Virginia Beach Saltwater Fishing Report

By VBSF Staff

Cobia and drum are two of the most sought-after fish in the lower bay now. They offer exciting sight-casting opportunities and hard-fighting battles. Cobia can be found from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Windmill Point. Sight-casting is the most effective technique, as cobia are curious and will often investigate anything that moves near them. Live eels are the best bait, but pogies, pinfish and croakers can also work. Bucktail jigs with curly tails are another option for artificial lures.

Drum are also available in the lower bay, especially around the Bridge Tunnel Islands and the Eastern Shore shoals. These fish can grow to trophy sizes and put up a strong fight. The best way to catch them is to fish on the bottom with cut bait, such as blue crab, menhaden or croaker. A  fishfinder rig with a heavy sinker and a circle or J hook is recommended.

Lots of Citation Spades for Paige II Charters!

Spadefish and sheepshead are also on structure now, such as buoys, pilings and wrecks. Spadefish are more abundant at the Chesapeake Light Tower, where they can be caught with small pieces of clam on tiny hooks. Sheepshead are more common at the Bay Bridge Tunnel, where they can be caught with fiddler crabs or sand fleas on stout hooks.

Flounder action is picking up inside the bay as well. Some large flounder are being caught near the bridge tunnel, while smaller ones are being caught inside Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets. Drifting with live minnows or squid strips on a flounder rig is a good way to target them.

Ellis family enjoyed Spanish Mackerel fishing on the High Hopes

A nice class of Spanish mackerel are biting as the water temp reaches 70 degrees. Trolling Clark spoons pulled behind a inline sinker or a plainer board will catch them.

Attitude Crew, Nice Day!

And if you are feeling adventurous, you can head offshore and try your luck with tuna. Yellowfin tuna are showing up at the Norfolk Canyon area.  In Carolina, boats have been landing Yellowfin, Big Eye and … even a few large Bluefin Tunas. That’s right, giant blue fin tuna in June!

The 2023 Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament, a premier fishing event that attracts anglers from all over,  takes place this week out of Southside Marina at Rudee Inlet. Its a convenient location with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. The tournament will run from June 21 to June 24, with a captains meeting on June 20. The official weight stations are Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle and the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, where participants can weigh their catches and spectators are welcome . The tournament offers cash awards for the heaviest tuna in various categories, as well as trophies and merchandise. The tournament also supports local charities and promotes conservation efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy some of the best tuna fishing in the world and have fun with fellow anglers at the 2023 Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament!

OBX, NC Report

Fishing enthusiasts have enjoyed a great week sound side, with plenty of Big Trout being caught from Hatteras to Kitty hawk. The sound offers a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels and preferences.

The Inshore boats have also had a lot of success with Drum on the flats around the inlet, landing some impressive specimens in the 30-38 inch range. The Sheepshead bite has been consistent at Oregon Inlet Bridge, where anglers can use live or artificial baits to catch these tasty fish.

The surf fishing has been slower than usual, with only a few reports of Sea Mullet, Bluefish, Spot, and Black Drum being caught. Anglers should look for holes and sloughs along the beach and use fresh or frozen shrimp, sand fleas, or bloodworms for bait.

The piers have seen some action with Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish in the mornings and evenings on Got-cha Plugs. These fast and furious fish can provide a lot of fun and excitement for pier anglers. Cobia are also a possibility for those who have heavier tackle and live bait. Those who prefer bottom fishing from the piers have reported Sea Mullet, Spot, and Skates.

Offshore fishing has been very productive as long as anglers can avoid the sharks. There have been reports of Big Eye Tuna, big Yellowfin, Blue Marlin, and plenty of Dolphin being caught. Even some giant Bluefins.

It’s time to book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!