Article by Capt. Matt Abell
The birds are singing, the turkeys are gobbling, and the fish are eating … or being eaten (depending on the current sequence of events). In short, spring has sprung on the Eastern Shore and it’s time to get back to doing the things we all love!
The bays around the VA barrier islands have provided us with some pretty good flounder action to help stretch out our lines. There have been a good number of fish clearing the 16 inch minimum size limit with a few scrappy shorts to keep things interesting. The prime time to take part in this early season sport is during the ebb tide as the warm water is flushed out of shallow bays into drains where our compressed quarry awaits. We have been targeting 3-12 foot depths with Sea Hawk flounder rigs with gulp and or scented Rumble fish grubs tipped with minnows and silversides in an array of colors like white, chartreuse, pink and orange. Don’t forget to renew your VA FIP number and make sure that you have the current Accomack boat ramp parking permit to insure great fine free memories.
The Chesapeake side of the ESVA has been the scene of fairly fast fishing with a quick tempo driven by the beat of the Eastern Shore drum. Both black and reds have made their presence known in the shallows of the Pocomoke and Tangier sounds. While most fish have preferred an offering of crab served on a fish finder rig, a few springtime spot tails have crashed topwater spooks in an explosion of water and adrenaline that will have drags screaming in your dreams. Some rock have had their chance to bend a rod intended for drum. However, they get to keep their stripes until the middle of May when the VA rock season commences. Those illusive specs are starting to stalk the shallows with anglers casting paddletails and plugs as well as bait to lure tasty trophies across the gunwale.
Sand, surf, sun and fun have been the description of our serene seaside beaches. A good number of black drum with a few reds mixed in have produced smiles as grand as an Eastern Shore sunrise. Modified fish finder rigs baited with clam, sand fleas, or peelers have been the weapons of choice to make these bellowing brawlers storm the beaches of anxious anglers. Don’t forget to use a little elastic thread to secure soft baits to their hooks…, a shiny hook will never get a look!
The time is now and the fish are here! Get out and take time to remember why we are blessed and not stressed, grab your family and friends, and enjoy this wonderful place we call home! §
