Cobia Are Here!

Nice size Bluefish in Long Creek caught by Bob Caudle 11lb 12oz

By TH Spangler | Connie Barbour

The first cobias of the season have entered Virgina waters. Anglers targeting drum have caught-and-releases a few. Looks like there will be plenty around when the Virginia season opens June 1. Our cobia season should peak around the same time as the Monarch Cobia Classic, scheduled for July 19-21.

Now that the tautog season has closed some are targeting sea bass. The sea bass season opened May 15th.

Sheepshead are holding around CBBT structure as are striped bass. The spring striped bass season is open; and anglers can keep two slot fish between 20 to 28 inches long. Bluefish are mixed in with the stripers.

Flounder fishing is picking up. Flounder catches remain good inside of seaside inlets on Virginia’s eastern shore.

Plenty of red and black drum are still on the shoals on the northern side of the bay.

North Carolina surf anglers fishing Cape Point continue to catch red drum. Pompano, big chopper bluefish and sea mullet have been available as well.

Offshore Virginia boats are either making a long run south to get in on some outstanding tuna fishing off Carolina or they are deep dropping closer to home for tilefish and grouper. The Rudee Angler and Aquaman Charters have been doing very well with the tile and grouper.

Offshore boats out of Hatteras and Oregon Inlets have added great dolphin catches to their already great tuna catches. Plenty of mahi, plus yellow fin, blackfin and big eye tunas. A 690 lb Blue Marlin was just caught and there are some wahoo around. The Hatteras Offshore Invitational Marlin tournament was held this week, congratulation to the winners. Sea Toy – 1st Place Calypso – 2nd Place Goombay – 3rd Place.

Water Temps

Ches Bay Bridge: 68.0 F
Cape Henry: 68.0 F
Kiptopeke: 69.6 F
Duck NC Pier: 66.9 F
Oregon Inlet Sound side: 76.1 F
OI offshore Buoy @ 60 feet: 63.7 F
Hatteras Surf: 75.7 F
Diamond Shoals Tower: 74.3 F