Article by Capt. Matt Abell
After all the fireworks had burst into the patriotic displays which remind us how lucky we are to live in the single greatest country in the world, the greatest folks in the world got back to doing the greatest sport in the world…..Fishing!
The shady depths of the Atlantic with it’s many shades of Azul are finally producing some pelagic action. The week started off slow with a scattered tuna bite, along with a few mahi and the last of delicious mako steaks in which will be unattainable for the near future, thanks to our new regulations. Then, with the turn of a tide, the golden glow of yellowfin illuminated the Norfolk Canyon. As the week matured, the excitement migrated to the Washington Canyon and even inshore, to a lesser extent, to familiar grounds like the parking lot and lumpy bottom. Most of these fish have been ushered on to the ice by trolling skirted ballyhoo. However, there has been limited success on the chunk. Along with the these tasty tunas, a few big eyes have doubled rods and smoked drags as only true giants of the deep can. Anglers that may want a reprieve from a battle that will ring sweat from a brow have had success jigging sea bass on wrecks in and around the twenty fathom line.
Even shallower, some of the many reefs, like the ones off Chincoteague near Blackfish Banks have produced decent flounder fishing on both natural ( silversides, squid, smelt, and minnows) as well as artificial baits like Gulp grubs and swimming mullet in the 5-6 inch varieties. Triggers and spades continue to patrol the shallow structure in squads of tropical looking sea life that make you forget that your anchor is set in the waters of the mid Atlantic. Small pieces of clam deployed on #4-#1 short shank hooks tied with 20-30 pound fluorocarbon under floats are all that is needed to tempt some of these exotic entrees onto the dinner table.
The Chesapeake has been a little slower as the cobia spread out through the bay, and specs retreat to a little deeper, cooler water. But still, a friend of mine, Captain Nathan Beach from “Beach’s Chesapeake Charters” had a great trip, where his clients boated their limit of brown suits before the hot summer sun even had a chance to get warmed up. In the lower bay, anglers have had some super spanish on the troll from Buoy 42 - south. Clark spoons trailing #1 and #2 planners have done the trick to bring these toothy targeted trophies across the gunwale.
The seaside continues to sizzle by offering fantastic flounder fishing opportunities in and around the inlets of VA Barrier Islands. The summertime pattern persists with increased activity during the hours, bordering high water. This is the time that seems to produce the coolest and cleanest water. The 3 three traditional colors of pink, chartreuse, and white are doing the job for the most part. However, Wednesday the fire tiger colors of chartreuse with orange definitely added some nice fillets to the cooler. Don’t forget to take some young anglers to experience some inshore shark fishing that will leave lifetime memories and build a love for our sport.
The surf washed up some pretty good spot and kingfish action while still providing anglers with a super late red bite that is a surprise to anyone that has a rod in a sand spike.
This past week my son Ethan , who is in the USCG , got a couple of days off and came home to see friends, family and even fish with his old man. We went to Folly’s Creek and tried our luck on some Eastern Shore flatfish. We had great fishing, fellowship and most of all, fun! Fleeting experiences like this reveal how easy it is to take time for granted. So get out there and make the most of the opportunities you have with the ones you love, and enjoy this awesome place we call home! §
