Article by Capt. Matt Abell
It is a great time to be fishing the lower Eastern Shore. The seaside is producing good flounder action inside the beautiful barrier of the ESVA. The best bites have been during the last half of the ebb in 4-15 feet of water. During the last few Sea Hawk Charters we have witnessed a pattern of increased hook ups on pink mylar teasers tipped with Gulp and silversides. However, illusive clean clear water is your best ally in the quest to fill your cooler with succulent flatfish. That being said, as of May 1st, Virginia has joined Maryland and Delaware by lowering the size limit to 16 inches.
The surf has been producing some good numbers of black drum and a few rock (to be released). Folks have been stopping by the shop and grabbing Aquaclear modified fish finder rigs, clams, crabs and orange clam Fishbites. My good friend Jimmy from Capt. Steve’s Bait and Tackle has seen similar activity from the sportsman of the suds. Jimmy also added that the 2 hours on both sides of high water have been the most productive tidal window in regard to these white water trophies. Sand mullet kingfish have just started to show up on the beach. You will want to use small float style T&B rigs tipped with baits like blood worms, shrimp, and crab to tempt these tasty treats into the frying pan.
The mid bay is awaiting a much anticipated peeler run which will kick fishing into high gear. There have been several red and black drum brought across the gunwale. Frozen peelers and hard crabs can claim a hand in boating these shallow water brutes around the grass beds of the Tangier and Pocomoke sounds. There have been a few specs starting to take paddle tail jigs like Bass Assassin and Old School baits on 1/4 oz - 3/8 oz jig heads. As the water warms, this fishery will just get even better.
The lower Chesapeake is also on the verge of heating up. Earlier this week I had the chance to speak to Chad Parks of Earning Stripes Sportfishing. While they are preparing for another busy season, he reported black drum are biting in and around some of the inlets of the southern ESVA. Sea clams and chowders are doing the trick on flood tides. There has also been a consistent bite of reds in the surf zone around Fisherman’s and Smith Islands. Hard crabs casted in the white water on fish finder rigs are the weapon of choice. Lastly the CBBT, as well as some inshore wrecks, are producing some decent tog action.
Don’t forget the first annual Smith Island (MD) Fishing Tournament will be held on May 20th-22nd. Check them out on Facebook or call the shop for more details. Most importantly grab your family, fishing partner or even the dog and get out there and enjoy this awesome place we call home! §
