Article by Capt. Matt Abell
What a beautiful Eastern Shore week we have all had the chance to enjoy. Fair winds and clear skies and water, have turned what last week seemed to be an eternal tide of mud into the fisherman’s paradise that we all love!
The middle Chesapeake has taken center stage with world class shallow water angling that will make your rod bend and any negative thoughts disappear like your line during a long run by a big red. The bait fishermen are still having the most luck as they soak chunks of soft crab and peeler in hopes of battling a trophy red , spec or rock amidst the grass flats of the Pocomoke and Tangier sounds. Anglers with a fondness of artificial baits have also seen some action on paddle tails and mirrolures as they finesse them in to the waiting mouths of both striped and spotted treasures. Albino and salt & pepper baits rigged on 1/4 oz. rumblefish heads are all that is required to tickle the tastebuds of the springtime shallow water drag screamers that produce both smiles and memories.
In deeper waters of the Chesapeake, the oyster rocks of the sounds along with the areas adjacent to the CBBT have produced some black drum action. All you need to “beat” these barbeled brawlers is a nice smelly sea clam or a big chunk of crab delivered by way of a good ol’ fish finder rig on a hard bottom in or near structure (both natural or man made). If you find yourself down at the CBBT with some crab, you definitely will want to spend some time on the pilings looking for the illusive sheepshead. These fish are challenging to hook and even harder to land, a “reel” accomplishment for all who try.
The seaside inlets have been alive with activity from reds, blacks and even some linesiders migrating back up the coast. The rock and reds have mainly been found in and around the surf line as surf anglers, as well as folks from boats, cast chunks of crab or sand fleas on modified fish finders. The black drum have played their tune in the inlets of the ESVA. Clams and crabs have been the go-to as anglers wait for a battle that will bend even the stiffest boat rod.
For those of us that prefer relaxing drift fishing, the Eastern Shore flounder fishery is alive and well. Good numbers of flatfish have taken up residence on the many flats (2-6 foot depths) behind the barrier islands. We continue to have the best results with a pink or chartreuse Sea Hawk Flounder rig tipped with Gulp, silversides and minnows. However, the most important factor that can’t be acquired at even the most substantial fishing store is clear water. Recently, these optimal conditions have been during the time of just before high water and continuing through the duration of the ebb. Don’t hesitate to try lots of different color combinations like pink/chartreuse (electric chicken) or orange/chartreuse (fire tiger). You never know what the one detail is that could make the difference between a beautiful day on the water and a beautiful day on the water with a cooler full of dinner to go home with!
Whether you are a bait angler or an artificial angler… a flounder drifter or someone that would rather beat on the Eastern Shore drum. Get out there, revel in the fellowship of family and friends while enjoying this wonderful place we call home! §
