Article by Capt. Matt Abell
Welcome to the doldrums of summer. Hot and humid conditions mixed with pop up thunderstorms make for challenging obstacles that will halt you on your way to your favorite fishing hole faster than a shallow oyster bar at low tide. But don’t worry, the tide will flood and a this stagnant summer weather pattern will be subdued.
The near shore reefs of the Atlantic have provided the greatest therapy in regards to our feverish summertime woes. Flounder have been actively participating in the treatment that we seek. Folks have been jigging a variety of baits like spro bucktails over and around reef structures like the rail cars found on blackfish banks. Tipping the lures with Gulp, squid or other succulent strips of cut bait will definitely improve your chances for a gourmet flounder dinner fit for a king. The productive colors ranged from bright chartreuse and pink to more muted whites and browns like Berkley’s New Penny. While you search the rubble for these hidden ambush predators, you may come across some bizarre looking, toothy ribbon fish. While these silver sea monsters are not your targeted prey, their silvery fillet strips will certainly add an advantage when fished behind your favorite flounder jig!
The inshore flounder also continues to be a lucrative endeavor. The areas around the inlets during the last part of the flood tide on teaser rigs tipped with Gulp silversides and minnows have produced good numbers of flatfish with a fair amount of keepers to invite to the dinner table.
The shallower wrecks and reefs have been the recipients of a seasonal population of spade and triggerfish. These tropical looking trophies eagerly take small bits of clam suspended over the structure, and right in the strike zone. I like to use a slip float and a bobber stop to keep baits in short grasp of the scrappy southern transplants.
The depths of the Atlantic have finally started to give reward as offshore bound anglers pursue prized pelagic prey. While rumors of inshore bite radiate from the north, with the exception of some mahi, our tuna and marlin action has been confined to the deeper depths of the Norfolk and Washington Canyons. Most of the excitement has come from the cockpit of a trolling vessel towing an array of lures including Squidnation Flippy Floppy rigs, Tormenter sidewinders and of course, skirted ballyhoo. There has been some recent encounters with sharks stealing hooked fish before they could be hoisted over the gunwale. After fishing all day for a tantalizing tuna, losing it to a sharp toothed marauder is really a bite in the butt ( or at least a tuna loin ).
While the Chesapeake has been quiet we have had a pleasant surprise in the surf of the VA Barrier Islands. Along with the expected summer kingfish and spot action on bloodworms fished just on the deep side of the break, we also have had the opportunity for some sporty spotails. Some of these rough and ready reds are in the VA slot of 18”-26” while other’s blow the maximum size limit out of the water, or I should say, maybe back into the water to be released to bend a rod another day!
So no matter if you are tugging a tuna out of the deep abyss, taking your shark crazy son out for a quick trip for sharp toothed seaside sport, or even taking your daughter that’s head over heals for horses to the 98th Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim….get out there and do it! If there is one responsibility we as sporting shoreman have, it’s to pass on the great legacy of enjoying the outdoors and the state of mind that comes with NOT taking for granted this wonderful place we call home! §
