Article by Julie Ball
The evolution of the summer fishing scene is on target, with most species providing action consistent with this time of year. But as usual, fishing is dependent on the weather, and with the recent drop in water temperatures, some of the action slowed. But expect the early summer development to be back on track with the warming trend last week.
Even with water temperatures fluctuating in the high sixties over the past week, Virginia was graced by the arrival of one of the most anticipated warm water residents, the stealthy cobia. Scattered hookups and confirmed sightings around the lower Bay are just the beginning as these fish continue to glide into local waters. Sheepshead are also making a low-key debut, as sporadic reports trickle in of incidental hook-ups by drum anglers, along with sightings of smallish fish around the bridge pilings along the CBBT.
Anglers continue to experience good drum action along the Eastern Shore side of the lower Bay. Although the action slowed up last week, huge red drum are still scavenging the shoals off Fisherman’s Island and Nautilus Shoal, with more fish now showing on the Nine Foot Shoal near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Blue crab is still the top bait. Black drum are still showing along the shoals near Buoys 10, 13, and 16 where chowder clams and sea clams are the top baits. Although we are on the downward trend for these brutes on the shoals, they are still available for those willing to put in the time. Many big fish are already moving to the artificial islands of the CBBT, where they will remain for the season.
Flounder action is frustrating anglers in the Bay, with muddy conditions alternating with inconsistent temperatures keeping the water less than optimal for these aggressive sight feeders. Most catches continue to come from the shallows on the Eastern Shore, such as the back waters of Wachapreague and Oyster, and within both Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets. Before the recent front, folks were having some luck around the small boat channel and near the bend at the 3rd Island of the Bay Bridge Tunnel, with some flatfish pushing to over 7-pounds. The flounder action should pick up once the water settles.
Speckled trout action is on the upswing lately, with most hot spots giving up consistent action with decent fish. Mobjack Bay, the Elizabeth River, and lower Bay inlets are some of the most productive locations. The best results are occurring on topwater lures cast in shallow water along drop-offs and flats. Good numbers of puppy drum and schoolie striper are still a good consolation prize in these same areas. Rudee Inlet has some decent specks around but anglers are having trouble accessing them since the invasion of the chopper bluefish inside Rudee. Huge bluefish continue to ravage baits and lures inside the inlet, with rumors of some fish pushing to close to 40-inches on the loose.
Spadefish are appearing on some inshore wrecks, as well as inside the Bay at York Spit Light, Wolftrap Light, the Cell and the CBBT, but the water is still too cold for the fish to take offerings. According to the folks at Ocean’s East 2, some striped bass, ranging up to around 36-inches, continue to hit around the spines of the CBBT at first and last light.
Croaker are a favorite for pier anglers, but most hardheads were on the smaller size last week in the lower Bay. No one is complaining, since super-sized sea mullet are taking up the slack. Many of these roundheads are pushing to over a pound, with both bloodworms and squid getting the job done.
For those venturing to deeper water, keeper-sized sea bass are biting on many wrecks, with a few pushing to well over 5-pounds. The Triangle Wreck area is a popular sea bass destination this time of year. Further out, deep dropping is still a good choice. For those fishing on the bottom near the Norfolk Canyon, big tilefish, with a smattering of grouper, wreckfish and black bellied rosefish are providing good results. Big sea bass are also a welcome by-catch in these areas.
The offshore trolling scene should heat up soon as the pelagic fish head this way from the south. Carolina boats are still loading up with some nice yellowfin tuna and good numbers of big gaffer dolphin.
Dr. Julie Ball is the I.G.F.A. representative for Virginia Beach, VA. For information, go to www.drjball.com.
