Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Outlook

bluefish

Paige II Charters

This Memorial Day weekend, we at Virginia Beach Sport Fishing (VBSF) would like to take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten. As we enjoy our time on the water, let’s remember the freedoms we have because of their service. We wish everyone a safe and peaceful Memorial Day weekend.

spanish

Now is when our inshore fishing starts peaking!

Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, are feeding along the Virginia Beach oceanfront and in the Bay. Try trolling small spoons like the 0S Drone or Clark behind a small planer for the Spanish.

Cobia, are now along the oceanfront and in the lower bay. They are attracted to live eels, spot, menhaden, mullet, large spoons, buck tails, plastic eels, swimming plugs, or cut bait.  They often hang around buoys and other structures. Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle usually has Blue Crabs and live eels available.

Red Drum, the bite continues along the oceanfront and in the lower bay. Latimer Shoal, at the mouth of the bay, is a hot spot for 25 to 50 pound feeding red drum. Trolling spoons or bucktails over and around the shallows or anchoring nearby and fishing fresh cut spot, menhaden, or blue crabs are the best methods.

Black Drum, the season has been outstanding. Continue looking for them along the shallow channel ledge running from Fisherman’s Island to Cape Charles. Good spots are Kiptopeake, the Cabbage Patch, and the Concrete Ships.

Sheepshead, numbers are increasing and fish will be available through September. The best baits are fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or clams. The average size fish is 3 to 8 pounds.

Spadefish, should be available any day, if not already. They usually bite well for a few of weeks, but then become less aggressive.

Flounder and Croaker, the bite is slow, but hopefully, it will pick up soon.

Virginia Beach Pier, anglers are catching a few Spanish, some bluefish, roundhead and skates.

Virginia Offshore Bluewater, it’s time for it to heat up. The water temps are in the low 70’s and bait is everywhere, but so far boats are only finding a few scattered tuna, mako, and a few dolphins.

Remember to follow all local fishing regulations and practice catch and release to help preserve the fish populations for future generations. Happy fishing!

 

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