By Dr. Julie Ball, VBSF.net fishing report contributor and IGFA Representative, Virginia Beach
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach Offshore Report
The big news is still big fish. Yes, big striped bass and big bluefin tuna continue to mesmerize the Mid Atlantic sportfishing community. Local tackle shops are selling out of 50 and 80-wide offshore reels and ballyhoo. The winter time striper-tuna phenomenon is continuing to create a stir all along the coast, and the local marinas, charter boats, tackle shops, hotels, and restaurants are elated as business pours into the area. This extraordinary bite is drawing folks from all over to join in the hunt for big fish off the coast of Virginia. With water temperatures still hovering in the upper-forties, this remarkable fishery could continue into February.
Although the rockfish took a breather for a few days after the latest front, this week they rebounded back to where they left off. It is common for these fish to tip scales to 40 and 50-pounds. And while these fish are impressive to say the least, not a one can hold a candle the biggest of them all; the new pending Virginia State Record Striped Bass. This spectacular 74-pound, 57.75-inch beast only added to the glory of the awesome fishing trend we are experiencing this winter. This once-in-a-lifetime fish took a parachute rig trolled about 2-miles off of Cape Henry amongst hundreds of other boats this past weekend. The proud angler, Cary Wolfe (Manassas, Virginia), and his dad stared in awe as the giant fish was hoisted (and not easily, either) over the gunwales Friday, January 20th. The duo was guided by Captain Tim Cannon aboard the Bada Bing out of Lynnhaven. Most of the ocean rockfish are schooling within about 2-miles off the beach, with the biggest concentration still between Cape Henry and Rudee Inlet. Large pods of bait and beehives of diving birds are still the hallmark all along the ocean front this week. The old stand by, white or chartreuse parachute rigs and Mojos, are still the favored choice on the troll. Folks to our North out of Ocean City are still reporting striped bass activity this week.
A few rockfish are still falling for live eels drifted off the Smith Island area, but most anglers are chasing the big fish off the ocean front instead. According to the folks at Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle, those opting for catch-and-release opportunities in the Bay are finding “all they want” along the Bridge Tunnels. Kayakers are especially interested in this activity lately. One boat experienced unlimited action while casting shads along the tubes and the rocks of the 2nd and 3rd Islands of the CBBT this week.
Bluefin tuna are still stunning a few rockfish hunters, but for the most part anglers are prepared for the occasion. Most boats hooking up are specifically targeting tuna, and although some days are better than others, scattered fish ranging from 150 to close to 300-pounds are rewarding their efforts. One day last weekend hosted around two dozen tuna boatings for the count. And fisheries managers are keeping count. The option to sell these fish is no longer a choice as of last week. Be sure to check the regulations before you go out. The tuna are still hitting mostly trolled striper gear, but the incidences of hook-ups on traditional rigged ballyhoo is on the rise, with pink and white and blue and white the best colors for bluefin strikes. The tuna catches are occurring from the coast off the Eastern Shore, down to False Cape.
Tautog activity within the Bay is still good, but most are still interested in the coastal fishing scene. Blue crabs are almost impossible to find, so plan for your bait well before you go. Inshore and offshore wrecks also offer good tog fishing opportunities, but remember you can keep only three fish at 16-inches this year.
The Elizabeth River is still the place for the best speckled trout action, where a few fish in the nine-pound range were recently boated near the Cove on lures. Anglers are also catching numerous fish ranging between five and six pounds while casting Gulp Swimming Shads in the Hot Ditch this week. Mirrolures are also a top producer for specks lately. Puppy drum and rockfish are providing some good results in these same areas for those looking for something a little different.
When the weather permits, tilefish and grouper are a possibility for deep droppers. Seabass are bound to be a by catch, but they are off limits right now.
Categories: 
