These brown colored battlers have been pursued by some anglers armed with live eels and jigs, while others choose to wait for the chum line to bring the brown suits to them. Spanish have been fairly prevalent in the middle and southern Chesapeake. Chartreuse, pink, gold, and silver clark spoons fished behind #1 planers have helped coax these toothy treasures over the gunwale.
This week I had the pleasure of taking my daughter, Belle, spade fishing off Chincoteague. We arrived at the wreck and it wasn’t long before Belles’ rod was bent down to the water with a super striped spade. She did a great job, but as the nice spade was wrestled to the surface, her reels drag began to sing as dinner quickly returned to the bottom. As the battle continued, she fought her prey back to the boat for the second time. Suddenly , she looked up with a smile that was more beautiful than the most picturesque sunset, and said “ Daddy he’s going again!” And that right there is why we are so blessed to live in this wonderful place we call home! §
